Anyone for a spin?!
Dear Reader - I got a new car… The Big Thing “You might not get a better phone call today”! So said Kevin Egan to me minutes after he had asked me to be the newest Brand Ambassador for Peugeot. Kevin and I have got to.
Letter
The Piano Has Been Thinking
Stories and reflections on teaching, performance, songs, and life as a musician.
Archive
Latest letters and stories
Kieran’s Choice
Dear Reader - we have our 36th theme! The Big Thing This one’s different. It’s still a Theme Night with songs you know and love. Big moments and small ones, loads of special guests. Fun, cared for and full of.
Shakes head and exhales…
Dear Reader - it’s one of those weeks when I’m glad these letters come out on a Tuesday - I was still lost for words on Monday! The Big Thing This is what happens when you pay a visit to one of your upcoming gig venues.
Such a Night!
Dear Reader - 2025 is on the way…as is a fantastic new investigative podcast series. The Big Thing In my early days as a musician, a friend of mine said to me that I would have to get used to two things - taking lots.
Christmas gigs…
Dear Reader - Excited today to announce a series of December dates! The Big Thing Theme Nights Unplugged at Christmas - myself Luke and Seamie plus lots of very special guests in some fantastic venues in Boyle,.
The best we’ve been at!
Dear Reader - I read this somewhere recently and liked it. “Work hard but take breaks”. The Big Thing See above… Where else but Sligo? Regular readers of this letter will have heard me talk many times about the magic.
Purpose in life…
Dear Reader - I’ll let this picture do the talking for now…more about it below. The Big Thing But first - this weekend sees the first big showcase event of the new Theme Night Academy! This weekend Teenage Theme Night.
The musician’s musician
Dear Reader - I saw Jacob Collier in Dublin last night…so much to process! The Big Thing It reminded me of seeing Vulfpeck in Vicar St with Eddie Lee back in 2016. So many musicians in the crowd! Lots of Theme Night.
Taking lessons again…
Dear Reader - Today’s letter is full of possibility and anticipation… The Big Thing I’m taking piano lessons. For the first time in 20 years. It’s very exciting! I had to answer six questions this morning in.
“Running out of superlatives”
Dear Reader - A huge thanks to everyone who came to the shows last week. A truly memorable week for all of us involved. Tickets for our next show go on sale this morning with early access for letter readers (details.
One year on…
Dear Reader - There’s only one show in town this week! As always we have tried to keep it fresh and entertaining for you guys…can’t wait to see lots of you there! Still a small number of tickets for tomorrow and.
Russell Crowe’s singer
Dear Reader - No messing today - the info you need at the top of today’s letter. Friday and Saturday of next week’s Theme Night run are SOLD OUT. Don’t miss out - Wed and Thurs tickets still available here. The Big.
"You're welcome to Cloonacool"
Dear Reader - Theme Night Season is up and running! Here’s what’s coming next… The Big Thing Sarah Crummy is flying in from Iceland. Possibly the best teenage pianist I have ever seen. Sinéad Conway singing THE song.
‘Music is boring’
Dear Reader - So said one of our new students this week…but then he opened the book! The Big Thing Micky Downs makes the best omelette I know. And Rory Maitland has been the only man to cut my hair for as long as I can.
I hope you dance…
Dear Reader - Sure it’s a great country when the sun shines… The Big Thing It’s full steam ahead for Theme Night #35 - Let’s Dance! The setlist is taking shape - we have some Bruce Springsteen, Lionel Richie and The.
A noble aspiration for any band...
Dear Reader - Our YouTube channel is back with a bang…this week featuring Mark O’Donnell from Glenties - as well as a guitarist with ‘some calves’ according to YouTube… The Big Thing Last shout for the 2024-25 Music.
Introducing the Theme Night Academy!
Dear Reader - OK Oasis may have stolen our thunder this morning but we have a big announcement too! The Big Thing Today we launch the Theme Night Academy. 2024 marks ten years since Teenage Theme Night #1 took place in.
Level 8...
Dear Reader - What do you do when you’re on the other side of the country and lose your car keys on a beach?! The Big Thing Our two new workbooks go to print this week. I wrote this passage last night for any of our.