October is here. I love October, but then it’s the month in which my birthday falls, so I’m biased! Posts on learning Build Greater Confidence by Approaching Practice Like a Surgeon (Bulletproof Musician) – Why reflective practice is more effective. I’ll admit it… I’ve made a mistake (Teach Read more…
October is here and it’s time for a new Composer of the Month This month, to time with this composer’s birthday, I’ve chosen one of the “one hit wonders” of the musical world. Sometimes it’s easy to forget that many composers who are now only known for one work struggled Read more…
Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time. Thomas A. Edison
Last Friday Favourites of September, and the evenings are definitely drawing in. There’s even signs of a few autumnal leaves around. Oh, and musicians everywhere are in the middle of planning their Christmas concerts! Whether you’re prepping for an exam this term, or looking to festive performances, take a break Read more…
Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent. Victor Hugo
Autumn has definitely set in. I’m wearing gloves and I’ve been putting in exam entries left, right and centre. Theory exams with Trinity, musical theatre with LCM and a piano exam for me with ABRSM. It’s going to be a busy autumn. However, today is Friday, and that makes it Read more…
Happiness and joy are our themes this week, and I’ve selected two intermediate level songs Schubert – Seligkeit (Heavenly Bliss) [AB(4B);LCM(7);TG(5)] This song has quite a long introduction which should be used by the singer to prepare mentally for the mood of the song. The melody here needs Read more…
A semi-palindromic date today – always makes me smile, anyway! As the autumn sets in, there’s plenty of live music popping up around, but if you’re not lucky enough to be out and about tonight, have a read of this lot. One Simple Bit of Tech May Be a Read more…
Welcome to another Friday Favourites! As the evenings show signs of drawing in a little, why not cosy up with your favourite piece of classical music, and check out the best of the blogosphere this week. Musicians, Athletes and Practice (Kids & Keys) – A short but sweet Read more…
Welcome to the very first Composer of the Month. This is a new regular series in which I will explore the vocal music of different composers. As part of Composer of the Month, a free pdf will be available of this month’s composer for you to use with your students. Read more…