The return of the slow set!
Dear Reader – Don’t tell me we don’t deal with the important issues in this letter… The Big Thing Theme Night #32 preparation starts in earnest this week. The “shitty first draft” of the setlist has been discarded in.
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The Piano Has Been Thinking
Stories and reflections on teaching, performance, songs, and life as a musician.
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Last year's BIG lesson...
Dear Reader – It’s August - which means the calm before the September storm… The Big Thing My website just got a spring (summer) clean - and it’s a bit like updating your CV - one of these moments when you realise that.
Walk Between The Raindrops
Dear Reader – Sometimes in a summer like this you just do what you can! It’s the title of a great song too though - see below… The Big Thing Our term of summer piano lessons finishes this week. It has been lovely to.
What we strive for...
Dear Reader – This week always brings back memories of (possibly!) my favourite gig. The Big Thing It’s Sligo Jazz week! The biggest ever apparently in terms of student numbers. Isn’t that brilliant? Nearly 20 years.
We missed you Steve!
Dear Reader – What do the following songs have in common? Hotel California (The Eagles), Come Together (The Beatles) and Baker St (Gerry Rafferty). *Answer in the Where Else But Sligo section below… The Big Thing I’m.
Leaving It All Behind...
Dear Reader – That’s exactly what I have been doing over the last little while. I’ve enjoyed doing lots of reading - so some of my favourite books and quotes below for you today… The Big Thing Firstly the books…the.
Blue-Sky Thinking
Dear Reader – Part of the reason to write this letter is to share with you the best thoughts or ideas I come across each week…and last week there were lots! The Big Thing 6 of the best one-liners from last week’s.
Hawaii Slig-O
Dear Reader – There was fierce competition for the breaking ball in the HWT last Saturday night… The Big Thing Backstage competition turned to on-stage collaboration however. Everyone was there for Francie and the.
What it's all about...
Dear Reader – An uplifting week! I hope it was similar for you… The Big Thing People often ask - “How’s work? Are you busy?” And usually they are genuinely interested, so they deserve an honest answer. Recently however.
Theme Nights On Tour!
Dear Reader – We’re bringing the Theme Nights across the county boundary!! Read on for more… The Big Thing Theme Night #32 - The Power of Love. Hawk’s Well Theatre, Sligo - Wed 4 to Sat 7 Oct. AND (just announced) -.
The best country in the world...
Dear Reader – My year usually breaks up naturally into three chunks - Jan-May, Jun-Aug and Sept-Dec. It often takes a few days to change pace from one to the next. This weather is certainly helping though - hope you’re.
Glory Days
Dear Reader – Summer is here and the ‘letter tree’ (as one reader has christened it) is in full leaf… The Big Thing We have some availability for summer lessons starting next week. No commitment required. Come.
Stars under the stars...
Dear Reader – Smiles all around this weekend as the class of 2023 walked tall on the Hawk’s Well stage. The Big Thing Take a bow one and all! We had two magical nights under the stars this weekend at the Hawk’s Well.
Young, scrappy and hungry...
Dear Reader – The class of 2023 are ready for their shot this weekend - come join us! Last week’s answers: Answer to the questions in last week’s letter: 1 - Ab 2 - C’ Ab Eb Bb Db C Ab **All hyperlinks in bold. The Big.
Confidence-building and friendship-making...
Dear Reader – This is what music can do! Two different examples below… Last week’s answers: Answer to the questions in last week’s letter: 1 - 0 2 - Not many, but enough for most of the audience not to notice! **All.
Truth, wit and ruses...
Dear Reader – Many of you commented in my recent survey that you wanted more podcast, book and music recommendations - so that’s exactly what I have given you today! Last week’s answers: Answer to the questions in last.
Crying like f***in babies!
Dear Reader – Love, tears and Oscar Peterson today - what more could you ask for?! Last week’s answers: Answer to the questions in last week’s letter: 1 - C major 2 - Because the first chord is C minor (not a chord you.
And the theme is...
Dear Reader – Thanks for all your theme suggestions last week! One of them has been picked as the theme for October’s show. It’s announced below, but first see can you guess it from this picture! Last week’s answers:.