Blake begins his Masters of Music in Manchester!

Hi there! In September this year I will be moving to Manchester to begin my Masters of Music at the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM). Whilst I’m feeling a whole range of emotions, I am undoubtedly grateful and excited to begin this new chapter in my life.

With so many amazing experiences to come over the next two years this requires quite a substantial investment. Factoring in international tuition fees, living costs, flights and various other valuable experiences, I am looking at figures in the realms of six digits. Currently I still require funds to make this whole experience possible and would love your help.

You might be asking yourself why does it cost this much and why can’t I just study here in Australia? Don’t worry, I can tell you!

On this journey I have the opportunity to work with world class orchestras and ensembles such as; BBC Philharmonic, Opera North, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, Manchester Camerata, the Hallé and many more. The teachers I will be working with are a culmination of current and former players from these ensembles as well as international visiting artist, Pacho Flores, who I will work with several times a year. On a day to day basis I will be brushing shoulders with these people and a trumpet cohort of 25 players to bounce ideas off, play with and for. Manchester and RNCM is home to some of the worlds best brass bands which is something I will certainly immerse myself in as well! I could honestly write you a whole list of fantastic things RNCM has to offer but please feel free to look for yourself - RNCM website

Whilst there are so many amazing people here in Australia (especially Brisbane!), being amongst a melting pot of talent, short train rides to bustling cities and different opportunities are not easily accessible. Yes I have dreams to win a job in an orchestra and more importantly to me, I have aspirations to one day have my own studio teaching at a university level. Going abroad will give me the opportunity to formulate new ideas, make connections and, develop as a player and as a person. Most importantly, to return to Australia and achieve these goals I see a great deal of benefit attaining a postgraduate degree (and maybe more) from overseas institutions.

I’m thrilled to begin my masters of music at RNCM and I would very much appreciate any donations or sharing this post with family, friends and colleagues. Even the smallest donations will help me to afford the pricey coffee or hot choccy!!!

Come and see a performance!

I will be doing lots of performances over the next few months and I warmly welcome anyone to attend in the lead up to my departure September. Here are some dates -

16/06 - 25/06, various times | QPAC | Camerata & Queensland Ballet “Trilogy”

30/06 - 02/07, various times | QPAC | The Wizard of OZ

06/08 | 59 Woongarra Street, Bundaberg Central | Solo Recital

26/08, 7pm | QPAC | Queensland Youth Symphony Rachmaninoff Symphony No.2