It was a busy summer term with exam preparation and solo performances at Westlands Arts Centre in April and June. It was lovely to see several of my students there, as well as the familiar faces of guests who had attended on previous occasions. I continually hear that the audiences appreciate the diverse selection of music which I play. Whether classical, pop or jazz, people like to hear things they know (as long as they are played well!). Interestingly, I thought a Joni Mitchell classic and a piece by a Ukrainian composer would go down well but the reaction wasn’t positive because the music was unfamiliar to the audience so I have decided not to include those the next time around!
In July, I attended an event by the great music educator, Paul Harris, in Exeter where he spoke about his teaching methods. No matter how much I think I know, I always take away something by listening to such great musicians.
August brought my customary visit to the Proms at the Royal Albert Hall in London. I have seen most of the great classical artists there over the years but this was a concert of soul music influenced by the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s from the likes of Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye. It was absolutely brilliant and the musicians were first-class.
I received some great exam results for Grades 3, 5 and 7. Two of my students received Distinctions with a very high mark for the Grade 7 student.
Teaching those who have learnt the piano from an app is a challenge. I was recently asked to take on someone who had done just this. Whilst he had done reasonably well, the theoretical knowledge and the technique were decidedly superficial. He also didn’t know how to produce dynamics. The most frustrating thing was that his focus in the lesson was entirely on his iPad which he produced the minute he stepped into my teaching room. Despite my suggestions and my best efforts to find a path forward that didn’t involve staring at a screen perched on my piano but did use hard copies of music for annotations (and also so that I had a copy), an uncomfortable clash between the digital and the real world arose. Digital learning may appear to offer instant results but I believe real-life learning offers something more substantial and genuine. Having patience as well as an open mind are vital if someone wishes to make the switch from digital learning to live lessons.
I am looking forward to the autumn, which is going to be a busy period. I have performances at a wedding fair in September and a wedding at a new venue in November. Then there will be a return visit to Westlands Arts Centre in Yeovil and a Christmas wedding over two days at beautiful Brympton House which are both in December. I will also continue to prepare my students for their Grades 2, 5 and 7.
Happy Autumn! Caroline x