#WorldPianoDay and Music Education

I know this blog is about the cello but I did say I'll stray into talking about other instruments, especially ones I learnt to play. I wish I played the piano like Barenboim or Edna Stern but that's not going to happen. Nevertheless, I did start the piano before either the cello or the violin since my mother plays the piano. I was very good at it. I could play contrary motion by the age of 4. Then my mother brought home a keyboard. She was Head of Music at the time so when I had a spare moment I'd play it. I enjoyed playing with all the features on it! My mother wasn't keen on me playing it because I'd become less interested in the piano. She had a point. I do prefer the keyboard because I can use it for arranging music in different styles/genres. However, I'm so used to having a piano around that I take it for granted. My mother lives in vain hope that one day I'll practise the piano with as much passion as the cello. But I prefer string instruments, so that's unlikely, but I think I should work at it more because here I am preaching about how all children should learn the piano while I'm not putting in the hours myself!👍

On Facebook today, I posted the following:

🎹🎼🎵🎶🎵🎶🎵💖 The piano is a beautiful instrument. It enhances any room.  Moreover, learning to play the piano is fundamental to classical music in various ways: music theory, aural skills, singing, accompanying other musicians/singers, composing and, of course, becoming a pianist. However, the piano isn't just for classical musicians. Jazz piano (Norah Jones) is one such example (I've done courses on jazz piano although I'm classically trained); pop/rock/soul/hip hop/R&B stars can play the instrument e.g. Freddie Mercury, John Legend, Carole King; Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga; Alicia Keys (learned to play Beethoven and Mozart!); comedians can also play the piano e.g. Victor Borge, Victoria Wood. It's a versatile instrument. 

The good news is now it's possible for most people to learn this instrument because you can buy a roll-up piano for a reasonable price (£15-30) and it doesn't take up much room. Lessons are expensive so we need schools to teach whole class piano which is possible with the roll up piano! So let's get kids playing piano!🎹