My past student; Skylar Sansome

I just finished performing the Queensland Ballet’s Trilogy season. It consisted of three pieces, and interestingly, the middle piece did not require the orchestra. Consequently, we had a lot of time to wait. During these long intervals, Skylar kindly offered to teach me how to knit. Knitting is a fun activity that allows me to immerse myself in my own world. I find the mental focus required for knitting very similar to when I practice basic snare drum techniques, such as playing constant semi-quavers with a metronome. I recently completed my very first scarf, and I’m incredibly proud of my achievement.

I taught Skylar at the Queensland Conservatorium while she was studying there. I assisted her in improving her stick control through basic rudiments and also helped her develop her sight-reading skills. She worked tirelessly, and as a result, she reached an impressive level of playing and technique. It was Skylar’s first time working with the Camerata, and she delivered an outstanding performance. Additionally, she had to create a lagarphone specifically for one of the pieces, showcasing her talent in woodworking. She truly is a multitalented individual.