PIANO & MUSIC EDUCATION
Devoted to all aspects of music education, this page features music festivals, events, and venues, as well as piano master classes, exam preparation, and competitions.
Transforming El Sistema
Last week, I was invited to attend a very special event for In Harmony England: the screening of a new short film called ‘Transposing El Sistema’. This film focused on the work of El Sistema and how it is now being implemented or ‘transposed’ to Britain. Many people know about the In Harmony Sistema England…
A Life in Music – Ruth Nye and the Arrau Heritage: Book Review
This recently published, fascinating book is a must for piano enthusiasts everywhere. Having met and interviewed concert pianist and celebrated piano teacher, Professor Ruth Nye last year, it was a pleasure reading about her life and her amazing musical relationship with one of the greatest piano virtuosos of the Twentieth Century, Claudio Arrau. A Life…
In Harmony in action
I have blogged on several occasions about the importance of the El Sistema approach to music education. In Harmony provides music tuition and orchestral coaching for children who would not normally be able to take advantage of instrumental lessons. The scheme is becoming so successful that the concept is slowly being introduced in other cities…
Piano-Yoga with GéNIA
I had a wonderful time yesterday absorbing Piano-Yoga. I was invited to attend a retreat held at King’s Place, the urban concert space near King’s Cross station in London, by pianist, composer, teacher and Director of Piano-Yoga, GéNIA. Having never experienced anything like this before, I really didn’t know what to expect, but it’s always fun learning new skills…
6 reasons why selecting a good piano teacher is vital
The piano is a complex instrument to learn because there are so many aspects to think about from the beginning. A good teacher will make or break your experience but unfortunately prospective students don’t often take the time to select a suitable tutor; many seem to sign up for lessons with the first one they…
Grandma Dingley on Kickstarter
Last year I reviewed an interesting recording designed as an educational tool for children, encouraging them to listen to classical music. As I’m sure you know by now, if you regularly read my blog, I’m always keen to highlight a project such as this because, in my opinion, children have relatively few opportunities to absorb…
The Piano Education Project: Vlog 27
Today’s video-blog focuses on note learning and the note patterns on the stave.
The Piano Education Project: Vlog 26
This video-blog deals with what I consider an important topic – music theory.
It’s All About Piano! French Institute Festival
I’m delighted to be part of an exciting piano festival to be held at the French Institute in South Kensington from 22nd – 24th March 2013. The festival is a diverse and wonderfully eclectic mix of recitals, jazz concerts, film screenings, children’s activities, talks, and much more. One interesting feature is the juxtaposition of well-known…
The Piano Education Project: Vlog 25
This video-blog focuses on music festivals.
The Piano Education Project: Vlog 24
Today’s video-blog, which is number 24 in my series, focuses on piano exams.
The Pianoforte in Jane Austen’s world
I’m addicted to Jane Austen. Her wonderful novels formed the basis of the 3000 word course-work essay I completed as part of my English A Level. The serene world she wrote about, so far removed from that which we inhabit today, exudes a refined polite demeanour. Those who are familiar with Austen’s succinct, beautifully understated,…