Both fresh from four years at the Ian Tomlin School of Music in Edinburgh, pianists Marcelle Zahra and Gisèle Grima talk to The Malta Independent about their inspiration and future plans ahead of their performance in ‘Soirée Musicale’ at St James Cavalier on Tuesday 4 September

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What are your earliest childhood memories involving music?

MZ: My parents used to take me to church when I was about five years old. Being a typical kid, I used to get fidgety so I remember always running to the organ and just sitting there, watching the organist’s fingers move on the keyboard. I was always fascinated by the sound of the piano and when I got a little keyboard as a birthday present, I remember spending hours trying to figure out the right notes for tunes that I knew.

GG: Most of memories relate directly to my early training in dance. Having started ballet classes at the age of four, I was immediately immersed in the world of music through listening, reacting and responding.

Who has influenced you in your musical career?

MZ: As a child I used to challenge myself to keep on getting better and was never influenced by any of my peers. My teacher always pushed me to give me that positive boost. Then eventually when I grew older I started discovering internationally known concert-pianists and seeing them as a source of inspiration and motivation.

GG: I think some people have influenced me more than others at certain stages of my musical career. My family and teachers certainly had some influence, both on me as a person and a growing musician. Similarly, when I had pupils of my own, I realised how children in particular can have a profound influence on your own musical skills. Today, I am my own person and try not to get heavily influenced by anyone - I’d rather be inspired than influenced.

What has your experience in Edinburgh been like?

MZ: Experiencing city life was totally new to me. Living in Edinburgh has been such a beneficial experience; I feel I certainly developed my musicality and technique as a pianist. It was the first time I was living in a different culture and I met people from different backgrounds so every little event was a new learning experience.

GG: Studying in Edinburgh presented me with a whole new approach to experiencing music as a performing art. Looking back, I realise how much I have achieved through collaborating with various instrumentalists, receiving ongoing professional guidance, and listening to some of the world’s most renowned musicians. My experience there gave me the necessary tools to become aware of my unique traits in preparation for today’s challenging world.

What are the most valuable lessons you have learnt while abroad?

MZ: Primarily I learnt how to be completely independent; it was my first experience away from home and although I knew my family were always only a phone call away, I still came across situations where I had to react quickly. I also feel I changed my perception of how I think about things in general; little situations I’ve encountered have taught me how to put things into perspective.

GG: I would say gaining independence, learning to think for yourself, taking any opportunity that comes your way, and most importantly having the confidence to believe in yourself and your ability to develop.

What have been your most memorable performing experiences so far?

MZ: My first public recital in Edinburgh and the most recent recital in Malta! It was so nice having all those people in my audience who were close to me. Everyone showed a lot of moral support which is greatly appreciated and gives me that positive drive to keep on going.

GG: All of my past performances are memorable in one way or another. The ones that stick out, however, are those in which energy, technique, emotion and communication act as a whole. The result is just exhilarating – especially when you are aware that the audience is also receiving and acknowledging this.

Any plans after this concert?

MZ: At the moment I’m getting ready to move to London for the next couple of years to read for a master’s degree at Trinity College of Music so I’m really excited to start this new chapter in my life.

GG: Yes, I’m furthering my studies at Postgraduate level at the Royal Northern College of Music. I have also recently been offered an exciting opportunity to work as a performing arts specialist in schools.

How do you prepare yourself before a concert?

MZ: It’s quite a long process; the first thing that prepares me mentally is how well prepared I am, and how disciplined I have been about my practice regimes. From at least two weeks before a performance I go into what I call “hibernation mode” to try and preserve as much energy as possible. I don’t go out and socialise as much and usually spend most of the time on my own, studying my scores before I go to bed and listening to my own music in my head. I also go on a total detox, ie no alcohol! I believe it’s really important that you are physically in good shape before a concert; anything can effect your focus.

GG: Sometimes it’s hard to control nerves especially before a major performance. On the day of a recital, I usually like to take it easy, get lots of rest and try not to do too much playing. As a substitute for this, I find that rehearsing the music mentally or actually reading the music like a book can be extremely beneficial. Before taking the stage, I try to maintain my concentration level by taking deep breaths and doing some physical warm up exercises.

A musician spends all his/her time studying, hardly going out at all. How true is this?

MZ: I believe balance is essential in life. However, a good technique cannot be achieved by spending countless hours every night at the pub. Hard work brings along good results. No matter how many hours I practice, it’s never enough.

GG: Not everybody is the same and everyone has their own daily routine. I sometimes catch myself stuck at the piano for too long which in some ways can become unhealthy. Although things are getting tougher, I still try to find a balance in my life and make time for friends, family and myself, even if for a short while. In the end, it doesn’t really matter how many hours one spends with an instrument; what matters is the quality and how deeply one focuses on practise and preparation.

Many people think of pianists simply in the context of a solo recital. Have you ever performed in any other musical activities apart from solos?

MZ: As much as I love playing solo piano, spending long hours everyday on your own – just you and the piano – can get a bit solitary. I always enjoy involving myself in chamber works as well as accompanying. It’s good to expose yourself to different repertoire other than solo piano works and also you get to interact and make music with other instrumentalists/vocalists, which is always fun.

GG: The great thing about being a pianist is that it gives you plenty of opportunities to explore music making in different contexts. I have been involved in several musical activities apart from solo recitals. These include chamber music and accompanying singers, instrumentalists and dancers. In the area of education, I have done some private music teaching and more recently some community outreach work by delivering music workshops in schools.

Any advice to those who want to follow a career in music?

MZ: Keep focused on what YOU are doing, believe in yourself and push yourself to bigger challenges.

GG: Playing an instrument brings about so many rewarding experiences and can open up many different paths. Do not let anything get in the way of your potential, keep believing in music, yourself and your goals.