Dear Reader –
It’s that time of the year where you either don’t want the summer to end, or you’re craving the return of some routine…
The Big Thing
Like it or not however, I was in town yesterday and it’s clear that the back-to-school buzz is ON…
So - in response to the many questions I have had over the last few weeks about piano lessons, here are some answers…
Yes - we have availability (although with the start of school approaching lesson slots are being snapped up).
Yes - we have space in both Strandhill and Rathcormac.
Yes - these lessons are for both children and adults.
Yes - you or your child will learn piano through playing songs you know and like.
And yes - if I haven’t answered all your questions you can find out more here (or just email me).
Where else but Sligo?
One more yes to start this section - YES it is our main priority that students enjoy their lessons.
It’s also important to us that students progress and improve, but at the end of the day music is meant to be a hobby, something fun, a positive addition to your life and we do our best to make sure that happens.
One lady who embodies this philosophy is my teaching colleague Annette Hayden (pictured below). Regular readers will have heard of Annette before but today I’d like to relay a story from January’s Theme Night #31.
It was Annette’s first time on stage with us - she was playing one of her other instruments, the piano accordion, on Travelling Soldier. Wednesday night went great, but on Thursday she was actually teaching in Strandhill and was delayed by a student. What’s more, I had moved the song to earlier in the set and in the Theme Night mayhem had forgotten to let her know.
So through no fault of her own, Annette arrived in to the Hawk’s Well just as the song had started. I could see her side-stage with the accordion, debating whether to come on or not. She decided to stay put but rather than express her disappointment at missing her moment on stage, she stood in the wings with a big smile on her face, playing along with the band as if she was on with the rest of us.
And that’s Annette - she just loves her music and is as happy playing for herself or for an audience. What’s more, she has the knack of transferring that love to her students, and so it’s no surprise that she is in huge demand as one of our teachers.
What’s New?
HOW TO LEARN SOMETHING PROPERLY: Since we’re on the subject of learning the piano - here’s a blog I wrote 18 months ago on nailing those hard parts.
SECOND CAPTAINS OUTDOING THEMSELVES: My podcasting friends have recorded some amazing interviews as part of a series for RTE Radio 1 this summer. Check out their chats with iconic American broadcaster Conan O’Brien and Irish playwright Enda Walsh.
ONE EARLY PIANO STUDENT: I told a story online last week about the challenges I faced with one of my first piano students and it got a big reaction. Read it on Facebook or Instagram.
Finally…
One of the most requested songs in piano lessons last year - it will be one of the 60+ songs added to the teaching curriculum this year.
Till next time - Kieran.
