Bring on 2018!

Another busy year of incredible and memorable moments with beautiful people in the Brisbane music scene. Here are a couple of photos from the events throughout 2017!

This year I was fortunate enough to perform for amazing productions, concerts and events. Due to majority of my time spent completing my Graduate Diploma in Education, not as many gigs occurred this year compared to previous ones. However, it made me appreciate my work more, and put all my effort into one gig at a time. It was a new experience, and I came to really enjoy my time in each rehearsal and performance. It was also my first year out of the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University, and at first it felt lonely to not be in that community anymore. Though at the same time, it felt like freedom to explore a new world of independent music as an artist to experiment and explore. Having said that, the demand of this degree allowed me to become more distant to my life as a musician. I practiced less, I played less, and all together my passion and motivation started to fade. Also not being around people who indulged in the music scene was something I missed, which I knew always gave me a boost. So, I guess, that's how Musicians Unmuted was born. I knew this degree would take up a lot of this year, and I promised to keep true to myself throughout it. One thing that always reminded me why I am who I am today was talking to people from the Brisbane music scene. Knowing why we do what we do to contribute back to the community. It started off as an idea, perhaps a personal desire or hobby, and it blossomed into something more than I could have imagined. I really appreciated the discussions, insights and topics that were raised with the podcast guests, and in return they appreciated the platform that allowed their words to be heard. There was also a great response and feedback from the public as well. Towards the end of this year, we celebrated our first year of podcast episodes by holding a concert at Jugglers Art Space. In addition, we also celebrated for Peter Breen, the director of Jugglers Art Space, and everything he has done for the Brisbane community. Of course, I could have never done it without the help of my lovely, hardworking and supportive colleague, Daniel Kassulke.

Musicians Unmuted Concert. 1st December 2017, Jugglers Art Space. Photography by Jex Sollis.

Although the photos capture the happy moments and the celebratory feeling this year may seem, unfortunately, with sunshine came rain, or shall I say an ongoing storm? This degree took a lot out of me this year. I've never hit so low in life before, and I know I've said that a few times in previous blogs, but I mean it this time. Perhaps for the first time I felt like quitting and accepted the potential faith of failure. I went into the degree lacking passion, motivation and simply tired of studying in the structure of a university. I was filled with doubt and hatred, and hoping it would come to an end. However, I needed this degree, for me and for my family. Along the way, I met new people, people that supported me, people that pushed me through the hardest times, and people that loved me. It made me realise that it wasn't music that I needed all along, but the warmth and love from the people.

Three degrees - Bachelor of Music (QCGU), Bachelor of Music with Class IIA Honours (QCGU) and Graduate Diploma in Education (Secondary) (UQ)

Today I am proud to announce that I am a 2017 graduate of University of Queensland, and I have completed my Graduate Diploma in Education. I have a job next year at a beautiful school, I'm continuing my private teaching as well, and ongoing projects, such as Musicians Unmuted, will continue into the new year ahead.

Every year surprises me. I learn new things, I learn more lessons and see life from a different perspective again and again. This year, I learnt what it means to love. I thought I did before, but perhaps that was love for my career rather than it focused on those around me. Sometimes we can forget who we are, and it's those around us who act as mirrors to allow us to reflect.


Laugh, Love, Live to the lessons learnt and those waiting to be experienced! 

Anna x