June is turning into a really busy month for me!
To start with, I have been recruited as accompanist for some ABRSM examinations - 3 flute, 1 violin and 1 trumpet - as well as preparing 2 of my piano students for their own ABRSM exams. They are doing prep test and grade 2. That means that I have at least 10 pieces to learn, 5 rehearsals to attend, and of course the actual exams. Sounds a lot, and it is a lot, especially as they are all in the space of a week.
As well as exams, I have been asked to play for the Arran High School show, "The Wizard of Oz", which is a very long and intense score. I am playing the synthesizer part, which covers all the instruments of the orchestra, as we don't have strings players or most of the other instruments of the orchestra. Oh, and it is in the same week as the exams!
I have the 3 flute exams on the 19th, then head to Arran for dress rehearsal. The show is on the 20th - 22nd, then I'll come back to the mainland the next day for final lessons with my own exam pupils. On the 25th, my pupils and the violin player have their exams, then the trumpet exam is on the 27th.
And, BREATHE!
It's certainly much better than being bored stiff!
Tuesday, 5 June 2012
Wednesday, 16 May 2012
Let me start with an apology for taking so long to write! There's not been an awful lot to report.
So, all change on the business front, as I'm moving to Arran. I'm already looking for pupils over there and have postcards ready to go into the schools to try and attract as much attention as possible! Fingers crossed I build up a steady group of pupils like I have on the mainland.
Talking of my mainland pupils, they're by no means being abandoned! I'm coming back for 2 days each week to teach in Stewarton and Irvine. Unfortunately this means I've had to raise my prices for people on the mainland, but hopefully it'll all work out and we can continue to enjoy playing together.
As for my own piano playing, I've not been doing an awful lot in terms of learning new material, but this week I have picked up a book I've had for a while and not played and I'm finding it so much fun! It's Christopher Norton's Rock Preludes, which has a CD of backing tracks so it *almost* feels like playing with a band....actually it feels nothing like it but it's fun.
Another thing, our move to Arran means I've had to leave the wedding band :( Shame, I've really enjoyed it, but there's just no way it's possible for me to rehearse with them every week when the last boat home to Arran is 6pm!
That's all for now :)
So, all change on the business front, as I'm moving to Arran. I'm already looking for pupils over there and have postcards ready to go into the schools to try and attract as much attention as possible! Fingers crossed I build up a steady group of pupils like I have on the mainland.
Talking of my mainland pupils, they're by no means being abandoned! I'm coming back for 2 days each week to teach in Stewarton and Irvine. Unfortunately this means I've had to raise my prices for people on the mainland, but hopefully it'll all work out and we can continue to enjoy playing together.
As for my own piano playing, I've not been doing an awful lot in terms of learning new material, but this week I have picked up a book I've had for a while and not played and I'm finding it so much fun! It's Christopher Norton's Rock Preludes, which has a CD of backing tracks so it *almost* feels like playing with a band....actually it feels nothing like it but it's fun.
Another thing, our move to Arran means I've had to leave the wedding band :( Shame, I've really enjoyed it, but there's just no way it's possible for me to rehearse with them every week when the last boat home to Arran is 6pm!
That's all for now :)
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