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Now its time to talk to our guest today, Xandra!

How often do you practise?

I practise for at least one hour a day though usually I spend up to three four hours practising.

Does practising everyday for so long get boring?

It can do. The trick is to focus on different parts each day that way only those hours are repetitive rather than the second and third day being a repeat of the first. I always take a break half way through as well so that I can do something different to keep me concentrating.

Have you ever found practising infuriating?

Oh yes, several times. Sometimes when something just doesn’t go right no matter what you try you usually become angry. I take time when this happens to step back and maybe talk to a few people to vent steam so that I can continue.

You mentioned talking, does your playing affect your social life?

Definitely. If I want to go out with friends I need to plan it around practicing, rehearsals and the other work I do. Sometimes I go two or three days without talking to friends because I’m so concentrated on practising.

How do you prepare for performances?

I don’t think about. I don’t look at anything to do with it. I don’t let myself talk about it until I’m getting ready to head out. Nerves are a thing everyone gets, I just tend to ignore them to help me get along.

Was clarinet your first instrument?

No I played violin from 7 until I was 10. I stopped taking lessons when I got a new teacher and we didn’t get on well. I’m sort of glad that happened, I wouldn’t be here today if it hadn’t. Starting the clarinet really fuelled my passion for music.