“He’s been playing the piano all summer. Of course, it’s not the sort of thing you’d give him to play.” So said the mother of a piano student. The student, aged fourteen, has been learning to play for the last six years. He’s always enjoyed his lessons, but it’s only this year that he’s discovered …
Horses are large, unpredictable animals, and riders are often thrown. Horsemanship wisdom says that if you don’t remount right away, fear and hesitation will make it harder next time. Obviously, falling off a horse is an event which might trigger fear and a reluctance to get back in the saddle. After all, it’s not a …
Welcome back! Humoresque has been on holiday since 30th July. Humoresque hopes you’ve all had a wonderful summer, and that you’re looking forward to this new term. Our Showcases are coming up next month, and after that we’ll be looking forward to Advent and Christmas. These are great musical celebrations, so look out for Humoresque’s …
At the start of each new academic year I change the password which gives access to the Pupils’ Pages. These Pages are where you’ll find scales charts, theory cards and other resources intended only for pupils of Rippling Keys Music. If and when you need to access the Pupils’ Pages, please contact me for the …
There are many music exam boards for graded exams from near-beginner to advanced student. Two of the best known are Trinity College London and ABRSM. The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (now known simply as ABRSM) was founded in 1889. As a “board”, it was made up of the Royal Academy of …
If you drive to my house for your lesson, or to bring your child to their lesson, you’ll have noticed it’s been impossible to park next to my car. I’ve been having some work done on the bailey (my castle-relevant name for the front garden), and various bags and tools have been lying around, getting …
This week’s Humoresque contains inspiration from two people with terrific insight. One is Seth Godin, whom I’ve mentioned before. He blogs every day, and many of his short tips really make me think. The other is Oliver Burkeman. Burkeman is a British journalist. His best-known book is Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals. Godin …
Following yesterday’s Humoresque, in which my pupil Peter spoke enthusiastically about playing the recorder, this was brought to my attention: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002fvkx?fbclid=IwY2xjawLld-BleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFLWWczSWtnc2pycVdiejFkAR6Naz3O2uioHxWfA5zzuxpnIIofX3-dz1CvHm4QuGB0kI6-4bbXRkUANLUYIw_aem_M7M7rUKH0CyJGMGikDNYlA If any of you shudder at the memory of playing the recorder at school, or your children having done so, I urge you to listen to the recording of this programme, available on BBC …
Last week I had an interesting conversation with Peter, one of my adult pupils. I have quite a few adults learning to play the piano, both gentlemen and ladies. Some of them learnt as children, but “gave up” and have re-started. Others never had the opportunity or the inclination before, but have begun learning to …
Read more “Work or Leisure? But Always Pleasure! (Well, nearly always…)”
In a News post on 6th April, I announced my new blog, to be called “Humoresque”, and I promised you pictures of my cat. Three months later, I shall finally deliver on that promise! His name is Carly, and as you can see he’s quite a big cat. Carly has been brought up with music. …