tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7611735192619864182011-09-29T01:25:25.358+01:00Hilshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776371732484309537noreply@blogger.comBlogger551100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-761173519261986418.post-24750503432687910992011-04-28T14:39:00.000+01:002011-04-28T14:39:17.069+01:00

The music before the Service will begin with a selection of organ pieces: Fantasia in G (Piéce d’orgue 5) by Johann Sebastian Bach, followed by Veni Creator Spiritus by the Master of The Queen’s Music, Sir Peter Maxwell Davies; Prelude on St. Columba Op. 28 by Sir Charles Villiers Stanford and Sonata for Organ Op. 28 (Allegro maestoso and Allegretto) by Edward Elgar. Following this will be

Hilshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776371732484309537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-761173519261986418.post-56140716910435045362011-04-25T11:31:00.000+01:002011-04-25T11:31:37.337+01:00

Annual meeting at church concluded with the usual request for "more hymns we know".  I do wonder if any analysis has been done on the approximate hours of research any incumbent or volunteer organist would need to conduct, thoroughly to understand which songs would be known to any given congregation?  And how frequently that would need to be updated in order to remain current.  It seems to me

Hilshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776371732484309537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-761173519261986418.post-3693044405077733162011-04-22T10:06:00.000+01:002011-04-22T10:06:19.276+01:00

..and no-one is there to hear it, does it make a sound? * Musing on this question at the meeting point of physics and philosophy, while playing background piano music for an audience as it gathered and settled before a conference meeting.  I had spent some considerable time selecting and rehearsing a programme for this gig.  I wasn't being paid for it.  And while it was a pleasure to get to know

Hilshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776371732484309537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-761173519261986418.post-40866126620463379382010-12-30T15:02:00.000Z2010-12-30T15:02:53.160Z

(It's molto leg of course)

Hilshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776371732484309537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-761173519261986418.post-67198929120440941132010-11-17T12:43:00.000Z2010-11-17T12:43:45.811Z

Just back from an amazing concert from the Royal Philharmonic at Aylesbury's new theatre.  Despite the fact that its interior looks like it is made out of Jenga blocks the acoustic is truly stunning - loads of precision and luminously clear, yet still rich and thrilling.  It must be how a mouse would feel stuck inside a cello!  This would be a truly terrifying acoustic to all but the most

Hilshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776371732484309537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-761173519261986418.post-49046216649258323452010-11-11T23:22:00.000Z2010-11-11T23:22:02.177Z

Tell me what you think of student concerts - take the survery here!

Hilshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776371732484309537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-761173519261986418.post-50728784563180988742010-09-18T12:41:00.000+01:002010-09-18T12:41:18.152+01:00

A musical instrument retail website offering impossible prices on high-end instruments has been uncovered, with suppliers immediately moving in to close it down. The website, vibemusicstore.cc caught the attention of Simon Young of the Vibes Music in Plymouth, initially because of the website’s name, but then caused alarm as the site was offering high-end musical instruments at something like 80

Hilshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776371732484309537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-761173519261986418.post-19282158868858719452010-08-27T08:36:00.000+01:002010-08-27T08:52:26.830+01:00

Alfred Brendel's master call was a late-breaking extra event at the Verbier festival this year. Kit Armstrong played Mozart's sonata in D K586. Brendel described Mozart's late piano sonatas as like the Hancock building in Chicago: it looks really close when you set off walking towards it but seems to get further and further away.This young pianist has already a formidable technique and his

Hilshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776371732484309537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-761173519261986418.post-80845860577565978082010-04-16T19:36:00.000+01:002010-04-16T19:38:26.210+01:00

CHILDREN’S CONCERTTRAVELLING BY TUBA — THE SEQUELChris Cranham (tuba)Stewart Death (piano)Chris Cranham (Tuba) and Stewart Death (Piano) are a unique duo performing stunning, innovative programmes – “Travelling by Tuba are experts who really get their enjoyment of music across” (The Times). With a vast array of Wind and Brass instruments they owe their success not only to their virtuosic

Hilshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776371732484309537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-761173519261986418.post-63810400943959847292010-04-16T19:34:00.000+01:002010-04-16T19:36:05.359+01:00

surveyTWENTY-EIGHT pounds per hour is the mid-point of the range of fees charged by private music teachers, according to research commissioned by the Incorporated Society of Musicians.Almost 1,100 instrumental and singing teachers reported what they had charged for private lessons in September 2009, making the survey a truly authoritative picture of tuition fees charged by professional musicians

Hilshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776371732484309537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-761173519261986418.post-21624764610653250952010-04-15T09:16:00.000+01:002010-04-15T09:24:13.543+01:00

The Beethoven Study Day - part of the Amersham Festival of Music - was hugely successful. Our lecturer amused, informed and illuminated us with his views on Beethoven's character and music. His research on the unpublished composition fragments - frequently completed by himself from short score in the case of orchestral works, or from a melody line in the case of a piano work -was absolutely

Hilshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776371732484309537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-761173519261986418.post-73463664285965945382010-04-15T09:15:00.000+01:002010-04-15T09:16:42.728+01:00

Well done to the following:Michael who passed at Grade 5Romy who passed at Grade 2Mia who passed at Grade 1

Hilshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776371732484309537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-761173519261986418.post-90306639774830477432010-01-04T14:06:00.000Z2010-01-04T14:08:21.234Z

I am very pleased to report the success of the following students:Francesca achieved a pass at grade 5Arthur achieved a merit at Grade 2Hannah achieved a merit at Grade 1Richard achieved a pass at Grade 1Congratulations to each of you!

Hilshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776371732484309537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-761173519261986418.post-34949492724368578712010-01-04T14:01:00.000Z2010-01-04T14:03:19.119Z

Many of the younger learners really enjoyed kicking off Christmas at the "piano party" on Saturday December 12th. This was a great afternoon of fun, food and drink, offering the youngsters a chance to perform favourite pieces to an appreciative audience of friends and family. After tea, we finished off by singing carols round the piano.

Hilshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776371732484309537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-761173519261986418.post-81677335853071649982010-01-04T14:00:00.000Z2010-01-04T14:01:08.894Z

The adult learners piano party was a great success. All the pianists showed great musicality as well as courage in playing in public in many cases for the first time ever. Well done everyone, it was a lovely evening. Thank you for making it so special!

Hilshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776371732484309537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-761173519261986418.post-77591794072635568952009-10-12T12:29:00.000+01:002009-10-12T12:30:16.989+01:00

Sorry!We have had to cancel the half term special musical workshop “Heroes and Legends” due to other commitments. Instead, why not come to a pre-Christmas “piano party” - on a more informal scale then the larger Summer concert, but also involving fun, food and drink, and playing to an audience of your friends and family.Adult players for pleasure party date: December 5th!Younger learners party

Hilshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776371732484309537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-761173519261986418.post-67755441291499472352009-09-08T14:05:00.000+01:002009-09-08T14:06:29.086+01:00

“England’s best-kept secret festival”I would like to recommend that you check out the programme for the Little Missenden festival this year which has five outstanding and different visiting pianists this year. Most concerts take place in the lovely setting of the church of St John the Baptist, Little Missenden, a small Saxon-cum-Norman building with a fine acoustic.For full listings and to book

Hilshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776371732484309537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-761173519261986418.post-81378522342081264442009-09-08T14:04:00.000+01:002009-09-08T14:05:20.526+01:00

I have produced some web pages to help with the ABRSM Theory tests at Grade 5 and above.These pages are available at http://www.piano4t.co.uk. Follow the links to the aural pages at “Learning to listen” or to the theory pages at “Theory is cool”The theory pages are designed to help you to:x recognise keys and scales,x create harmonisations of melodies,x understand rhythm and metrex access a

Hilshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776371732484309537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-761173519261986418.post-81287965924429219132009-09-08T14:03:00.000+01:002009-09-08T14:04:12.682+01:00

Unfortunately we have had to cancel the ‘Heroes and Legends’ workshop which was planned for the October half term.We hope to run a similar event in the future, but our other commitments would have prevented us from giving this the preparation time it deserved.We apologise for any disappointment.

Hilshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776371732484309537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-761173519261986418.post-8866563922387649292009-08-25T17:04:00.000+01:002009-08-25T17:06:53.678+01:00

Congratulations are due to the following:Cristina B who passed Grade 3 PianoBen M who passed Grade 2 Piano with MeritSophie H who passed Grade 2 Jazz PianoBryony C who passed Grade 1 Piano

Hilshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776371732484309537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-761173519261986418.post-49111315137336475332009-05-21T13:33:00.000+01:002009-05-21T13:48:33.562+01:00

I am doing the walk with the stars event on June 20 in aid of St Francis Hospice. Please do consider sponsoring me for this event by clicking on the badge above or going to the event page here!

Hilshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776371732484309537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-761173519261986418.post-67305166114155132482009-05-05T14:34:00.000+01:002009-05-05T14:36:37.073+01:00

Congratulations to all those who have been successful in piano and theory exams this Spring:Romy, Isobel, Sophie, Lucy and Isabelle

Hilshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776371732484309537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-761173519261986418.post-36206897201631045722009-05-05T14:27:00.001+01:002009-05-05T14:28:57.635+01:00

I hope that as many students as possible will feel able to play at the summer soiree on June 19th 20097.00 pmThe theme will be Time and Space

Hilshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776371732484309537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-761173519261986418.post-85169367041960642522009-05-05T14:25:00.000+01:002009-05-05T14:26:33.801+01:00

MUSICAL EVENTS FOR MAY 2009WYCOMBE ARTS FESTIVAL – Tel: 01494-512000 www.wycombeartsfestival.org.ukFri. 8 May 7.30 p.m. Gypsy Fire Swan Theatre £10 Latin American and European Gypsy Jazz GuitarSat.9 May 1 p.m. Vitae Drummers Free Traditional West African rhythms, songs and dancesSat. 16 May 4 p.m. Noah – a musical for children All Saints H.W. Children to take part in

Hilshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776371732484309537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-761173519261986418.post-27192178554966739892009-05-05T14:24:00.000+01:002009-05-05T14:25:23.053+01:00

The following are warmly recommended:SOUTHBANK CENTRE – Tel: 0871 663 2500 www.southbankcentre.co.ukFri. 8 May 7 p.m. Peter and the Wolf Royal Festival Hall £12-45 Sat. 9 May 11.30 a.m. Philharmonia Family Music Day Queen Elizabeth Hall £9/£5Tour through Europe. Free craft & percussion workshops at 10 and 10.30 am. Concert ticket allows you to book for one workshopSat.16 May 11.30a.m.

Hilshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776371732484309537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-761173519261986418.post-78951549307650678402009-05-05T14:21:00.000+01:002009-05-05T14:23:53.780+01:00

The following are warmly recommended:Sat.23 May 11 .a.m. Giddy Goat Action-packed musical story about facing fears and making friends – 5+Sat.13 June 10.30a.m. Ideal Spaces, Ideal Places – 11-16 yr olds Exploring relationships between art and musicSat.20 June 10:15a.m. The Buzz: Family Workshop for 5+ yr olds Bee stung with amazement: composition workshops,instrument making,

Hilshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776371732484309537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-761173519261986418.post-66158712676103358852009-03-13T22:11:00.000Z2009-03-13T22:16:03.605Z

From melting glaciers to increasingly intense weather patterns, we know that climate change is already impacting life on our planet.On Saturday, March 28, 2009, at 8:30 pm, piano4t will take part in Earth Hour—the world’s largest global climate change event. By simply turning out all non-essential lighting for one hour we will join tens of millions of concerned citizens throughout the world in

Hilshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776371732484309537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-761173519261986418.post-37725316581120490602009-03-11T22:32:00.000Z2009-03-11T22:40:57.432Z

That's it - I have finally had enough of the Mozart effect!I'm afraid I have very little fellow feeling left for those who say that they encourage the study of music because it improves literacy/ spatial reasoning/ memory. One young parent today told me how great it was that my son studied tap dance because it was so good for building numeracy skills. Hmmm, it is always quite difficult to stop

Hilshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776371732484309537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-761173519261986418.post-19465948414231657472009-02-07T16:43:00.000Z2009-02-07T16:49:07.342Z

How fortunate to have a day off school. Try to add an extra 20 minutes to your practice time every day. Here are some ideas:- if you are learning a new scale, try to improvise in that key for three minutes- play a duet or accompany a sibling or friend who sings or plays another instrument - ensemble playing is a great way to develop sight reading and a good sense of rhythm- photocopy a piece

Hilshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776371732484309537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-761173519261986418.post-12529888071785621292009-01-20T23:24:00.000Z2009-01-20T23:27:32.254Z

The purpose of these pages is to:provide teaching and learning resources for piano technique and musical literacyprovide links to websites concerned with music teaching and learningpresent research on specific areas of interest, including distributed learningHere on the blog you can keep up to date with upcoming concerts, special student achievements and awards, and other news.

Hilshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776371732484309537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-761173519261986418.post-11146951367547647792009-01-20T23:15:00.001Z2009-01-20T23:16:37.078Z

As you prepare for Grade exams I recommend you use the hofnotes on-line training pages to practise for the aural tests. Do let me know if you would like access to these.But there are new elements to listening tests at higher grades. You need to be able to discuss with the examiner features such as the texture, form, style, and period of a piece of music.I have produced some web pages to help with

Hilshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776371732484309537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-761173519261986418.post-44763110895746987042009-01-20T23:13:00.000Z2009-01-20T23:14:36.078Z

Not to be missed:Sun. 8 Feb. from 10 a.m.LSO Discovery Family Day:Dance, from tangos to waltzes, ballet to tarantellas. Don’t forget your dancing shoes! For 7-12 year olds.There are different workshops and activities so it is definitely worth making a day of it!Family workshops10am -12.30 £5Musical activities1.30 pmFree if attending concertConcert2.30 pm£7 adults/£4 children

Hilshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776371732484309537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-761173519261986418.post-10840782791202249712009-01-20T23:12:00.000Z2009-01-20T23:13:34.153Z

Sat. 31 Jan. 11 a.m.Percussion- exploring amazing sound world from African rhythms to an explosive work for nine drums. Sat. 7 Feb. 2.30 p.m.Secret genie of the violin - unlocking the mysteries of this most beautiful of instruments: virtuosity, soulful songs and gypsy dances in a programme featuring Mozart, Saint-Saëns and Ridout.Sat. 28 Feb. 10.30a.m.Haydn Seek – painting pictures with

Hilshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776371732484309537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-761173519261986418.post-83726232034537266092009-01-20T23:11:00.000Z2009-01-20T23:12:17.788Z

Trinity Guildhall and the Associated Board have each produced a new piano syllabus for 2009.At group lessons to kick off the new term I played a few of the new exam pieces you may be learning in the next few months. But to hear more of the pieces on the new lists, visit www.abrsmpublishing.dloadshop.com/ You can download three MP3 tracks (one from each list) pretty cheaply. It is really worth

Hilshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776371732484309537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-761173519261986418.post-53629977101320502792008-12-16T14:35:00.000Z2008-12-16T14:36:29.284Z

Thank you all for another lovely term. You have all made great progress, despite all the traditional wheezes and sneezes of the season and the disruption caused by my spell of jury service. Very many congratulations to all involved in the Christmas concert! Thanks to all the pianists, parent helpers - and of course the “choir”- we had a truly ‘lovely evening’, with great music, good food and a

Hilshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776371732484309537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-761173519261986418.post-52677154714131590162008-12-16T14:31:00.000Z2008-12-16T14:34:23.987Z

Many congratulations go to:Mia who achieved a strong pass in her Initial exam,Arthur who gained a strong pass at Grade one,and to Jacob who achieved a very high merit in his Grade 5 theory.Well done all of you!

Hilshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776371732484309537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-761173519261986418.post-1503650277525908082008-05-06T13:42:00.000+01:002008-05-06T13:43:18.966+01:00

Special congratulations for achievement in exams go to:Jacob : Grade 3 Theory with meritSophie : Grade 1 Piano and Grade 2 Theory with MeritRebecca : Grade 5 Theory with Merit

Hilshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776371732484309537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-761173519261986418.post-79781604869750125892008-05-06T13:41:00.000+01:002008-05-06T13:42:31.968+01:00

The Easter “Dance through time” workshop was a great success. After loosening up with some piano pilates, ten young piano students got to know each other with rhythm games.We then started to learn an early dance, Susato’s Pavane, on piano, keyboards, pitched percussion, and guitar. Some people enjoyed learning without the dots—by ear—while others preferred having the printed music to play from.

Hilshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776371732484309537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-761173519261986418.post-57276027367032377222008-05-06T13:39:00.000+01:002008-05-06T13:40:12.084+01:00

LSO Discovery Family concertSun 18 May2.30—3.20 pmBarbican The latest in the LSO Discovery series at the Barbican offers the chance to leap into a world of intriguing characters and happy endings.On May 18th, Gareth Malone presents and Pavel Kotla conducts a variety of music including Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite, Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet and Mussorgsky’s Night on a Bare Mountain.Family

Hilshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776371732484309537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-761173519261986418.post-50037934280961202632008-05-06T13:38:00.000+01:002008-05-06T13:39:07.164+01:00

Recital classesAlready thinking about getting ready for the concert in June? Or perhaps you are hoping to perform with your school and want some tips on dealing with nerves, or how to introduce your performance in an interesting way?If so, book into one of the recital classes in the May half term. No need to have a piece ‘finished’ - this is a relaxed, friendly way to get used to playing

Hilshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776371732484309537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-761173519261986418.post-43975763627613809552008-05-06T13:33:00.002+01:002008-05-06T13:38:12.236+01:00

Anyone can compose music!Musical picturesStart with a simple idea for a title. Contrasts are good, so how about: “Asleep? Awake!” or “Hippo and snake”. Use all the musical opposites you can think of: loud and soft, fast and slow, high and low, legato and staccato. To start with just improvise. Don’t remember if you cannot remember all your ideas, or repeat the performance exactly, but do

Hilshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776371732484309537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-761173519261986418.post-20095977596016774212008-05-06T13:33:00.001+01:002008-05-06T13:33:48.504+01:00

June 4th at 7.30pm.Libor Novacek came to my attention when he stood in for another pianist at a few hours notice at the Little Missenden Festival. Winner of the Landor piano prize in 2005, he plays absolutely beautifully. He has since recorded the Liszt Annees de Pelerinage, an album of French and Czech piano music , and a Brahms CD, all of which have been very highly rated by Gramaphone and

Hilshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776371732484309537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-761173519261986418.post-2567638723227348742008-05-06T13:32:00.000+01:002008-05-06T13:33:19.749+01:00

The ABRSM “Let’s Teach Jazz!” course has been great fun. Some of you have already been “guinea pigs” for a style of teaching that leaves the printed notes behind. Both jazz and classical playing can improve greatly when you simply imitate details of rhythm, articulation and expression that would be really quite complex on the page. At time of going to press I am in the final stages of

Hilshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776371732484309537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-761173519261986418.post-64290916525523650422008-01-09T09:54:00.002Z2008-01-09T09:55:07.699Z

LAST year I prepared for Grade 7 Theory – and passed with Merit in December 2007. I also attended seminars in the supporting tests at Trinity Guildhall, November, 2007 and in the Suzuki Piano method in June 2007. I completed the Bucks County Council training course Safeguarding Children in Education in May 2007 and their Early Years Development training workshop on Including

Hilshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776371732484309537noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-761173519261986418.post-68938142010708650922008-01-09T09:54:00.001Z2008-01-09T09:54:39.370Z

January 25th at 7.30pm.Romain Descharmes, winner of the 2006 Dublin piano competition, performs Schubert's Sonata in A Minor D784, Scriabin’s Sonata Op.70 and Satanic Poem Op.36, Brahms’ Klavierstucke Op.118 and Liszt’s Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2.I’ll be going, so let me know if you would be interested in tickets and/or sharing transport to this event.Tickets £15, £12, £8.

Hilshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776371732484309537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-761173519261986418.post-73771059938996292052008-01-09T09:53:00.003Z2008-01-09T09:53:59.193Z

As you prepare for Grade exams I recommend you use the hofnotes on-line training pages to practise for the aural tests. Do let me know if you would like access to these. But there are new elements to listening tests at higher grades. You need to be able to discuss with the examiner features such as the texture, form, style, and period of a piece of music. I have produced some web pages to help

Hilshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776371732484309537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-761173519261986418.post-7278244795952120842008-01-09T09:53:00.001Z2008-01-09T09:53:28.312Z

I recommend you get to the Royal Festival Hall for one of their family music activities in February.On February 17th, Stuart Stratford conducts and Matthew Sharp presents Mussorgsky’s fabulous “Pictures at an Exhibition.”When his friend the painter and architect Victor Hartmann died aged 39, Mussorgsky reflected some of his works in music, which became Pictures at an Exhibition. Mussorgsky's

Hilshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776371732484309537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-761173519261986418.post-55103840875584178702008-01-09T09:52:00.000Z2008-01-09T09:53:04.570Z

Easter workshop dates for your diaries: April 7th and 8th, at Leathwood. We are planning another pair of piano workshops for beginner and intermediate students to run in the Easter break.As before we will focus on developing your ensemble playing and improvising skills. Watch this space for more details on the theme and activities to come!

Hilshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776371732484309537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-761173519261986418.post-52252153235838387342008-01-09T09:51:00.000Z2008-01-09T09:52:31.973Z

I am often asked this question so thought I would note down some of the main points for and against each choice. There are three main options – a keyboard, a digital piano or an acoustic piano.KeyboardsThese have many good features including demo songs and the ability to add backing tracks and chords. They have large banks of sampled sounds, and you can get creative with multi-track recordings

Hilshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776371732484309537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-761173519261986418.post-44575067770314509402008-01-09T09:49:00.000Z2008-01-09T09:51:11.158Z

Special congratulations for achievement in exams go to:Benjamin T Prep Test PianoCristina B Grade 1 Piano with MeritNicholas T Grade 1 Piano with MeritAnne W Grade 1 PianoAkila S Grade 2 Piano with MeritMichael A Grade 3 Piano, and Grade 3 Theory with MeritRebecca H Grade 2 Composition with Merit, and Grade 4 Piano with MeritIsabelle A Grade 1 Piano with Merit

Hilshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776371732484309537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-761173519261986418.post-29158669091356200872008-01-09T09:48:00.000Z2008-01-09T09:49:49.340Z

We were really proud of all our pupils who performed at the Christmas concert on December 19th, at Amersham Common Village Hall.Preparations on the day went much more smoothly than in the summer, when the hall had been triple booked. On that occasion, some early arrivals had a nasty shock when they walked in to discover a life class going on in the room we had reserved!Chairs were speedily put

Hilshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776371732484309537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-761173519261986418.post-76392280683273064092007-07-20T19:10:00.000+01:002007-07-20T19:14:46.991+01:00

It's that time of year again, tense mornings waiting for the postman, anxious moments on ABRSM's online results pages. So far so good, all merits and passes for my students, but I am still waiting to hear about a couple of candidates. Apparently it has been a truly bumper season for music exams and results are only slowly trickling out past various blockages in the system.This was my first

Hilshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776371732484309537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-761173519261986418.post-14102255927473010582007-03-26T20:25:00.000+01:002007-03-26T20:26:44.222+01:00

100% of pupils passed with merit in exams this session so far!

Hilshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776371732484309537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-761173519261986418.post-11537015541921018412007-03-14T11:58:00.000Z2007-03-14T11:59:09.766Z

Back by - or was that despite? - popular demand….… the next pupils’ concert is provisionally set for the 23rd of June. I cannot be specific about venue as I think we will need to hire a hall – and therefore probably a piano. Unless of course you all want to perform on a jangly village hall dinosaur instrument, or maybe are happy to wheel my Broadwood five or six miles down the road.

Hilshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776371732484309537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-761173519261986418.post-8105743138811628222007-03-14T11:46:00.000Z2007-03-14T11:49:25.369Z

This is a news spot for my piano students - and their parents of course. Keep checking for news of upcoming concerts, special achievements, and holiday courses.

Hilshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776371732484309537noreply@blogger.com0