Student Stories: Helen Nakhwal

I'm Helen, semi-retired, I live in West Yorkshire, working part-time as a finance director and trustee in the Charity/Arts sector. I'm currently studying Music 1.1: Exploring Music.

What is your previous educational experiences and what drew you to OCA?

Music was an important part of my life growing up. I initially played the piano, then the oboe and my school and the local authority provided plenty of opportunities to play in bands and orchestras. After school I studied French and Russian at Leeds University, and subsequently qualified as an accountant. Having achieved grade 8 on the oboe at school, I took a break for some 30 years before returning to playing the oboe 10 years ago and I now play regularly with a number of ensembles in the area. When I entered semi-retirement I decided to explore my passion for music further through the OCA Foundation course before starting on the degree course in 2024.

Can you describe your OCA journey?

As the OCA journey is mostly online, I have learnt how to use a number of new applications: Wordpress, Panopto, Sibelius for example, and whilst I was initially a little averse to learning yet more computer packages on top of those I use at work, the opportunities they present for exploration and self-development have dispelled my initial wariness. It can be hard to balance work, study, fun and home and family life and although I try to allocate specific time to work and study, the need to retain flexibility means it's sometimes hard to keep a suitable balance and I'm still learning how to do this. Above all I'm studying music for enjoyment and have to remind myself of this if I find myself getting stressed by deadlines or challenging assignments. Sometimes I get bored of typing and reading from a screen, so I have sourced textbooks through the local library and secondhand booksellers, and rather than typing notes I sometimes dictate into my phone or a word processor and then edit.

What was the Tutor and/or Peer Support like on your course?

All the tutors have been great in giving feedback and guidance and the extra study opportunities such as the Listening and Reading Group and Analysis sessions that they run are always stimulating and rewarding to attend. Taking part in the performance classes that Carla Rees leads each month started me on a path to developing myself as solo musician. The classes are a very supportive and encouraging environment, thanks to Carla as well as the other students taking part, and we all learn from each other. The classes have provided me with the impetus to explore solo repertoire for the oboe and cor anglais and also to finding an piano accompanist who I could play with.

Consequently I have been able to put together a programme for an online lunchtime concert hosted by the OCA Music Department.

What does studying with OCA mean to you?

The foundation music course and the first unit of the degree have really opened my mind. I always knew that I loved listening to and playing music and finding out about its history, but through the course I have been encouraged to explore many new genres and cultures, and I never before thought of myself as a composer, but I'm not ruling that out any more!

What's next?

As I gradually leave the world of work, my studies with OCA are helping provide me with a sense of purpose through this phase of life. A flexible but structured learning environment backed by great resources means I can work at my own pace and focus on the areas I find most interesting.

Any advice?

I would advise someone starting out on the course to think about their timeline and plan out what they have to deliver in each unit, and to try and create a timetable for studying. It can be hard to find motivation to study a unit or get started on an assignment that doesn't interest you as much as others, but try single out what the issue blocking you is and find a new approach.

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You can hear Helen on the Oboe on the 22 April at 12.30pm BST. Join using this zoom link.