This delightful series of 3 piano books for children has just been published, September 2016.
I am proud to have been invited by the ABRSM to compile and edit these books, along with David Blackwell. I have also composed/arranged some of the pieces.
There are 74 original pieces and arrangements, solos and duets.
For more information, click Piano Star.
Paul had his first piano lesson with me on his 4th birthday! Here he is at 14, Organ Scholar at Pinner Parish Church. He was awarded the exceptionally high mark of 97% in his Grade 6 ABRSM Theory exam, 2015. He continues to study piano and theory with me.
He won the 2015 Frank Martin Memorial Award at the EPTA (UK) National Composers Competition for his composition ‘Seattle’ for saxophone, piano, bass and drum kit.
A young composer
Suzanna won 1st Prize in the European Piano Teachers’ National Competition for Composers with her piece, Au Crépuscule, for Flute and Piano. She was then commissioned to write a piece for choir and piano for the 2015 EPTA Annual Conference. She chose to set ‘Leisure’ by W.H. Davies – this was premiered at Warwick University in 2015, conducted by Nancy Litten.
She was also awarded a full scholarship to attend Chetham’s International Piano Summer School in August 2015.
Elena, Music Lead 2015-16 at Watford Grammar School for Girls
In September 2015 Elena from Pinner commenced her duties on the Head Girl Team as Music Lead at Watford Girls Grammar School. She is now in the Upper 6th. Well done Elena!
Elena performing at Fairfield Hall
Elena was the overall winner of the Advanced III category of the National Piano Competition organised by EPTA (UK).
There were three rounds for over 400 participants from England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. The finals took place in Manchester. She won £150, the opportunity to perform at a Fairfield Hall recital, and a full scholarship to attend Chetham’s International Summer School for a week in August.
Elena also won the Jean Merlow Memorial Scholarship at the Watford Festival, and the Open Romantic, Open 20th & 21st century classes and the Dyer Trophy for the most promising pianist at the Ruislip-Northwood Festival.
Elena has been studying piano with me since she was 4 years old. She gained her diploma in 2013 – the Associate of Trinity College London (ATCL).
Celebrating a British composer
Benjamin Britten was a wonderful British composer. 22nd of November 2013 is the centenary of his birth. This is a beautiful and atmospheric piece he wrote for piano. Here it is played by one of my students. Enjoy!
In summer 2013 Suzanna, from Pinner, was made a senior prefect and Music Lead at Watford Girls Grammar School. Suzanna is the school’s first ever Music Lead. Suzanna enters the upper 6th in September 2013. Congratulations Suzanna!
11+ School Entrance Exams
Watford Grammar School for Boys & Watford Grammar School for Girls: Specialist music places
Many piano students in Pinner, Northwood and Hatch End apply for specialist music places at the Watford Grammar Schools.
In September 2012 one of my pupils, Paul from Pinner, achieved full marks in the musical aptitude test (listening) and full marks in the practical test (playing) for Watford Boys Grammar School and took up his place there in September 2013.
Paul playing piano at my studio in Pinner
10% of the total admissions are awarded to children with excellent musical ability: 19 specialist music places are awarded to boys applying to Watford Grammar School for boys, and 18 to girls applying to Watford Grammar School for Girls.
The music admissions test consists of two stages. Stage 1, the music aptitude test, which takes place in September – one year before the year of entry. This test, also known as the Bentley test, consists of 60 written questions on pitch, melody, texture and rhythm. There is a minimum pass mark necessary to progress to Stage 2, the practical assessment. Successful candidates will be notified and called back to audition in September – they are required to perform one piece on their instrument lasting no longer than 3 minutes. There is no necessity to have reached a certain grade in order to audition.
Parents are generally not encouraged to prepare their children for the musical aptitude test, as the test is designed to assess musical ability, but I have found that familiarity and experience with the type of question is very helpful in order to increase the child’s confidence. Contact me if you would like to book some lessons in preparation for the test. The Hofnote website is helpful for aural training – www.hofnote.co.uk
Here is a student of mine who attended Watford Girls Grammar School and fully involved herself in the musical life of the school. In 2013 she became a senior prefect and was also appointed Music Lead.
Suzanna wearing her prefect’s hat
In September 2015 another of my students, Elena from Pinner, commenced her duties on the Head Girl Team as Music Lead at Watford Girls Grammar School. Well done Elena!
European Piano Teachers Association (UK) National Piano Competition 2013
Over 100 finalists from all over the UK played in Chethams School in Manchester at the National Finals in March.
I am delighted that two of my students were prizewinners: Paul (11) from Pinner won 1st prize in the Advanced I, Grade 8, category and Elena from Pinner won 3rd Prize in the Advanced III (Diploma) category. They will both perform at the EPTA (UK) annual conference in Canterbury University in August.
Paul, Elena and Callum have reached the National Finals of the European Piano Teachers’ Association (UK) piano competition. This will take place at Chethams School in Manchester on 24th March 2013. This is following their success in the 1st round in North London.
Top pianists from all over the UK will be converging on Chethams in March, so good luck to Paul, Elena and Callum!
