Sunday, July 9, 2023 by Frances Philpot | performances

I have just enjoyed watching videos of all the performances and want to say a huge WELL DONE and THANK YOU to everyone involved in the Grand Piano Concert held at the Guildford Institute yesterday.

To the performers, whose time in the spotlight represents many, many hours of practice to get to that moment, being Music Detectives to deduce rhythms, notes, fingerings and techniques, tackling challenging sections, rehearsing their pieces, perfecting their bow and overcoming any nerves associated with playing to an audience in an unfamiliar room on a very different piano with ridiculously heavy stools!

To the parents, who have encouraged, nurtured, cajoled and (I dare say) perhaps occasionally 'insisted' on piano practice happening - you create the space for the magic to happen. Creating a habit of playing is the single best thing you can do as a Piano Parent. Ensuring that frequent and regular playing is expected and valued (ie time is allocated even within a busy schedule) sends a very powerful message.

To the audience, who create the extra sense of occasion, and help drive motivation - a sense of purpose to prepare for a particular date for someone special.

Finally, thank you for all your support and the lovely comments already received - I would be very interested to have any additional feedback in terms of venue, timings (within the calendar as well as on the day) and anything else worthy of note for next time.