Like many creative people, Elizabeth Petcu is an interesting person whose positive attitude inspires all who come in contact with her. This page features links to two articles and a documentary about the hearing problems which Elizabeth found increasingly challenging as a musician with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra. These articles highlight the value of a ’never give up’ attitude and a good heart. Also featured is an essay that she completed to gain her Masters Degree in Music Therapy.
THE ability to hear plays such a crucial role in making music that it’s almost impossible to imagine how a professional musician feels when they’ve been diagnosed with a condition called otosclerosis, or progressive deafness. “I’m in good company, apparently,” says the flautist Elizabeth Petcu with a wry smile. “Beethoven is thought to have had it as well.” More »
My hearing loss crept up on me very, very softly. I feel it happened over at least 15 years and may even be happening still. I wouldn't really have been aware of it at all until I found myself using the phone on one ear only and then people being surprised when I didn't respond to something spoken. More »
For most people, hearing loss would be hard to cope with, but it's almost impossible to imagine what it would be like for a professional musician. More »
Flautist Elizabeth Petcu and violinist Mircea fell in love on tour 30 years ago, and their noteworthy bond has remained unbroken since. More »
’A Phenomenological Study into the Experiences of a Flute Maker/Player Dyad’ was completed by Elizabeth Petcu in May of 2002 as a final semester essay that she undertook to gain her Masters Degree in Music Therapy from the University of Limerick. More »