ALUMNI PROFILE
Tamsin Lancaster
Graduated: 2019
Current Role: Singer / Songwriter
Did you always aspire to be in the job position you currently hold?
When I was studying at CTHS I actually aspired to be an interior designer, studying in my year 11 holidays at Whitehouse Institute of Design. Come year 11 and 12 though, I found more and more interest in becoming a musician.
What have you done since leaving CTHS?
I've had quite a few amazing performance opportunities since graduating, including performing with my squad and Delta Goodrem at the ANZ stadium for Fire Fight Australia, performing on SBS' Biggest Singalong in Gamilaraay with Mitch Tambo and squad, and recording on a few of Delta Goodrem's tracks, such as her 'Solid Gold' single and her Christmas album track 'Only Santa Knows'. I've also been toplining since I was 16 and have since won the 2020 International Songwriting Competition's 'Unpublished' category and the 2021 Unsigned Only 'Screenshot' category for my single 'SOS' .
Describe your average work day....
Covid has impacted my work day quite drastically. Before lockdown I was completing 6-9hrs of singing / songwriting and 5hrs of dance a week, alongside work. During lockdown I've kept myself busy with Twitch live streaming as I no longer have dance due to restrictions and songwriting is limited. I've also started studies at JMC in music production. After restrictions are lifted I'll be going back to 6-9hrs of singing/songwriting, 5hrs of dance a week and my retail assistant job in addition to my new singing tutor job, JMC studies and Twitch live streaming. This is alongside all other music projects I have, including writing for a label in the UK and planning my own releases. I tend to enjoy being busy as it keeps me switched on. I find if I enjoy what I'm doing, no matter how much I have on my plate, I don't get burnt out.
Please share some words of wisdom for today's students...
Try everything that you find interesting. It's so much easier to choose what you want to study if you've reached an arm out and tried anything that intrigues you. Even if you like it but don't want to study it further, you've met some like-minded people who can be great friends for you as you have something in common.
Any shoutouts to a special teacher or subject you think really helped?
To be honest, none of my classes got me into songwriting, It was an external thing that I tried. But I can say that being involved in the school musicals 'Grease' and 'Annie' were great as It really got me to open up and build my confidence. I made a lot of memories there that I won't ever forget.
What were the greatest lessons you learned at CTHS that you have carried with you into your career?
As much as procrastination was a massive part of my highschool life, it really hit me in the face when my HSC major projects rolled around and I couldn't push back the massive load of work without messing with my sleep and health. As much as all nighters were doable, they really messed with me.
What piece of advice do you have for students today given your experience in the working world?
In relation to music, it's hard. You really need to put your all into it. It's the same with every other job though, so make sure you choose something that you enjoy or find ways to motivate yourself by finding something in it that you enjoy. For example, if you're studying, challenge yourself to get to a specific rank. Be very thorough when setting goals, if they are blurry you won't really know when you've achieved them and can become lazy. (Also, it won't feel as good when you do achieve them!) Or if you're having difficulty finding gigs or a job, set yourself a goal for how many jobs/gigs a week you'll apply for or tell yourself you'll set aside 30mins a day for 1 week to study communication techniques and how to pitch yourself to people/companies. If things become too much, split your goals into smaller goals, it'll make things a lot easier.
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