Words by:
Scott Kinmont (ANAM Faculty)
What goes into preparing a recital at ANAM? Practice, of course! However, even before picking up an instrument, decisions must be made about what to play, and a big part of that centres around what the performer hopes to achieve from this experience.
Is there a theme to their program? Is each piece related? Do they have the technique necessary to perform this music without the ‘struggles’ being a distraction from the message? Will they be able to ‘switch gears’ between pieces, when one requires a specific technique and musical sensibility for that particular musical era, while the next piece is from another? Is this appealing to an audience, and/or is it going to challenge them enough or too much? Does that matter?
… What even is music?!
Scott Kinmont performing with ANAM alum Jarrod Callaghan
Photo by Pia Johnson
As you can see, the planning behind the decision of what to play can become all-consuming. By the time someone arrives at ANAM to continue their musical journey, in most cases they have reached a point where they are not only capable but passionate about making these choices for themselves.
For me as a teacher, one of the exciting things that happens is that we get to learn a lot from the individuals who come here. Not just from their playing, but from the way they choose to express themselves. For some it’s an exploration of the hundreds of years of great repertoire for their instrument. For those instruments with more limited choices, such as the trombone, this often leads to investigations into music outside of their own world, and ‘theft’ is common (and actively encouraged!).
For some they prefer new compositions or new takes on old music, or chamber music arranged to suit unusual combinations. Often musicians at ANAM will follow a philosophical path which can lead to unexpected explorations of an ideology or even their very artform.
The end result of all this? The generic term ‘recital’ doesn’t really cover it.
This thing is a shape shifting, constantly evolving organism that is as different from itself in every iteration as there are musicians at ANAM.
If you look up the handbook it will say something about this being an ‘opportunity for staff to monitor a student’s development’ and a ‘chance for them to express themselves musically’ or some such. But in my opinion the reality of the experience is far more exciting and transformative for the listener than that. Whatever is on offer I’m convinced that, like me, you won’t be disappointed by the artistry and integrity of these remarkable young people.
Choose from over 50 ANAM recitals this October and November, visit https://anam.com.au/whats-on-recital
Tickets from $5 or free for ANAMates