IMJMusic: Piano, Theory, Accompaniment

20/12/2024

As IMJMusic closes its doors for another year, I'd like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a happy and peaceful Christmas. Special thank you to all who sent cards, presents and good wishes: it really is most kind and appreciated. Next year, IMJMusic celebrates its 25th year milestone. Where has the time gone?!

04/11/2024

I've just added a touch of comfort to our waiting area with a new faux leather suede two-seater sofa! It’s a welcoming spot for students and parents to relax before lessons – hope you enjoy it!

08/10/2024

It's my birthday! 🎂🎈So, if you've a lesson this week, don't forget to help yourself to some birthday cake.

08/03/2023

With snowflakes falling outside the studio window, it seems fitting to share this piano miniature by Debussy.

Composed between 1906-08, and dedicated to his daughter, 'The Snow is Dancing' perfectly evokes the wintry scene and captures the essence of Debussy's skill as an Impressionist, a term he loathed...

"I am trying to do 'something different' — in a way realities — what the imbeciles call 'impressionism' is a term which is as poorly used as possible, particularly by art critics.

In this recording I alternated between the sustain and 4th harmonic pedal. The harmonic pedal was invented by Denis de La Rochefordière.“The Snow is Dancing...

01/03/2021

2020 has been a very challenging year for so many businesses, particularly the arts. However, as we edge further in 2021 with new confidence of a brighter tomorrow, the IMJMusic website has had a much-needed overhaul...

Established for over twenty years. Discover a world of piano music in Swindon with experiened and friendly tutor Ian M J Pickett MA BA LNCM DipLCM FISM. IMJMusic provides professional tuition from first steps to diplomas in performance or teaching.

26/05/2020

Last week, I presented the first in a series of videos showcasing students' work during the lockdown.

This week, the spotlight falls on Jo, an adult student whose heartfelt interpretation of a Scriabin prelude looks so effortless (trust me, this is much harder than it looks!). And such a treat it is to hear this being performed on a stunning Bösendorfer piano.

Sit back and enjoy! Thanks so much for your contribution, Jo

31/03/2020

It's been a challenging week getting things ready for online lessons in light of the lockdown. Although I'm unable to teach from the grand piano in the studio due to technical restraints, my office provides a great alternative.

For those interested in the setup: I'm using a Roland V-Piano (noted for its lifelike piano touch) but running Cantabile Ivory II: an audio engine that faithfully recreates some stunning piano sounds. (The reams of paper, which provide counterbalance, along with rod supporting the we**am are less sophisticated but does the trick, nonetheless!)

I'll liaise with all students during the week to discuss appointments. Keep up the practising in the meantime!

23/03/2020

Given the recent announcement from the PM, it would appear the only way to continue to provide support and encouragement to my loyal and committed students for the next few weeks will be through online lessons. Some of my colleagues have already been delivering lessons in this way and have enjoyed success, so I’ll be using their expertise to guide me.

My plan for the rest of the week is to suspend lessons but with a plan to recommence lessons from Monday 30 March using a video/audio link. I will, of course, be speaking with each of you shortly to discuss the way forward, in hope, that we can find some normality in these challenging and unprecedented times.

As always, I am so grateful for your continued patience, understanding and support. It means a great deal. I know playing the piano bring so much enjoyment to many of my students’ lives and it is my intention to continue to do just that.

With heartfelt thanks,

Ian