When I first heard about Forge Conducting, I immediately felt that it aligned with something I had been searching for. As a medical student, pursuing formal music education alongside my studies felt nearly impossible. The structure and demands of medical school leave little room for traditional conservatory training.

But Forge’s philosophy, that conductors are not born, but forged, resonated deeply with me. It suggested that growth was possible within my reality.

At the same time, I had just begun building Tenora Chorale, an international choir in Pécs. What started as an idea quickly grew into a committed ensemble. Interestingly, my acceptance into Forge Conducting came at the very moment when Tenora began seriously preparing for its debut concert. These two journeys developed side by side, each reinforcing the other.

Forge has been transformative for my growth as a conductor. Through one-on-one mentorship sessions, rehearsal reviews, both of my own work and that of others, and guest lectures, I have gained practical tools that I can immediately apply.

Beyond technique, I have learned how to think as a conductor: how to listen critically, shape musical intention, and communicate effectively with singers. Many of these insights became directly visible in our rehearsal process and ultimately contributed to the success of our April concert.

Balancing music and medicine is not easy. Medicine demands consistency, discipline, and long hours of study. Yet, music remains an essential part of who I am. It is not something I “fit in” around my studies; it is something that sustains me through them. My peers often think of me as the “MusicalDoctor”, someone who embraces both paths, even if they do not always align perfectly.

There is rarely a day when I am not thinking about music, whether in rehearsal, in planning, or simply reflecting. At the same time, I recognise that medicine is my current responsibility and requires my full commitment. Navigating these two worlds has taught me discipline, clarity of purpose, and resilience.

Forge Conducting has made this balance possible in a meaningful way. It has given me not only skills but also confidence that my path, though unconventional, is valid. It has shown me that growth does not always require choosing one passion over another, but rather learning how to develop both with intention.

Earlier this year, I had the extraordinary opportunity to travel to India in my (self-appointed) role as Director of Singing and Good Vibes at an international conference for education leaders from across the globe.

For context, the past few years have been full. Alongside raising a young family, I’ve been running choirs and establishing a large choral charity in London. During that time, I also underwent life-saving treatment and surgery that kept me close to home, tethered to hospital appointments and unable to travel beyond the city.

So, to find myself once again boarding a plane, collaborating with inspiring people from a wide range of disciplines, and experiencing the world through different cultural lenses felt deeply significant. It reminded me - quite powerfully - of two things: how much I love learning, and how much I believe in the transformative power of singing.

I hold two music degrees, one from the University of London and another in choral conducting from the Royal Academy of Music, and I have been directing choirs since I was 21. Twenty years on, it is still children’s and youth choirs that make me tick. I am wholeheartedly committed to the impact singing can have on young people - the confidence it builds, the community it creates, and the joy it unlocks.

This passion drives my work in London, where I am on a mission to make choral singing accessible, inclusive, and exceptional for a wide range of young people. I am particularly motivated by the challenge of engaging those who might not otherwise have the financial means, family support, or opportunity to take part. Broadening who gets to stand on the concert platform - and who gets to stand on the podium - is central to everything I do.

With this in mind, applying for the Forge online conductor training and mentoring programme felt like a natural next step. The calibre of mentors - musicians who are not only exceptional teachers but also generous, thoughtful leaders in the field - was immediately compelling. The programme’s ethos of shared learning, honest reflection, and mutual support speaks directly to the realities of conducting: a role that is as demanding as it is rewarding.

I am excited to begin my Forge course. For a busy mum juggling multiple choirs, concerts, and the inevitable last-minute engagements, the opportunity to learn from home could not come at a better time. There is something wonderfully grounding about putting the washing on, preparing a meal, and then logging in for time that is both restorative and intellectually energising.

Ultimately, this is not just an investment in me, but in the hundreds of young people I work with. The learning, insight, and inspiration I gain will ripple far beyond my own practice - shaping rehearsals, performances, and experiences for years to come. And that, to me, is what makes this journey so meaningful.