Part of our ensemble's purpose is to help train the next generation of Early Music players. In Australia, it still is a bit of a niche field... And it feels good to share our knowledge and experience in the place that gave us so much support when we were developing our skills so many decades ago.

So, apart from the workshops, lessons, and masterclasses that we give... We sushi invite students to join us in concerts. These are chamber music programs where there are only 5 people in stage at most, and so we are really throwing them in the dep end with hands on experience and a chance to play with leading specialists in our field.

I can imagine that this can be quite daunting for the students, but I really feel that this is the best way to learn. To play alongside them as stage equals... Instead of hiding them away until they are 'ready'. And so far, every student has stepped up and done amazingly well! In fact, in our last concert, I even would say that their pieces were the highlights of the concert!

On our end, it can also be a bit nerve racking to have the students alongside us... of course, they are really enthusiastic and will step up to the challenge, but they are still developing as players and musicians, and not quite up to professional standards (whatever that means, there is also quite a wide range of abilities and players that are classified as "professional"). And as such, they can be prone to making interesting mistakes due to lack of experience. So, unlike the colleagues that I ask to play with me... there is a bit of uncertainty as to how far I can push them!

Still... I do have to remind myself that this is the one of the purposes of our group. To train the next group of people who will take our places... and to help plant that initial seed that hopefully makes a lasting impact for the rest of their lives, whether that is in music or otherwise. And most importantly, I have to remember that when I was younger... I was the same, waiting for that opportunity to be trusted with an opportunity... and to have someone help with guidance in those critical years.

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