Times are changing (for the better!)

I was surfing the internet this morning and came across an ad by the ABRSM (Associated board of the Royal schools of music) for a course they are running called "Play by ear". I was delighted , and slightly shocked at the same time. I wasn't surprised that the ABRSM are providing more broad minded approaches (because they are), but I had a sudden flashback to my childhood, when playing by ear (to most people) was a sin!.
I have very strong memories of people commenting about someone "Oh she plays by ear you know!". I accept its preferable to be able to read the music as well, but I dont hanker for my young days when visiting my piano teachers spider plant filled house and smelling the music centre floor polish was enough to fill me with terror.
I was raised in a broad minded musical home where we played without  music as well. Thank goodness!!

Nineteen Christmas songs and a musical!

Exciting times. Lots happening at the moment. my new Christmas book has arrived, with twenty new ideas for Christmas, including a mini musical "Six minute Nativity" ( for busy teachers!). I am as usual excited by it all.
I have just had two great days doing Wider Ops workshops in kent . It was a great opportunity to road test the big commission piece I have just done for "Music For Youth". A HUGE piece for all instruments found in beginner wider ops type groups . Its going to be FREE to download from the MFY website in September, and we are work shopping it at Symphony Hall Birmingham at the start of July...... To be continued....Watch this space!.