Review: Graded Gillock (William Gillock)
As I've written before, I get quite a number of books sent to me for review. For many, as much as I value and enjoy their concept and content, I…
ABRSM Grade 5 Theory: a Debate?
I recently ran a poll on Twitter asking people whether ABRSM should remove the requirement for candidates to have passed Grade 5 Theory before progressing to Grade 6 practical and…
Commissioning New Music: the Story of ‘By Woodland Ways’
There is nothing quite like the thrill of working on music that is completely new and has never been seen, never mind played or sung, by another performer. If you…
Review: Keybop Volumes 1 & 2 (Jason Sifford)
Keybop is a collection of 11 jazzy piano solos by Jason Sifford, available in two volumes for mid- to late-elementary and early intermediate levels. Jason Sifford is a freelance pianist…
Review: My Lyrical Notebook (Angeline Bell)
Just occasionally, a book comes along which: (a) I look forward to playing as much as I look forward to using it in my teaching; and (b) I know I'll…
Music Exams 2019-22: Too Many Changes?
Over the past few months in particular, I've sensed an increasing degree of anxiety and frustration from music teachers who feel somewhat overwhelmed by the changes made to graded music…
Review: Some Kind of Peace (Õlafur Arnalds)
[This post contains affiliate links] I have to confess that the name Õlafur Arnalds is new to me. But, even at the age of just 36, he has already released…
New Year Reset for Music Teachers
The beginning of a new year is traditionally a time for reflection, for thinking about the year just gone, and planning for the new year ahead. Many people also make…
Review: The Piano Player, Wintertide Collection
[Thi post contains affiliate links] I'm going to start by saying the presentation of this book is exquisite. As I seem to keep saying, I have a whole shelf section…
Christmas Piano: 10 Festive Classics (Michael Higgins)
I own a lot of Christmas piano books (a whole shelf section), all full of festive classics. Indeed, I get sent new Christmas books to review each year. I wanted…
Review: Peaceful Piano Playlist, Christmas
[This post contains affiliate links] One of several books now published in the Peaceful Piano Playlist series from Faber Music, this Christmas edition includes 24 'festive piano solos for the…
Review: Did Someone Say Christmas (Darren Day)
[This post contains affiliate links] If you're looking for another book of easy carol arrangements for piano to add to your collection, this probably isn't the book you're looking for.…