Christmas and January Music Thread *Thread title edited by MNHQ*

Bluebell, my DD (age 14) has to wear black for JD concerts and I've bought a couple of jumpsuits from New Look for her (one for now, one to grow into). It looks plenty smart enough for JD concerts when worn with plain black shoes but can be dressed down with trainers for less formal concerts. I've actually just bought one for DD2 too as she will be wearing black for her first concert with a band she's just joined.

mobile.twitter.com/bbcstrictly/status/1058803868027383808

catkind

I took up the piano in middle age and avoided grades to start off with but then got steered towards them. I think the benefit is in the incentive for learning the scales but not sure what else is helpful to latecomers like me - apart from spending more time on pieces. I may or may not bother with the grade 5 exam next term but I'm quite glad to know so many scales!

Grades are good because they get you to work on all the different aspects of becoming a musician and for children they can be good motivators to practise . But I’m not really a big fan I would rather music was learnt and played to be enjoyed . But that’s just me because I hated music exams as a child- both mine from time to time choose to do them

What I was trying to say is that grades are as stressful as you want to make them. If you're just in it for a bit of fun that's absolutely fine and to be applauded! Good luck!

My biggest gripe with grades is that they don't test technique. I see kids who've got G8 but their technique is appalling. Apart from that I think in your case you might find it useful to have a target to work towards and to extend your musicality through the scales, sight-reading and aural. And if the exam itself goes horribly wrong you can retake or move on - you can have unlimited goes (unlike, say, a job interview).

Just a quick word of thanks for the advice about piano purchase. We don't live in London so can't check out the cool Yamaha shop but will look into the ones mentioned. thank you knowledgeable ladies.

Just one further question. How important are exams in your opinion? I guess for a young person they are a good marker of progression. Im just wondering if it would be worth considering that route when you start well into adulthood. I love practicing and learning all these new little pieces (even as a beginner. I never had much exposure to anything classical before now); I do like a challenge; tho not too much stress given this is a relaxing hobby! Why/When should a person consider exams? (No more hogging thread after this question - I'll lie low until I pass grade one or equivalent in non exam terms!!! Red face!) But thx in advance for any advice.

Oh wow, that's really cool, no didn't see that one piccolo! Had a few Saturdays off for concerts. Can you remember who/what dance so I can see if the clip's still up?

I didn't see it yesterday, but did you see it a few weeks ago, when they had a solo violinist on a platform and name checked her, Catkind? It was my friend's daughter, who was leader of NYO a couple of years ago. 😀

Anyone watching strictly yesterday? There was a really cool bit of gypsy style fiddle playing! Never mind the dancers, someone should have name checked the violinist.

This is also nice.

I’ve just checked out Black Dress Code. How funny, I’d never realised that there would be a clothes manufacturer specifically for musicians.

I like this: blackdresscode.com/product/rebecca-dress/

Bluebell my 10 year old violinist has s couple of dresses from Monsoon Storm range

We recently bought a new piano. Our old one was literally an unseen cheapo from eBay bought when ds first decided to learn and never replaced. His teacher hinted a few times over the years that we should replace it and we ignored the hints. After he took grade 5 last year, the teacher did more than hint! We went to the Yamaha shop in soho (such a wonderful place - we stayed in there for a long long time!) and ended up buying a slimline digital one. I was very careful to enquire and buy something that would last him well past grade 8 and was assured this would. It is also such a slim profile (full sized keyboard though) that it fits our flat well and will one day go with him when he leaves home. One tip - I stood in the shop after we decided what we wanted to buy and googled them. I found them much cheaper online and asked yahama to price match which they did. Otherwise, I would have left and bought online.

We watched another end of term concert tonight. This was a folk ensemble that ds1 and ds2 play in. Ds3 is too young for it but I had a conversation with the two ensemble leaders who both have taught ds3 either in one2one lessons or in another ensemble who both agreed he should be part of this one. Not their decision unfortunately and the arbitrary 12 year old age cut off has always been enforced. I did point out that ds3 will be year 7 in September and if I had had the foresight to get pregnant with him at the right time of year, he would be on the verge of turning 12 and would be admitted (from September)- it is not his fault he is a summer birthday! They are going to raise it with the higher ups - but I am not that hopeful. Seems so ridiculous as he is better than at least half the kids in the ensemble already. And they don't have one for younger kids.

Well done to mini Trumpet - sounds like he had a great concert. ( fingers crossed, he gets to do it all again next year!)

Bluebell you could try Black Dress Code

Hi there & welcome bluebell - my DD is a cellist so wears trousers but have recently bought her a black top from H&M adult size 6 which seemed to be fine.

Hi flipside the recent edition of Pianist magazine includes a supplement of different digital pianos on the market for all budgets. They're all digital as opposed to acoustic but nice to browse!

String it was an amazing afternoon . Sad that we couldn’t stay for the next concert really - but a long journey home now .
Glad he was polite !! He’s really enjoyed this year with NCO

Dd1 is a very slim 12 year old violinist, small adult height. Her current concert clothes are a very fine knitted black dress (adult xxs) with a belt to gather it at the waist.

Hi everyone, hope you don't mind me joining in. I am mum to dd2 who is a keen violinist. Just wondered if anyone had any ideas about where I could get her some concert clothes from? The stipulation is plain black and I'm struggling to find anything suitable. She is a very slim 12 year old and prefers skirts or dresses if possible. She would like something that looks nice, isn't too adult or too banish and keeps to the rules. Any ideas?

trumpet - yes! wonderful! And so polite when I grabbed a word afterwards; great afternoon!

He did ok didn’t he String!! - though he’s determined to prematurely age me

Trumpet

Am I right in thinking it's the NCO Winter concert today?
Good luck to all those performing, if so!

I second Taggie on silent yamaha upright, we wouldnt survive in a terrace without it. Practice at anytime and sound is fantastic.

Wanted to sympathise Alex with the brace...ouch!