Putting your cell phone down once in a while helps
Elisabeth Kulmer was accepted as a junior student at the Basel Music Academy at the age of 13 and has already won international competitions such as the Karl Adler Competition at the age of 22. She is studying for a Master's degree in Performance at the Kalaidos University of Music and would like to go on to complete a Master's degree in Music Education.
Annette Kappeler and Xavier Pfarrer - Her aim is to work with orchestras, take part in major competitions and make a breakthrough as a soloist. As a teacher, she would also like to pass on the knowledge she has acquired to the next generation.
Elisabeth Kulmer, reading your biography, one learns that you have already had many appearances in various countries. How do you experience the music business?
I'm not that deep into the music business yet, but I'm working towards it. So far, I've mostly been booked for concerts at private events. But one thing I can say is that the music scene is a tough industry that requires a lot of commitment. You have to work at all times to stand out in a positive way.
After completing your Bachelor's degree in Basel, you decided to study performance at the Kalaidos University of Music. Why did you do this?
I wanted to study in the class of Alexander Gilman, who teaches at the Kalaidos University of Music. Mr. Gilman also works at the Royal College in London, where I now have lessons up to three times a week to work intensively on my musicality and technique. The special thing about Kalaidos is that you can study at an incredible level regardless of where you are.
So you live in London, but are also often in Switzerland. How did you deal with this situation during the lockdowns and travel restrictions?
Because my lecturer is very competent, there was really no difference between online and face-to-face lessons. Of course, face-to-face teaching is advantageous from many points of view, but the alternative is appropriate for such situations.
Have you discovered new scope for action during this time? What role does the digital world play in your musical work?
Due to the coronavirus situation, we are now prepared to have videos ready to use for competitions, foundations and auditions. This has opened a new door in the industry that was previously not so present in everyday life. In order to adapt to the new situation and continue to communicate the music, people have adapted, which also shows how limitless music can be and that you can always find a way to communicate it.
How can we imagine your everyday life today?
I always start my day with a nice cup of coffee. In the meantime, I organize my practice schedule. In order to approach practicing with a clear head and stay focused, I put my cell phone away, even during practice breaks. Because you mustn't forget that you process what you've learned cognitively, even when you're not playing. I divide my practicing over half of the day and plan the rest of my everyday life around it in order to maintain a healthy balance between my instrument and my private life.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I listen to very different styles of music such as classical, rock, soul and jazz, do a lot of sport and spend time with friends and family. A good balance between my private and professional life is very important to me.
