My First Tutorial (and an update)

I know it has been customary to post at the end of the week, but with my tutorial schedule falling to place, Thursday is kind of like the weekend for me. I am currently posting during my usual Lady Gaga dance break in between sections of homework. I finished one of the books for my minor tutorial, so I am celebrating.

My first real tutorial was last night, and I think it went fabulously. It was just like the tutorials I had at Jewell, with a bit of lecture/commentary and discussion about my paper and its “quality.” David seemed quite shocked by my first paper, which made my head swell up to about the size of the room. While writing the first half of my paper, I was completely confused about everything. And then Karen and I had this sudden revelation where all the pieces fit into place. All in all, it was one of the hardest essays for me to write. I had trouble in the beginning with terms, and then it took me FOREVER to actually find a way to begin and end the paper.

However, I at the end, I realized it was one of the better papers I had written, and I was quite glad when David said it made sense and that he could tell I knew what I was talking about. At the end of my paper he wrote a little commentary and the sentence “A great start – well done!” with an underline (and in an oddly similar handwriting to Dr. Coleman. Perhaps all British music professors have the same handwriting?).

But now that that paper is out of the way, the next five days will be hell. My first minor tutorial paper is due at 10am on Monday, and my next major one is due at 5pm on Monday. So, this weekend will be spent reading, writing, and drinking lots of tea. No partying for me (not that I ever go and party...um...ever).

For an update on things in my last post, I did not get into the St. Micheal's at the Northgate choir. I bombed a lot of my sightreading. I was not used to the British hymn notation, and although Tom understood that, it still hurt my chances. Also, I broke the number one rule of sightreading about three times: Keep going. Don't stop. And DO NOT START OVER. My nerves got the better of me, what can I say? All in all, though, I think it is for the best. St. Micheal's was going to be a bit too intense for me, I feel. The choir search is continuing. I am just waiting for emails back before it can move into phase two.

Besides paper-writing, I'm not up to much of anything else. It is pretty much how I was at Jewell: confined to my bedroom and my computer. Though, I do find time to get out every morning and run various errands, like the grocery store, etc. It is nice to walk around for a bit. You see something new every time. Today, however, I have made the decision to stay in the house all day. I have been out every single day I have been here, and I want a little relaxation. Though, my form of relaxation means reading books, books, and more books for my tutorial essays. But, at least I can do it in pajamas today.

Things I am currently missing: Taco Bell, Getting random text messages

Things that have been acquired: Animal contact. David Stuart had a cat, and the pub last night had a dog. I petted both.