Musical Expertise
If you have a music-related article, book, exam syllabus, thesis, publicity material, CD booklet or concert programme which needs a final tidy-up, I can help. My main specialism is in classical music, but I am also happy to work on other genres, including pop music since 1960. Please see my Portfolio for details of the projects I've worked on.
A description of my standard service can be found on the Proofreading Services page. As a musician myself, I can also offer:
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an understanding of musical terminology and detailed analysis
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efficient checking of cross-references, such as excerpts (in any of the four clefs) with their in-text descriptions
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excellent comprehension of the countless Italian – and French, and German – performance directions
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the ability to spot errors in the finer details of work titles and composer names, such as rogue accents
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a thorough grasp of the performance techniques, parts and technicalities relating to a variety of instruments
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enthusiasm!
Musical Background
Musicology, analysis and harmony were just some of the core elements I studied for my music degree at the University of Birmingham. Specialist modules included orchestration, period performance practice, the Romantic piano and Chopin's legacy, and chamber music performance. Although I ultimately specialised in solo clarinet performance, I also have a particular love of Baroque ensemble music and Romantic piano concerti.
I am an alumna of the Royal College of Music Junior Department and hold four grade 8s (two with high distinctions), including in music theory, and have performed a wide range of solo, chamber, orchestral and choral repertoire, from Bach to Borodin, Schubert to Szałowski.
Having spent several years managing both the hire library and the copyright department for a classical music publisher, I understand well the ins and outs of that part of the music world. Overseeing the supply of orchestral material and negotiating rights clearances, I handled a variety of French catalogues, as well as contemporary works by our house composers. I also attended seminars at the Music Publishers Association.
With good knowledge of German (working proficiency), French (A Level) and Italian (GCSE), I am comfortable working with directions and other terminology in those languages, as well as with religious Latin text.