Road to London - Royal College of Music

I started dreaming of London when I was about thirteen years old, when I first found out about the existence of the "Royal Schools", four renowned music schools in the UK. In my mind, these were like castles in the sky - until I travelled to London to audition, and the dream became a reality. Now I'm 22, so this destination has been nearly ten years in the making, and you can imagine my excitement on being awarded a place. I'm preparing to begin studies at the Royal College of Music just a couple of months from now.

In truth, this project has been in the making far longer than ten years. It really began when I started piano lessons aged 4, with my twin sister Gracie, and I soon became captivated by the violin too, beginning lessons aged 7 with the Suzuki method in Hamilton (my hometown). I recently graduated from the University of Auckland with a Bachelor of Music (First Class Honours), where I studied with Dimitri Atanassov. My violin teacher for the last five years, he has also been my mentor, guide, and often like a second dad to me. An incredible performer as well as professor, he has prepared me to go out into the world as a violinist and to embark on my next journey - to London.

The programme I'll be doing at the Royal College of Music is a Master of Performance. It's a two-year qualification which involves a ton of practising and performing in all sorts of different situations, including solo, chamber music, and orchestral playing. I'm going to be studying with the wonderful Berent Korfker (check him out at www.korfker.com) and I can't wait to be in London - not just to study at the RCM but to experience life in such a groovy city. The RCM is full of expert faculty and enthusiastic, dedicated students, and I'm excited to be part of that community and to be a cultural ambassador for New Zealand as well.

I have one month to raise the funds needed before I fly out on 31 July. The funds you donate through Boosted will go towards my expenses for the year, including tuition fees, rent, food, and travel costs. By donating, you are showing support not only for me, but also for the development of New Zealand music and young New Zealanders. As a young classical musician, I am so grateful that I can be a part of keeping this genre of music alive. I can't thank you all enough for joining me on the road to London - it will be such an exciting journey. Thanks for travelling it with me.

Liv X