Lydia Ballam

Lydia is a Centre for Performance Science PhD student under the supervision of Dr Tania Lisboa and Professor Aaron Williamon. She is also a London Arts and Humanities Partnership (LAHP) studentship award holder. Lydia’s research investigates the influence of dyslexia on music students’ conservatoire experiences. It considers the possible role the neurodevelopmental difference, in combination with environmental aspects, may have in determining how and why dyslexic students process information in certain ways, respond, and ascribe meaning to potentially attached experiences. Subsequently, it will explore possible consequential outcomes for these students’ learning, health, wellbeing, and careers.

Lydia’s further research interests are primarily centred around enhancing the welfare of children, adolescents, and young adults, particularly from a psychological perspective, and within the area of music. In 2021, Lydia was awarded her Master's in Performance Science, from the RCM, with distinction. Her thesis focused on Music Performance Anxiety and investigated "In what ways can professional musicians’ experiences of Music Performance Anxiety impact their teaching methods when preparing their students for performance?". 

Before joining the RCM, Lydia completed a BMus(hons) in violin performance, under the tuition of Krysia Osostowicz, at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama (GSMD). Lydia is an enthusiastic teacher and has taught extensively in London for several years: an activity she still maintains. In 2022, Lydia was invited back by the GSMD’s Neurodiversity Network to speak on a Q&A panel for their current neurodiverse students. 

Faculties / departments: Research

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