A few days ago it was my brother’s birthday. On the same day, at least two other people I know celebrated their birthdays. After all, every single day of the year it’s the birthday of countless people all over the world. We acknowledge the special date when it’s someone we know. We celebrate the whole …
I am teaching from Monday to Thursday inclusive this week, i.e. Monday 13th October, Tuesday 14th October, Wednesday 15th October and Thursday 16th October. There will be no lessons on Friday 17th, Saturday 18th, Monday 20th, Tuesday 21st, Wednesday 22nd or Thursday 23rd October. Friday and Saturday people should show up on Friday 24th and …
Do you remember that Performance is one of the three Ps? If you’ve forgotten the others, you can read the post about it all here. Performance is the ultimate goal of learning to play. You may be performing just to yourself, perhaps even with headphones on, or in a locked room with a cheetah prowling …
“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 …