Preparing for Two Fellowships: Composition and Performance

\This month, I decided to chase two new Fellow-level titles: one for composition, one for percussion.

Why? Because I know I’m good at both. I’ve got the training, sure, but more than that, I’ve got the track record: arranging, gigging, scoring, leading, performing. Still, my highest composition credential is technically “just” a jazz degree, and for performance, it’s not a Fellowship either. That bugs me. I’ve outgrown the boxes. Time to step up.

The prep work’s been different for each. For composition, it’s all about curation. I’m digging through my catalogue, cleaning things up, rebranding older works, making the scores presentable. Just bought Dorico.. might as well use it properly. The hard part? Figuring out what to include, how to sequence it all, and what it says about my artistic identity.

For performance, I’m not creating anything new right now. There’s no time. But I can build a programme that reflects range; jazz, world, classical, hybrid. Each piece shows a different side of what I do behind the instrument. If I do this right, the set will tell its own story.

Of course, part of me wonders if I’m insane. I already have a doctorate. Why bother? But honestly, this isn’t about proving something to others. It’s about future-proofing. About walking away from easy gigs that pay well but go nowhere. I want credentials that mean something. That unlock doors. That match where I’m heading, not where I’ve been.

It’s not been easy balancing prep with work. I’ve been stretched, tired, close to burning out. But I’m learning to be more disciplined! Block time, focus, move on. One task at a time. Not perfect, but getting sharper.

Am I confident? Not yet. But the fact that I’m even prepping both at once reminded me of who I am when I’m locked in: a resilient go-getter in the best way.