Dear Reader –
I was out with some friends last night, and we spoke about the crucial moments in our lives where the musical spark was lit, where things just clicked, where the real connection began. It was amazing to hear the different ways and the different ages at which it happened for each of us. If you’re looking to find or indeed re-discover this feeling for yourself, please read on.
*All hyperlinks in bold.
The Big Thing
Two big things today - especially if you’re an adult who wants to reconnect with your creative side, improve your musical skills, or meet other like-minded people in a fun and informal way. Read more below.
Term for both courses begins on Sept 20th, so please get in touch ASAP if you’re interested.
kieran@kieranquinn.ie
Where else but Sligo?
A young Italian gentleman recently got in touch to ask if I knew of a piano he could play a couple of times a week over the next few months. He’s studying in Sligo IT for a while and wants to keep up his playing while he’s here.
He was possibly looking for some lessons too and came out last week for the first time to have a chat. After a brief conversation, I asked him if he would play something for me. He was a bit nervous, as he hadn’t played for a few weeks, but then played Debussy’s Arabesque and just blew me away.
He began to pack up and said he hoped to come back next week, but I wanted to hear more. I asked him for something else, and he played Chopin’s Nocturne in Eb, and I immediately asked if he would play again. This time it was Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata. One more beautiful than the next. I then asked if he would like to stay a bit longer, and a smile lit up his face.
He stayed for almost two hours. I went into the other room and got on with my work, accompanied by some of the most beautiful music that this building in Strandhill has ever heard. And while no doubt it helped that he played really nicely, the real joy was in watching and listening to his emotions while reconnecting with his instrument. Some people just aren’t meant to be apart from their music for long.
What’s New?
I have had to delay the release of tickets for last week’s promised upcoming gigs while the good people in the Hawk’s Well Theatre are told the details of what last week’s government announcement means for them. In the meantime keep the dates in your diary - they’re very soon! Teenage Theme Nights Sept 15 and 16. And a very special welcome back show for Theme Night fans on September 18th. Subscribers to this letter will hear any announcement first.
I loved this honest hour-long chat between Roy Keane and Gary Neville. Keane’s intelligence, wit, and general cop-on shine through.
The Long and The Short of It is one of my favourite podcasts at the moment. 15-20 mins, a quick conversation between two intelligent minds, and I’m always left with plenty to think about. Here’s one of my favourite recent episodes.
Finally…
Thankfully, reconnecting with the music in your life doesn’t require the emotional turmoil that reconnecting with people can bring!
Till next time - Kieran.
