"They practise without being asked"

Dear Reader –

These days, it’s all about prep for Theme Night #30 and the new teaching term. More about the former below, but firstly the latter (thanks Dad for the help with the posters)!

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The Big Thing

In August 2018, I wrote this short blog about one of my star students.

Annette Hayden had been coming to me for lessons for a year at that stage and four years later she still is. Her drive to keep learning and improving is inspirational. And so last January when I was looking for someone to help me with the increased demand for lessons, Annette was the obvious choice.

And she has been just brilliant as a teacher. Her infectious personality and innate musicality are a winning combination and the students love her.

I got this testimonial recently from Sharon and Daithi (whose daughters come to lessons).

“Both girls love going to their piano lessons, it’s one of their favourite things to do! They are always so enthusiastic and excited on their way out to them and always come out buzzing. They love Annette, absolutely love Annette.

They’ve covered so much in such a short space of time and they always come home with something new learned. There’s definitely a passion in them with these lessons compared to other after school activities. Kieran and Annette are amazing with them and have a very personal approach to their teaching. The girls are made to feel very special with the attention they receive.

They’ve definitely gained a strong appreciation for playing the piano. The best thing is that they practise without being asked. We would highly recommend these classes to anyone considering sending their child to music lessons, and the girls would too!”

Annette will be teaching next term on a Monday, Thursday and Friday in Strandhill and there is still some availability. Slots also available in Rathcormac. Email kieran@kieranquinn.ie for details.

Where else but Sligo?

Last week I was out in Niamh Crowley’s house talking musicals (like we do most days at the moment) and she mentioned that the Hawk’s Well have a brand new website. I had a look later (and loved it by the way), but while I was there I checked how the tickets for Theme Night #30 were selling.

And I was amazed. The Friday and Saturday shows are completely sold out, and I’m not exaggerating when I say there are only a handful of tickets left for Thursday.

So I firstly wanted to thank you - beloved letter readers - for this incredible support, and secondly thought it would only be fair to give those of you who don’t yet have tickets fair warning of the situation. I’d imagine by the time next week’s letter comes out the shows will be sold out.

So - you can find the last few tickets here - and make sure to check out the entire website while you’re online.

What’s New?

1. BACK IN THE STRAND: My first gig in The Strand for a while - really looking forward to a blast this Friday 19th with Seamie O’Dowd and Gerry Grennan.

2. MAKE IT STICK: The best book on teaching/learning I have read in a while. Order it from your local bookshop.

3. RORY’S STORIES: Rory O’Connor, aka Rory’s Stories is a comedian from Co. Meath. He is embarking on a nationwide tour soon and it was lovely to be asked to be his special guest here in Sligo on Sept 17. According to the man himself he hopes for an honest conversation and possibly a tune or two. Tickets available here.

Finally…

I asked Mum and Dad last night if there was anything they would like to hear in the upcoming musicals Theme Night. Hadn’t heard this one for a while - but it has been in my head ever since!

Till next time - Kieran.

Is this the year?

Dear Reader –

It’s time to get ready for the new teaching term. I have had loads of inspiration over the summer, and I’m excited that it’s time to put these ideas into practice.

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The Big Thing

Next month will be the 18th September in which I will look forward to a new year of piano lessons starting.

A lot has changed in that time, but my core teaching philosophy hasn’t.

In 2005 all I knew was that I wanted to teach the piano in the way the guitar was taught. Enable people to work out melodies, play the chords to the songs they liked, and further down the line maybe figure out those licks or solos that would make them stand out. Make it fun, make it relevant, make it exciting.

Since then I have refined these aims into a structured curriculum with a workbook and online videos. There are 8 levels, designed to take students from the beginning to the stage of being so versatile in their playing that they can be independent of any teacher or sheet music. We don’t skimp on the basics either. The programme comes with the following…

• Notes, chord charts and videos for 100+ songs.

• Ear training puzzles and challenges.

• Group workshops and end-of-term concerts.

• Scale and chord technique exercises.

It works. Some former students are now working as professional musicians, others have gone on to further study, and many more I won’t hear about until I meet them on the street and they tell me they are happily playing away for themselves and perhaps their families at home.

I am lucky to have three brilliant ladies - Annette, Scarlett and Niamh - working with me to deliver this programme to students. And this September we will have after-school slots available in both Strandhill and Rathcormac, as well as group adult classes.

More details to come. Please get in touch if you or someone you know may be interested. Maybe this is the year you decide to get back into it!

kieran@kieranquinn.ie

Where else but Sligo?

One of my senior students at the moment is Orla Devlin, who has also taken part in our Teenage Theme Nights for the last two years.

As well as playing piano, she sings and wrote a great song for our Young Songwriters Showcase last April. She was also part of the Sligo Minor team which won a Connacht Championship earlier this year. I’m sure she does lots of other great stuff too of which I’m not aware but you get the impression - she is a talented and hard-working young lady. What’s even better is that she has her head screwed on and is a credit to her parents.

She was at the Gaeltacht this summer and - well - had a slightly different experience to what you might imagine. Her Mum sent me this amazing video - Orla is the lead vocalist. Well done to all involved.

What’s New?

1. SUMMERFEST REVIEW: When I walked into the Stephen St. Event Centre (as it’s now called), Rovers were 5-0 down and the few supporters who had stayed around were braving another downpour. The situation didn’t look too promising, but after a late penalty, two great support acts, the arrival of some blue skies and a big influx of music lovers we were ready to rock. Thanks to all who made the magic happen last Thursday - it’s always a highlight of my year.

2. SUMMERFEST HIGHLIGHTS: First on the list has to be the return of Georgie Gorman. The welcome that you guys in the crowd gave him before and after the song was incredible, and I know it meant a lot to him. It was so nice to see him back on stage. A shoutout too to Sinéad Conway, who showed her versatility by performing duets with 5 (yes 5!) different singers.

3. SUMMERFEST TALENT: Congrats to Paddy Keyes and Callum Wall (both pictured below) who performed their own music on the main stage during the Sligo Summer Festival last weekend. Also to Joy Feehily and her band, Ryan Scanlon, Whatever Suits, Paro, and the other current and ex-Teenage Theme Nighters who rocked the town over the few nights.

Finally…

Two weeks in a row in this slot for Gillian, but given yesterday’s sad news about Olivia Newton-John, I had to share her beautiful vocal on Hopelessly Devoted to You - from the very first Hawk’s Well Teenage Theme Night back in 2017.

Till next time - Kieran.

Endings...

Dear Reader –

They can be good or bad, joyous or heartbreaking. Everything has to end though. And it’s the thread that ties today’s letter together.

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The Big Thing

But first - we have just 2 days to go until this week’s big gig! On Thursday evening we’re live from Stephen St Car Park for a bumper 6 hours of entertainment. Brought to you by Sligo Summer Festival.

• Our biggest SummerFest line-up yet. Full 14-piece Theme Night Band.

• An entertaining and uplifting set of Summer Anthems brought to you by the likes of Seamie O’Dowd, Sandy Kelly, Tabby Callaghan, Sinéad Conway, and Jamie Callaghan.

• Special guests Joe Shannon and Georgie Gorman!

• New music from Tabby Callaghan, Paddy Keyes and Callum Wall.

• Sligo Rovers game shown live on the big screen from 6pm.

• Support acts exclusively from past and present Teenage Theme Night participants.

All times confirmed below.

Where else but Sligo?

We had a most special evening last week.

Two years on from meeting my Cultural Companion Máire Dufficy for the first time, we were finally able to complete the project. Last Wednesday in Máire’s house her friends and family gathered and we shared food, wine and music, including a performance of the song I wrote inspired by the wonderful chats I had with Máire after the first lockdown in 2020.

Pictured also below (left) is Maeve McGowan from the Hawk’s Well Theatre, who co-ordinated the project and brought much joy and fun to many artists and cocooners at a time when there wasn’t much else happening.

I wrote this in September 2020, soon after meeting Máire. Almost two years on and we still get on the best, proof that good things can come out of difficult times.

What’s New?

1. HELP NEEDED: Mentioned in last week’s letter, I watched A Year Til Sunday again over the weekend. Can anyone tell me the name or composer of the piano piece that rounds off the documentary (1:11:36)?

2. BLOG REVISITED: Another blog from days gone by today - on goodbyes…

3. SLIGO ROVERS: We were lucky to be in the Showgrounds last Thursday for an historic evening. That feeling when Mata’s goal went in at the end of the game - Pure joy! Continued success to this well-run Sligo institution.

Finally…

Getting us all in the mood for a set of Summer Anthems this Thursday, this is from our Summer and Sunshine Theme Night two years ago - courtesy of Naoise, Jayne and Gillian from Corcra.

Till next time - Kieran.

From one festival to another...

Dear Reader –

Sligo Jazz delivered again last week. A magic few days in the company of Eddie Lee, Therese and all the crew.

In the midst of it all I managed to get up to the National Concert Hall on Friday night to do some Theme Night research. Acclaimed Irish pianist/arranger/composer (and former Sligo Jazz faculty member) Brian Byrne had put together a programme of songs from Broadway for the National Symphony Orchestra and a big band.

And who were the featured soloists in this 100-strong line-up of top class musicians? Ryan Quigley (trumpet) and Paul Booth (tenor sax) - who had been teaching and playing in Sligo all week but had been given the day off to do this gig. A sign of the standard of musicians that are attracted to Sligo by what Eddie has built.

**All hyperlinks in bold.

The Big Thing

The focus now switches firmly to our Sligo Summer Festival Gig next week.

Thursday August 4th will see us bring our biggest line-up yet to the Stephen St Event Centre for a night of Summer Anthems.

Among those performing on the night will be Sinéad Conway, Jamie Callaghan, Sandy Kelly, Tabby Callaghan, Seamie O’Dowd, Aileen Concannon and many more. Backed by our Theme Night Band, complete with string and horn sections, we can’t wait to get back on this stage and rock the town.

I’m also delighted to announce that for the first time ever the support acts will be entirely made up of current and past Teenage Theme Night participants. More than 20 young musicians will get the experience of playing on this amazing stage so be sure to get in early and hear what they have in store for you.

And…we have more special guests to be announced this week - keep an eye on my social media for details.

Where else but Sligo?

We’re backstage in the Hawk’s Well on Saturday night. Waiting to play on the Sligo Jazz tutors gig. I’m in the middle of a conversation between Mike Nielsen (Ireland, guitar) and Pete Churchill (UK, voice) about solfa. You know – do-re-mi and all that.

Pete had done some work on melody with the students during the week and had used these syllables (in place of dots on a stave) in order to let the students know what notes he wanted them to sing.

After a while the conversation came around to the other five notes – the ones that aren’t in the major scale (these can be best visualised as the black notes on the piano in the scale of C) – and what to call them. Pete had learned in Hungary and Mike in the US and they couldn’t agree on (moving downwards for example) whether it was Do-Ti-Ta-La-Si-So or Do-Ti-Le-La-Se-So etc.

After a few minutes of this conversation (now dominated by nonsense syllables), a voice piped up from outside the green room – ‘It’s like the outtakes from the Sound of Music in there!’

What’s New?

1. SLIGO LIVE: The gang behind this festival have been announcing some brilliant acts for this October - all details here.

2. A YEAR ‘TIL SUNDAY: It wasn’t to be Galway’s day last Sunday, but this one-of-a-kind documentary of happier times for the county in 1998 is well worth a watch.

3. YOUR LIFE SUMMED UP: This chart is fascinating. It details how on average, time spent with our family peaks at below 15 years of age. Time spent with our friends peaks at 18, with our coworkers at 30, with our children peaks at 40. Finally time spent with our partner peaks at 70, and time spent alone peaks at the end of our life.

Finally…

A fun look at the many activities and events that took place last week at Sligo Jazz 2022. Well done all!

Till next time - Kieran.

Time for throw-in...

Dear Reader –

I was lucky enough to attend the All-Ireland Hurling Final on Sunday. And you can only marvel at what Limerick have built. It was inspirational to watch.

As Ronan O’Gara tweeted about another victorious coach of an Irish team this weekend - ‘evident that Andy Farrell has created a special environment that shows everyone in their best light’. I love that.

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The Big Thing

Eddie Lee and his wife Therese have built something special too. Their latest production - Sligo Jazz 2022 starts today, and I can’t wait to get lost in it.

The festival is back to in-person for the first time since 2019 and there is so much to look forward to.

The line-up is different every year, but one thing is constant - it’s always a magical week.

There are the lessons you learn (musical and otherwise) from just being in the company of the visiting world-class musicians. The pride and joy in showing these people your hometown. Watching the younger students having the time of their lives. And dashing around town trying to catch the sublime musical moments that could be happening anywhere at any minute of the day.

This year is extra-special as two former students and Teenage Theme Night graduates will be on the Youth Academy teaching faculty with me. Conor Bastible and Nils Kavanagh (pictured below) are both currently attending jazz colleges in the UK and I can’t wait to see what I learn from them this week too.

Full report next week…but for now - let’s go!

Where else but Sligo?

Back in 2002 I was a student in Dublin. I was out one night in a pub in Ranelagh with some friends. It was the usual story, we had cobbled together a few quid and were trying to make it last as long as we could in the search for craic.

But we had run out. It was time to go home. Or was it? I still remember the feeling of what happened next.

An older man I knew from Sligo approached me. He had been a regular customer in the cafe in which I worked in Sligo for the previous summer. He was in Dublin for the night and by pure chance we had ended up in the same pub. We had a nice chat, then he handed me €20 to buy myself a drink or two.

I want back to my friends like I had won the Lotto. Pure joy. We could extend our night by one more drink. We toasted this man and I’m not sure if any pint since has tasted as good as this one.

Now I’m probably the age of the man who bought us the drink that night. I’m no longer a student and realistically can go out and drink as many pints as I like on a night and it won’t break the bank.

But they’re not quite as tasty.

What’s New?

1. UNCOMFORTABLE, NOT IMPOSSIBLE: Last week I heard the story of a young athlete who was asked how he manages to train in the summer heat (in a climate much warmer than ours). His answer? It’s uncomfortable, but not impossible.

2. SLIGO SUMMER FESTIVAL: Just over two weeks to go until our big outdoor gig on August 4th. More details coming in next week’s letter.

3. SELF-PROMOTION: Many of us struggle with this idea. This short podcast helped me think about it in a different way.

Finally…

Another great Sligo Jazz performance from previous years. Bassist Federico Malaman (returning this year) and Joe Dart (Vulfpeck) with drummer Nicholas Viccaro from 2018.

Till next time - Kieran.

Up Our Side!

Dear Reader –

We spotted three Galway GAA fans on the pitch in the AVIVA stadium last Saturday. They had just crossed the city from Croke Park where they had watched their team qualify for an All-Ireland final for the first time in over 20 years. Now they were letting loose to the Sugababes set and Westlife were still to come. Does life get any better, I wondered?

More Westlife and All-Ireland semi-final action in today’s letter…

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The Big Thing

But first…later today I’m looking forward to calling into Seán and Eamon in Tiger Print to lay out the 3rd Edition of my piano tuition book.

It’s an 8-Level step-by-step approach to playing the piano by ear - suitable for children and adults who want to learn to play the piano in this way.

Every year I learn more about what students want and need from this book, and so this year it will include a greater choice of songs, bite-size ear training puzzles, my latest attempt to make scales interesting (!) and for the first time - practice tips.

I will be taking on new students of all ages this September - more details to follow here and on my social media later in the month.

Where else but Sligo?

So - we saw Westlife last Saturday in the AVIVA stadium in Dublin, and what a night it was.

The lads leave nothing to chance, and invest hugely in the production of all elements of their show.

They seem to be constantly working at their set too, and produced at least two new medleys, and a great fresh arrangement of World of Our Own, complete with segue into Beyonce’s Crazy in Love.

They were obviously thrilled to be back out performing live. They were so grateful to their fans for giving them the opportunity to do what they love, and they marvelled several times about the now 23-year journey they have been on together.

And it was impossible not to get swept up in the whole thing. Local businessman and fan of all things Sligo Eamonn Cunningham was sitting behind me and as the night reached its climax he turned to me, clenched his fist and uttered the famous Sligo words ‘Up Our Side’!

We may not have a team in the All-Ireland Final (this year anyway) but in ways this was the same. Part of the joy of the night was the music and the show, but undeniably part of it too was cheering on three local lads who have conquered the pop music world yet managed to keep their feet on the ground.

I have shared this blog before - but it’s so good - on bands who stay together. There’s a magic about it.

What’s New?

1. KIAN EGAN INTERVIEW: Not new but certainly worth a listen. From late last year - Kian joined us on In The Lamplight and spoke honestly about the early days of the band, how they plan these massive stadium shows and why he chose to settle in Sligo.

2. KERRY v DUBLIN: My friends at Second Captains produced this evocative video of that free-kick which won the game for Kerry last Sunday. Watch here via Twitter. Also available on their Facebook and Instagram pages.

3. SLIGO JAZZ 2022: Starts this day next week! Browse or download the programme here.

Finally…

One of my Sligo Jazz favourites from years gone by - Liane Carroll and Meilana Gillard from 2018.

Till next time - Kieran.

Golden Time

Dear Reader –

I’m back on Irish soil and ready for the summer!

Some exciting announcements in this week’s letter, but first one more holiday snap for you all (probably for me actually as I look out onto grey skies)!

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The Big Thing

One more holiday story too…please indulge me.

Just before we left to come home I had an amazing couple of hours.

I had read a book called The Talent Code by Daniel Coyle a good few years ago. It was one of the first books that drove home the message of how the right type of work and practice can trump talent any day. A parent of one of my students gave it to me at our end-of-year concert a few weeks ago – she thought I might like it.

Anyway I brought it on holidays in case the mood took me, which it didn’t, until 3pm on our last day. We were due to check out at 5 and I was out for a walk when for some reason the thought entered my head that it might be a good time to have a look at this book before we left for home.

And boom! Two amazing hours flicking through the book and dozens of ideas about how to be a better teacher flying back from it into my head and onto a (now) well-protected sheet of paper. I think I could feel my mind was ready to go, which is why something in my unconscious told me to read this book.

I call it golden time - when the mind has rested, been coiled up for a while, and all of a sudden bursts into action again.

So the new teaching term is now sorted ideas-wise anyway – I look forward to working on them over the next few months, and to telling you all about what’s going to be happening.

Where else but Sligo?

It’s the year of the comeback. “For the first time in three years, X is back”.

And it’s great to see it.

The latest to announce is the Sligo Summer Festival. And we were thrilled to be asked back to our usual Thursday night slot.

We have a huge band, a brilliant line-up of singers, and a full set of Summer Anthems coming your way. Also featuring supporting acts exclusively drawn from Teenage Theme Night graduates. More details in the coming weeks.

What’s New?

1. THEME NIGHT #30 (MUSICALS): I had a look this morning and there aren’t many tickets left for these shows. Thankyou to you all for the huge response to the announcement. And if you’re on the fence it might be time to make your mind up! Details here.

2. JUST LIKE A MOVIE: Current TY and Teenage Theme Nighter Pro Murray released his first single recently. It’s the song he performed at our Young Songwriter’s Showcase earlier this year. It’s called Just Like a Movie and it’s great! Listen here.

3. MEASURING FESTIVAL CROWDS: I heard of a great hack this morning. When event organisers are measuring crowds, they look for waists, shoulders and heads. They have measured the space and know if they can see people’s waists that the size of the crowd is X. If they can see shoulders it’s bigger and if all they can see if heads then it’s packed.

Finally…

So what size crowd is it when all you can see is arms?! This is an iconic performance of a great song. Thanks Micky Downs for playing it this morning!

Till next time - Kieran.

Holidays (Part 2)

Dear Reader –

The gears are grinding slowly to a halt as we get into the second week of our holidays. Nevertheless I tried my best to crank the cogs to find some bits and pieces in which you might be interested this week…

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The Big Thing

Holidays in our 20s used to leave us in need of another. That’s almost the point of them at that age.

Whereas now if you don’t come back in better shape than when you left it feels like you have wasted your money. Holidays are for switching off, and I must say we have managed that well this time. Bar a couple of times work has crept into my mind…

There’s an AquaFit class at the nearby pool some mornings. There are two instructors who stand on the edge of the pool and demonstrate what to do. One has great rhythm but spends his time looking at the other instructor and cracking jokes with him. The other has terrible rhythm but spends his time focusing on the audience and makes sure they are having a good time. And as a result he’s the one everyone looks at. Now obviously you can’t have terrible rhythm and get away with it as any sort of a serious musician. But you certainly can’t ignore the audience either.

Which unfortunately is what a local band we saw did one of the evenings. They had written some nice songs and had some imaginative covers in their set but they weren’t hitting home with the crowd. We eventually figured out why. Their jokes were aimed at each other and any chat with the crowd was limited to a quick thankyou after each song.

As Cathy Jordan told us on In The Lamplight once - if you’re having a party, you have to make sure the audience know they are invited.

Where else but Sligo?

I won’t lie - the reports of heavy rain and matches getting called off in Sligo did make us feel a little more smug as we enjoyed the light ocean breeze taking the edge off the Mediterranean heat over the last few days.

Because no matter how good a time you’re having on holidays, if the weather is amazing at home it can take away from it. “The one week of good weather we get all year and it had to be the week we went away!”

Comparisons are often key to our happiness. The €50 we paid for a family dinner last night delights us when we compare it to Irish prices, but when we find out our friends got the same dinner down the road for €40 we’re left feeling less happy.

Why else would people choose the imaginary job that pays €30k the first year, then €40k then €50k ahead of the one that pays €60k, then €50k then €40k? The second job pays €150k overall compared to €120k, but the year-on-year comparison of wages is unfavourable, hence people go for the job with the increasing wages.

Stumbling on Happiness by Daniel Gilbert has been one of my holiday reads - and it was fantastic. As Gilbert says himself, ‘My book isn’t meant to make people happy. It is meant to make them smart about happiness by telling them what science has discovered. I’m not in the business of telling people what’s right. I’m in the business of helping them see what’s true and then letting them decide for themselves what to do about it”.

Thanks to Brian and the gang in Liber for getting this book in just before we left. I would highly recommend it.

And no offence to you dear readers, but for my last few days I’m going to do my best to forget all about Sligo and enjoy where I am free of any comparison!

What’s New?

I’m sorry, but there is absolutely nothing new to report this week!

Finally…

There’s always a holiday song…and this Bruno Mars number has featured strongly this time. Great bass line!

Till next time - Kieran.