Happy 7th Anna-versary!

2022 here we come! First things first, oops I missed out on 2021 (Happy 6th Anna-versary). I was too busy getting excited over two things - 1) my vibraphone and vocal project, Heenaa! 2) Applying for higher degree research. You guessed it, I did both and they're in full launch. Last 'Anna-versary' post I mentioned working on my solo vibraphone and vocal project, and now I have original songs! You can head to my Instagram for the videos or listen to them on SoundCloud below. I am aiming to release one cover and one original song every month - wish me luck! 

Anna Kho · Heenaa

You might have noticed I created a new sub-page for this website under the heading, 'Music'. It details all my songwriting, compositions as well as arrangements. Majority of the arrangements were created for my students, and therefore they're free education resources for percussion teachers! Feel free to browse and contact me if you have any questions. One of my favourite arrangements is the TV show Friend's theme song, 'I'll Be There For You', which was arranged for my Percussion Ensemble 1 at school during lockdown and is dedicated to a student who was going through chemotherapy at the time. The arrangement was rehearsed online and parts were recorded separately by the students, later edited together by yours truly. We showed the final edited video to the student, when we reunited together again at school. Needless to say, it was a very beautiful moment in my career as a teacher.

Another path that I began in my career is 'Research'! Also a new sub-page that details my experience and endeavours as a researcher. I began my doctorate degree in mid-2020, which was probably the biggest thing that happened that year. As of today, I have completed my confirmation milestone! It has been such an incredible journey so far in learning the skills in research, academia, writing and furthering my knowledge in high school percussion instrumental music education. My last Anna-versary blog stated I was applying for a Masters, and long story short I did not expect myself to receive the doctorate position with a scholarship at University of Queensland. I also have an incredible supervising team of three illustrious women in the fields of music, education and psychology, and I can't wait to contribute my research to society. This year I will be presenting at the 35th International Society for Music Education (ISME) World Conference and is set to be held online due to the current pandemic situation. I am so excited, I even got headshots done for this new journey of mine! Do I look professional?

Headshot by University of Queensland

Last, but not least, I might have said yes to too many things late last year. This year, I'm performing in three amateur musicals (Little Shop of Horrors, Sweeney Todd, MAMAMIA), began three separate duet projects (with harp, flute, and woodwind) that include new arrangements and compositions, and on top of that I mentioned earlier I'm releasing one cover and one original song a month for my solo vibraphone and vocal project, Heenaa. Oh, did I forget mention that my podcast, Musicians Unmuted, is still happening too!? Funny how life gives you everything at once, when you least expect it.

Am I crazy? Maybe.
Am I excited? Absolutely. 
Am I ready for 2022? Bring it on. 

Laugh, Love, Live saying YES to 2022!