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.

Wednesday, June 28, 2023 by Frances Philpot | fpmusic Information

You may be considering piano lessons for your child next year or further in the future. Whatever instrument s/he might be interested in playing, please read on! 

Underpinning any instrumental learning are the general musicianship skills which form a firm foundation of understanding and create a springboard for rapid progress as physical coordination matures. This is ideally developed from Reception age upwards, initially in group musicianship sessions before moving onto individual lessons as children mature. 

Ready to Play – pre-piano Musicianship group lessons

When & Where? Tuesdays 3.45-4.30pm at Glenesk

Who are they suitable for? Complete beginners in Glenesk Reception, Year 1 and Year 2, who are considering playing any instrument, especially the piano, in the future

What is the time commitment and cost? One term at a time, ideally continuing through each term as a group or moving on to individual piano lessons. £120 per term plus £15.50 for the book.

What materials do you use? Activities will be based on working through the Ready to Play series, which introduces many ‘pre-piano’ musical skills through fun singing activities and hands-on games. Ideally you will have a piano or keyboard, or a plan to acquire one, but it is not essential at this stage. The underlying skills are also applicable to any instrument taken up in the future. 

Individual piano lessons

When? Saturdays or weekday afternoons during school-time, rotated for a slightly different time each week so children do not come out of the same lesson each time

Who are they suitable for? Year 2 children upwards, and younger children who have completed at least one term of Ready to Play sessions, with parents who are prepared to help them play in between lessons – you will need a piano with touch sensitive, full sized keys at home. Please ask me if you would like advice. 

What is the commitment and cost? This is a long-term investment of time and effort from children and parents. To take full advantage of this, there is an expectation that children will have an adult’s support to complete challenges and practise pieces and exercises, at least 4 to 5 times a week.  With this hard work comes the pleasure of a whole new musical world for exploration. As well as the individual lessons, £290 for a typical 10 week term also includes regular pupil concerts, workshops and a subscription to the amazing Supersonics Piano app, accessed from home. Books are invoiced as a separate item.

What materials do you use? Once general musicianship skills are embedded, we tend to use the Piano Safari series, which provides a solid grounding in all aspects of playing the piano.  Experience has shown this is an excellent method, provided there is parental support to complete practice at home.

Sunday, April 23, 2023 by Frances Philpot | Uncategorized

Piano Lessons Key Information Summer 2023

Thank you, as always for your support throughout the Spring term. I am so proud of how well everyone is progressing – so much evidence of effective practice, even when available time is tight! I have never given out quite so many certificates, prizes, badges and trophies as this term, so well done and keep up the great work of supporting your children with their music.

Please help your child to maintain the habit of playing the piano – one of your most important jobs as a Piano Parent. Creating the time, space and expectation is the very important first stage, but enjoying time together to explore, be curious and have fun is undoubtedly the best part! Even if you feel you are not sure what exactly to do, being there (depending on age, not necessarily every minute, but being aware) and asking the right questions shows you are interested and invested in the whole process. Please email to let me know if you would be interested in a Piano Parents’ Workshop to help with how you can help – I have a feeling there is plenty of scope for this! 

In the Summer Term, there is a lot happening, as always. Monday and Tuesday pupils will have to have their wits about them as there are several weeks when they will need to bring their books in on the ‘opposite’ day to accommodate school visits/ balance out the number of lessons impacted by Bank Holidays. I have sent an email with the dates listed for each individual - please contact me if you have not received this.

The Coronation has quite an effect on the term as well. I have decided NOT to teach on Saturday 6th May so that we can all soak up the historic event. 

Our Workshops on Saturday 17th June will include games and activities focussing on Performance skills in preparation for our 2nd Grand Piano Concert. This will be held on Saturday 8th July in the beautiful Assembly Room at the Guildford Institute, complete with grand piano and afternoon tea refreshments. This will be by invitation to all pupils who are showing they are putting effort into their practising ;-) Please note that normal lessons will still take place on this day, before the concert. Do ensure both these dates are in your diary and sign up on the mms portal to secure your child’s place. I have to confirm numbers with the venue well ahead of time.

Finally, thanks to all of you who have embraced the Student Portal of mymusicstaff. I hope you have appreciated being able to view Lesson notes, keep track of your child’s repertoire, check emails, upload files, see calendar information at a glance and even track your child’s practice time! Do let me know if you would like a login email to get started or reset.

As the Summer Term has a habit of racing away with itself, here are the key dates for you to put in your diary.