NEWS & EVENTS
This page includes both forthcoming and past events, as well as recent interviews. It also provides information about publications, compositions, and workshops. You will find details on adjudicating, presentations, reviews, as well as holiday and celebratory posts.
Jackdaws Piano Course 2016
My piano course at Jackdaws Music Education Trust will be held in October this year and bookings open today. This is my second visit to Jackdaws and I’m very much forward to it. Jackdaws has a wonderful history and tradition, and is renowned for its instrumental and vocal courses, education projects, young artists programme, and performances…
So You Want To Play The Piano?
I’ve made a short video linked below, describing my book So You Want To Play The Piano? and why it might be a useful addition to any prospective piano students library. It may also interest parents. It may also be beneficial for those who already play or are self-taught, and could even be a helpful…
Musica Nova Stars of the Albion Competition 2016
The Musica Nova Russian-British Music Academy has been a thriving music education establishment for many years. Situated in London, it was founded by Russian pianist, singer, teacher, composer and educator Evgenia Terentieva, who is also the CEO. Evgenia’s academy offers a broad spectrum of music tuition from instrumental lessons to one day intensive courses, plus…
Peregrine’s Pianos presents a visit to the Schimmel Factory
Peregrine’s Pianos is organising a visit to the Schimmel Factory which will take place on Thursday 21st April 2016. Situated in Grays Inn Road, Central London, Peregrine’s Pianos is the exclusive dealer in London for Schimmel Pianos and also for August Förster instruments. The first visit to the Schimmel Piano Factory in Germany was arranged…
Piano Waves: 5 Piano Pieces
Piano Waves consists of 5 pieces intended for intermediate level, which is around Grade 4-6 of ABRSM, Trinity College, or London College of Music examination board levels. With a hint of minimalism, Piano Waves lie comfortably under the hands for pupils. Inspired by my adventures at sea, when I spent many years giving piano recitals…
The Piano Bench Mag: New Year 2016 Edition
Last year I was featured in a magazine called The Piano Bench Mag, which is an American publication designed for piano teachers and published online by teacher Karen Gibson. The Piano Bench Mag’s 2016 New Year edition highlights all those who appeared over the past 12 months on the front cover, and I was very…
A trip down memory lane
Many thanks to you all for your continued support during 2015. This blog wouldn’t exist without such a readership. I do appreciate those who take the time to read what I write. Whether you’re a regular or someone who pops by occasionally, your presence is valued. This year has been another wonderful adventure. However, 2016…
So You Want To Play The Piano?
My book So You Want To Play The Piano? has been completely revised, hugely expanded, and republished by Alfred Music UK. When I first wrote this book back in the Summer of 2011, I had a fairly clear idea of what I wanted to achieve, which was to help those who had never played the…
A weekend at Jackdaws Music Education Trust
Tucked away down a country lane, just a few miles from Frome in Somerset (in the South West of the UK) is a music centre which has inspired generations of singers and instrumentalists. For many years, Jackdaws Music Education Trust has been providing weekend courses, educational events and performances for appreciative audiences and students. The…
Great Piano Composers of the Classical Era: Pianist Magazine
Pianist Magazine is a great publication for anyone learning to play the piano, and it’s also informative for professionals, too. Brimming with interesting articles, step-by-step lessons from expert teachers, and copious free scores which inhabit the centre of the magazine, not forgetting the CD which adorns the front cover of every issue. Great Piano Composers of the Classical Era proffers articles, information…
Digressions: 5 Piano Pieces
Digressions consists of 5 piano pieces intended for those who are around Grade 4-6 standard (ABRSM, Trinity College London or London College of Music Exams level). The pieces were inspired by minimalism and cinematic music, and lie comfortably under the hands without appearing too simple. Educational piano pieces are, by necessity, succinct and brief, but in my opinion, little pieces are mostly…
The New Steinway Spirio and Daily Telegraph Article
I was pleased to write an article for the Daily Telegraph in which I commented on concert violinist Nicola Benedetti’s recent article which discussed whether children should be made to play an instrument or not. Benedetti is a superb advocate for music education. She works tirelessly for the social music programme Sistema England. I nearly…