A Very Happy New Year
2020
Even New Year’s Eve , like many things in our modern times, is a very divisive thing, with many people loathing all the revelry and hype, while others, seeing it as an exciting occasion.
I am very much the later, enjoying the planning ahead for the next year and to put it bluntly; celebrating being alive!
So what is new for 2020?
On the educational side of my work, I am delighted to have rejoined the team at Bird College Music Services, this time as a piano and keyboard teacher! The piano/keyboard as I am finding out, is an excellent instrument to introduce the idea of composition to pupils and I have already gained two new pupils, who are working towards the London College Of Music’s grade two composition exam.
Being a guitar teacher for over twenty years in schools and colleges, has been very rewarding (and lots of fun too!), but I decided it was time for a change and also; a new challenge. Teaching my second study instrument (the piano), has been just the change I needed to reboot my approach to teaching, Many of my pupils are of junior age and come from a range of backgrounds. (It’s also kicking my sight reading into shape, so good changes all around)
Music In Hospitals
In my second job, performing for the charity ‘Music In Hospitals and Care’, I have for several years been working as a ‘Hear’ musician. This means I am one of a small group of musicians who performs in very sensitive areas, These can be ICU’s, Oncology wards and children’s hospitals. This year the charity has secured extra funds for training and I will be for several months of 2020, a mentor to musicians, who are new to performing in these areas.
Composing
The year kicks off for me creatively speaking, on the 22nd of January, where I am performing two hospital recitals in two different London ICU’s, then later; (the same day), premiering my new piece ‘Elergy’, written for the guitarist Martina Boletta, I will be performing it at Trinity Laban Conservatoire, where I am currently an Artist Diploma student.
Other Premiers
‘The solo piano pieces Troll’ and ‘Homage To Beethoven’, are being performed by pianist Jiacheng Zhu, with the later piece being for Trinity conservatoire’s celebration of Beethoven’s 308th birthday! The festival will run from March to May and involve several concerts with music by Beethoven, as well as music inspired by the great composer.
Collaborations
Collaborating is certainly a theme for the coming year….
The photo used in this blog was taken by Photographer Naomi Stanley, who has kindly given permission for it to be used for my next album of original music - While the album itself, will feature musical collaborations; with the flautist Katie Susanova, the pianist Janeeke Britts and the classical guitarist Martina Barlotta, who are all performing new works I have written for them.
Schott Album Launch.
Music from the album will be performed at a special concert at Schott Music in Great Marlbrough Street, London on Saturday, May the 16th. More information will be posted about this soon.
As I sign off and wish you all the best for 2020
Photo credit - Naomi Stanley
