Back in November I had the privilege of playing piano for David Weale’s ‘The Skipton Choir’. They had a recording day at Christchurch that lasted the whole day – an opportunity to put down ten of their favourite songs for posterity. I had an absolutely lovely day, culminating in a meal at Calico Jack’s where I was able to get… Read more »
At the weekend I was at a friend’s birthday party when the inevitable question popped up: “Can you teach anyone to sing?” As usual, this question was followed up with a statement that I hear people saying all the time: “I can’t sing. I’m tone deaf.” Once I’ve reassured them that everyone can sing, I would usually go on to… Read more »
Damian OxboroughComments Off on Some lovely student feedback this morning
Here’s what my new student, Keri, sent me in an email over the weekend: Hi Damian, I had to message you to say my Mind. Is. Blown. What a massive difference it makes taking an intentional breathe rather than just singing whilst breathing like you do naturally when talking. Already, I can hold the notes better because I’ve got enough… Read more »
Damian OxboroughComments Off on Primary School Teacher Resource: Classic Assembly Songs
I’ve recorded a whole load of ‘classic’ assembly songs from the 1960’s, 70’s, and 80’s, in the traditional style with piano accompaniment and posted them as a YouTube playlist. There are also lyrics on screen for you / the kids to follow. These are fun to listen to from the perspective of nostalgia, but could also be used by primary… Read more »
Damian OxboroughComments Off on Update & Nostalgic School Assembly Songs
YouTube Recording Project Partly as a bit of fun (but also to help increase my web presence), I have recently started a little project recording songs that we used to sing at assembly at school. There are loads that people will be familiar with from the 1960’s, 70’s and 80’s. I’ve been playing them on piano and uploading to YouTube… Read more »
Hope everyone’s looking forward to an extra day off on Monday. For me, this effectively means that my normal 5 days of teaching will be compressed into 4 days. And, the upshot of this is that the coming week’s slots are all FULLY BOOKED up. Do keep coming back to this blog each Saturday morning for a list of the… Read more »
Damian OxboroughComments Off on Update: Music Theory / Composition
The vast majority of my students first and foremost learn some musical performance skill: how to play piano / guitar / ukulele / bass or to sing. Along the way, most inevitably encounter issues of music theory. Theory is, after all, a lot to do with the written language of music – how we communicate our musical ideas to one… Read more »
With some Skipton schools closing for half term holidays this coming Thursday, I have the prospect of a shorter week of available lesson slots. There are a couple of available spaces, though, should you want to book in: Monday 19th October 17:00 (30 mins) Tuesday 20th October 11:15 (2 x 30 mins) I am taking a week off for half… Read more »
When new students first approach me about learning piano or guitar, my first point of enquiry is to establish whether they are interested in playing their instrument as a soloist or as an accompaniment to something else. Customers broadly fall into one of three camps: 1, I’m only interested in playing on my own. 2, I want to play and… Read more »
Damian OxboroughComments Off on Concert for Médecins Sans Frontières: LIVE NOW
Click on the window below to watch our LIVE concert, streaming from the Skipton area across the globe on YouTube! You can also support the charity by going onto my Facebook page: www.facebook.com/skiptonmusicteacher and scrolling down to the DONATE button.
