Caithness Music-Monster

22/09/2026

Just in case you need this as a reminder today, Music Monsters!
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All part of the wider learning delivered through music...no dramas...

21/09/2026

Merry Monday, Music Monsters!

It's the first day of Autumn and it certainly feels like it here at Stempster! Jess has assured me her stay will not last into lesson times, but she loves nothing more than a warm fire...
(Except for food - she loves food more than anything!)

I'm looking forward to a fantastic week of music!
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15/09/2026

Good morning, Music Monsters!

Somehow, we have got round to the time of year when I have to post weather warnings! 2026 is racing by!

Please be super careful if you are heading out for an in-person lesson today. The top road is flooded at Lythmore in both directions, and the flagstones in the yard here are very slippery. Remember to assume all puddles are potholes!

Happy Music Making!
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09/09/2026

Break a leg, everyone!

Wishing good luck to all the players of this production - onstage and backstage - especially Music Monsters Frankie, Lilly, and Emma!
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07/09/2026

Good morning, Music Monsters!

I just wanted to let you know that this weekend we lost Orlando. I know he's been around for as long as many of you have been having lessons, but to me he was always a puppy. He supported us through our summer schools, our Music Monster choir events, and was often to be heard in the distance during lessons too(!) He was a very musical pup who would sit at my feet when I played the piano (not always easy when trying to use the pedals!), and he was the greatest fan of Reggae music I've ever known.

Thank you all for sharing your music with him over the past 13 years.
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25/08/2026

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We are looking forward to starting a wee run of sessions at Thurso Youth Club. If you are in S1 - S6 then please come along and get involved, we'd love to see you there.

17/08/2026

Happy August, Music Monsters!

Lessons start back on *Wednesday* this week, and I'm excited to discover what new musical adventures this term has in store! I hope you have all had a wonderful holiday full of sunshine and fun 🌞
The next break is the October holiday, which begins on 10th October, although I will not be teaching on Friday 28th August. Otherwise, all lessons are as normal for this term :)

After the great success of last year's music festival, the summer holiday started with a pair of fantastic results for Victoria who passed her Piano Grade 3 exam and also achieved a Merit in her Grade 5 Singing for Musical Theatre!
🥳 Congratulations, Victoria! 🥳

Lastly, in a totally unanticipated move, we now have a resident puppy! Meet Scruff. He's a 10-week-old Border Terrier, who has come to live with us here at Stempster. Unfortunately, poor Scruff can't explore the great outdoors for the next 5 weeks until his vaccines are all done, but we're keen to socialise him as much as possible. If you'd like to meet Scruff, please let me know before your lesson so I can make sure he's around! Please be aware, though, that puppies are loopy, like to chew, and believe that all shoelaces are theirs by right!

Let the Music Making begin!
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01/07/2026

Happy Holidays, Music Monsters!

Thank you for another wonderful year of music-making. It's seen a shift to digital exams; a host of successes across all ages in the Caithness Music Festival; and some fantastic performances for Nat5 and Higher (don't spend all summer stressing about these results - the exam are done, enjoy the sunshine instead!).
But best of all, it has been another year of young musicians growing in confidence and ability, and I am so proud of you all!

Lessons are back to normal from Wednesday 19th August.

Have a wonderful summer, full of fun and sunshine!
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23/06/2026

Yesterday, this very special person died.
It's not an exaggeration to say that, were it not for this lady, there would not be any Music Monster. Auntie Pam (not actually my auntie, but a friend of my parents) was my singing teacher over a twelve-year period and many of the things I teach you all were techniques she taught me. She was an exceptional singer, a brilliant teacher, and a lovely person.
It's so nice to know that Auntie Pam's musical legacy is secure in each one of you wonderful musicians.
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15/06/2026

Hello Music Monsters!

I hope you have all had a lovely weekend and are ready for a final few weeks of music making before the summer holidays! There are no lessons today, but we're back to normal tomorrow until 1st July.

Remember that the Post-Festival concert is on tonight with a number of class winners in both drama and music taking part - including a few Music Monsters! It starts at 7pm in the Assembly Rooms.

See you there!
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