Who hasn't heard of "I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles" - a goodie from yesteryear. This fine lady is terrific and it makes me wish I had kept up my piano lessons when I was a youngun. I love to hear the British speak. I like her story about her experience with her music. Mrs. Mills is quite a talent. I like the young man's classical piece here, too. Not much into that genre but seeing the talent he has is very impressive. Thank you. - Paula
"Only by using your hands they come protected automatically. If you keep them in cotton wool, the first time you take them out and try to open a door you break your wrist." - Alberto Semprini
We would perform every year at a school near Windsor and play at the Watford Town Hall. I remember the nerves before the yearly competitions at the school near Watford and afterwards, them calling out your marks out of 100. Shouts of every description when Jean Merlow taught the piano, well for me anyway (also learnt the Cello with Malka Cossack and Theory with Mr Martin). Miss Merlow still has a competition named after her, for the Yearly Watford School of Music festival in Edgware.
esukdg it's called a "tack piano" -- there are little rivets hanging on ribbons behind the hammers, and usually these can be raised or lowered into or out of the way of the hammer with a pedal (which is why you never see her change anything with her hands!)
Jeremy Atkin (you were a young looking 14 Year old with great technique - Do you still play?) - Oh those days around 1973 at the Watford School of Music (Nascot Wood Road). Pianos and what-nots ringing out from every room of that magical house. Orchestra pratice in the adjacent hall, conducted by gentleman Kenneth Leaper then Adrian with young Julian on the fiddle and the Winifred's swingers choir (you would start at Junior Orchestra on Saturdays and make your way up to Senior Level).
Jeremy Atkin (a young looking 14, do you still play?) I remember Watford School of Music at Nascot Wood Rd, around 1973. Pianos and what-nots ringing out from every room. Great atmosphere, fond memories. 'The Clarendon Orchestra' performed for a while, made up of ex-Watford School of Music pupils. I know WSM inspired and continues to inspire, many kids who go on to great things. Sadly though the Nascot Wood Rd, 'House of magic' has now been converted to flats.
The mechanism is colloquially known as a rinky-tink, but its technical name is a celeste rail. It is just metal pieces pressed into the practice pedal felt. Good effect, but it doesn't do the hammers any god long term.
She was credited as "The Zeppelin" in a First World War aviation parody Morecambe & Wise had in their 1972 Christmas show. Even as a 7 year old I knew this meant she wan't exactly sylph-like.
Jeremy Atkin too young then - clunky technical play - no depth. Hope you've gone on. children should never attempt Chopin, except for technical skills.
