A week of....

Chopin.

Celebrations in his native Poland.

200 years since he was born.

There is disagreement about his actual birth date.

So, they are holding a WEEK long performance.

It covers both the suspected dates.

Day and night you can hear his piano music.

Which has got me thinking.

Do you have an exam or performance soon?

How about a week of YOUR music?

Think of it, playing those pieces whenever you get the chance?

Maybe not the same ones all day AND night. Hz

Dynamics

p mf ff sf > pp

So many people just ignore them.

Maybe you do as well?

Varying degrees of loudness.

All the extras that give our music intensity and shape.

What helps our music make sense.

The interesting features.

Without them our music is likely to be dull.

Like reading aloud with no expression in your voice.

So come on, be dramatic and add the dynamics!

I'll hold onto the roof when it gets really loud. Hz

House bound

Winter weather has had us house-bound here.

So, the house has been full of music.

And sleeping!

It's like Christmas came earlier than we expected.

All sorts of pieces have been on the stand.

Old favourites ready to play to visitors.

Songs to sing along to even if we have all forgotten the words.

Lovely pieces drawn from gigs, exams and recitals.

Old pieces stumbled upon....remember this one?

Wishing you a music filled holiday!

Looking forward to hearing lots of great sounds in 2010. Hz

Polishing

I know it's only November, but the countdown has begun.

Lots of people are already planning for the end of year.

Rehearsals for festivities, celebrations and shows might have begun.

Far away relatives and Great Aunts might be coming to visit.

So, how about preparing a unique gift?

You could prepare some pieces to play, maybe with a friend?

Maybe for a gathering or event?

Choose a piece you enjoy playing.

Polish it into a thing of great beauty.

And you know what? They'll just love it.

Go on. Look through your music and find that lovely piece you've forgotten about. Hz