Piano lessons: Silverton

Thanks to Torvill and Dean, many of us are familiar with the repetitive, hypnotic rhythms in Ravel's Bolero.
This is my favourite photo of Ravel dressed in furs to combat the cold during WW1 when he enlisted with the 13th Artillery Regiment and risked his life driving munitions at night under heavy German bombardment.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m0022ksj
Brilliant programme on Ravel's Piano Concerto for Left Hand featuring Nicholas McCarthy who was born without a right hand and started playing the piano aged 14. He is now a concert pianist and motivational speaker.
Fascinating glimpses into how the conductor, soloist and orchestra rehearsed the piece including the contrabassoon (described as looking like an old fashioned radiator!)

How to Play - Ravel’s Concerto for Left Hand with Nicholas McCarthy and the RPO - BBC Sounds A musician’s-eye view of classical music’s best-loved works

Wow! Saw this at the Picturehouse on Saturday. It is on again on Wednesday 9th Oct. First 20 minutes were hard going; a conversation through not very memorable music. But after that, such top quality performances by singers, actors, orchestra. Amazing set & costume design and a lot of comic moments. If you haven't seen a screening from the New York Met, I really recommend it!
https://www.metopera.org/season/2024-25-season/les-contes-dhoffmann/

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m0023dsb
Just been listening to this which had a segment on women piano composers (minute 13.20 - 26.00 if you're interested).
Lots of listeners got in touch to say that they find playing the piano is therapeutic, calming, good for reducing anxiety and connects them to lost family members. Lots of people started to play as an adult, one lady played from the age of 94 to 98! It's never too late!

Woman's Hour - Women and Prison, Acid Attacks, Women piano composers, Dr Beth Shapiro - BBC Sounds 'For women, prison isn’t working.' The words of Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood.

https://youtu.be/0VqTwnAuHws?feature=shared

Love this! The piano is a percussion instrument!

One Direction - What Makes You Beautiful (5 Piano Guys, 1 piano) - The Piano Guys ► Get our albums here: https://smarturl.it/TPG_ALBUMS► WE'RE ON TOUR! https://smarturl.it/tpgtour► TPG APPAREL: http://smarturl.it/tpgapparel► DOWNLOAD THIS ...

Great opportunity?

Could you be Exeter Cathedral’s Organ Scholar for the academic year 2025/26? We are looking for a talented organist to who wishes to gain experience of the daily duties of a busy cathedral musician. Application deadline: 12 noon on Friday 27 September 2024. Apply now at https://www.exeter-cathedral.org.uk/about-us/vacancies/ Association of English Cathedrals

Just had a lovely introductory session with a beginner. We explored the keyboard, sang some songs, did some clapping and drew treble and bass clefs!

Lovely concert coming up at St David's Church on 19th October!

Hi, I'm Cat and I teach piano, music theory and composition. I have 25 years of experience teaching all ages from beginners to advanced. I tailor my lessons to each individual student including those with special educational needs.
If you are a resident in the Parish of Silverton and 25 years or under, the Richards Trust may be able to help towards the costs of music books and tuition fees.
Application forms are available from the Spar shop, The Lamb Inn and The Silverton Inn. You can also download a form on the Silverton Community Hall website.
Do get in touch if you're interested. I currently have vacancies on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Poppy is glad to be back too!

Some of you will know that I've been teaching piano here since 2003. We've been in Bradninch for a couple of years but it's lovely to be back in Silverton!