I started playing the piano when I was eight and the trumpet at eleven. Sadly I gave both instruments up in my teens. In truth I was a lazy student. I didn’t practise much, never ever counted and hated scales.
When I started University I regretted giving up. Being part of the college orchestra earned you a lot of kudos and if you were grade 8 you got to play the beautiful Steinway grand in the music room. I was grade 3 and was only allowed to play the electronic Roland. I did this very quietly with the volume turned low.
By the time I had my first child, I had my own piano and was playing again. It took another three or four years to pluck up the courage to have lessons. Playing infront of my teacher, a concert pianist herself was terrifying to start with but eventually things got easier and I started taking grades.
In December 2006 I took my grade 8 piano and have been teaching piano privately for 18 months. Since passing grade 8 I have started to study jazz more seriously. I have lessons in jazz piano locally and am really enjoying it. I continue to battle with the trumpet much to the delight of my family and neighbours………
Lovely to read all about you. Sorry that you were a lazy teen…..can you count now? By the way I am VERY impressed with your design. Highly skilled. Which format was it originally or did you make your own?? Also v. impressed by video footage of my nieces.
I hadn’t realised your Maths was so bad that you couldn’t count! You hid that well!
Wow Emma! Your story is inspirational – I got to Grade 4 by the age of 15 and can hardly play anything now! You are a wonderful example of the power of focus and commitment!
I think your blog is brilliant! I’ll check in from time to time to see what’s new.
Love,
Ros xxxx
I’m impressed! The blog’s great – well done! Lily and I loved the girls performances. I want to play piano now!!
See you soon!
Jo & Lily xx