Everyone has heard of the achievements of sportspeople with disabilities in the Paralympics. But when it comes to inclusion in music making, there is still a huge lack of awareness among teachers, parents, retailers and the disabled community. Several organisations in the UK are working together to change that. MUSEDU recently participated in a webinar on inclusive music making and spoke to Rachel Wolffsohn from the OHMI Trust.
Interview with Lisa McCormick
Lisa McCormick is an American singer/songwriter, known as a music instructor and Ukulele Guru. MUSEDU spoke to Lisa about her teaching philosophy.
Interview with Lydia Maria Bader
In June 2020, the German pianist Lydia Maria Bader released her new CD Chinese Dreams. An interesting concept, which was made possible using crowdfunding. In her upcoming Virtual Piano Academy (7 – 25 September 2020), she will teach advanced piano students how to practice efficiently and effectively. MUSEDU spoke to the “German Piano Princess” (Chinese press) about her projects. Read the full interview in the German version.
(Photo credit: ©Kaupo Kikkas)
I’ll take up a musical instrument…
… when I’m retired!
I hear this sentence all the time. Why add another obligation to our busy lives when we are in our thirties or forties? Many people seem to believe that taking lessons and practising the piano, violin or flute takes too much time and energy. They may be afraid that it could turn out to be a lonely and frustrating activity. And yet, I chose a different path…
Curious? Read MUSEDU’s full guest article in the CrossEyedPianist blog!
Interview with pianist Paul-André Bempéchat
MUSEDU had the opportunity to speak to the concert pianist, teacher and researcher Paul-André Bempéchat who is Music Scholar at Cabot House, after having served for four years as Artist-in-Residence at Leverett House, Harvard University.
Euphonia: Crossover and house concerts
Pianist Ineke Hellingman and violinist Angelina Georgiadi run the non-profit association Euphonia in Vienna. They organise inspiring house concerts as well as cultural crossover events. Before the lockdown, MUSEDU spoke to the two young musicians about their projects. Corona put their activities on hold. We hope they will be continued soon. In the meantime, read about the philosophy behind their musical events – and support them on Patreon. (The full article is available in the German version.)
A virtual piano community
Meetup groups bring people together who share a common interest. At local piano meetups worldwide, people make music and meet fellow (amateur) pianists. In times of social distancing, some of these groups organise online activities. MUSEDU spoke to hosts based in Canada, the UK and the US about their experiences with this format.
Behind the scenes
Before the lockdown in March 2020, we enjoyed a last backstage tour at the Wiener Konzerthaus, the famous concert hall in Vienna. Small concerts have become possible at this venue again from June onwards. Guided tours will probably only be resumed in autumn. Read our report of this fascinating location in the German version.
(Photo credit: www.lukasbeck.com)
Piano holidays online
During the summer holidays, many amateur musicians spend extra time with their instruments. Some book a music holiday: lessons by excellent teachers, set in a beautiful landscape, together with like-minded people… A wonderful experience! But this year, everything is different. Providers of piano summer schools like Pianoweek, Chetham’s Piano Summer School and the Summer School for Pianists have moved their programmes for 2020 online. Read the full article in the German version.