I'm hiring!

Dear Reader –

Anyone out there looking for a job?!

The Big Thing

Well isn’t this exciting - it’s only taken 18 years (!) - but I’m looking to hire someone to help with my various Theme Night activities (and a few other bits). More here.

Where else but Sligo?

We welcomed four new members to our teaching team last Sunday evening in Strandhill.
Annette, Niamh, Scarlett, Shauna and I tried to pass on any wisdom we had gathered from previous experience - and there was great excitement and energy in the room as we discussed ideas and generally got ready for the new term.

Bridget by day is a music and religion teacher and has recently moved to Sligo from Belmullet in Co. Mayo. She has previous piano teaching experience and also plays regularly at weddings and other events.

Luke is a primary school teacher here in Sligo and joins Annette and Scarlett in the ranks of former students who have graduated to the teaching ranks. A gentleman to his toes.

Paddy is a Teenage Theme Night graduate - and also now a graduate with a music degree from BIMM. He has also had considerable success as a solo artist on the music scene in Dublin and beyond. Check out his music here.

And Sorcha - well I’m biased here (!) but all I’ll say is that her family and friends call her the Pied Piper because of how amazing she is with children.

It all kicks off next week!

What’s New?

1. SEAMIE WHIZZ ON THE PODCAST: What a great Instagram handle! Seamie Somers - the double Warriors Run champion - joined us on In The Lamplight this week. Rory also reveals his plans to beat me in next year’s race! Listen here or wherever you get your podcasts.

2. THE WORLD’S LARGEST PIPE ORGAN… plays Bohemian Rhapsody! Well not without the help of ace American organist Joshua Stafford. Watch here.

3. THEME NIGHT VISUAL DIRECTOR: Rory Maitland has made a career for himself as a visual storyteller. And in October he’s going to help us tell the story of the Power of Love as the visual director of Theme Night #32. Rory is a great friend of mine and it’s already been great fun working with him on this. I can’t wait for you all to see the fruits of his work next month.

Finally…

Lots of new beginnings this week…so time for something optimistic and uplifting. This is a great version!

Till next time - Kieran.

The girl in the floral dress

Dear Reader –

Today’s title sounds like a Stieg Larsson thriller, but no…the heartbreak stories are coming in…keep them coming - thank you!

The Big Thing

Some teaching numbers for you first today…

81 - new songs recorded last Sunday by Kris Manulak and I. Up on pianowithkieran.com soon.

13 - days to the official start of term.

5 - editions of my Learning the Piano By Ear workbook now printed - thanks Sean in Tiger Print!

4 - students from one particular family signed up for lessons. A new record - thanks guys. No fights over the piano at home please!

3 - slots left in our Strandhill timetable.

Where else but Sligo?

It was going to be the best day of his life.

Young Joe had been secretly writing letters to a mystery female penpal for a number of weeks now, and today was the day he was to meet her.

“Meet me at the Culleens Carnival”, she wrote. “I’ll be wearing a floral dress - find me and say hello”.

And just as he thought the day couldn’t get any better, he spotted her. She was drop-dead gorgeous. Feeling nervous, he tried to think instead of the many letters they had exchanged and the connection they already seemed to have, despite never having met.

But that was about to change. Summoning up the courage, our hero approached the young lady. '“Hi - I’m Joe. Nice to meet you at last”.

But her response was not what he had been hoping for. “Sorry - who are you?”

Simultaneously he spotted his friends in the background unable to contain their laughter, and in that moment he knew he had been the victim of an elaborate prank. Torn between keeping a brave face and the heartbreak he was feeling inside, he walked away and never saw this beautiful lady again.

But decades later, he told that story live on air on Ocean FM last week! So thank you to Joe Shannon for providing this perfect example of what we need for our upcoming Theme Night - a heartbreak story about which (hopefully) you can laugh many years later!

Two free Theme Night tickets and hear the Theme Night band respond live to your story if your story is chosen. Email kieran@kieranquinn.ie, or if you would prefer not to give your name, write it down on this online form, or send me a voice note (087-2390710).

And thanks to Theme Night regulars Georgie and Joe for having me live on their popular radio show last week - more power to ye lads.

What’s New?

1. BALLYSHANNON THEME NIGHT: I’m looking for performers! We are bringing Theme Night #32 to Ballyshannon and surely between us all we can find some great Donegal singers and musicians to join the Sligo crew we’re bringing to The Abbey Arts Centre on Oct 21.
   Send on your suggestions please…

2. THE BEST PART: For any musicians - read this. Thanks to Sinéad, Mike, Joe, Georgie, Gerry and Seamie for helping summon these feelings over the last few days.

3. MUSIC CLUB RETURN: The new Music Club season is nearly here. Read all about it here and please get in touch if you’d like to join last year’s crew and get involved…

Finally…

One of the 81 from last Sunday…

Till next time - Kieran.

The Heartbreak Bucket

Dear Reader –

I hope you don’t mind my rather personal request in today’s letter!

The Big Thing

Only 5 weeks to go until Theme Night #32 and as a back-to-school treat for all you dear letter readers, you’re the first to know that a small number of tickets for each night have just been released.

Snap them up here.

Where else but Sligo?

There can’t be love without heartbreak, and we plan on exploring both sides of the coin in October’s Theme Night #32. But I need your help…

Now heartbreak can be a raw and personal affair, but part of healing is sharing (!) and together as a Theme Night band and audience we are going to heal some lucky people in a few short weeks time.

That’s right - I’m looking for your heartbreak stories.
I’ll pick one from the heartbreak bucket on each night of the show and our band will react musically to the ups and downs as it is read out. We will also respond with a song chosen on-the-spot afterwards to cheer you all up. So if you’re ready for your story to get this special Theme Night treatment, here’s how to get involved.

Send me in your heartbreak stories. By email or on this form if you don’t want me to know who you are. One way or the other I promise anonymity and confidentiality should you so wish. I’m not looking for your deepest and darkest secrets, just a story on which you can look back and laugh now. Something with a bit of humour in it perhaps, or any stories with a musical connection would also be very welcome.
Feel free to change names and other details as necessary.

2 free tickets for Theme Night #33 next Feb for the 4 authors whose stories get read out (although if I don’t know who you are I can’t give you this prize)!

Thanks! Kieran.

What’s New?

1. WAYNE O’CONNOR: One of my favourite local artists is opening a new solo exhibition in the Hyde Bridge Gallery this Saturday 2nd Sept at 4pm.
   If you can’t make it on that day, it runs until Sept 30th.

2. BREE’S NEXT MONDAY: When it comes to recommending touring acts, Cathy Jordan has never let me down! So I was excited when she told me of Caleb and Reeb - an American country act coming to Bree’s next Monday night (Sept 4th). She assures me they are the real deal - hope to see you there.

3. NEW TERM STARTING: I’m very lucky to share a fantastic premises in Strandhill with friends and colleagues Luke Saunders and Vanessa Byrne. We have had a new room built over the summer, and we’re all looking forward to the start of term - Vanessa still has some spaces in her speech and drama classes (email dramaramasligo@gmail.com) and I’m down to the last few piano lesson slots in Strandhill…

Finally…

A modern yet classic heartbreak song!

Till next time - Kieran.

Waiting in the Wings...

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?

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

The return of the slow set!

Dear Reader –

Don’t tell me we don’t deal with the important issues in this letter…

The Big Thing

Theme Night #32 preparation starts in earnest this week.

The “shitty first draft” of the setlist has been discarded in favour of something a bit more coherent, the many ideas that have been floating around for months are being whittled down to a select few, and the ever delicate singer to song matching process has begun.

One man who has confirmed he will be with us for at least a few nights during the run (and is already in training!) is pictured below - read on to find out more about the unique part he will play…

Where else but Sligo?

How could you present a show titled The Power of Love without at least a mention of the institution which was at the heart of so many love stories over the years - the slow set?!

Apparently they’re not a thing any more, but readers of a certain age will remember all too well that the success of a night out will often have been defined by what came to pass in those crucial few minutes when the DJ decided to ‘slow things down for a while’.

And so today dear reader, with just over 7 weeks to go until the first show, I’m asking for your help.

Because with the help of ‘The Love Doctor’ himself - DJ Scruffy Duffy - in Theme Night #32 we will be paying tribute to this iconic feature of life in Ireland for many years.

We’re putting together a short nostalgic medley which will be brought to life by Scruffy and the band - and I would love to hear from you today with the names of the songs that just cannot be left out!

What’s New?

1. THE MOST REQUESTED SONG IN PIANO LESSONS LAST YEAR: 15 secs of it here. We are currently enrolling for this September - 60 new songs currently being added to the curriculum.

2. STUDIO DAYS: Was out with Luke Devaney yesterday doing some recording - and once again - he is so good! If you’re looking to record some music do yourself a favour and check out The Blue Room Recording Studio.

3. MORE MATTERS OF THE HEART: It’s been a big few months for my long-time friend and colleague - Ken ‘Tonto’ McDonald. He told us all about it on this month’s episode of In The Lamplight.

Finally…

A staple of the slow set in the late ‘80s - go on - ask her for a dance!

Till next time - Kieran.

Last year's BIG lesson...

Dear Reader –

It’s August - which means the calm before the September storm…

The Big Thing

My website just got a spring (summer) clean - and it’s a bit like updating your CV - one of these moments when you realise that there has been quite a bit happening over the last few years!

Please go check it out - there are loads of sparkling new pics and videos, and all the up-to-date information you need on all the various bits and pieces I get up to.

It is such an exciting few months ahead - with Theme Night #32 in Sligo and Ballyshannon, a brand-new Teenage Theme Night programme, and loads of new plans for the upcoming piano teaching term.

All the info you need is right here…

Where else but Sligo?

My teaching team and I learned lots from all the piano lessons we taught last year, but there was one lesson that stood out above the rest.

And that is…that the biggest factor in determining whether a child practises the piano or not is….wait for it…the song they’re learning at the time. If they like it they practise, if they don’t…well then that’s where the fights can start!

My colleagues and I are always clear that we are happy to write out any song that a student wishes to learn, to a level that suits them. However, it’s easier for students to have all those songs laid out in one place, and so this year, instead of having 10 song choices in each of our eight levels, we will have 20.

More choice = more practice = more fun = more improvement.

You can read more about my teaching philosophy here, and if you or anyone you know would like to either take up or get back into the piano this year, we are currently enrolling for September lessons, so please send an email to pianowithkieran@gmail.com today!

What’s New?

1. TEENAGE THEME NIGHT #29 VIDS: Have a look at all the videos from May’s show here.

2. RICK BEATO: Almost 4M people subscribe to his YouTube channel, so that means there are over 8B who don’t! If you’re one of those, here’s just one of Rick Beato’s many fantastic music videos - in this case explaining what makes the 30-second Beatles song ‘The End’ so good.

3. UNIFORMITY AND JUXTAPOSITION: So clever! A quick look at 12 artists who use various mixtures of happiness and sadness to get their message across.

Finally…

Alannah and Annie from May’s Teenage Theme Night #29.
Two fantastic individual voices…but just wait for the sound they create together...

Till next time - Kieran.

Walk Between The Raindrops

Dear Reader –

Sometimes in a summer like this you just do what you can!
It’s the title of a great song too though - see below…

The Big Thing

Our term of summer piano lessons finishes this week. It has been lovely to hear from the new students about how much they have enjoyed the lessons and what they can play on the piano now after only a few weeks.

We’ll be getting to work straight away on the timetable for September.
More to come in the next few weeks, but we do have availability, so if you or someone you know would like to try out our unique way of learning piano, you can find out more here.

Where else but Sligo?

Yet again Sligo Jazz produced the goods in it’s own uplifting way last week. And although it’s always difficult to get to every single gig, I got to a few.

On Tuesday the warmth shown by the Hawk’s Well audience to local pianist Nils Kavanagh was wonderful. As was the joy and sense of fun (and incredible playing) that Nils and his trio brought to the gig.

On Wednesday it was just fantastic to see so many young musicians come together under the umbrella of the Sligo Academy of Music Jazz Orchestra. The quality of the gig made me text Niamh Crowley immediately to ask her when she was free to get stuck into the arrangements for a Big Band Theme Night!

But of course Sligo Jazz is not just about the gigs. The learning experience for all students is just as important and this year especially I got to see behind the scenes how the team try to ensure the best possible experience for every single student.

Finally, my wife asked me if the atmosphere she sensed from Friday’s gig was the same as all jazz gigs? I answered by saying although it’s probably not unique to this festival, I do know that Sligo is at the top of the list for many jazz musicians when it comes to summer schools on which they would like to work. Why? Because of the spirit and atmosphere that goes with it. And that comes right from the top - congrats once again to Eddie, Therese, Mimi and to the green-shirted gang of volunteers.

Click here for a look of what goes on in just one of the festival’s six days…

What’s New?

1. SINÉAD O’CONNOR: There’s one man I always read in sad times like these. Here’s what he wrote last week.

2. STEPHEN ST CULTURAL PLAZA: Usually in August I’d be telling you about the upcoming Summerfest gigs. It’s not going ahead this year due to building works, but it has been great to hear lots of talk around Sligo this week of how amazing the new Stephen St. Cultural Plaza is going to look.

3. MORE CLASSY GAA ACTIVITY: Pic by Piaras Ó Mídheach of Sportsfile from the aftermath of last Sunday’s All-Ireland final.

Finally…

More from The Nightfly after last week’s letter - it might lighten the mood after our somewhat wet July…

Till next time - Kieran.

What we strive for...

Dear Reader –

This week always brings back memories of (possibly!) my favourite gig.

The Big Thing

It’s Sligo Jazz week! The biggest ever apparently in terms of student numbers. Isn’t that brilliant? Nearly 20 years old and still setting records.

And Liane Carroll is back. I was looking back at some old letters from this time of year - and each time the song I featured to show off Sligo Jazz was this one. I can’t wait to hear Liane again, I’m looking forward to meeting all the students, and most of all I’m looking forward to those surprising nuggets of wisdom I always take away from the week.

Sligo pianist and Teenage Theme Night graduate Nils Kavanagh kicks off proceedings tonight - and all you need to know about a great week of music in Sligo is here.

Where else but Sligo?

Someone asked me recently about my favourite ever gig to play. What a question! Surprisingly however, there was one that immediately came to mind.

Sligo Jazz 2018 - Thursday 26 July - almost 5 years to the day. Malcolm Edmonstone’s (pictured below, left) big-band arrangement of Donald Fagen’s The Nightfly. The stage overflowing with world-class musicians. Getting the shout to play piano while Malcolm conducted from the keyboard. Dashing home at 7pm to get an extra 30 mins of practice in before the show. Dashing back to the HWT for 8. Conflicting feelings of ‘don’t mess this up’ and ‘go out and enjoy it’.

Thankfully the second won out. The feeling was like that which I imagine surfers get when aboard a great wave. Just let this keep going. The blanket laid out by the band made it feel like nothing could go wrong. I could play anything and it would sound good. The audience at one with the band. The generosity of others. Feelings of optimism and hope. Anything is possible. What a night.

Thank you Eddie Lee (pictured below, right) for making it happen.

Here’s a taste of what went on that night…

What’s New?

1. JAMES NELSON: Back in Sligo by popular demand. Just James, a piano, stories and songs. Tickets here - incredible value!

2. MOYCULLEN GAA: My son’s U10 team got an almighty shellacking from their Moycullen (Galway) equivalents in Castlebar last weekend. In fairness to the lads they acquitted themselves well and got a lot from it despite this. One of the Moycullen coaches addressed us afterwards and was so impressive - firstly to make the gesture of coming over and secondly with the words he used to pick our lads up. They’re doing something right down there.

3. WHAT WE STRIVE FOR: For the musicians out there…this is the game for which we sign up.

Finally…

Also from Sligo Jazz 2018 - a living breathing example of no. 3 above.
Oh and here’s the recorded version.

Till next time - Kieran.