Taalia Morgan

I love the diversity and sound of the cello

Cellist Taalia Morgan is studying BSc (Hons) Biomedical Sciences at the University of Bath and has been selected as an Arts Scholar for 2018-19. Taalia shares how she came to learn the cello, how her tutor inspired her and the other creative outlets in her life.

What is your background in your chosen art form?

I began playing the cello in fourth grade, as it was obligatory for us to partake in music in some way. I originally wanted to play the bass as I enjoyed its low pitch, but its sheer size made it impossible to handle, so I chose the next best thing. I am glad that I compromised as I love the diversity and sound of the cello. I began playing in my school’s orchestra and taking private lessons to improve. When I moved to the UK, my new school did not have an orchestra. Therefore, I became a part of the town’s local youth orchestra, and even went on tour to Barcelona with them. I am currently a member of ChaOS (the Choral and Orchestral Society) here at Bath, as I could never imagine giving up the cello in the future.

What are you working on ahead of Platform?

I am currently focused on independent rehearsals, going through the piece that my first group and I have chosen. I am also still in the process of looking for suitable piece for my other group, and we are collaborating to put on a structured, well thought-out performance.

If you are collaborating with other students tell us a bit about the process and how it’s going?

I am collaborating with Leo Shi and Theresa Allsopp. Having chosen our piece, we believe that we will be well prepared for our performance. I am also working with Leo Shi and Catrina Pietralla in a second group and we are currently in the early stages of planning.

Do you find any links between your creativity and your course?

I honestly do not find much of a link between my course and my art form. I find that playing the cello is more of an outlet to express my musical interests, as I love all music in general. I take biomedical science because I love the theories and possibilities that come with the field, but I play the cello simply because I love the sound.

What/Who inspires, influences or drives you?

The person who inspired my love for the cello was my private music teacher in America. I see him as a man truly talented on the cello, and I admired his skill. I am honoured that he had such high hopes for me in the future, and seemed to truly see something special in me whenever I played. This gave me the motivation to continue playing, and after several years, I have never lost it.

Do you have any other creative pursuits?

Aside from music, I also have a deep passion for writing, and have done so individually, competitively, and within a club throughout a large majority of my life. Additionally, when I decided to take a film class, I found that I had a natural skill for editing, and wanted to learn more about it.