Sharing of Grant Recipients - LAU Batis

Over the past few months, I have embarked on an advanced ATCL guitar lesson journey, seeking to expand my skills and knowledge in this art form.

The objectives I set for myself at the beginning of these lessons were to enhance my technical proficiency, deepen my understanding of music theory, and develop my improvisational skills. I am pleased to say that these objectives have been largely met. Through intensive practice and guidance from my instructor, I have seen significant improvement in my finger dexterity, accuracy, and speed. I have also gained a deeper understanding of complex chord progressions and scales, enabling me to create more intricate and harmonically rich compositions. Furthermore, my improvisational skills have flourished, allowing me to express myself more freely and creatively through my guitar playing.

While the overall experience of the advanced ATCL guitar lessons has been enriching, I did encounter a few obstacles along the way. One significant challenge was time management. Balancing work commitments and personal life with the demands of practicing and studying proved to be quite demanding. I often found it difficult to allocate sufficient time for practice, which sometimes affected my progress. In hindsight, I could have better organized my schedule and set aside dedicated practice hours to maximize my learning potential.

Another area for improvement lies in my ability to perform under pressure. During mock performances and assessments, I noticed that my nerves occasionally got the best of me, leading to minor mistakes and a lack of confidence. To overcome this, I plan to engage in more live performance opportunities and seek feedback from peers and mentors, allowing me to build resilience and enhance my stage presence.

To make this learning experience fruitful, I adopted several strategies that proved beneficial. First and foremost, I maintained a consistent practice routine, dedicating a specific time each day to hone my skills. This discipline allowed me to progress steadily and build a strong foundation. Additionally, I sought out opportunities for collaboration and jam sessions with fellow musicians, which broadened my musical horizons and sparked new ideas. Furthermore, I actively engaged in self-reflection, analyzing my strengths and weaknesses, and proactively addressing areas that needed improvement. This self-awareness helped me make adjustments and set realistic goals.

The grant awarded for the advanced ATCL guitar lessons was instrumental in covering the tuition fees. I can confidently say that I have fully utilized the grant amount to facilitate my learning journey. The financial support provided by the grant has relieved some of the financial burden associated with advanced music education, enabling me to focus more on my practice and growth. I look forward to continuing my musical journey and applying the knowledge and skills gained during lessons.