Update on ”the future”

DOoo DOoo DOooooooo!!! (that is my attempt at some dramatic music as you read the title of this entry!) I’ve decided that it is about time I write an entry dedicated to the plans I have for the next couple of years.

During the last few months Anders has been talking to the administration in Piteå about starting an official Masters Performance Program for international students I’ve been acting as a coordinator and taking care of some paperwork (because I like that kind of stuff)…and the program is going to be amazing! Here is the summary we created:

Masters in Music: Percussion Performance

Two Year Quartet Residency

at the School of Music and Media in Piteå, Sweden

Experience a life as a performing musician while earning a Masters degree.

The Piteå School of Music and Media of the Luleå University of Technology announces the creation of a new program for percussionists. Under the guidance and tutelage of Anders Åstrand, four international students will be chosen to undergo a two year program in music performance. The program offers a unique and progressive experience; as a unit, the students will be responsible for establishing a functioning and active percussion quartet.

The education will revolve around the practical application of the skills needed to form and sustain an active percussion group. Students will have the time and tools available to immerse themselves in every detail in becoming a successful, active, and innovative ensemble.

At the university, students will have access to high quality instruments and a brand new, acoustically progressive recital hall. In addition to the state-of-the-art facilities, students will have the opportunity to collaborate with sound engineers, lighting designers, video producers, journalists, radio producers, dancers, composers, and other talented and diverse musicians. Åstrand will be involved by exposing the students to new musical ideas through group improvisation and coachings, by encouraging creativity through one-on-one guidance in composition and playing, and by acting as a mentor and liaison whilst organizing quartet projects and manifesting new ideas.

The ensemble will have the freedom to choose their artistic direction with the supervision of Åstrand. Along with establishing repertoire, designing performances, and recording new music, the ensemble will be responsible for conceptualizing various outreach events. The group will be expected to take part in at least one international percussion festival during the residency and organize a Scandinavian tour during the second year. During this tour, the ensemble will present seminars and master-classes along with a performing component.

After completing the two year program, each member of the quartet will have the practical education needed to sustain a performing career. The Masters degree will be awarded upon review and analysis of audio and video recordings, compositions, performances, and unique group projects.

When I first began helping Anders brainstorm ideas and organize this program, I had no intention of staying in Sweden. It’s already crazy enough that I decided to move here last September, and two more years just seemed insane. However, the more we’ve talked, the more attractive this program and my continued studies with Anders has become. Plus, Anders made it clear that he would really like me to stay as the coordinator for the program.

I told him that the only way I could live here for another few years is if I had a fulltime job. Financially it is impossible for me to continue living here just gigging and teaching here and there. He tried to get me a job at Framnus and we discussed teaching some percussion classes at the University. I will be able to teach the classes, but the salary will not be enough to cover the cost of living.

Then, I called a few organizations to ask about scholarships and grants for foreign Masters Students. When I talked to a representative from the Swedish Institution they said that they don’t fund the Masters level, only the PhD level.

- DING! -

Why didn’t I think of this before?! I already have a Masters degree…and the next logical step is a Doctorate. It would be silly to receive two of the same degrees, so why not go for the next level? I told Anders and Micke my idea, and had a meeting with the man in charge of graduate studies soon after. He told me that I was inquiring about Doctorial studies at the perfect time, because the government is funding 12 new arts positions for next year, and Piteå is getting two of them. They are fully funded, salary positions that cover all expenses. Plus, the program and thesis topic is individual to each person.

The application opens on March 15, and I told him that I could probably send mine in tomorrow if I needed to! I will be competing with a lot of other students, but I am trying to be optimistic. I think I’ve made a good impression on the administration thus far, and they know that I am a positive addition to the Musikhögskolan community.

The degree itself isn’t that important to me, but if I am able to stay I’ll be able to do so much performing and touring…and starting a percussion ensemble has always been a goal of mine. Plus, the professional contacts I’ve been making through Anders have been really great. If I don’t do everything I can to try and make this happen I feel like I would be letting this amazing life experience fly by…so I’m putting up a fight :)

Keep your fingers crossed, because this could take my life in a direction I never saw coming! Plus, in a few years you will have to call me Dr. Finkelmeier…hahahahahahaha

Please comment with any thoughts or ideas!! Who reads this thing anyway?!

unknown expectations

It’s been a crazy week since I last updated! Last Thursday-Sunday was the school’s Midwinter Festival, so there were 2-4 concerts each day. I played in 2 concerts on Thursday, one was an afternoon chamber recital and the other was the evening concert featuring works by student composers. On Sunday, I was involved in the big production that was a pseudo Broadway review. We played a lot of arrangements and medleys, and although my role wasn’t too involved, it was fun to be apart of it. The whole week lent itself to a lot of bonding, and I feel like I’m finally getting to know a lot of the musicians. A few photos….

Mathias getting ready for the "Composer's" Concert. It's great that sound engineers and stage managers are involved in most performances here...I think that is very unique!

 

Gisli and Truls chatting about the performance (the composed two of the pieces we performed)

Hanging out with the boys after the concert...in my big yellow coat that I get made fun of for on a daily basis :-)

Denis and I before the Sunday "Music-All" concert. Percussionists are wierd!

Ooooo...cool lighting!

The girls rehearsing 'New York, New York'

Of course...we went out afterward...most of the photos from the night are hysterical because everyone was so sleep deprived and drinking. But, this is the only one I will share with the blogging world. Anna, Margret, little Anna, and me!

Since Midwineter is over I'm focusing on a solo concert (they don’t really use the word “recitals” here) that I’m giving next week. I’m calling it unknown expectations because everyone keeps asking me what kind of music I play…which is just a silly question. How do you describe percussion solo and chamber music? There are so many influences! So, I tried to choose repertoire that represents various genres, along with a two new pieces that I wrote (one called ‘unknown expectations’…like how I tie it all together?! Haha) I’m going to perform in the Black Box theatre, which is usually used for the rock/studio musician concerts (bands). It’s a small space, but I wanted to try a more intimate environment, and erase “classical” music clichés.

My friend Rasmus is going to be doing the lighting, and he’s amazing! We chatted about some ideas yesterday and I can’t wait to see his ideas come to life. Also, Sebastian will be recording and taking care of the sound. Since it’s a small ‘box’ and is usually used for amplified music, it’s a dry place. So, he’s going to try and mic the marimba to enhance the sound. We’ll be doing a lot of experimenting Tuesday morning. The posters are by Linus, who is a wonderful photographer and media producer! Check it out…

On another note, I skped with my Aunt Betsy earlier this week to try and plan her visit! I just can’t wait! We are planning the trip for May. We are going to meet in Stockholm, take the overnight cruise to Helsinki, and then spend a few days in Piteå. It will be so fun to show her around!

I can’t believe I haven’t written for a week…what the heck have I been doing?! A ton of rehearsals and practicing, I guess! I do get up at 7am everyday now, which is great. I feel like myself again!

Oh yeah! Yesterday I tutored a 16 year old girl from Poland in English. She is the sister of a friend’s guitar student. We are going to meet on a weekly basis, and she is a really sweet girl. Maybe I should try and find some more English students…it’s good money!

On that note…Swedish classes began again last night. From now on, I’m going to ask people to only speak Swedish to me. I won’t always know what is going on, and will be confused most of the time…but I need to learn faster. I’m not the most diligent student when it comes to my Swedish course, so I need a good kick in the butt :-)

I guess that is all that I can think of right now. Anna, Lou, and I are still doing well with not eating sugary treats. It’s going to feel like such a long time until Easter! Hopefully we can make it! This weekend is Lou’s birthday, but no cake!

Fat Tuesday

Yesterday was "Fat Tuesday" and here in Sweden they celebrate it by eating semla (a yummy, almond cream filled bun). Lou and I went to what the Piteå newspaper claimed was the best bakery, and enjoyed our buns and coffee!

Now, the fearsome threesome (Anna, Lou, and I) has vowed to give up sweet treats for Lent. In a place where "fika" (coffee and pastry between meals) is a part of everyday life...this may be a bit of a challenge. We will be strong...and by Easter, much healthier!

glowing

Tonight the sky was glowing with the Northern Lights, and I am glowing because I am the happiest that I have been in a very long time!

The whole visit to Stockholm was perfect. Anders and I worked everyday in the studio on some new repertoire, one of my new pieces, and some improvisation. After each lesson my head was always spinning, and makes me just want to keep playing every minute of every day!!

We also spent a lot of time planning the new percussion program that he is starting in Piteå. I will dedicate an entry to explaining what is going on...one of these days! When we weren't playing or talking about percussion, I spent time with the rest of the Åstrands (Anne, Emma, and Tove). On Saturday night Tove made a big dinner for Valentine's Day that was so lovely! The entire trip was just perfect...time to sleep and relax, practice, learn!, work, plan, laugh, and chat. :-) Here are a few photos from the trip...

my super cute room at the Vasa Hotel! it even had a small TV...which excites a girl that is TV deprived!

View from my room

Anne and I at a pub having a drink!

Tove's wonderfully made and presented dinner!

Yummy Valentine's Day cake!!

Anne and Anders

My flight left Arlanda at 8:15 this morning, and I arrived in Luleå around 9:45 (they served us breakfast on the flight, which I thought was crazy since it was such a short flight...plus she had to wake me up to serve me! haha, but I am not one to turn down free food!). Anna and Lou arrived shortly after to pick me up and then to roam around Luleå for a bit. Anna had to get her computer looked at, and then, on a whim, I decided to get my hair cut! We found a nice looking salon, and they were able to take me right away. The girl who cut my hair was really sweet, and loved speaking English. She spent a ton of time cutting and styling it, and it was a really fun afternoon!

eating lunch with the messy baby!

chopped up and curly hair!

love these two!

We arrived back in Piteå around three, and I immediately took a long nap (I forgot that an 8:15am flight equals a 6am wake up call!), followed by a long practice session at school. As I was leaving (around 9:30pm), I ran into my organ playing friends Nick and Johanna...they told me that you could see the Northern Lights outside!!!!! I ran to the door, and they were right. The sky was lit up with green streaks. It was incredible.

my camera didn't capture it very well...but this will have to do!

After this amazing weekend, and fun day, and funny Skype session with mom and dad, I feel like I have to pinch myself. I have no idea what I did to deserve such a rewarding, unpredictable, exciting, and full life. For the first time, I feel happy with my musical abilities and confident that one day all of this "searching" will pay off...no matter what path I take next, these memories are incredible.

I got a little emotional when I say the sky tonight. How did I get here? What is next? I realize that I'm not supposed to know the answers to these questions, and am going to try my hardest to just live each day to its absolute fullest...as cliché as it sounds...its 100% true.

Learning and relaxing

I’m sitting in my room, watching “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” (with Swedish subtitles, of course) and am feeling great after the complimentary breakfast at the hotel. I arrived in Stockholm yesterday afternoon ready to work with Anders hang in the city. Traveling here is getting way to easy! I’m still amused by the fact that I don’t even get a boarding ticket at the airport, and that they just use my fingerprint when checking in and boarding…it’s the simple things that entertain me!

I arrived at around 4pm and spent a few hours in the studio working with Anders. We worked on a piece of his that I’m playing on my recital in a few weeks, and improvised for a long time. I then requested some drumset instruction, because I’m still working on becoming a groovier person, in general. He gave me a lot of ideas on what to work on, and it was a lot of fun.

After the lesson we went to the apartment for dinner with Anne and Emma. Meatballs and lingonberry jam! Woohoo! It was great to see them again and catch up on the last few months. We also watched an episode of “Let’s Dance” with is like America’s “Dancing with the Stars”.

I decided to head back to my hotel around 10:30pm so I could enjoy the miniature TV that was in my room. The place I’m staying is really cute; it’s a bed&breakfast meets a hostel. Everything is very old-fashioned looking and antique. I have my own room, with shared bathrooms. It’s perfect! I watched the movie “Anchorman” with Swedish subtitles, so learned some very useful words and phrases. Haha. The opening ceremonies of the Olympics were to air at 3am, and I thought about staying up for to see it. But, I dosed off at around 1am and slept until 9:30am. It felt to sleep in and not set an alarm.

Now, I’ll head over to the studio to practice for a bit before meeting with Anders this afternoon.

TGIF (almost)

I’m so glad this frustrating week is over. Along with all the technology disasters, I felt like ‘I was running around like a chicken with his head cut off’ everyday this week. (By the way…that’s a morbid saying) Most of the stress I just put on myself, but it is stress nonetheless!

I’m spending this weekend in Stockholm to work with Anders. I’m trying to finish a solo piece, and am learning a piece he wrote for a recital on March 2. (Note to self…update your website, it’s not correct at all!) We should have a lot to do, and a lot to talk about…as I’m still trying to decide what to do next.

Oh yeah…and Happy early Valentine’s Day! People here don’t celebrate it as enthusiastically as Americans, which is good, because I’m pretty sure most Swedish guys are still afraid of me :-)

bribe

Well, my technology fiasco continued today. I'm telling you...someone is just playing a huge joke on me.

Long story short...I spent most of my morning in the service center, and even stumped the "techies" a few times because the equipment wasn't working. We finally (and I mean after a lot of problem solving, and running around in between rehearsals, etc...) got the proper segments of my tape onto a flash drive. I brought it home tonight after practicing to edit(at around 11:30pm), only to realize one of the solos was cut off too early! This means I have to go get the video camera, PROPER cord, keep Johann's laptop, and pretty much start over tomorrow. lovely.

I ran to the grocery store mid-afternoon (no food at home = bad nutrition decisions = grocery run was necessary) and bought a bag of candy for the service center guys. I will keep bribing them to be nice to me as long as I have to (which will be until I step off of swedish soil)!

Electronics + Maria = Disaster

I’m a smart girl. Give me a computer or small electronic device, and I can usually noodle around with it enough to figure out how it functions. So, when I found out I needed to make a DVD for the summer orchestra audition, I thought…no sweat!

I obviously sought out help when it came to the actual recording process (I am comfortable with the fact that I don’t know much about microphones!), but knew I could handle the actual editing part. I’ve made videos before…and even took a “technology in Music” class at Eastman and learned all about the video editing process on a Mac computer.

Regardless of my knowledge, this process has become such a headache! Yesterday, I borrowed a video camera (that came with the attachments) from our school’s service center and arranged to borrow my friend’s Mac in the evening. I planned all my practicing earlier in the day to be able to spend the night editing and getting some other work done.

But, after an hour of pushing buttons and searching various tech-help websites, I realized that I didn’t have the correct cord to link the camera to the computer. They only gave me a USB. Wonderful. Then after some complaining and searching for help via Facebook, I found out that a friend had a firewire cable I could use (Johann, the same guy who let me borrow his computer)

I thought we had it figured out…but, nope. This cable didn’t work either. The whole process what really making me upset, so I decided to drink a glass of wine and watch the lasted episode of “Grey’s Anatomy”. I was still frustrated, but at least then I was a little tipsy and entertained.

I went back into the service center today. I asked for a cable to use with a PC, but they didn’t have one, so I took one that is compatible with a Mac, and hoped that I could borrow Johann’s laptop again.

This evening I was busy until 10:30pm, and luckily Johann was home to help me. I went up to his place and we tried to import the video onto his computer. After about 20 minutes of fiddling with it…no luck. The computer was now recognizing the camera itself, but was only uploading a blank screen.

It’s days like this that I really miss my brother, who is amazing at this kind of stuff. And, it also reminds me to add “is good with all things electronic” to the list of traits that must exist in my future husband. :)

Tomorrow morning I’ll have march into the service center, flirt a little, and hopefully get this whole mess figured out!

week recap

I'm pretty amazed with how busy I became this week. I don't mind it, of course...and am actually feeling more like 'me' than ever before!

A lot of time is being sucked up by rehearsals because of all the performances coming up. (3 Midvinter concerts and SMASK..more on each of those later...I dare you to do a You-Tube search on SMASK...it'll make you laugh, and you can see what I just spent my entire weekend doing!!) Plus, I'm planning a solo recital for March 2 in the Black Box at the Acusticum. After tonight's awesome practice session I'm starting to get really exited about it...again, more on that later.

The highlight of this past week was recording my audition for the Baltic Youth Philharmonic (click for the website). I asked the same sound guys that did my recording before Christmas to help me out. I'm lucky to be able to count on them for these kinds of projects. Plus, we all have a lot of fun together, and I feel like I can be myself around them (meaning, I can embarass myself every 5 seconds and not think twice about it!) As a 'thank-you' I made them a treat....Swedish chokladbollar (chocolate balls). They are similar to the no-bake cookies my mom make, and they are super fun to make. So, I don't know which was most fun...preparing for the recording session by making treats, goofing off during the recording session, or actually making the music for the auditon. Hum. Whichever, it was a well spent few days!

Making the chocolate balls! I was excited to use my hands to mix the dough! Diana, Anna, and Lou were amused!

yummmmmmy! and since I'm a Buckeye, I put peanuts in some of them...just a little Ohio flare in the Swedish recipe!

Anders, Jakob, Linus (who took some awesome photos for my next recital poster!), and Alex showing me their awesome marimba skills. I think they look like the Swedish version of a Mexican Marimba Band (look it up if you don't know what I'm talking about!)

After the recording the audition video. I owe them big time!

I was very relieved to be done recording the video, and enjoyed the stress and the social time the rest of the week. On Thursday night, Sara, David, Johan, and Conny cooked me an amazing meal...MOOSE! After my recital last term, they gave me a note saying that they wanted to cook me a 'congrats dinner', and well...it finally happened. Along with some amazing food, we spent about 4 hours chatting about anything everything! A lot of the conversation revolved around American and Swedish perceptions of each other, stereotypes, etc...which is really interesting to discuss...especially with people that I am really comfortable around and can be totally honest. I hadn't hung out with them much this month, so it was great to be able to just sit and talk. I really want to have more dinners like that!

Speaking of dinner, last night Lou made another great dinner for Anna and me...salmon, sweet potato mash, and risotto. Wow. I'm definitely not deprived of good food and good company!

Alright, I think I've killed enough time waiting for my laundry to be done. I need to get my bed linens out of the dryer so I can go to bed! It's about 1:30am (I'm missing the Super Bowl!) and I have a busy busy week ahead of me, followed by a weekend in Stockholm! Plus, I have to make some "what to do anout the future" decisions soon. sigh!

Earlier when I was skyping with my parents I asked them why the heck I chose to get so involved in music...such a hard career path...and they said that they know I like the challenge, and that it may be hard, but I'm doing what I love. Ugh! I guess they are right! Don't ya hate that!!?! :)

fake out!

Well, a ton has happened the past few days, but I am just too exhausted to write! I've been taking a lot of pictures and mental notes about what I want to share, but I'm afraid if I try to write now it will just be a bunch of random-ness!! So, I'm going to bed...but with a big smile on  my face!

Sunday Whubbles

I spent a lot of time with some great gals this weekend. Friday night we decided to have an official "girl's night out". Anna, Lou, Hilma, and I started off at Anna's for dinner and to get all dolled up. We splurged  for a cab (it was snowing, and we really didn't want to freeze in our heels during the 30 minute walk to town!) and met Venla, Nathelie, Lisa, and Anna at Challenge. We had a great time just sitting around and chatting, dancing, and having some very interesting conversations with some locals. It's nice to have some great girls to go out with and have fun!

pretty ladies!

Lisa and Venla

Anna S. and Hilma

Anna and Me!

We went back to Anna's after the night out and had an innocent little girlie sleepover! We were pretty darn cute, if I do say so myself. Minus the alcohol in our system and some racier conversation, it was just like we were 15...munching on chips and salsa, talking about boys, watching silly TV shows, and sleeping on the floor. In the morning we continued to be lazy and goofy until I had to leave for a rehearsal with the salsa band at 3pm.

The rehearsal was fun because we are feeling more comfortable around each other and having fun with the music. I've been getting to know the singer of the group, Mirjana, a lot better lately and ended up having dinner with her and her boyfriend that evening!

The dinner was wonderful! Great conversation, great people. But then…a tragedy occurred...the zipper on my left boot broke! Oh no! Mira is so nice though, and is letting me borrow a pair of hers until I can either get mine fixed or buy a new pair (hummm....may have to use this as an excuse to go shopping!).

After the meal Mira, myself, and a girl named Eleonora went over to a friend's apartment for a "living room concert". I can't really describe the show, besides saying it was amazing! My friends Lisa and Rasmus were 2 of the 4 in the group...and I had no idea that the music, "elekroakustik pop", would be so unique and catchy. Check out their myspace page: SO.SO. very cool!
This morning I had to wake up early to study for my Swedish exam! I went to Helena's at 11am to take the test that I missed back in December when I left for home. Helena has a great apartment in town and after I took the test we had lunch and chatted for another 2 hours! She is originally from Lithuania and knows 6 languages. This was the first time we had the chance to get to know each other outside of school, and I hope that we get to hang out again...I'll have to invite her to the next girl's night!

I spent the afternoon at school practicing, and ran into Anna (of course!) We sat in the foajé and made fun of my yellow coat and huge, red gloves that say "Ohio State". Then we got out our planners to compare schedules for the week...it's so nice to have someone to count on and plan silly daily activities with! She also came over tonight for tea and a chat. I told her to bring over some work, because it's nice to just have someone around while studying/doing work. We had a lot of laughs, and got a lot done too! It's just like having a roomie!

While chatting, she taught me about the "Sunday Whubbles"...which is evidentially the uneasy feeling you get on Sunday nights when you're planning out the week ahead. I like that I'm busier now than when I first got here, and now that I'm trying to decide what to do next, I definitely am suffering from some uneasy feelings! So...here's the Sunday Whubbles and another week in Piteå!