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maltatoday | SUNDAY • 22 JUNE 2025 4 ALMANAC My essentials GISÈLE GRIMA 40, pianist and music educator For over 15 years, my work as a musician in educational settings has always brought about wonderful experiences through teaching and coaching students across the age range. I teach in a school, give lectures as part of the Opera Nova Project, and have an exciting singing project for children and youths in the pipeline. I am also married and have two children. 1. Book 2. Film 3. Internet 4. Music 5. Place IF I had to return to my teen- age years, I was very much drawn to the Irish band The Corrs. Their mix of pop and Irish folk made them unique in the 90s and their tunes were catchy and fresh. At home, music is also con- stantly alive either with my- self practising or my little ones exploring the keyboard and jamming with their own percussion instruments. Be- sides that, music also plays in the background—whether it's Disney tunes, showtunes, or Classic FM. IN Europe, Edinburgh re- mains one of my favourite cit- ies to return to. I lived there for three years as a student and it never disappoints with its scenic charm and beauty. There are many places I would like to explore in the future. I would love to travel to Asia, specifically Japan and to dis- cover new and enriching cul- tures through traditions, food, music and architecture. I have just started reading a book called The Kreutzer So- nata and Other Stories' by Leo Tolstoy. It was gifted to me by a dear music colleague whom I collaborated with for a record- ing some years ago. I only came across it on my shelf recently and remain curious to discover how these love stories will un- ravel and what role Beethoven's Kreutzer Sonata plays in it all. RATHER than a film, a miniseries called Ad- olescence is one which stuck out this year. It is thought-provoking and it hits hard at the realities of today's social and online influences among youths. After learning that the dra- ma uses a one-shot format technique, I appreciated the way in which it immerses the audience with credibil- ity and continuous tension. For those who enjoy char- acter-driven and socially relevant dramas, I would recommend it. IN August 2024, I took a bold decision to become less active on social media. I've got no regrets since! I still access the internet of course and frequently vis- it online news platforms more than anything else. In an age of constant connec- tivity, life has become too short to be consumed by doom-scrolling, self-com- parison, or the pressures for validation or approval from others. Compiled by Laura Calleja suggestions by email lcalleja@mediatoday.com 4 5 1 2 3 MaltaToday is supported by Arts Council Malta