Last Friday night was music night again.Ā Regular followers of the blog will know that my music teacher has a get-together twice a year for her adult students. This was a belated winter one. Most people were able to attend, although inevitably with these things it is impossible to find a night when everyone was free. I played Traumerei, and was really happy with my performance (played without sheet music), as well as an inevitable Einaudi piece.
As per usual the standard from everyone was really high. There was a new student there who was probably in his 50’s but had only had 6 lessons so far. He was fearless in having a go and managed to play a piece requiring 2 hands. You need some guts to be able to do that in front of so many other people, albeit a supportive bunch.
As the night wore on the singing started. My teacher’s daughter has a great voice so sang a number of jazz tunes. The highlight from her was a rendition of Je ne Regrette Rien, which started off vaguely following the words, descended into blah, blah blahs as her french failed her, after which she proceeded to sing out the label on the back of the nearest wine bottle, finishing the song with flourish of “goes well with wine and cheese”. Then took a huge swig of the bottle, it really was one of those “You had to be there” moments.
Since the singing had started, I got up to the piano again to play Danny Boy. I had printed off the words already, so I handed them out and made a pretty good rendition of the song; any mistakes being covered up by the singing. I had also printed off the words of On Ilkley Moor baht’at which is a great singalong tune. Everyone really seemed to enjoy giving it a go, with the piano teacher’s husband added the optional “Where the sheep play football” lines at the end of each verse.
Me playing the piano
I absolutely love these nights, I guess I’m one of those closet show offs….
pianolearner 
Not showing-off at all, rather getting into the spirit of things! Jx
I can’t pass a piano nowadays without wanting to have a tinkle of the ivories. š
Would loved to have heard that song she sang š LOL
So we both had a piano night then on Friday! So cool! And thats really cool that you got everyone to sing, it must have been great fun š And congrats too that you played Traumerei and an Eunadi without the music sheet.
Way to go on the new student. I have a friend who did the same, played after only a few classes. Unfortunately he got so nervous that has never ever wanted to do it again, even though he has hugely improved since then.
The piece I had to do on Friday was one of those super fast ones and I began too fast (adrenaline rush) and didn’t realise till I was 3/4 through it! haha, Then the final part sort of goes faster and faster, so I thought right, BRACE YOURSELF! š Maybe I should write about it on my blog too! I played without the sheet which was a tad risky because I hadn’t learnt it fully off by heart till 2 days before…
I think Mr. H. taped it on his phone, if so, I’ll send it to you.
I hope he gives it another try in the future. It can be very nerve-wracking especially if it is in a recital. There are 2 pupils that are very nervous, they tend to wait till everyone has gone into the kitchen to eat their puddings to play their pieces. Yes if Mr H managed to record it, then I’d love to see/hear it š
He did record it but I haven’t seen it yet! His brother was there too and also recorded (with the iphone) but received a phone call halfway through that just cut it off!
If its half decent I\ll put it up on You Tube like you š
By the way, I received the book yesterday! š š Its really beautiful. And Mrs. Pianolearner is so adorable!!! š
It was funny because now I work from home and yesterday for the 1st time, a radio station was going to ring me and I had to talk to them about health tips for the products I carry and bla bla (as the voice of the company). I had this feeling that the book will arrive at the same time, and the doorbell would ring in the middle of it all. Well the book arrived just 2 minutes before I received the call haha!
Hehe š That was lucky! I hope your uninterrupted interview went well. I’m glad you like it. I did see your tweet yesterday, but was laid up in bed with man-flu (which i have also given to Mrs PL). š¦
Oh no! If were the neighbour I’m make some chicken soup for you both…
I hope you both get well soon. Otherwise I’ve posted about The Cut Flower Patch just now and hope that elevates the soul slightly (like chicken soup).
I’m just reading it now š
I put the photo of a special page too, can you spot it?! š
I have stumbled across your blog by accident – very fortuitous as I have just had my third piano lesson. From where I am sitting you sound like quite an expert but I am looking forward to reading more – maybe one day I will be able to read some music as well!
Thank you, although I still have some way to go. I can definitely recommend the Pam Wedgwood book ‘It’s Never Too Late to Learn to Play Piano”. It helped me a lot in the first year, and helps you to read the music too. Your blog is beautiful by the way. I’m sure you would love my wife’s new book ‘The Cut Flower Patch”. š
I already have your wife’s book and love it! I have just checked the book my teacher gave me and it is Pam Wedgwood – a promising start.
that’s awesome~ as a child i used to have stage fright but overtime really enjoyed the feeling of performing and sharing my music with others. you should post your piece so we can hear it!
I forgot that I hadn’t posted a vid of me playing Traumerei. I will do this soon, thanks for reminding me š
What a brilliant idea to get everyone together for a twice yearly jolly up! There’s nothing nicer than being among kindred spirits and it sounds like you had lots of fun – I smiled at your impromptu improvisation from your teacher’s daughter, sounds like it was a moment enjoyed by all!! Gosh I’m almost tempted to have a go a re-learning my long lost piano skills (I’m the only one in my family who doesn’t play š¦ )
There is something special to be stood right next to live music.
I’ve said it lots of times before, but… It’s never too late to play again.
Your evening sounds absolutely delightful — full of laughter and fun and encouragement and a little crazy, too. I smiled at your telling of the Je ne Regrette Rien singing.
Wonderful, I love evenings like this.
If Only I could sing as well as you š