Well, it's been a strange couple of terms, but we've coped just fine. Many of you opted for online lessons and it worked very well. Some people liked it so much, they want to stay online! And I really don't mind either way, as long as everyone is progressing and happy.
It's going to be lovely to see you all again in September, either face to face or online. We'll all be very refreshed after an excellent Summer, and ready to get lots of playing done.
ABRSM exams are up and running again, or at least they will be in November/December, so I'll be sending in entries where appropriate at the end of September. So any of you who have been awaiting the chance to do an exam will need to start practising hard before your first lesson of term.
ABRSM theory exams have gone completely online and, in my opinion, are now ridiculously easy...completely multiple choice. I'll admit I'm not at all happy about it, and may well be changing examination boards very soon. But for those of you who have been working for ABRSM, I'll be happy for you to complete your exams first.
Please all remember your mask/visor next term. This applies even if you are young enough not to need one for shops/school wherever. Because this is my family home, and in a more confined space.
I'm so looking forward to this term. I hope you are too.

I was so proud of both of my students who took part in this event. Of Lottie, who played beautifully and confidently after only 4 lessons, and of Ella, who won her class and is going through to the next heat in March. It really was an enjoyable afternoon. Thanks to all who came along, either as performers, supporters, or helpers. Thanks also to Nancy Litten, for organising the event and holding it in her house, and to Tim Barrett, for being such an inspiring adjudicator.

We had a lovely concert, at Barming School, as usual. There were lots of exciting performance; for several people it was their first time of performing to an audience. Scary, but exhilarating, and well worth it. The age range was 5 to....around my age, experience levels from beginner to advanced. If anyone reading this is thinking, "It sounds lovely, but I'd never be brave enough"...just do it! Everybody gets performance nerves, but it really is so worth it if you can bring yourself to overcome this and bite the bullet. Thank you to everyone who took part, either as performer or audience.

Many congratulations to this term's exam successes: Zachary (Grade 1), Evie (Grade 1), Helena (Grade 3), Ella (Grade 5) and Anya (Grade 5), Grace (Grade 5 theory). You all did so well, and I'm dead proud of you!

So many of you took part in the festival this year, and you were absolutely great. For some of you, it was the first experience of doing this; others were seasoned "Festivalites". But I think everybody enjoyed the experience, and you all came out clutching your adjudication sheets, certificates, and, in some cases, medals. The Festival Highlights concert is on Sunday 1 December, in Invicta School, at 17.00. Do come along and listen; it's going to be brilliant. Tickets are £5 for adults. children free. Mmf needs to make money in order to survive, so please bring your friends!

Well done Lucy (grade 8), Dan (Grade 1) and me (Grade 3 descant recorder). We all received merit marks and we're all very proud of ourselves!

This took place, as usual, in Barming Primary School. The piano was sounding at its best (which surprised me because I'd thought, being end of term, that it would be sounding terrible!) and the performances were varied and wonderful. There were guest appearances by Jake Wilson (son of Joanne Wilson, a local piano teacher) and by several of Joanne's pupils. Rose performed the remarkable feat of singing and accompanying herself on the piano...a pretty difficult thing to do. The last two performances of the concert were very imaginative pieces and the audience was given the opportunity to draw pictures during these performances. Some remarkably imaginative pictures were created!
There will be another concert next term; I will email everyone as soon as I have it arranged, so don't forget to check al emails from me. They always contain very important information.

Many congratulations to Sue (Grade 5 theory), Celia (Grade 5 theory), Charlie (Grade 6), Holly (Grade 8), Stella (Grade 2), Isabel (Prep test), Megan (Grade 2) and Veronica (Grade 5). Not all the results are through yet, so I'll be adding to this later on.

As always, we had a lovely concert, with lots of performers and some beautiful piano playing. For some, it was their first concert; others were much more seasoned performers. And, as always, we all had lots of cake and a lovely social time afterwards!

Congratulations to Justin Myles who played brilliantly at Maidstone Young Musicians competition on January 19. Justin's beautiful performance of "Ladies in Lavender" by Nigel Hess and spectacular jazz improvisations on "Lowside Blues" by Joanna MacGregor delighted the audience, and made me very proud to be his teacher.