06/11/2025
Today we’re remembering Len Smith.
Len was my first piano teacher and laid the foundations of my knowledge and love for the piano. Fast forward 15 years, we met again when I started working back in Tafelmusik - where it all began for me.
Getting to know Len whilst I was an adult was something I never thought would happen. We would chat and we would laugh. He was a very interesting yet private person and his distinct voice is something I’ll never forget.
One of my favourite memories with Len was a few years back…I went into his teaching room to have a natter with him (plus I wanted to have a look at the nice piano in his room). It’s a black Upright Bechstein 🎹 (picture 2).
He told me that it was his and he’d had it for some time … he thought it would be better loved in Tafel - he wasn’t wrong. So I sat there and played in his company … it was a lovely full circle moment and I’ll never forget it.
I was overcome with emotion today as I saw how many people turned up to his funeral, fellow musicians and past pupils, he had an impact on so many peoples lives... I’m so glad I got the chance to know him in my adult years, he truly was the kindest gentleman and a fountain of knowledge. Thank you, Len 🖤🕯️
