Film-Poem Alchemy

This afternoon was the last day of the Christmas holidays, unexpectedly sunny, crisp and breezy. After the departure of some visitors, Robert and I were about to go out for a walk and some tea and cake, when he suddenly pointed to a patch of light on the wall behind me. The reflections from the …

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How I Became 100 Artists

Recently, I watched a TED talk by the engaging visual artist Shea Hembrey, from Arkansas.  Inspired by the idea of a Biennale ( an international exhibition by a group of artists resulting from two years’ work), he went to work to create his own Biennale –with one crucial difference. The resulting talk, How I Became …

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The injured musician- a taboo subject?

I just wrote a new post for Music Teachers Helper blog on musicians and injury from a personal standpoint. I’m getting better at being open about what has in the past been a very difficult and painful subject for me, and you can read the article here.

No Triumph, No Tragedy

“No Triumph, No Tragedy” is the name of a program on BBC Radio 4 where a well-known blind radio presenter, Peter White, interviews various celebrities who have also had to deal with physical challenges. The program is enthralling–Peter White is an excellent interviewer and his subjects are equally fascinating. So why did that title offend …

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The Best Musical Tools

I’ve recently written two blog entries for Music Teachers’ Helper, one on some of the best tools to improve rhythm, and the other on pitch. Despite being educated at one of the best music schools in the UK, it has taken me a long time to research and refine the best teaching tools, not only …

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