So another busy term comes to an end during a particularly cold spell in the UK. I continue to find inspiration with both my face-to-face and online lessons and have enjoyed meeting three new pupils this term, two adults and a child. Every student is unique, they are all on different journeys so it is rewarding to help them get to where they want to be, whether that is simply learning the piano for the sheer joy of it, revisiting their piano skills after a break, preparing for exams and competitions or pursuing a musical career. The Winter term always has an extra element of fun, with Christmas solos and duets – my younger students particularly enjoy playing these as a welcome respite from their usual studies!
I received two more Distinctions for ABRSM piano exams this term, one for a video exam, the other for a live exam. The approach for each exam is quite different but the two children in question had prepared well.
I am grateful that I have had several enquiries for piano lessons this term. The prime-time slots of 4pm-7pm are incredibly popular so some have been placed on my waiting list and I have passed a few beginners onto one of my advanced pupils.
I recently accompanied a talented young man on the French Horn. I have accompanied just about every instrument and voice in my little teaching room but never this instrument so that was great!
In November I played for two very different weddings in Frome and Yeovil. The weather for the first was unseasonably mild and sunny for the time of year which meant that the pop music I played for their reception took place on the Terrace! The ceremony for the second wedding was a religious event in a beautiful church, with the autumn sunlight streaming through the windows as I played. Religious weddings seem to be a rarity nowadays, this was the first one I had played for. It was a lovely occasion. I was engaged to play throughout the day, from the guest arrivals to the wedding breakfast so I had to prepare a vast amount of music of varying genres.
I am now in the process of preparing some of my pupils for a new music festival in Somerset which takes place in the new year. Several of them, both children and adults, are keen to have a go! Apart from this, I will be taking on some new pupils, preparing some of my existing students for exams and there is also a winter wedding I have been engaged to play for on a cranky Weber baby grand piano – it can be quite a challenge to make such an instrument sound reasonable but I will do my best! I have also been asked to write a review for the international pianist, Noriko Ogawa next year, for a piano recital she will be giving at Yeovil’s Octagon Theatre.
But for now, I will be enjoying a relaxing two-week Christmas break and an opportunity to recharge my batteries!
Happy Christmas and a Happy New year! ? ?