Wednesday, September 20, 2023 by Frances Philpot | Uncategorized

2023- 2024 KEY DATES for your diary

  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, 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.