June 2009

Hi from me for the last time!  I can’t believe that it’s all over now, it is the end of the third and final term at Vocaltech, which means it is time to say goodbye to all the teachers, friends and people who helped me develop and improve over the past year.

First I’m going to make a quick review of the last exam week we had in Vocaltech. This was our ‘farewell’ week, that’s why more than ever the exams were really emotional for all of us.  We were not only nervous, because they were the most difficult so far and they were going to show what we learnt for the whole course, but also because they were one of the last chances we had to see our wonderful teachers.

The most difficult exams for us were aural, theory and ensemble. They all required a lot of theoretical knowledge as well as confidence. The most exciting exam was Stage Techniques, our teacher, William Lester, was really happy to see all of us improving and showing the best we can on the stage.  The class all chose quite difficult songs to perform, but we worked hard and were happy about the results.  Above all this lesson was a great opportunity to watch performances from other students and have some fun on the stage like never before in a exam situation.

Also, quite interesting but difficult at the same time was our Song Writing exam. As I mentioned in one of my previous diaries this term we had to write to songs for ourselves and for a fellow student and perform these with a band. The exam was in week 8, earlier than the rest of the exams, this was because on the Tuesday in week 9 we had the Vocaltech Song Writers’ Showcase – our teacher Yak Bondy, chose 24 of the best songs from the exams to perform at the showcase.  At the end of the showcase, the best song was picked to perform at the Graduation Show in June.

The last two weeks passed very quickly, much faster than we thought and soon enough it was time for the Graduation concert and the big party afterwards. Graduation was a wonderful event and a celebration for all of us, who worked hard and enjoyed every day at Vocaltech over the last year. There were eight bands formed, consisting of students from my course (the One Year Diploma), two bands were formed with students from the MPC course and five bands from the students on the degree, plus the Tech Music Schools’ Choir and the Song Writers’ Showcase Winner!

It was a very exciting night – Sunday, June 21 and the venue was amazing – Shepherds Bush Empire, one of London’s huge O2 concert venues, which throughout the year will host gigs from the world’s biggest stars!  The building was full of students, parents, friends and special guests and everyone was really happy to watch and take part in the program. In the middle of the marvelous concert, which lasted nearly 4 hours, Tech Music Schools gave prizes to best students in a variety of categories across each course. I couldn’t believe it when I was awarded the prize ‘Top Overall Student’ for Vocals. That was a wonderful surprise for me and a great way to end my year here!  Just another reason why I will never forget how much this school has given me. My prize was a fantastic Microphone ‘Shure Super 55’ and Peavey Portable PA.

To finish my last diary I want to say how much I am thankful to all the people who helped me during this year – all the teachers, all students, all friends, my parents and all members of the staff of this wonderful school. And of course I want also to say ‘Thank you’ to the director of Tech Music Schools – Francis Seriau, who gave me this big opportunity which has changed my life.

Before I say goodbye I want to wish good luck to all the people who have decided to follow their dreams and I want to tell them that dreams always come true as long as we are strong enough to follow them through to the end.

Zlatka Dimitrova

Zlatka’s Review of our Sharleen Linton Master Class

Upcoming Master Classes

One Year Diploma

Sharleen Linton

Request a brochure