General

Aug 29, 2023

Balinese music as part of ceremony

Music is simply an integral part of a ceremony and it is rarely performed on its own. The gamelan concerts are only for the tourists.

Charlotte Tomlinson

Mar 22, 2023

Perfection or excellence?

I agree wholeheartedly with playing music to the highest of standards. What is important to me is 'how' those standards are reached.

Charlotte Tomlinson

Dec 21, 2021

Funny musical videos

A musician friend sent out a wonderful musical Advent calendar this year with a funny video for each day. Here are a few to lift the spirits

Charlotte Tomlinson

Oct 12, 2021

My life of writing fiction: Skakoon

Skakoon: A magical adventure story for 9-12 year olds I want to let you know a bit about my other life: writing fiction. I have spent a...

Clara Schumann: her teaching as seen by her students

Charlotte Tomlinson

Dec 21, 2020

Clara Schumann: her teaching as seen by her students

have collected together a few wonderful historical recordings both recorded in the 1950’s of two of Clara Schumann’s best students

Making the best of conflicting views in chamber music rehearsals

Charlotte Tomlinson

Nov 16, 2020

Making the best of conflicting views in chamber music rehearsals

I remember Joan talking about how to rehearse chamber music, saying you need to air your views, explore them and disagree if needs be

Human connection & kindness within Covid restrictions

Charlotte Tomlinson

Oct 13, 2020

Human connection & kindness within Covid restrictions

This student reminded me of the importance of human connection, in this case through creative expression.

Managing stress and trauma as a professional musician

Charlotte Tomlinson

Jul 29, 2020

Managing stress and trauma as a professional musician

I've been working with a principal player in one of the big national British orchestras whose life as a musician is about surviving & coping

Charlotte Tomlinson

Jan 17, 2020

The value of idling

The value of idling and how essential that is for our creativity and overall well-being, a foreign concept in our driven, over-active world!

Charlotte Tomlinson

Jun 19, 2019

Perfection versus Excellence

Musicians often see perfection as the same as excellence. I see them as separate, one damagin and one healthier.

Working in Sweden: new ideas for international competitions

Charlotte Tomlinson

May 8, 2019

Working in Sweden: new ideas for international competitions

Fantastic openness from players from Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra and Swedish Radio Choir.

Charlotte Tomlinson

Jan 23, 2019

Pressure on young musicians

What are the contributing facts towards pressurising young musicians and when it gets tricky.

Charlotte Tomlinson

Nov 14, 2018

Thoughts on self-care for musicians

Thoughts on self-care for musicians and when busyness isn't a good thing.

Verbier Festival and Academy: rehearsing with emotional intelligence

Charlotte Tomlinson

Jul 19, 2018

Verbier Festival and Academy: rehearsing with emotional intelligence

How young chamber ensembles can learn to rehearse with emotional intelligence.

Owning the stage & communication in ensembles at Verbier

Charlotte Tomlinson

Aug 8, 2017

Owning the stage & communication in ensembles at Verbier

How to own the stage and communicate within a musical ensemble with examples from Verbier Academy.

Charlotte Tomlinson

Nov 15, 2016

Teaching piano to a blind student

Different methods of teaching piano to a blind student

Charlotte Tomlinson

Oct 6, 2016

Performance Coaching in music education

Some thoughPerformance Coaching in music education is not understood or really valued.

Engaging and listening in music performance

Charlotte Tomlinson

Feb 13, 2014

Engaging and listening in music performance

Engaging in music performance It’s a tricky one that I find myself exploring a lot. It is so easy to lose focus and concentration when...

Charlotte Tomlinson

Dec 5, 2013

Hearing the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam

It’s always refreshing to go to hear another country’s resident orchestra on home ground, and hearing the Concertgebouw orchestra in...

Lang Lang: when a classical musician hits world celebrity status

Charlotte Tomlinson

Nov 7, 2013

Lang Lang: when a classical musician hits world celebrity status

The BBC made a documentary on the Chinese pianist Lang Lang a few months ago, and it was fascinating watching. Lang Lang has become...