Fly With a Little Help from Lebrecht...

Getting to Norway was always going to be difficult.
Not because of the distances involved, after all Robin travels all around the world, Norway is pretty much on our doorstep.
But time was the issue.

Last Friday, the 8th of June, Robin was playing for the High Sheriff of Lancashire at lunchtime in Lancaster Town Hall.

This went very well and he then dashed off to catch the first of three flights.
That isn't exactly true, he couldn't really 'dash' to the airport as a murder had been committed on the motorway.

Honestly, you couldn't make it up....

Consequently the motorway was closed and we had to make a detour to a train station which duly delivered Robin to the airport just in time for his first flight.

Not the best of starts.
However, the journey was to get a whole lot worse.

A quick change of planes in Copenhagen and then he spent a night, or what was left of it, in a hotel in Oslo.

Early next morning he duly arrived to catch his Norwegian Air flight to Alesund.
He was met by the usual barrage of questions regarding the guitar, he was informed that under no circumstances would the instrument be allowed in the cabin but, on payment of an extra £20, could be consigned to the hold, even though we had already paid for extra hand luggage.

Robin then 'phoned his contact in America who advised that they would purchase another seat for the guitar.
He then went to the Norwegain Air desk and was informed that they did have a seat available but when he explained this was for his instrument they refused point blank.

After a Twitter exchange, Norman Lebrecht, very succinctly summed up the situation, on his blog, 'Slipped Disc'.
As Kenneth Woods highlighted during this discussion, 'Norman Lebrecht has been a real champion for musicians with airlines.'


Travelling with an instrument has been difficult for some time but the situation is getting worse, and more stressful, with every journey.
Airlines all seem to have different, ever changing policies regarding musical instruments but even then, it really depends who happens to be at the check in desk.
Some people are fine others make problems where none exist.

The fact is that a classical guitar case fits neatly into the overhead locker, still allowing space for other passengers to stow their belonings, or, within one of the wardrobes available on the aircraft.
It really isn't a problem.

But on this occasion the check in assistant wouldn't budge.
No guitar was getting on his plane.

So Robin informed them he wouldn't be getting on the plane either, and his agents booked another flight for much later in the day leaving Robin to spend the entire day back at the hotel.
The pressure was unrelenting as he didn't know if he would actually make his connection after all these delays.

Back at the airport later that evening, Scandinavian Airlines welcomed Robin, and guitar, on board without any hesitation.

Thankfully their were no further delays and Robin arrived with only 30 minutes to spare.

Travel is meant to be the easy part, it's playing the notes that is difficult.
Airlines should remember who the customer is...


The next day he was able to put all the stress behind him and deliver a great concert.
Which incidentally was filmed by a Dutch TV film crew, but that's another story....

'Chill 22' - Robin Hill from the new album 'Standing on Air'

Today we released a video of 'Chill 22', the first track from the new album 'Standing on Air'

The album itself, featuring all original compositions by Robin and on which he plays all the instruments, will be available in January 2012, but we thought it would be nice for you all to have a sneak preview.

This composition was inspired by Robin's newly acquired Manuel Reyes guitar which was made by the master luthier in 1963. This instrument is capable of producing not only the aggressive rasp of the Andalusian flamenco, but also a beautiful sweetness of tone when played with sensitively and expression.

As he was in a hotel at the time, the title of the track was taken from his room key and initials, 'Chill 22', his first name being Charles.

As time went on the piece evolved.

Chill 22 has a laid back jazz groove yet the incisive triplets and use of rasgueados reflect Robin's love of flamenco music. The cuica drum, rainstick and shakers are Brazilian inspired.

Alongside these latin and flamenco elements you may also discover a quote from Igor Stravinsky's, 'Rite of Spring'.
This is one of Robin's favourite classical pieces and the tongue in cheek reference opening the guitar solo pays tribute to this.

Generally the album as a whole not only reflects Robin's diverse musical tastes but also his constant extensive travelling.

The influences of many countries can be heard in each and every track and he often returns home with an indigenous instrument from some far flung land.

Chill 22 also features a Neapolitan mandolin.
Back in 2008 Robin was in Sorrento when he came across the most beautiful mandolin.
The story about how we came about purchasing it is quite amusing, and restores ones faith in humanity.
Here's 'The Mystery of the Mandolin'.
The use of the mandolin was also an opportunity for Robin to use his enviable plectrum technique acquired after many years of playing electric guitar....

You will have to wait a little longer to hear all 14 original compositions from, 'Standing on Air', but for now, sit back and enjoy 'Chill 22'.

Review of 2010 - Life of a Musician - Robin Hill

As we head towards the end of another year I thought it would be interesting to see just what this particular musician has been doing over the last twelve months.
I must say I was surprised as I looked back over events and worked out a few rather astonishing statistics.

In the last year alone Robin has visited 27 different countries! But that isn't the whole picture as many of them he has returned to a number of times. For example, India 3 times, Italy 11, USA twice, Brazil 4 times and Norway a staggering 15 times.
So anyone thinking about a career in music really needs to be prepared to travel extensively.

Here are the 27 countries: United Arab Emirates, India, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Seychelles, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt, Brazil, Portugal, Spain, France, Majorca, Tunisia, Italy, Turkey, Greece, Norway, Scotland, Iceland, Holland, Croatia, USA and Gran Canaria.

All of this obviously requires longs spells away from home which can be difficult, particularly when missing important events.
This frequently happens and Robin has missed both our children's birthdays this year and also the funeral of my much loved Grandmother. This was particularly difficult for him. To be away from home at such trying times is hard indeed.

But there have been many other events.
Two albums have been released, the first in March with, 'Hill/Wiltschinsky Duo Soler Sonatas', and the second, recorded in January and released in September, 'Cancion' Izzy Cooper & Robin Hill and 'Les Filles De Cadiz'.

But there have also been problems.
One particularly worrying incident was, 'Too Much Inflammation...', which was the result of a nasty ant bite, ironically sustained at home and not during one of the four trips up the Amazon, and the photograph of the offending hand has been taken up by insect bite sites around the world!

Travelling always has its difficulties but this year we have dealt with suspect packages causing the evacuation of the airport and consequently missed planes. Luckily, through sheer determination and numerous 'phone calls between agents in London and America, rescheduled flights were arranged and Robin arrived just in time.
Not so with the elements.
He spent a very frustrating few days in Amsterdam, stranded after all airports were closed due to Volcanic ash. Eventually he made it home via trains and boats, but it ate into the few precious days he was meant to have at home.

From my point of view, I was delighted to have reached the milestone of, 'Life of a Musicians 4th Birthday,' which is quite an achievement in the blogging world, especially when you consider we are now posting the 714th blog post...

I even allowed myself the luxury of a blog post all to myself, after a number of requests from regular readers. Funnily enough, 'Anna Hill's 'Unofficial' Desert Island Discs' has become a very popular one and continues to be visited regularly.

So, looking back it has been an eventful and fulfilling year.
Once again I would like to thank all our regular readers for their continued support, and also those who just dip in from time to time.
Here at Hillhouse we hope you all had a very nice Christmas and wish each and every one of you a very happy, healthy and prosperous New Year.

Happy 4th Birthday to 'Life of a musician - Robin Hill'!!!

,

Once again I can't believe a whole year has gone by and 'Life of a musician' is celebrating its 4th Birthday! In blogging terms this makes us rather more mature than the average 4 year old...

As always it has been a busy year with extensive travel and many concerts performed. We have seen the release of a CD, 'Hill/Wiltschinsky Duo - Soler Sonatas', and the recording of another, 'Cancion', with soprano Izzy Cooper, which will be released in September!

The most popular post over the last year has been, unsurprisingly, 'Music Practice Tips - Classical Guitar', although close contenders were, 'Inspire Young Minds with Music', and one which was rather a surprise, (although I think I picked up a few hits thanks to a BBC broadcaster of the same name...) 'Anna Hill's 'Unofficial' Desert Island Discs'.

There have been fewer posts than I would have liked, but even when time constraints have prevented me from writing, I have tried to keep everyone updated via my Twitter feed, 'AnnaHill'. This tends to be a combination of work and leisure related information, but that was the whole idea. There seem to be many readers out there who like the little extra insight that can be gained from Twitter.

Naturally, I would like to thank you all for returning and reading on a regular basis, and also those that just dip in from time to time.
It is very much appreciated.
I hope the next 12 months will bring many more exciting adventures in the life of this particular musician.

Robin Hill & Izzy Cooper Recording & Concerts on the QM2

The onset of 2010 has been a busy one.
After a snowy start, and precarious journey to Dewsbury, for a highly successful lunchtime concert, Robin set off for a week in London recording with soprano Izzy Cooper.
I'm listening to the recording as I write and I know you will all love it.
Robin and Izzy have performed many times together, and due to high demand this classical guitar/vocal album will be released in 2010.
With everything from the sweetness of Rodrigo's 'En Aranjuez Con Tu Amor', the raunchy flamenco of de Falla and a Robin Hill original, 'Cancion', there really is an eclectic mix.
It was an intense week, recording all day with the evenings spent preparing for the next session.
This was made all the more difficult by the death of my Grandmother. She and Robin had a very special relationship, as can be seen by this post, 'A Professor Calls and Lunar Bianco'. But professional as ever, the recording went on, and when you hear the words to 'Cancion', you will hear how difficult this must have been.
So it was a very tired guitarist that arrived home in the early hours of Saturday 23rd of January. This didn't prevent us spending an hour or so listening to his weeks work accompanied by the dawn chorus.
But by the 26th Robin was off once again.
This time flying to Dubai to join the Queen Mary 2, for an extensive trip visiting Cochin, Phuket, Penang, Port Kelang, Singapore, Laem Chabang, Vung Tau and finally Hong Kong.
Four concerts were performed in the beautiful Royal Court Theatre and with four different programmes Robin was kept very busy.
However, it wasn't all work.
Over the 2 1/2 weeks he met up with some old friends.
First there was the fabulous and extremely talented magician, Brett Sherwood.
The two get on very well and discovered they had a mutual interest in table tennis.
During one of their games some passing passengers stopped to watch.
They couldn't resist asking Brett if he could make the ball disappear. Sure enough, quick as a flash, the said ball disappeared before their eyes, only to to reappear a few seconds later.
This was a virtuoso performance by Brett and made Robin's task of beating him at table tennis all the more difficult.
The next time I'm in a pub with Brett I shall be plying him with drinks until he tells me how he does it!
I'm also very grateful to Simeon Wood, another old friend who was also on the QM2, and in fact left the same day as Robin. After completing his own gruelling 13 hour flight from Hong Kong he took the time to 'phone me and make sure I was aware that Robin's flight had been delayed and that he had therefore missed his connection.
All the more ironic as a few weeks previously he had been laughing about the fact that travelling with Robin always seem to result in some form of disruption.
Believe me, I know.
But now he is home, for a while anyway, and the house is once again filled with the sound of the guitar.

A Man, A Guitar and A Song...

There are many hazards when travelling, particularly with musical instruments.

As regular readers will know, we have frequently had problems, especially with lost luggage.
Here are just a few random posts: 'A case of the Borrowed Tuxedo', 'The Robin Hill Saga' and 'No News is Good News?'

But by far the worst situation Robin has dealt with was this one, 'Missing - Miguel Rodriguez Churchdoor...'

Thankfully, we have never had the problem that Dave Carrol of the band, 'Sons of Maxwell' has had to deal with.
You can read the full story here: 'United Breaks Guitars'.
But below is Dave Carrol's musical response to the whole situation. It's worth watching, and also to remember, never come between a man and his guitar...
I wish Dave Carrol the very best of luck with any future guitars.

Arrival in the Amazon, Caruso and Fitzcarraldo

Finally, after a very frustrating and tedious journey, Robin has arrived at his destination and joined Seabourn Pride.
All started off well, in that he arrived at Manchester airport on time, but things deteriorated from there.

A delay in take off resulting in a missed connection and a 10 hour wait in Paris....

Those following Twitter will have read about events as they unfolded, and the support and advice on, 'ways to amuse oneself during long delays at airports', were much appreciated.
Special thanks must go to one of my Twitter friends, missmussell, over on, 'The Omniscient Mussel', for providing games and advice during this time!

On reaching Sao Paulo, and once more 'waiting', Robin was rather amused to hear someone calling his name.
It was a magician, who had appeared from nowhere, and was accompanying Robin on the final leg of his journey.
He was pleased to have the distraction of some much needed company by this point.

But after 38 hours Robin arrived in Manaus, Brazil, and was able to recover from his journey in luxury.
Incidentally, Robin made it with only about 3 hours to spare...no wonder we were all getting a little tense here.

Manaus is an incredible place, situated in the middle of the Amazon forest. But it isn't as one would imagine. Having become very wealthy in the early 20th Century, Manaus is a bustling city.
The Opera House, built during the heyday of the rubber trade was once visited by all the most famous Opera Divas and Maestros.

Thankfully Robin has a few days to recover and acclimatise before his concerts, the first one not being until Friday and the second a few days later.
When Robin joined Seabourn Pride she was actually docked on the Rio Negro, but within a few hours set off to cover the 4 miles to the Amazon.

He's ready for it though.
Last time I spoke to him he was heading up to the top deck armed with an old 78 of Caruso, which he was going to play at high volume.
If you are unsure what I'm talking about, then you are probably unfamiliar with Brian Sweeney Fitzgerald, a rather eccentric character. His story was told in the film, Fitzcarraldo.

A Week Flies By...

It has been rather a frustrating week.
We had all been looking forward to having Robin home, for a whole week, but also knew that it would be a busy one.
We hadn't counted on me taking a few days out to recuperate from a heavy cold, but it was a relief that Robin was around to shoulder some of the domestic responsibilities, whilst I felt sorry for myself.

We also hadn't expected a sick, and very vocal, cat.
Poor Ramsbottom was also unwell, requiring a visit to the vets (he protested all the way there) an injection, and a week's worth of tablets.
I now have mastered the art of medicating cats very well, and he is improving daily.

Then there was son number two's birthday party.
We, along with one of his friends parents, hosted a noisy and chaotic party for over 30, 5 and 6 year olds.
All went well, and was greatly enjoyed by all the young guests. I was informed by his teacher the next day that the whole class had been very quiet, and it would be lovely if we could tire them out in such a way more frequently...No chance.

Then of course his birthday itself.
I was just pleased that Robin was home for such a significant event.
Over the years he has missed many of these family occasions when away from home and it's hard for all concerned.

By this weekend, he then had two private functions to play at, whilst I prepared everything for another trip which starts tomorrow.
This week has gone all too quickly, but at least it is only 1 week away from home this time.
We have coped with much longer.

However, communication will be hampered, as Robin is without his computer.
It has been sent away for repair.
This has been very frustrating, as he has been unable to do any recording in his time at home, and also, will not have his Apple back until after this next trip....

But this is the reality of life as a musician.
When travelling extensively, time at home is precious, whatever is going on.
But after a week of chaos, illness, vocal cat, parties, etc. I think there's a small part of Robin that will sit on the plane tomorrow, put on his headphones, listen to some calming music, (without interruption), and feel that a week away from home may just be rather refreshing....

Wife of a Musician - Revisited

Robin and son have been enjoying Venice and the last I heard had just visited the Vivaldi museum.

I am pretty sure that after a couple of hours sightseeing the pair will return to their quarters as Robin will need to start rehearsing.
Whilst son is on holiday, Robin certainly isn't.
He will have a few high profile and high pressure concerts in the next few weeks on Crystal Serenity.

But I, as I completed some regular site checks, was once again struck by the number of followers we have, interested in the 'wife' of the musician, as much as the 'life' of the musician.

So, as I reflect on the trials of the last few days, it seemed an appropriate time to point people in the right direction for posts related to the 'wife' of this particular musician.

For example, 'The Wife of a Musician - Part 1 - The Music' seemed a good starting point.

Neatly followed by 'Part 2 - Travel'. (Very appropriate at the moment...)

Guitarists nails have been mentioned many times here, and this post looks at the problem from a slightly different perspective, 'Guitarists Hands - and Nails'.

'Sound Checks Complete and Wives of Musicians Unite', has always been a popular post.

Or maybe you could try, 'Creativity and the Wife of a Musician'.

Finally, for today, 'A View From The Stage'.

There are others, so if your desperate for more, then take a look around. Alternatively, look at any post and read between the lines - I did after all write them...

Amsterdam - Athens and the Dawn Chorus

The end of a busy week is now here.
This culminated in a 3.30am alarm call.
Like any dutiful wife, I got up, made coffee for Robin to ease him into the day, went back to our room to remind him that he was actually the one that needed to get up, then kept out of the way whilst he frantically ran around the house picking up all the things he'd forgotten.

By 4.30 he was on his way to the airport and I was on my way back to bed. (Having very briefly admired the dawn chorus.)

By the time I was awake for the second time, and dealing with a tearful 5 year old, ("I don't want Daddy to go away," were the first cause of tears, closely followed by frustration, as I wouldn't let him play his violin as it was only 7am...) Robin had arrived in Amsterdam, made a quick call to say he was on his connecting flight, and is now on his way to Athens.

Before he left he had a lot to do.
Yesterday was the only day that he and Izzy Cooper could speak about the programme for the concert in August.
Contact was made, musical decisions made, and there is a slight chance that they may 'bump' into each other somewhere in the Mediterranean over the next few weeks, which could prove helpful.
They will however be able to meet up in July to go through the repertoire.
Whilst this may sound very close to the actual concert dates, it's actually quite normal for musicians of this level to carry out most of their practice separately.

Now that Robin has gone off, I can focus on the return of son number one later today.
I'm bracing myself for one exhausted child, most likely filthy and bruised if last year is anything to go by, (gorge jumping being one of the activities...) and a rucksack full of smelly wet clothes.
I think I should go and lie down for a while...

And Now the Violin...

It has been a particularly busy time here.
With Robin only home for a week, and the number of remaining days disappearing rather too quickly, we have a lot to organise.
Alongside his usual preparations for travelling, and normal pre-concert level of practice, Robin is working on the new pieces he will need for the concert with Izzy Cooper in August.
It's very exciting to hear so many samples of incredible music coming from the music room, as Robin works on arrangements.

Alongside this, son number one has gone off for three days at an outdoor pursuit centre, which is always good for increasing parental anxiety...
Meanwhile, son number two has been putting on the pressure for a while now, to learn the violin.
(Incidentally, Robin started his musical career on the violin aged 7, but after a couple of years insisting on playing it like a guitar, it was decided that he should make the change, and the rest, as they say, is show biz history...)

We decided son number two must be serious about this, as he spent the best part of 1/2 term pouring over manuscript paper, and 'composing' his own pieces.
Consequently we have made the ear splitting decision to purchase a violin and see what happens.
So far, he has carried it everywhere with him, performed his 'music' to anyone that sits down for longer than 30 seconds, and taken a bow at the end.
Robin has of course timed this perfectly.
Buy violin for a five year old.
Listen carefully and enthusiastically for a few days.
Then disappear for the best part of the next month and leave me to continue with the encouragement...

Now I'm off to find a teacher.

Electric Guitar for the Weekend and Dancing in Peru?

It amazes me how often you meet people you know when travelling.
Last night Robin met a man called Pete Marsh, and after the initial introduction, it became apparent that they had met 35 years previously!
Pete used to play keyboard for 'Force 10', prior to Robin joining, and they had met once, as the band were rehearsing.
So they had a few missing years to catch up on.

Whilst we are on the subject of bands, if you feel the need to hear some electric guitar over the weekend, then you can find examples of Robin with various other musicians, here, here, and here.

All remains pretty quiet over in Peru.
Robin is preparing for his first classical guitar concert, which is tomorrow.
However, he did get talking to a couple today who asked if he was a dancer!
I'm not sure how they reached this conclusion, and Robin did put them right after he'd finished spluttering over his coffee.
Dancing is not the first thing that springs to mind when I look at him, and in fact, in the entire time we have been married, other than our wedding reception when we had a 10 piece band playing, I don't think I've seen him dance.
Still, they were all having breakfast at the time, so maybe they just hadn't quite come too yet.
Now they know his true identity, they are looking forward to going to the concert.
At least they won't be expecting any fancy footwork.

Wife of a Musician - Part 2 - Travel

As Robin is on the Queen Victoria, somewhere between Costa Rica and Mexico, it seems appropriate to look at travel, because all musicians have to do it.

Robin's office is his music room, but, every time he goes out to work, long distances are involved.
In the early days, if he was performing in the UK, he would drive to the concert, give his performance, socialise with the organisers and guests, then drive home again, no matter how far, or how late he would arrive back.
But this is hugely impractical, exhausting, and a pace of life that can't be continued.
Now we have a 3 hour rule.
Any venue, more than 2 1/2 to 3 hours drive away, he stays over night, and returns refreshed the next day.

But frequently musicians don't only play in their home country, but, anywhere around the world.
Most people think it's a fantastic and glamorous way of life and in some ways it is.
However, if it's a two week tour somewhere, the musicians generally only see airports, hotels and venues, as they constantly move from city to city.
If they are lucky, they may get a day off at some point, and will then make the most of it.

I know how hard it is as I often travelled with the Hill/Wiltschinsky Guitar Duo.
Yes you get a feel for the country you are in, and hosts are very kind, usually entertain you, and show you a few historical sites. But on the whole, the same applies, airport, hotel, venue, hotel, airport.
I was lucky, as I would usually get an hour or so to look around, before the concert, whilst the duo prepared.
By morning, you pack up and move on.

Sometimes they would have midday concerts, or masterclasses, and then travel onto the next town in time for an evening recital.
So it is hard work.

But the travelling Robin is doing at the moment is different again.
He still has the long haul flights, but as he often performs on various incredible cruise ships, he gets to unpack, and his room becomes home, for the main part of the trip.
Depending on how his concerts fall within the trip, he will get to see more of the countries he visits.
But if they dock at a beautiful island somewhere and his concert is the next day, he really will only allow himself a short visit, as for him, the priority is, and always will be, giving the best performance he can.
But, as on this current trip, sometimes he's lucky.
He has performed his last concert and still has a few countries to visit, so will go ashore and make the most of it.

It's hard though. Can you imaging seeing some incredible place, but the very people you would love to share the experience with, are not there.
One memorable trip to Venice resulted in a huge 'phone bill as Robin took in all the beautiful buildings and relayed the scenes to me on the other end of the 'phone.

As the wife of a musician you have to accept that they will be away from home, and sometimes for quite long periods.
So often you hear of musicians relationships failing because of these separations.
But I knew about Robin's travelling when we married, and have accepted it as part of our way of life.
Luckily, I have always been the sort of person that has plenty of things to do, and keep myself very busy. In fact, when Robin is away my work load obviously increases, so I often find I have too little time to achieve all I need!

That doesn't mean it's easy, you just learn how to cope with it.
It is hard at times and particularly for the children.
They miss him very much, but are also accepting of the situation and, for them, it's normal.
We have all learnt to make the most of the times when Robin is home, and in some ways, are all happier for it.
Musicians have to play, not just to earn a living, but also because it is a basic need.
Without his music he wouldn't be the man I married, simple as that.

The Wife of a Musician - Part 1- The Music

The Queen Victoria, and consequently Robin, are somewhere between the Florida Straits and the Caribbean Sea, so I guess he'll be needing his suncream.

So I'm going to take this opportunity to look at an area that has been brought to my attention a lot over the years.
People generally seem to have a fascination with music and therefore musicians.
It's one of the reasons I started this blog in the first pace.
So often, when at concerts, I have been asked about, not just the music, but, how it works being a musician. The practical issues of performing and travelling, and generally being involved in a life that many people wish to do, but few make it.

I'm not quite sure where this fascination comes from.
Maybe it's what appears to be a glamorous lifestyle, up there on stage, travelling extensively, which is a basic requirement of most musicians.
But it isn't all glamour.
Years of solitary practice have to be done before you even attempt to make a name for yourself.
The music industry, like many others, is a cut throat business. It's hugely competitive, highly unpredictable, and therefore only suited to those who couldn't perceive of doing anything else.
They are simply driven by the music.

Even though I am unable to travel as much with Robin as I used to, I still get asked about his life, usually via e mail, and from all parts of the world.

It appears that I have inadvertently created a band of followers, trying to read between the lines, as to what it's really like to be a musician, or, closely associated with one.

Obviously I don't have all the answers, and can't really judge anyone else or their relationship, but I do have 16 years of marriage to a musician to fall back on.

Peoples' perceptions of life with a musician can be very different.
Sometimes I hear, "It must be so incredible being surrounded by music all the time,"
whilst others will say, "Doesn't it drive you mad hearing the guitar all day long?"

The fact is that life with a musician is many things, too much to deal with in one blog, so, I'll do it in stages.

Part 1, is all about, 'The Music'.

You have to understand the musician, and their music, from the beginning.
The fact that I have also had a life long interest in music, and particularly the guitar, has certainly helped.
If you are considering a relationship with someone, and you can't stand the instrument they play, then I'm afraid it's doomed to failure.
Musicians need to practice and they do it a lot.
Robin, when home, will do anything between 4 and 6 hours of physical practice a day, every day, be it a birthday, Christmas or family holiday. Although he will do a reduced amount on such occasions. (The only day I've known him do no practice, other than when ill or travelling, was our wedding day!)
Much of that will be technical exercises, scales and arpeggios, and the rest playing pieces and learning new repertoire.

I don't actually 'hear' a lot of that these days.
It's going on in the background, and subconsciously I know where Robin is up to in his routine, but I don't generally consciously acknowledge the sounds I'm hearing.
I am after all getting on with my own work.
But, when Robin is running through his repertoire, or preparing for a concert, I hear every note and constantly tell myself how lucky I am to be listening to such incredible music.

I'm frequently called in to hear a particular musical phrase and asked which sound I like the most. "Does this fingering, or, that fingering sound better?"
"I like this interpretation what do you think?"
But I take all this as an honour.
I respect Robin's musical knowledge and expertise. For him to ask my opinion is high praise indeed.
No matter that I may have been making the tea, bathing the children, feeding the dogs etc. at the time...

For me, to hear Robin in concert, or receive feedback after a concert, is when I feel privileged to have been a part of the whole process.
I know the amount of time, effort, thought and practice, that has gone into every single note that is played in public.
Nothing is ever performed until it has gone through an extensive period of rehearsal and interpretation.

This takes time though.
That is where all the hours of practice come in.
Of course whilst this is under way, life goes on around the music.
Every day things need to be dealt with.
Calls made, agents to deal with, tours to plan and pack for, and a million other household jobs.
The wife of a musician quickly discovers that everyday issues are best dealt with yourself.
It's not that Robin doesn't want to do these things, and he does help out in many ways, but there's no point in even asking until he is taking a break, or, has finished for the day.
To maintain such a level of skill requires one to be completely focused.
But, when home, his working day is more flexible than most peoples, and it is very refreshing to have someone to collect from school or nip to the shops.

Anyone considering a relationship with a musician has to understand, and love, the music.
Right from the start you need to realise that they will never change.
Music is their life.
But remember, that must have been one of the things that attracted you to them in the first place, so why on earth would you want to change them anyway?