The half-term break offers a chance to relax and reflect on the exciting weeks ahead. Many of my students are preparing for their first performance platform event which takes place in just over two weeks. This gives all my students an opportunity to perform their chosen piece in a relaxed and friendly, informal environment.
Whilst, I no longer sing regularly with the cathedral choir myself, directing two local community choirs in Chester is a tremendous creative choral opportunity.
Chester Songsmiths are preparing to sing for the switch-on of the Christmas lights in Hoole as well as a Christmas Fair event at Chester Racecourse next month.
Caldy Valley Voices are preparing an evening of festive music and poetry which will take place at Caldy Valley Church, Chester on Friday 11th December starting at 7.30pm. The full programme is yet to be confirmed but will include audience participation in some well known carols besides a variety of traditional and contemporary Christmas songs.
Places are still available on their “Gothic Singing Workshop” which takes place in just TWO days time. Saturday 31st October starting at 3pm at Caldy Valley Church, Chester. Tickets £8/£2 u18 available here.
One of the most important things I realised when I started teaching the piano ten years ago was the value of time I had invested myself (however reluctantly at the time) in learning scale patterns. They really are one of the fundamentals of piano technique upon which much of the repertoire is built. Making it fun or simplifying the task of learning them is always a challenge for the piano teacher. There aren’t really any short cuts however this new book I have come across with visual guides seems to be particularly helpful. 
