Woman felt ‘something was missing’ until she came to Liverpool

A musician’s life changed when she applied for a university course.

Tabi Gervis, 21, has been an active musician in both the US and the UK, and now lives in Liverpool. Speaking to the ECHO, she said: “I’ve been doing music for a very long time, from the age of six I think.

“I was born and raised in Kentucky. I went to a performing arts school. Then I moved to the UK when I was about 13.” Tabi had family in Lincolnshire, though she felt participating in the arts was “much more celebrated” in the states.

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She also performed on the very first season of music competition The Voice Kids. However, over the years, she struggled to find the genre that was right for her.

Tabi said: “I went down a very pop-orientated route at one point, but I didn't put out any of that - I thought, this isn't how I want to represent myself.”

As the end of her school years approached, the prospect of going to university wasn’t appealing to her. But after discovering a songwriting and performing course at the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts, she changed her mind.

Tabi said: “I never really wanted to go to university. I don't think I could have done it in a regular university because they’re so big. With LIPA I love how the teaching is one to one and how creative it is.”

Tabi believes studying at LIPA and living in Liverpool has made one huge difference to her life. She said: “Throughout it all, there has been something missing.

“That thing has been me not believing in myself. Being at LIPA for the last two years, I have put so much effort into believing myself and telling myself that I am