Beyond my comfort zone – 9 Days at Army Cadet Music Camp!
A couple of weeks ago, I did something completely out of my comfort zone.
I spent nine days at an Army Cadet Force music camp in Otterburn, undertaking training to become a cadet music instructor – a CFAV (Cadet Force Adult Volunteer… the army do love an acronym 🤣).
And yes, it was every bit as intense as it sounds.
Each day started with reveille at 6:30am after a night in billet with 6 other women (fortunately there were enough beds so that nobody needed to use a top bunk!), and was followed by 12+ hour days packed with activity.
I was in the classroom for much of that time, learning everything from instructional techniques to musical theory, alongside practical sessions on drill and leadership. There was a strong emphasis not just on what we know as musicians, but on how we pass that knowledge on to others.
As part of the course, my playing and musical theory skills were assessed, which if I’m honest was slightly nerve-wracking. The last time I did a theory of music paper was for my Grade 5 exam when I was about 15! And it’s one thing to perform in familiar settings, but quite another to be tested in a completely new environment, surrounded by people you’ve only just met…
It was exhausting.
But it was also so much fun.
Going into the camp, I was genuinely quite nervous. It’s been a long time since I’d put myself in a situation where I was such a beginner again, where I didn’t quite know what to expect, and where I’d be challenged both mentally and physically.
But that’s exactly why it was so good.
There’s something incredibly valuable about stepping into environments that stretch you. It reminds you that growth doesn’t happen when everything feels comfortable and familiar, it happens when you’re just a little bit unsure of yourself, and you choose to show up anyway.
By the end of the week, all the hard work paid off.
I passed my Basic Instructor’s Award (BIA) with flying colours, and to my complete surprise, I was awarded best student!
That moment alone made every early morning and long day worthwhile.
But there were plenty of other highlights too. I had the chance to play with the instructors’ “Oompa band,” and I helped the cadet foundation band prepare for their final parade. Being part of that performance, even in a small way, was incredibly rewarding.
One of the most special aspects of the week was something I hadn’t fully anticipated.
There were a few regular army musicians at the camp to support the training, and one of them was my son.
While the cadets aren’t the army, being there gave me a small glimpse into his world: the structure, the discipline, the camaraderie, and, of course, the music.
Sharing that experience with him, especially through something we both love was genuinely priceless.
Another unexpected bonus was the people.
I met a fantastic group of fellow trainees and CFAVs, and there’s a real sense of community among those involved in the cadet forces. I’m already looking forward to catching up with everyone again in October at the next camp and continuing the journey.
And next time, I’ll be able to get even more involved, working directly with the cadets and (hopefully!) playing a bit more music.
You might be wondering what any of this has to do with voiceover work, but actually, quite a lot of it carries across. Being pushed out of my comfort zone, having my skills assessed, and learning how to communicate clearly under pressure are all directly relevant to what I do behind the microphone. Voiceover isn’t just about having a “nice voice”, it’s about clarity, confidence, adaptability, and the ability to take direction and deliver consistently. This experience also sharpened my ability to teach and explain, which is invaluable when working with clients on scripts for audio guides, exhibitions, or educational content. And perhaps most importantly, it reinforced the importance of discipline and preparation, because whether you’re on a parade ground or in a recording booth, those are the things that make everything run smoothly.
It would have been easy to say no to this opportunity.
To stay in my usual routine. To avoid the early mornings, the unknowns, and the challenge of starting something new.
But I’m so glad I didn’t.
This experience was a powerful reminder that stepping outside your comfort zone doesn’t just build new skills, it builds confidence, resilience, and connection.
And sometimes, it leads to moments you never could have planned.
Comfort zone: well and truly smashed.
When was the last time you left your comfort zone?