RSM People: Alison Moncrieff-Kelly
As a former beneficiary, a Member and a part of the Court of Assistants, cellist Alison Moncrieff-Kelly has first-hand experience of more facets of RSM than most. Here, she explains how she became involved with the Society and how RSM has helped her throughout her career.
When did you first become interested in the cello and what made you choose music as a career?
My parents were both professional musicians – my father was a pianist, my mother a cellist; so, I never really thought about doing anything else. I grew up with a succession of their friends, colleagues and students as part of my life, many of whom are still close to me now. It was an extraordinary and remarkable home life, and I always felt that music was what sent the blood round my body.
How long have you been a Member of RSM and what encouraged you to join?
I have had three moments of crisis when RSM came to my rescue: the first time was in 2006, when I was diagnosed with a tumour in my left-hand index finger. Clearly this was a very bad moment for a cellist. I had never had anything to do with RSM to that point, so it was a wonderful surprise when a letter arrived, with a cheque enclosed, telling me that two members had referred me for help.
I joined the RSM in 2011.
In 2014, I was attacked in the West Indies when I was on holiday, and sexually assaulted. Again, someone kindly referred me for help.
As a Member of the Court of Assistants, how important for you is it to give back to the profession?
Very important: I have been helped immeasurably by RSM, and arguably, they have enabled me to keep afloat when otherwise I would have sunk. I’d like to help in any way that I can.
You suffered a car accident at the end of 2019, which broke your arm in two places. How did that affect your playing and work life?
I was on my way to play in a concert in London in December 2019. I had a car accident – the air bag deployed and smashed my left arm, breaking both the lower arm bones. I had to have two metal plates put into my arm and was unable to use it for two months. I couldn’t drive either, and as I live in a very rural location, this was a complete disaster in terms of not only my playing, but also teaching.
How was RSM able to support your recovery and what was the process of applying like?
RSM provided support so that I was able to get taxis to the station three times a week and was therefore able to keep going with my teaching. I didn’t miss a single teaching day in that very difficult time, entirely because of the help RSM gave me. They also recommended physiotherapists and were extremely supportive at a very difficult time.
Have there been any long-term issues that are still recovering?
So far I’ve been incredibly lucky, and am able to play again. If you could see the X-rays, you would honestly be amazed…these were comminuted breaks, so the surgeons had quite a job putting the jigsaw back together!
What would you say to anyone who needs the sort of support RSM provides?
I would say that without RSM I could never have managed to get through a truly terrible time. They were supportive and constructive at a times when everything seemed extremely black.
It’s easy to think that these things only happen to other people; but I’ve known other people in RSM who have suffered equally terrible experiences, and it is because of this that I feel I’d like to get the word out there: there is help, and there is support. There is also hope, which is almost the most important thing in the equation.
Do you or a fellow music professional you know need support? Contact RSM today on 020 7629 6137 or casework@rsmgb.org