[15:52:54] Adeolu Akinyemi says: Temi, Can you tell me a bit about yourself?
[15:53:23] Adeolu Akinyemi says: Your background and present circumstances?
[16:00:38] Temi says: I am Temi Adedoyin. I reside in London Ontario in Canada where I work as a Project Coordinator for a research study on Mental Health. I am also finishing up my Masters in Public Health at Lakehead University here in Canada. I attended my Primary and Secondary Schools in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria and then moved back to Canada to attend University.
[16:01:39] Temi says: I moved to Canada about 8 years ago and have since completed my first degree, about to finish my second. After my Masters degree, I intend to do further work in the Health field, particularly Health Promotion with a focus on International Health
[16:03:42] Adeolu Akinyemi says: Good, can you give me an idea what your aspirations are?
[16:09:26] Temi says: Firstly, with regards to my career, I am interested in doing some work as Project Coordinator and then moving ahead to being a Project Director of Public Health related projects. To make this world a better place by designing and implementing projects to improve the lives of individuals around the world
[16:11:14] Adeolu Akinyemi says: hmm…sounds interesting what about in other areas of your life, what are your aspirations?
[16:12:39] Temi says: Secondly, I have a passion for music.I have been involved in music one way or another since i was a child and it is a big part of my life. I enjoy listening to and making good music.I have been a member of different singing groups, choirs and have ben a soloist for many years.
[16:13:25] Temi says: I aspire to touch the world with a message of hope and restoration using music as a vehicle.
[16:14:03] Temi says: I have been working on improving my skills and talent musically and have made some major steps towards that in the past couple of years
[16:14:28] Adeolu Akinyemi says: Wow, you really seem passionate and excited about music, just reading your chat, I feel it gives you a connection to your purpose, can you tell me about any achievements in music that you are really proud of?
[16:14:58] Adeolu Akinyemi says: I remember I listened to one of your songs..Touch Me… believe me, I listen to it almost daily, I think it’s powerful!
[16:17:31] Temi says: Thanks… I hope to do more recordings as time goes on. Once school is done I plan to work on an album. One of the achievements i would like to share: I recently “sat” for my Grade 4 Voice exam with the Royal Conservatory of Music based in Toronto, Canada
[16:18:07] Temi says: I passed the exams with a First Class Honors designation.
[16:18:22] Adeolu Akinyemi says: Wow… tell me more.
[16:18:38] Adeolu Akinyemi says: What is this test about and how easy was this feat?
[16:18:49] Temi says: One of the reasons why I picked this achiievement to share with you is because I went out of my comfort zone musically to write this test.
[16:19:24] Adeolu Akinyemi says: Ok?
[16:19:57] Adeolu Akinyemi says: Can you explain that to lay me?:)
[16:21:27] Temi says: All my life, I have been involved in gospel music, choral pieces and all. but the Royal Conservatory of Music’s Practical Examination candidates are tested on the performance of repertoire, studies and technique. Ear training and sight reading requirements help develop and reinforce solid musicianship skills.The test included standard repertoire from the Baroque, Classical, Romantic and 20th-century style periods. Something I wasnt exposed to in the past.
[16:21:41] Temi says: so we are talking classical music
[16:22:55] Temi says: I wasnt really interested in reading music and music theory as i felt it was too challenging
[16:23:24] Temi says: but sometime last year, my vocal instructor asked if i would be interested in taking the RCM exams.
[16:24:07] Temi says: I shyed away from it as I knew I would have to learn to read music, learn music theory and all. However, after some time, I decided to give it a shot.
[16:24:27] Temi says: “You dont know if you can do something till you try”
[16:24:29] Adeolu Akinyemi says: Wow…together with doing your regular job? I’m tripped
[16:25:15] Temi says: It was quite challenging as I had to present 3 songs from a preselected list to the examiner.
[16:25:19] Adeolu Akinyemi says: And I like that line..“You don’t know if you can do something till you try”
[16:26:12] Temi says: These examiners are music gurus, they have their degrees in music and have been recognized in their field.
[16:26:43] Adeolu Akinyemi says: Hmmm…the standards must be pretty high then
[16:26:51] Temi says: I meet with my vocal instructor once a week, so i had limited time to get ready for my exams
[16:27:02] Temi says: Yes, the standards are high.
[16:27:41] Temi says: And i have just begun on this road towards attaining at least a Grade 10 certificate
[16:28:54] Adeolu Akinyemi says: Wow…you are going to 10?
[16:29:06] Temi says: Yes, at least a 10
[16:29:27] Adeolu Akinyemi says: I’m excited and happy for you…with this achievement, what do you percieve that the future holds for you.
[16:29:28] Temi says: I choose to get classical training to add to the foundation i already have in music
[16:30:07] Adeolu Akinyemi says: I hear blending classical with that background is what makes exceptional out of the many musicians we all like, but you tell me.
[16:30:15] Temi says: There are lots of good singers out there who have no training whatsoever. BUT..I decided to do more than the ordinary to get extra ordinary results with the help of God
[16:31:05] Adeolu Akinyemi says: I like that!…the difference between ordinary and extra ordinary is usually that little extra
[16:30:54] Temi says: Mediocre efforts will get you mediocre results
[16:31:26] Temi says: I have heard people say to me,” you already know how to sing, why are you then going for training”
[16:32:04] Temi says: People who are good at what they do often do that little extra.
[16:32:52] Adeolu Akinyemi says: Believe me when I tell you that I feel motivated to put in a little more in my area as well. I feel the fire!
[16:33:33] Temi says: People who represent their countries in the Olympics are constantly training. As a vocalist, if you don’t train, you will lose some of the skills you have. Your range may not stay the same. You have to stretch yourself to become better.
[16:34:51] Temi says: As i prepared for the Grade 4 exam, the issue of being “different”, a Nigerian living in Canada with a Nigerian accent came into play
[16:35:36] Adeolu Akinyemi says: Hmmm..I can feel that
[16:36:16] Temi says: I was told by my teacher that she would register me as a “special student” because of the way I pronounced some words.
[16:36:49] Adeolu Akinyemi says: That’s like an option for an easy way out
[16:37:03] Temi says: I was taken aback by that suggestion and did not react immediately
[16:37:29] Temi says: Oh yeah, the easy way out. And also, the impression that my background can determine my achievements
[16:37:49] Adeolu Akinyemi says: Hmmm…but it sure doesnt. WORD!
[16:38:06] Temi says: I went back home that day and i was furious. I was not going to be considered a special student.
[16:38:40] Adeolu Akinyemi says: Say on! Anger is good when domesticated.
[16:38:41] Temi says: As soon as I met my teacher the next week, I said hello and immediately told her. ” Do not register me as a special student”
[16:39:31] Temi says: I should be able to write this exam without any special considerations. The fact that I do not have a canadian accent cannot disqualify me in passing this exam.
[16:39:53] Temi says: She was shocked and immediately apologized and i guess got rid of that impression.
[16:40:18] Adeolu Akinyemi says: Hmmm…
[16:40:34] Temi says: After my exam, she told me she was impressed at my performance. I wasnt doing it to impress her or anyone else.
[16:40:49] Temi says: I have a goal and I will not let anyone or anything stop me from reaching that goal.
[16:41:53] Temi says: I dont know of many Nigerians around me taking these exams, so I did not have anyone to talk to, to find out their experience with these exams. I just went in there and gave it a shot.
[16:42:47] Adeolu Akinyemi says: That’s great! There are so many things I believe people will be able to learn from this. The best stories cost you something!
[16:43:42] Temi says: Yes, I agree with you.
[16:44:02] Adeolu Akinyemi says: I can see traces of courage, dedication, preparation and faith.
[16:45:08] Temi says: I hope someone out there who has been reluctant to pursue a dream because of the limits people have placed on him/her will break free from that mentality and forge ahead in life. No one can stop you or limit you but YOU.
[16:45:23] Adeolu Akinyemi says: Tell me…this site has quite a lot of traffic, with lots of visitors from 20 countries in africa and more from other parts of the world. If you had an opportunity to make a statement they can remember forever …guess you read my thoughts is that it?
[16:46:05] Temi says: I guess I read them 🙂
[16:46:27] Adeolu Akinyemi says: 🙂
[16:46:29] Temi says: This experience has encouraged me to keep keeping on. There are times when all you have is yourself to encourage you.
[16:47:05] Temi says: The fact that other people dont believe in you or your dreams doesn’t make them invalid. Go beyond your comfort zone, Give it a shot, as I like to say ” you dont know you can till you try”
[16:47:17] Adeolu Akinyemi says: Thanks Temi…I’m sure this will help a lot of people, as it is motivational for me. Word!
[16:47:30] Temi says: Thank you