This weekend marks Remembrance Sunday, and Rememberance Day on Monday. This year marks 99 years since the start of World War I, and as part of the reflections, I always find the last post almost more evocative than the silence – a true reflection of the power of music. If Read more…
This week’s songs are both full of joyful music and cheerful thinking – just what we need when the evenings are suddenly that bit darker. Funiculi, Funicula – Denza [AB(x);LCM(x);TG(x)] This is a bright and happy tune which requires a good measure of confidence to bring off. Time should Read more…
Don’t forget, the clocks “fall” back this weekend, so there’s even more excuses to curl up on the sofa and read some excellent blog posts. Posts on learning Why You May Want to Avoid Watching the News Before an Audition (Bulletproof Musician) – Anything to stay calm, right? Read more…
More songs of love this week, but this time they’re taken from two different cultural backgrounds. One is a traditional Antipodean love song, and the other strongly inspired by Russian musical traditions. Pokarekare Ana – Trad. New Zeland (arr. Sarah Class) [AB(3)] This traditional New Zeland song was made Read more…
If a composer could say what he had to say in words he would not bother trying to say it in music. Gustav Mahler
Exam dates are starting to roll out this week, but never fear, we will be here to support you through. Plus, if you need to chill out after practicing, here’s the pick of this week’s music blogs. Posts on learning Why the Progress You Make in the Practice Room Read more…
Two songs on the “perils of love” this week. Love Quickly is Pall’d – Purcell [AB(4)] This is a good introductory song for students who are beginning to tackle Baroque repertoire. Purcell incorporates quite a few vocal runs which should be practiced slowly at first to ensure Read more…
Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence. Helen Keller
It’s definitely colder up here, and so it’s been winter coat on this week. If it’s chilly where you are, curl up under a blanket and enjoy some of these great posts. Posts on learning Vocalists’ checklist for solving practice room problems (Beyond the Notes) – A really fantastic Read more…