Elena, a prospective PhD candidate in Music at Vytautas Magnus University, Kaunas, Lithuania, spent the month of  September on ‘‘Integrating some aesthetics and breathing techniques into children’s piano education: a holistic approach to musical pedagogy’

I would like to express my heartfelt thanks for the opportunity to spend time in London this September. It was an incredibly meaningful and fruitful visit, and I am deeply grateful to the Trust for making it possible.

During my stay, I met with researchers and lecturers from the Performance Science Department at the Royal College of Music, and these meetings have already opened the door to new collaborations and friendships within the field of music and health — an area that feels especially close to my heart. I also received invitations to give a lecture on holistic piano teaching and to perform, as well as lead a workshop, at Tonbridge.

The month was rich in inspiration, ideas, and human connections, and I returned to Vilnius with a renewed sense of direction and motivation for my future work. I truly thank you for this opportunity and for your kind support.

For more information about the other students in the 2025 cohort please see here.