Many will know that I enjoy highlighting the work of living composers, particularly educational composers – and especially music written by women. Today, I welcome back Canadian composer Wendy Edwards Beardall-Norton. Wendy, who is married to composer Christopher Norton, who has so generously written numerous posts for this blog, is currently published by several publishers,…
Tag: Educational Piano Music
International Women’s Week: Composing For Schott Music
Every year during March we celebrate the lives and work of women. Is this important? Yes, it is. Women in the workforce is still a relatively recent phenomenon, however, I feel that we finally have a platform from which to build meaningful and fulfilling careers. As you may have sensed if you are a regular…
The London Youth Piano Competition 2022
Competitions have always been a popular fixture in music. Whether you agree with them or not, contests have taken place since the beginning of time, and it’s often the case that the ‘best’ person doesn’t necessarily win; music, being so subjective, is open to many interpretations and, often, beyond technical issues, it’s all a matter…
My work as a composer: Wendy Edwards Beardall-Norton
My guest writer this week is Canadian composer and teacher Wendy Edwards Beardall-Norton. Wendy has taught the piano for over 40 years and, more recently, she has been writing music for it. In this article she describes her journey towards composition, and how she became a published composer. You can also enjoy her music by…
A String of Pearls
It’s always a happy experience when one’s work is published, irrespective of the publication or publisher. But this new volume (pictured above) is a really exciting one for me. In 2017, pianists and teachers Alla Levit and Antonina Lax invited me to write a piano duet for one of their forthcoming UK tours. Alla, who…
Snapchats Duets & Trios
Snapchats was originally a collection of short piano duets which was published a few years ago. This volume has now been republished and updated, with the inclusion of extra duets and some trios too; it’s most definitely bigger and better than ever! Snapchats are intended for students from late beginner standard to approximately Grade 3…
No Words Necessary: 12 Piano Pieces
No Words Necessary marks my debut as a Schott Music composer and it consists of a selection of twelve piano pieces for intermediate level, or for students of approximately Grades 3 – 7 standard of the ABRSM, Trinity College London, or London College of Music exams. I wrote the pieces earlier this year during my…
A Canadian Playlist: Maggie Morrison
My guest writer is Canadian pianist, teacher, adjudicator and musicologist Maggie Morrison. Maggie is studying for her doctorate at the University of Toronto. She is researching the piano music of Canadian composer David L. McIntyre. I asked her what qualities pervade David’s music and what drew her to study the music of contemporary Canadian composers….
Indian Raags for piano: John Pitts
My guest writer today is composer John Pitts. John has recently published two volumes of Indian classical raags for the piano. I asked him to shed some light on these books and why they might be of interest to students and teachers. Back in the mid-1990s I spent a year in Pakistan, where my love of…
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…