This is the day. Here I sit, pre-dawn at the same kitchen table as every other day, tawny owl hooting in the backyard, wondering if the people who preordered the book will be reading it today. Today is the day my book is out. Nothing visible has really changed between yesterday and today – we’re …
In two weeks my new book will be out! That is exciting. Anyone who has written a book will tell you it is a labour of love. This book took nearly a year to write, edit, and compile. So much learning. That’s what it’s about really- the book, I mean – all about the learning …
NEW BOOK! Yes I Can: Learn to use the power of self-efficacy is a practical and personal book founded on solid psychological concepts. Dr Laura Ritchie is a cellist, Chartered Psychologist, Professor of Learning and Teaching, and importantly she is someone who found her YES. Yes I Can addresses the topics of perception, perspective, self-efficacy …
Projects, dreams, maybe something simple or maybe something huge. I wonder have you ever walked down a path to do something where you were driven and really went for it? I have two to share today, one happened in the space of a half-hour early this morning, and the other has taken over a year. …
I’m sharing a smile today, because I have one to share and I can. The other day I made music- live-streamed. I was really surprised when I watched my concert (played to an empty hall and a camera) to discover I was *this happy*, even in that very unusual situation with no audience, no feedback, …
I’m getting ready for a concert on Thursday, November 19, 7:30pm GMT. Practise, practise, practise as my beloved teacher used to say. late night, early morning – whenever I can fit it in. Every year I give a recital and every year it is significant for me in some way. Last year I documented a …
Yesterday I did one of my favourite things. I went with my daughter to gather apples from the tree outside the Chapel at my university. It is something I have done for 20 years. -and that tree keeps producing and baking and peeling and eating those apples. So good. Let me tell you the story …
Yesterday something extraordinary happened. I was asked to run a session for colleagues at my university on learning and teaching as their first session of a Postgraduate Certificate in Learning and Teaching. Planning for this was like swimming in alphabet soup in my mind and gathering words – I knew what I did not want …
Every year I give a recital, and this year’s concert is next week. The other day a friend asked, ‘What if it was tomorrow? Would that be ok?’ -well, yes, but that doesn’t mean I’m done practising. In fact I tend to wake up early and take my time in the wee hours before the …
To supplement one of my university classes, I compiled interviews with professional musicians (performers and conductors) on the topic of Romantic Music. They total nearly 50 mins, and I suggest you give yourself a few different sessions to listen, take it all in, and make some comments. I’ll do my best to reply to any …
You know, I wake up early. All summer I caught the sunrise and it was wonderful. There is something truly sublime about the dawn and I very much enjoy being here in the countryside and waking up with the birds and the light. Yesterday when I woke up I saw, out the window, the setting …
The past week has been increasingly turbulent as the start of the academic semester approached. Lots was happening in my work and personal life and instead of riding the wave or even treading water, there were moments when I was sure I was beginning to feel the undertow. Yesterday I was reminded of the need …