Dear Reader –
I met another Dad at my son’s football training last weekend. His son comes to me for lessons, and he asked me if, for example, I wrote a hit song that set me up financially for life, would I still teach piano? So I decided today’s letter would be about life as a piano teacher.
*All hyperlinks will be in bold.
The Big Thing
The big thing in this regard is that since last month, we are able to teach in-person again. Which if I’m honest, is amazing. It’s so nice to see everyone. Some are at the stage of life where they have shot up since I last saw them before Christmas, others have long stopped growing but possibly need music in their lives more than ever.
And they are keen! A mother of one of my students told me that her daughter recently told her with pride that she was now an ear player, not a sheet music player. And while of course it’s possible to be both, I loved how playing the piano was now becoming part of this girl’s identity.
Then last weekend, another lady who learns online with me posted a video on our community page. She was playing the accompaniment part to Lady Gaga’s Always Remember Us This Way while her 10 yr-old daughter sang it. Introducing music to the home – just brilliant.
I’ll be opening some slots to new students in the month of June. More in the What’s New section below.
Where else but Sligo?
It’s always magic to gig with a former student. This was after a famous session in Furey’s in 2015 and it was great to share it with Jos.
Sligo is full of talented pianists. And while I can’t claim credit for the capabilities of many of the below musicians, it’s always nice to see some former students maintain an interest in music as they get older.
Everyone in the baker’s dozen listed below is working professionally, semi-professionally or currently studying at third level to do so. Check out each person’s playing by clicking on their name. I’m sure it’s not an exhaustive list either so please let me know of any other names that should be here…
Conor Bastible, Graeme Bourke, Niamh Crowley (also featured in vid below), Sarah Crummy, Leonard Dorrian, Rhona Grimes, Annette Hayden, Darragh Houston, Nils Kavanagh, Jos Kelly, Claire Loftus, Gavan Muldoon, Charles O’Connor.
And if you’re in a position to do so, why not book one of them for an outdoor gig this summer? I’m sure we will remember how to play after all these months.
Won’t we?
What’s New?
The last featured song on pianowithkieran.com this season is Elton John’s I Guess That’s Why They Call It The Blues. Learn the melody here, or test your musical ear here.
I have some space to teach new students in the month of June. Send an email to kieran@kieranquinn.ie if you or someone you know is interested. Or if you would like to join our adult learning community, have a look at pianowithkieran.com - there’s a special welcome offer here.
Finally, in non piano-related news, I’d like to wish my In The Lamplight colleague and friend Rory Maitland all the best with the launch of his new venture TemperHound Productions. Visual storytellers like no other.
Speaking of learning piano, here’s one I’ve been working on…
Brad Mehldau (piano) and Chris Thile (mandolin and vocals) covering Bob Dylan’s Don’t Think Twice.
So, to bring it all back - would if I still teach piano if I wrote that hit song?
I wouldn’t think twice.
Till next time everyone - Kieran.
Sent from Sligo.