My PhD Journey

From start to finish my PhD in musicology, flute, gender and Debussy.

[ashleywestmacottphd]

Not posted for a while

I haven’t posted for some time and that’s for multiple reasons. I have had doubts about doing my PhD, about not earning money are, believe it or not, not the main reason I’ve been not completely on it.

My grandfather had a cancer diagnosis at the start of the year and during his treatment he nearly died ... twice! He appears to be on the mend now although we are waiting for the MRI and results to see how successful they were at treating his giant tumour in his throat. Family has always been my top priority but it has been even more so the last few months with as all leaning on one another to create a strong support network.

That has unfortunately meant that the PhD hasn’t been top priority. I am incredibly grateful to my supervisor and grad school for being understanding and patient at this difficult time and allowing me to take the time needed to do what I needed for my family. I am more focused now and have been reading an incredible amount.

Just keep PhD-ing

[ashleywestmacottphd]

Busy week

My week has felt like a bit of whirlwind. I spent less than 24 hours in Germany on Wednesday for a flute lesson, along with a busy week of rehearsals, practice, reading, writing, re-writing and a smidge of self-doubt. 

It’s Friday now and back to a calmer routine day of more reading, and taking my lovely dog out for a walk. It’s important to take time for some self care, especially after a hectic week. 

[ashleywestmacottphd]

Planning the URDSC presentation

The infamous URDSC (University Research Degree Sub-Committee) présentations are fast approaching. 7 minutes to orally present your research proposal making sure you discuss your topic both in the broad sense as well as in detail. A fine balancing act.

Using guidelines of essentially what, why, where and how add in a little impact and that is the simplistic overview of what should be included.

My morning was spent transcribing my mock presentation and cringing at my own voice!

It was very insightful though and has allowed me to remove the unnecessary and fill in some important information like... the performance practice element of my research.

[ashleywestmacottphd]

Start of the new year

I am bringing in the new year making amendments to my URDSC proposal for approval for registration to the PhD course. I would like to say the last of the hurdles before the research begins but it is actually going to be run through checks by the Grad School and then a presentation at the end of this month with questions etc.  The presentation isn’t something that worries me, I can stand and talk to you or anyone else about my ideas for days, it’s the quality of my writing and content with the small word count that will keep me up at night.  Being a classically trained performer rather than having a comprehensive training in the finesse of writing in academia is something that is a constant concern of mine. So much so, my office at home is filled with literature on how to write, writing for submission, writing for publication, writing a proposal... you get the picture. Fortunately, at UWL/LCM we also have great study support within the library and student services, with drop in sessions and 1-1 help, which I will be utilising.  Start the year as you mean to go on... working on the PhD with some practice alongside. Which is perfectly apt as I am seeking approval from the research board for a PhD with Practice! 

#PhD #Musicology #Flautist