Search found 545 matches

by Moonlight
28 Sep 2010, 15:04
Forum: Idle Chitchat
Topic: So how is your practise going, and what are you learning?
Replies: 87
Views: 56213

Re: So how is your practise going, and what are you learning

Hi Dave :) I’m fine, don’t worry I’ll email it to you again, the grade books are even cheaper there! Sorry to hear of the bad news, but you can still practice even without lessons. I haven’t had one for about 2 months now, I’m going to have one this week though. I was just wondering why don’t the pi...
by Moonlight
27 Sep 2010, 15:52
Forum: Idle Chitchat
Topic: So how is your practise going, and what are you learning?
Replies: 87
Views: 56213

Re: So how is your practise going, and what are you learning

Haven’t had lessons for agesssssssssss :( but I’m currently learning: The first piece in Schumann’s kinderszenen, from strange countries and people. I started this last year but never finished it; I have a bad habit of starting pieces and leaving them, I’m going to finish it off this time. I finishe...
by Moonlight
06 Sep 2010, 16:28
Forum: Idle Chitchat
Topic: Stunning performance of one of Chopin's etudes
Replies: 3
Views: 4545

Re: Stunning performance of one of Chopin's etudes

If you want to hear some other good ones try videos of Kristian Zimmerman on you tube, I really like his versions of the Ballades. Maurizio Pollini is well worth going to hear so is Simon Trpceski 8) 8) for any Chopin.
by Moonlight
06 Sep 2010, 16:17
Forum: Idle Chitchat
Topic: Your favourite composer?
Replies: 6
Views: 6702

Re: Your favourite composer?

Beethoven all the way for me! 8) Then, in no order: Bach, Chopin, Schumann, Schubert, Haydn, Mendelssohn, Grieg, Piazzolla, Villa Lobos...
by Moonlight
12 Aug 2010, 17:04
Forum: Idle Chitchat
Topic: So how is your practise going, and what are you learning?
Replies: 87
Views: 56213

Re: So how is your practise going, and what are you learning?

Hi Dave / and guys if you’re reading Chosen my pieces as you know, I would like to take grade 3 next year, as I have had a year to play repertoire. I have chosen the same pieces as you, but for the C piece I have chosen C2 Stroll On, sounds quite funky and bluesy. I’m happy they have Wild rider as I...
by Moonlight
11 Aug 2010, 16:32
Forum: Idle Chitchat
Topic: So how is your practise going, and what are you learning?
Replies: 87
Views: 56213

Re: So how is your practise going, and what are you learning?

Well well well then...thought I would come back for a bit, how is everyone’s practising getting on? Have you started to learn your grade 3 pieces yet Dave? :)
by Moonlight
11 Aug 2010, 15:25
Forum: Idle Chitchat
Topic: Idle chit-chatterers' corner
Replies: 602
Views: 313533

Re: Idle chit-chatterers' corner

...thought I would post something just for old times sake...
by Moonlight
12 Mar 2010, 18:09
Forum: Idle Chitchat
Topic: So how is your practise going, and what are you learning?
Replies: 87
Views: 56213

Re: So how is your practise going, and what are you learning?

Hi Guys, another progress report... The Beethoven bagatelle notes are ok most of the time, but it’s the dynamics that are a real pain, you need to go from F to P so suddenly. Might give old Beethoven a bit of a break after this piece, I’m looking forward to learning some music from Cuban composers s...
by Moonlight
04 Mar 2010, 17:28
Forum: Idle Chitchat
Topic: Concerts - anyone been to any lately?
Replies: 2
Views: 6879

Re: Concerts - anyone been to any lately?

Wow someone actually decided to post details of a concert they went to! :D I thought this topic was a goner! Great I can now post details of the two I went to recently. Oh I saw two piano playing heavy weights these past 2 weeks! Saw Kristian Zimmerman and Maurizio Pollini play at the SouthBank, as ...
by Moonlight
10 Feb 2010, 16:51
Forum: Idle Chitchat
Topic: So how is your practise going, and what are you learning?
Replies: 87
Views: 56213

Re: So how is your practise going, and what are you learning?

Hi Jelly roll I don’t think the practice rooms at the Guildhall or RCM are available for practice buy non students. The reason I can get in there is because my teacher is an ex-student of the RCM and is currently studying at the Guildhall, so she smuggles me in for a lesson. You need student passes ...
by Moonlight
01 Feb 2010, 18:08
Forum: Idle Chitchat
Topic: So how is your practise going, and what are you learning?
Replies: 87
Views: 56213

Re: So how is your practise going, and what are you learning?

I’m back again to update. What’s everyone learning or playing then? Had my first lesson of the New Year last Friday, this time in one of the practice rooms at the Guildhall had to wait a while for a room though. Played on a battered Yamaha studio piano, gosh they have a heavy action! Here’s what my ...
by Moonlight
27 Jan 2010, 16:54
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Settling in
Replies: 6
Views: 10949

Re: Settling in

... :wink: Yes! my new ‘pet’ came yesterday. Reconditioned Bluthner 1900, overstrung overdamper. I had to go all the way to Oxford to try it out a few weeks ago. I just needed to get a piano, I was becoming quite frustrated with my Clavinova but it’s still very useful for night practice, sight readi...
by Moonlight
25 Jan 2010, 14:57
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Settling in
Replies: 6
Views: 10949

Re: Settling in

Thanks a lot for the advice! Oh, don't worry it will be put through it's paces!

:piano; 8)
by Moonlight
22 Jan 2010, 17:44
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Settling in
Replies: 6
Views: 10949

Settling in

Hi people,

Quick question: Does a piano ( new or old ) need a couple of days to settle in and acclimatise when it arrives in its new home? Or is it just safe to go straight in a play it? :)
by Moonlight
08 Jan 2010, 17:15
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Overdamper – best avoided?
Replies: 7
Views: 11539

Re: Overdamper – best avoided?

Thanks a lot for all of your replies! Great I’m happy I don’t have to be restricted by what kind of action it has. Maybe I would have been better off getting the Haynes Piano Manual, is that an English book? Re the o/damper Bluthner of 1900 I would be looking at £500 for a good one after having it i...
by Moonlight
07 Jan 2010, 16:26
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Overdamper – best avoided?
Replies: 7
Views: 11539

Overdamper – best avoided?

Hi I have started my search for a second-hand upright and have come across an eye pleasing and bank balance pleasing Bluthner 1900 with an overdamper action. I am interested in going quite far out to view and give this piano a test, when the snow clears! However I have recently bought The Piano Book...
by Moonlight
29 Dec 2009, 15:57
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Bluthner upright 1903 - advice please
Replies: 2
Views: 5626

Re: Bluthner upright 1903 - advice please

Hi Gill thanks for the advice. The piano has been sold anyway, I enquired about it. They do have an old Ibach too and its 3 years older than the Bluthner and a similar price, but it’s probably best to go for a modern second hand piano instead of an old one. Shame as Ibachs are very pleasant to play ...
by Moonlight
28 Dec 2009, 19:54
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Bluthner upright 1903 - advice please
Replies: 2
Views: 5626

Bluthner upright 1903 - advice please

Hi, I’ve finally come to the decision that I just can’t carry on with my Clavinova digital piano as my only instrument to practice on. I just can’t learn proper pedalling technique on it, because one: the pedals are incredibly stiff, two: the una corda pedal doesn’t even work!, 3: the damper pedal b...
by Moonlight
11 Dec 2009, 16:59
Forum: Idle Chitchat
Topic: I PASSED MY GRADE 2...133/150!
Replies: 24
Views: 20788

Re: I PASSED MY GRADE 2...133/150!

you're probably closer to doing Grade 3 than I am at the mo Hi Dave, Well I’m not really in a hurry to do grade 3 at the moment. I don’t have piano lessons until sometime in January, my teacher is busy preparing for the end of term on the course she is doing, so she probably has a lot of homework a...
by Moonlight
10 Dec 2009, 17:08
Forum: Idle Chitchat
Topic: I PASSED MY GRADE 2...133/150!
Replies: 24
Views: 20788

Re: I PASSED MY GRADE 2...133/150!

beaten me too it, I'll be the second then. WELL DONE DISTINCTION DAVE
:piano; :piano; :piano; :mrgreen:

I'm really happy you got the grade you wanted as it means such a lot to you. :D :D :D
by Moonlight
02 Dec 2009, 15:47
Forum: Learning & Teaching Piano
Topic: Looking to improve technique and skills.
Replies: 8
Views: 14743

Re: Looking to improve technique and skills.

Tim Minchin that’s his name! I was talking to another forum member about him but couldn’t remember his name. He did a cool duet on the Jonathan Ross show with Jamie Cullum; it was a good show that one. That’s cool you meet him, I assume it’s you in the pic! (what ? the picture has vanished now :?: )...
by Moonlight
01 Dec 2009, 17:52
Forum: Learning & Teaching Piano
Topic: Looking to improve technique and skills.
Replies: 8
Views: 14743

Re: Looking to improve technique and skills.

Hi You seem to be in a similar position to how I was last year. I taught myself for about 9 months before I got lessons, with piano method books. I avoided lessons as I couldn’t afford them. If you can afford to have some lessons then I can’t recommend them enough. Having someone in the know watchin...
by Moonlight
30 Nov 2009, 16:24
Forum: Idle Chitchat
Topic: BEST OF LUCK DAVE BRUM!!!
Replies: 25
Views: 19761

Re: BEST OF LUCK DAVE BRUM!!!

1. He did indeed notice my tie, he asked me before the exam where I got it (on Ebay) 2. I did do Eminor, and yes I think that was the one I fluffed. At some points in that exam I felt like I'd never touched a bloody piano in my life. 3. It was a black baby grand, which was impossible to play any qu...
by Moonlight
27 Nov 2009, 22:49
Forum: Idle Chitchat
Topic: BEST OF LUCK DAVE BRUM!!!
Replies: 25
Views: 19761

Re: BEST OF LUCK DAVE BRUM!!!

Hi Dave Thanks for that detailed account on how you got on, just like my one! – would be great if anyone else on here who does an exam could write a similar thing. Interesting for piano students and teachers to know how people cope with exams... Some questions: Did he notice your tie? Did you need t...
by Moonlight
27 Nov 2009, 18:52
Forum: Idle Chitchat
Topic: BEST OF LUCK DAVE BRUM!!!
Replies: 25
Views: 19761

Re: BEST OF LUCK DAVE BRUM!!!

...COME ON MAN, we need to know how you got on! :P :)

:piano;

or I'm off to pratice myself :wink:
by Moonlight
24 Nov 2009, 15:01
Forum: Idle Chitchat
Topic: BEST OF LUCK DAVE BRUM!!!
Replies: 25
Views: 19761

BEST OF LUCK DAVE BRUM!!!

Okay Dave This is my topic to you (as you did one for me! :wink: ), to wish you lots of luck on you AB Grade 2 exam on the 27th!!!! I'm sure you will do very well! 8) :mrgreen: :D Don't forget to go into detail after you come home from the exam and blog away, I love a good piano related gossip! How ...
by Moonlight
24 Nov 2009, 14:49
Forum: Learning & Teaching Piano
Topic: two note slurs
Replies: 3
Views: 6924

Re: two note slurs

Yes I agree with Dave, drop roll is the best way of explaining how to do it correctly. What you do is on the first note you gently drop your arm to play the note, then you roll off the second note by raising the wrist / hand of the key. You wouldn’t need to use any finger power with this technique, ...
by Moonlight
26 Sep 2009, 17:58
Forum: Learning & Teaching Piano
Topic: Jazz and Blues where does one begin!?
Replies: 6
Views: 9390

Re: Jazz and Blues where does one begin!?

Thanks Mark,

I had I quick look at the AB Jazz syllabus titles, so might get one of them, but the cds that have recordings of the pieces are £8! looks like I will need to sight read my way through the pieces, slowly *groan*. Anyother stuff and books that might be helpfull feel free to post...
by Moonlight
24 Sep 2009, 16:12
Forum: Learning & Teaching Piano
Topic: piano technique for classical guitarist
Replies: 6
Views: 11230

Re: piano technique for classical guitarist

Well, I reckon if you have found a good teacher you will be able to pick up technique along the way anyway. I good teacher will be able to see if you are playing with any strain or difficulty and will be able to advise you on the correct technique to play that particular passage or whatever it is. M...
by Moonlight
24 Sep 2009, 15:22
Forum: Learning & Teaching Piano
Topic: Jazz and Blues where does one begin!?
Replies: 6
Views: 9390

Re: Jazz and Blues where does one begin!?

. Anna, you're not on about Jazz 625, are you... Missing our chats, Annacakes :( How are you?? Hi Dave :) Yes thats the program! thanks for reminding me, thanks for the names and stuff too I will have to type in their names into Spotify to listen to some recordings and get educated. I'm ok, you can ...
by Moonlight
23 Sep 2009, 19:15
Forum: Learning & Teaching Piano
Topic: Jazz and Blues where does one begin!?
Replies: 6
Views: 9390

Jazz and Blues where does one begin!?

Okay so when people ask about where to begin with classical music most people would say Bach, Beethoven and Brahms etc etc. So as a complete beginner to Jazz and Blues music where would be the best place for me to start... I would like some composers names and famous pieces or less known works. I’m ...
by Moonlight
06 Sep 2009, 15:46
Forum: Idle Chitchat
Topic: Concerts - anyone been to any lately?
Replies: 2
Views: 6879

Concerts - anyone been to any lately?

Anyone been to any lately? Or is thinking of going to any. I have been to two of the Proms concerts this year, I have never been to the Proms before so it was really cool, I will definitely be going again next year! I went to Prom 32 the ‘piano day’ one, it was really cool, saw the Labeque sisters p...
by Moonlight
06 Sep 2009, 15:04
Forum: Learning & Teaching Piano
Topic: Thumping the piano
Replies: 6
Views: 10427

Re: Thumping the piano

I came across a bit of a thumper yesterday. I went to a very nice concert locally but found one of the pianists to be quite loud, when they swapped around (it was a duet) and the louder pianist played secondo it was better I thought with her on the bass. I find loud playing especially on the treble ...
by Moonlight
06 Sep 2009, 14:59
Forum: Idle Chitchat
Topic: So how is your practise going, and what are you learning?
Replies: 87
Views: 56213

Re: So how is your practise going, and what are you learning?

I guys I’m back :) , well at least for now, I don’t have quite as much time to spend blogging away on here like I did so expect me to vanish every so often. I barely have enough time to spend practicing after work. Oh yes I had my lesson at the RCM, very nice old posh building! Way more impressive t...
by Moonlight
26 Jul 2009, 14:00
Forum: Learning & Teaching Piano
Topic: Grade 2 exam July 9th – OMG
Replies: 62
Views: 54166

Re: Grade 2 exam July 9th – OMG

How is your shiny new acoustic piano fund looking?? Ha! its looking rather crap @ £ 00.00 at the moment, I'm still not being paid (only travel ), but am staying on longer at work, if they keep me on I should be having some money by october; then I will be saving up in earnest. Ooooooooh I would kil...
by Moonlight
26 Jul 2009, 13:49
Forum: Learning & Teaching Piano
Topic: Grade 2 exam July 9th – OMG
Replies: 62
Views: 54166

Re: Grade 2 exam July 9th – OMG

though girls seem to be better pianist than men from what i see.. Thats intresting I always thought men had the advantage as they usally have bigger hands then women, so doing the fancy things like really fast octaves etc would be much more eaiser for men. Of course the most beautiful pieces aren’t...
by Moonlight
26 Jul 2009, 13:39
Forum: Learning & Teaching Piano
Topic: What sort of Grade do you think this piece is...?
Replies: 9
Views: 15079

Re: What sort of Grade do you think this piece is...?

mmmmm If I had a wild guess I would say it was grade 3 at least. I haven't come across the time sig of 5/4 before ( being only grade 2), and its uses three time signatures. Looks like an intresting piece...
by Moonlight
26 Jul 2009, 00:25
Forum: Learning & Teaching Piano
Topic: Grade 2 exam July 9th – OMG
Replies: 62
Views: 54166

Re: Grade 2 exam July 9th – OMG

Thanks. To be honest I was unsure of skipping the grade, I’m the one that gave my teacher a funny look. Ha I guess I will always be an Essex girl or and Ilford girl! Wow thats not too far from me! Next time me and Dave meet in London you could meet up too if you like. We met up and went to the music...
by Moonlight
26 Jul 2009, 00:05
Forum: Learning & Teaching Piano
Topic: Grade 2 exam July 9th – OMG
Replies: 62
Views: 54166

Re: Grade 2 exam July 9th – OMG

u went straight onto 2? Where in Essex u from? Yep. My very first piano teacher said to me I wont be able to do grade 1 untill December this year! :o but she left and my new teacher I had said you should skip grade one and go stright to preparing for grade 2 8) . I'm from Ilford, I'm not a chav tho...
by Moonlight
26 Jul 2009, 00:00
Forum: Learning & Teaching Piano
Topic: Grade 2 exam July 9th – OMG
Replies: 62
Views: 54166

Re: Grade 2 exam July 9th – OMG

StuartAU wrote: Dave "the political one" sort them out LMAO
lol sorry Stuart this is all in good humour of course! :wink: :)
by Moonlight
25 Jul 2009, 23:56
Forum: Learning & Teaching Piano
Topic: Grade 2 exam July 9th – OMG
Replies: 62
Views: 54166

Re: Grade 2 exam July 9th – OMG

WHERE did it say Anna passed her exam??? Thanks Gill! :D ( I'm not upset! I was just like weres my 'well done?' :lol: ) Here it is if you can't be asked to read through all the other posts: Well I passed with Merit I got 125 in total. Here’s what I got for each of the sections in the test... Pieces...
by Moonlight
25 Jul 2009, 19:01
Forum: Idle Chitchat
Topic: When our eyes deceive us...
Replies: 10
Views: 6808

Re: When our eyes deceive us...

Yeah done that too. Before I was grade 1 level I bought ' I can play that! Classical master pieces ' and when I got it home found the music to to way too hard for me then. Looking at the book now a lot of the pieces don't seem so hard, I might use some of the easier pieces in the book as sight readi...
by Moonlight
25 Jul 2009, 18:48
Forum: Idle Chitchat
Topic: So how is your practise going, and what are you learning?
Replies: 87
Views: 56213

Re: So how is your practise going, and what are you learning?

Thought I would revive this post again. Curently learning: Menuet in G by Christian Petzold (some) Dance in C by Beethoven Burgmuller study No ( I can't remember the number at the moment! ) its called 'Innocence' I have my next lesson this monday at belive it or not, the RCM 8) I'm meeting my teache...
by Moonlight
25 Jul 2009, 18:30
Forum: Learning & Teaching Piano
Topic: Grade 2 exam July 9th – OMG
Replies: 62
Views: 54166

Re: Grade 2 exam July 9th – OMG

Wow! Well done stuart, you did soooooooo much more better then you thought! :D hope I have your examiner next time lol :mrgreen: . Good luck with grade 3 too!
Well done that boy!!
*chough*...and girl...(?) :wink:
by Moonlight
24 Jul 2009, 22:31
Forum: Learning & Teaching Piano
Topic: Grade 2 exam July 9th – OMG
Replies: 62
Views: 54166

Re: Grade 2 exam July 9th – OMG

OMG!!!!!!!!!!!! Minuet in G is what my teacher gave to me! last week Lol! that is funny, must be a piece for our leval. There's a lovely minuet in G minor that is very similar to the G major one its worth learning after, its also by the same composer. its ok you don't need to show me the score I ha...
by Moonlight
23 Jul 2009, 22:19
Forum: Learning & Teaching Piano
Topic: Grade 2 exam July 9th – OMG
Replies: 62
Views: 54166

Re: Grade 2 exam July 9th – OMG

Thanks Stuart and Dave! Stuart I’m sure you have got a good mark, your recordings are good enough, but it’s so annoying our nerves get in the way. Think of overcoming nerves as just other technical exercise, its all part of the learning process but maybe more of a challenge for adult students. Try t...
by Moonlight
22 Jul 2009, 21:39
Forum: Learning & Teaching Piano
Topic: Grade 2 exam July 9th – OMG
Replies: 62
Views: 54166

My results! :-)

Hi Folks Thought I would let you know I got on in the exam as I have the results now, my teacher was cheeky and kept it a surprise and just handed me my certificate last lesson, she knew all that time. Well I passed with Merit I got 125 in total. Here’s what I got for each of the sections in the tes...
by Moonlight
11 Jul 2009, 17:11
Forum: Piano Showcase
Topic: Worth waiting for, eh Marky?
Replies: 6
Views: 7491

Re: Worth waiting for, eh Marky?

What do you mean??? :o WAV format is what you want!!! If it were to come across in MIDI then it would sound really bad. I got MIDI and WAV mixed up sorry. Yes my piano records it as MIDI, and even if I did convert it into wav it would still sound rubbish. Its best to get some recording equipment yo...
by Moonlight
11 Jul 2009, 17:03
Forum: Idle Chitchat
Topic: Lesson Booked
Replies: 40
Views: 30044

Re: Lesson Booked

Right, I suppose I should update this. Still having the lessons, things seem to be moving on. Getting the hang of reading now, though still have to take time get my my hands right before starting. Current pieces, although still basic are getting my fingers moving a bit more. Thats great news Kebab ...
by Moonlight
11 Jul 2009, 16:50
Forum: Learning & Teaching Piano
Topic: Grade 2 exam July 9th – OMG
Replies: 62
Views: 54166

Re: Grade 2 exam July 9th – OMG

How are you feeling Anna? I hope you're not feeling bad. Be prepared in the instance you may get 'Lord Dogshitt' as your examiner!!! You could always imagine them sitting on the khazi or something!! I'm ok I'm not feeling bad about it too much, its just annoying that I couldn't play Em in the test....