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Start Here

Start Here

Written by: ABRSM Start Here Podcast
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About this listen

Are you country music curious? Do you want to dip your toe into bhangra or jazz, but just aren’t sure where to start? Let the ‘Start Here’ podcast be your guide…

‘Start Here’ is a brand-new podcast series brought to you by the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM). Hosted by pianist, composer and producer Alexis Ffrench, each week ‘Start Here’ invites you on an entertaining and thought-provoking exploration through different musical genres, with special guests sharing their love and recommendations on where to start your musical journey. Expect unexpected and informative conversation in episodes spanning Grime and Classical to Musical Theatre, and Stadium Pop.


To explore more from ABRSM please visit www.abrsm.org

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ABRSM Start Here Podcast Music
Episodes
  • Season 2 - Episode 10: Blues

    Season 2 - Episode 10: Blues
    May 1 2025
    In the last episode of the season on Start Here, Alexis Ffrench explores the enduring power and raw emotion of Blues music with award-winning harmonica virtuoso and singer Giles Robson. Together, they delve into the genre’s deep-rooted origins, how Blues has evolved differently in the UK and the US, and why it continues to resonate so profoundly with the human experience.

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    28 mins
  • Season 2 - Episode 9: Arena DJ

    Season 2 - Episode 9: Arena DJ
    Apr 23 2025

    In this episode, Alexis Ffrench explores the evolving world of the arena DJ with rising star Manami—a classically trained artist whose high-energy sets and eclectic influences have taken her from Bristol’s underground scene to major UK stages.

    Together, they delve into what it really takes to build a DJ career today, how to develop a unique sound, and the powerful relationship between performer, crowd and space. Manami also reflects on the persistence of outdated views in the industry—especially around gender—and why it’s time for a shift in how we talk about DJing and production.

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    28 mins
  • Season 2 - Episode 8: Opera

    Season 2 - Episode 8: Opera
    Apr 16 2025

    What makes opera so powerful—and why does it still resonate today?


    In this episode of Start Here, Alexis Ffrench is joined by international tenor Freddie De Tommaso, a rising star who’s breathing new life into opera’s timeless tradition. From his chart-topping recordings to his unforgettable last-minute debut at the Royal Opera House, Freddie shares what fuels his love for performance and how the operatic voice can still shake the soul—and society—in the modern day.


    Together, they explore the unique power of the operatic voice, the discipline behind the craft, and opera’s enduring ability to move audiences across generations. This is a conversation about legacy, storytelling, and why opera might just be more relevant now than ever.

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    26 mins
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