Idle chit-chatterers' corner

Nutroast · Post by **Nutroast** » 10 Nov 2008, 10:48

dave brum wrote:My wife has withdrawn funding for my monthly piano lessons. .

really? If so, I'm truly sorry, Dave. Don't you dare think of giving up Fiona; your lessons were teaching you stuff, but you'd done 99.99% of it all by yourself already and will carry on learning, lessons or no lessons.

Wet Monday wishes....

Jan
xx

Moonlight · Post by **Moonlight** » 10 Nov 2008, 15:18

dave brum wrote:My wife has withdrawn funding for my monthly piano lessons. The credit crunch has taken away a massive chunk of my inner soul and I am wondering for how much longer I will be able to keep Fiona.

Oh my god!

I'm so sorry for you! can't you at least go less frequently !?
but PLEASE don't give up the piano! What do you mean you can't keep up you piano, you bought it and thats it, its yours.

If you can't have lessons, then I'm sure the people on here will help you with any questions and suff - I will try to help. I'm sure there are ways of coming up with something for you to continue with lessons.

louttrim · Post by **louttrim** » 10 Nov 2008, 15:19

Dave

just wanted to say I'm sorry about your piano lessons. However I can't condone you drinking half a bottle of whisky, or drug taking!!

(and couldn't you put that money towards a lesson, anyway??!)

I want to echo Jan's words - you must give yourself a lot of credit for self teaching - you've seen how I play, and I have lessons!!! Even if you can't have lessons for a while there is no reason at all why you can't still continue to teach yourself, and very successfully. How are you getting on with the pieces in the classical book?? I know you must be incredibly disappointed, but I'm totally convinced you'll be able to progress in any case.

hugs

Linzy x

Moonlight · Post by **Moonlight** » 10 Nov 2008, 15:25

dave brum wrote:There's a thought, has anyone ever tried to play the piano 'stoned' especially on skunk?

You know I have often thought what it would be like! You would sound crap but you would think you sound good! slow reactions, couldn't remember all those notes! That said, I have completely grown out of that kind of 'teenage' activity!

The only drug I need is music!

and its a lot more powerful too!!! and it doesn't degrade the brain!

Nutroast · Post by **Nutroast** » 10 Nov 2008, 16:24

dave brum wrote:I'm still unsure about what to do with Fiona. Of course I don't WANT to get rid of her, and it would make me deeply unhappy to do so but if needs be, then I will.

Why? Surely, she doesn't eat that much?? Any small amount you get from selling her will soon be gone and you won't have the pleasure of her company any more. What could you fill that gap with? It's not worth it.

For what it's worth, I've found I can't play a note after even just the smallest glass of wine, so how I'd be on anything stronger doesn't bear thinking about. Am I the only innocent that doesn't know what "skunk" is? (No wisecracks about cute but rather pungent furry things please). Actually, it's probably best I don't know

Jan
xx

Moonlight · Post by **Moonlight** » 10 Nov 2008, 18:25

dave brum wrote:Right Jan, Fiffie doesn't cost me anything but in any case I'm going to fight my corner on this one - she's not going to make me get rid of her. Time for a bit of good old true Brit stubbornness and stoicism I think!!

She ain't getting rid of her cats so WHY SHOULD I get rid of Fiona? it was after all MYSELF that paid for her and as far as I'm concerned it was a wise investment.

Thats the sprit!!!!!!!!

you go boy!

I can't see why you need to sell Fiona the Piona anyway, so it sucks a little of the eletricity, so what; it helps your health!

Do your cats eat that much? maybe you should of got a poffy pedigree like my one, he only really likes cat biscuits, and eats one pouch of felix a day, then again its the cat litter that is expensive.

Moonlight · Post by **Moonlight** » 10 Nov 2008, 18:33

dave brum wrote:One thing I will certainly NOT miss about going to Ada's are the obnoxious little twats who drive the buses in this area.

In London, Birmingham, the Chester of Man and in most places on our sceptred isle you get on a bus, pay the fare, take your ticket, you find a seat and the driver pulls away. Not in Herefordshire.

Its true you don't even need to say a word to the bus driver now days, especialy as there are Oyster cards. You just hold the card up to the reader and it takes off the money and thats it no need for a ticket too.

Well at least you don't need to sit on a bus with the obnoxious little twats that are cocky secondary school kids!

that have a rubbish recording of some mc -ing or 'Rnb' on their mobile!

Nutroast · Post by **Nutroast** » 12 Nov 2008, 16:27

Where's our Dave? Haven't seen you post for a couple of days. Hope you're OK.

Jan

Nutroast · Post by **Nutroast** » 16 Nov 2008, 10:49

I'm here! Yes, we're all a bit quiet aren't we?

I actually got up early this morning to make a gooseberry and apple pie. OK, I know that's boring, but there's not much else to tell! I'm hoping for bad weather today so I don't feel guilty for practicing the piano instead of digging the garden.

Jan
xx

markymark · Post by **markymark** » 16 Nov 2008, 15:36

Still..... a one year old Yamaha YDP131 could still fetch a good 500GBP!

I wonder if we have Mrs. Brum's e-mail account details?

Moonlight · Post by **Moonlight** » 16 Nov 2008, 18:31

dave brum wrote:...And my piano stays put The management has told me that it makes me happy, so why should I get rid of it! So she's got her cats and I've got my musicbox! Everybody's happy

Thats good news Dave! yay.

Speaking of cats, has anyone ever played a piece with a cat on your lap?
I have come to the conclusion you can only play a piece with very little hand / arm movement in it ( a very easy tune ). Or you get a cat that is smacked in the head by your arms

.

Do your cats distract you when playing? My cat jumped through the bottom of the piano and pounced on my foot as I was peddling, he then proceeded to use the damper pedal as a chew and then a pillow

. So I had to play a piece without pedal use.

Its also difficult to play anything sad as I end up laughing at my cats silly antics as I play.

Maybe I should start a new topic?

Moonlight · Post by **Moonlight** » 17 Nov 2008, 16:27

dave brum wrote:I can't wait to meet you in London AND I was thinking about you earlier on while I was wrapping up your Chrissie pressie!!!

Hi Dave I'm ok thanks, been having job interviews etc. I had one near Baker Street and found two really cool music shops, one specialises in early music and musical instruments, like little harps and recorders ect. The other one was an Indian music shop, all kinds of fascinating musical instruments in there! no piano shops though

.

aaawww Dave thanks! you got me a Christmans pressie!

oooooh I wonder what it is!

That reminds me, I must also get started with my Christmas shoping too.

I have lots of ideas what I could get you!

Moonlight · Post by **Moonlight** » 17 Nov 2008, 16:35

dave brum wrote:I've just finished tucking in to a lovely healthy brekkie. Fried egg, fried bacon, sausage, tomato, beans, fried bread, everything but the black pud.

Healthy - for the morale!!

Breakfast sounds very yummy! But how can you have a fry - up without black pudding???! ( I guess its an acquired taste

) and hashbrowns!!!? . I don't usually have fried bread, I haven't had it for ages!

Its heathly for the soul ( soul food

), not for the body though.

Marius · Post by **Marius** » 07 Dec 2008, 00:53

YOU ROCK DAVE

Nutroast · Post by **Nutroast** » 07 Dec 2008, 07:10

dave brum wrote: and voila, as if by magic, the mist has cleared and you can make that connection between the printed music and your hands without having to avert your gaze from the music!!

Scales and arpeggios perfectly too! If only there was an AB examiner up here with me!!!

Has anyone else noticed that - especially you Nuttiecrunch!

Absolutely! I've been learning some Christmas songs and have been having problems getting the chords right, a break definitely helps. I think your brain keeps practicing without the problem of having your hands in the way

"....and voila...." hey, I thought you played the paino

Jan
xx

ebonyivory · Post by **ebonyivory** » 07 Dec 2008, 10:54

Hello regulars!

I have just found this thread/chat thing. It makes some interesting reading

I was expecting Dave to come back to me on the pass, merit, distinction thread!!!

I have had a little go at some christmas songs but I find them a bit boring. That said the book I've got, an oldish second hand one, is quite easy so it makes you feel good.

Other than that, I have come crashing back down to earth after my good news, as at my last lesson my teacher showed me my new scale of C with both hands at the same time! aaarrgh! I am dyslexic (not the typical spelling one) and two hands going like that is mind blowing. Mine want to mirror each other grrrrrrr!

Kim. (Hope this isn't gate crashing)

Post by **Gill the Piano** » 07 Dec 2008, 15:20

Kim, just go one pair of notes at a time, veryveryveryveryvery slowly, giving yourself time to concentrate hard on each note in each hand, particularly where you have to pass the thumb under the hand. The more you do it, the easier it'll get and eventually you can speed up a bit each time.
Go for it!

ebonyivory · Post by **ebonyivory** » 07 Dec 2008, 16:22

Thanks Gill, will give it a go. Your brain really does fight it though, or is it your fingers fighting it, not sure.

Moonlight · Post by **Moonlight** » 07 Dec 2008, 16:51

No, Dave... YOU ROCK!

Moonlight · Post by **Moonlight** » 07 Dec 2008, 17:10

For those of you thinking what is Dave and Moonlight on about?!!

We met up in London yesterday and were having a very fun time in Chapples! AND we got told off too!

'Excuse me, can you not both play at the same time. Theres a gentleman over there trying to listen to the tone of the piano' Like we weren't trying to listen to the tone too!!

lol

I have to say Dave played very very well! He played a grade 1 piece called minueto and it souded so wonderful I am going to have to learn it now too! plus he played some christmas carols too. - great stuff!

I manged to play a whole Bach prelude without freaking out so much that I couldn't remember it, a few cock ups though! and I think I might get myself a RD2 Yamaha ! maybe I should call it R2D2?

Moonlight · Post by **Moonlight** » 07 Dec 2008, 17:15

dave brum wrote:Annacakies just after I left you on Charing Cross Road yesterday who and what shiuld we see tootling down a very busy Oxford Street...

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=vN35E9fGRAU

www.musicalruth.com

I knew who she was, she came to Kidderminster in September!

OMG that is so funny I have neaver heard of her looks like Sister Wendy playing a piano! I like her piano car thingy in the video.

Me and Dave also saw Jamie Callum up London too. Playing on a small stage! what a day!

ebonyivory · Post by **ebonyivory** » 14 Dec 2008, 22:45

In this house, we still listen to Kraftwerk! 'I'm the operator of my pocket calculator'...

Yep, Mr Ivory still plays it and Master and Mr start trying to robot dance... oh boy.

Moonlight · Post by **Moonlight** » 15 Dec 2008, 15:00

dave brum wrote: I seem to have that Kraftwerk song from 1982, The Model on the brain today.

I LOVE that tune! it is so funny ( in German acent: ) ''I saw herr on ze coverr of a ma - gaanize'' ( high pitch synth sound: ) di didi di, diiiii di, di !

They are cool but I don't have them on cd

I should ask a friend to make me a copy.

ebonyivory · Post by **ebonyivory** » 15 Dec 2008, 21:35

So, are we thinking of funny 80's songs then?

Will have a think! There must be loads!

ebonyivory · Post by **ebonyivory** » 16 Dec 2008, 17:13

Oh Mickey, you're so fine, you're so fine, you blow my mind! Hey mickey! ... Hey Mickey!

You beat me, I can remember now you've reminded me, otherwise I am really struggling... brain dead.

I am thinking of Bananarama and Fun Boy Three because I was a fan of both.

Moonlight · Post by **Moonlight** » 16 Dec 2008, 18:03

dave brum wrote: BTW Anna I wish you well in your interview tomorrow. Teresa and I will be thinking and praying for you that it will lead to a job. AND new jobs of course lead to new acoustic pianos, don't they?

Good luck A n n a c a k e s xxxxxxxxxxxxx

Hi Dave and Teresa!

Thanks for the good luck I hope it pays off, but the interview was a very quick one

, I don't know if its a good thing or a bad thing. I hope I get it but at least I was invited back for a second one, so they must of liked something...if I get a job, boy; you will know about it. I have been wating toooooo looooong!

Moonlight · Post by **Moonlight** » 16 Dec 2008, 18:11

ebonyivory wrote:Oh Mickey, you're so fine, you're so fine, you blow my mind! Hey mickey! ... Hey Mickey

Was that a Billy Piper song?

I'm not very good with that kind of music, my knowlege isn't great on that.

Does anyone remember Shampoo? :

'Uh oh we're in trouble. Someones come along and they burst out bubble uh oh yeah yeah'

90s I think it was, they never did another song after, I remember seening them on Alive and Kicking, ( 90s kids' morning show ) or was it just me who remembers?

Moonlight · Post by **Moonlight** » 16 Dec 2008, 18:14

dave brum wrote:hiya Anna

yeah, let's hope something good happens soon - at least if they've asked you back again you've survived the first hurdle and it also means you're on the old 'shortlist' but it'll also mean the stakes will be higher next interview.

Now you can have a good old de-stress on the piano!

No, I had the second interview today. So next time I find out I either have a job or not

Moonlight · Post by **Moonlight** » 16 Dec 2008, 18:19

Yes I will de - stress and go on the piano later! nice Minuet in G by C. Petzold ( not Bach! ) ornaments and all.

I love learning Baroque ornamentation, but those mordents are tricky if your hands are cold or asleep

. My lesson is a 4.30 tomorrow not 3 btw. Teachers bussy with a concert or something! Oh la di da!

Moonlight · Post by **Moonlight** » 16 Dec 2008, 18:23

hahah now that I think of it they were a bit Sharon and Tracy!

Moonlight · Post by **Moonlight** » 16 Dec 2008, 18:32

dave brum wrote:If you've ever seen the cover to The Complete Piano player Christmas book Anna, it's a really Christmassy scene, with cards, mince pies, a decanter and glasses, Christmas cake and presents all on top of the piano.

uuuuuuuuuuuugggggggggggggghhhhhhhhhh! WHAT ABOUT THE POLYESTER HIGH GLOSS FINISH, AND REAL MAMMOTH IVORY KEYS!?

ebonyivory · Post by **ebonyivory** » 16 Dec 2008, 22:48

Yep! Remember it well! Oh dear.

I like the Specials too! Our era really. Mr I has a lot of ska etc.

ebonyivory · Post by **ebonyivory** » 16 Dec 2008, 23:05

I think we may have that too, or something similar, definitely a mix of all his stuff with whichever group etc.

I am feeling quite upbeat about piano at the mo. Have been much better about practicing and there is an improvement. It's feeling good, dare I say it.

I would like to finish my first piece over xmas. It's quite a fun one, Mozzie.

markymark · Post by **markymark** » 17 Dec 2008, 00:35

Moonlight wrote:Yes I will de - stress and go on the piano later! nice Minuet in G by C. Petzold ( not Bach! ) ornaments and all.

I love learning Baroque ornamentation, but those mordents are tricky if your hands are cold or asleep . My lesson is a 4.30 tomorrow not 3 btw. Teachers bussy with a concert or something! Oh la di da!

Personally, I've never really considered Bach's ornaments to be relaxing.
Preambulum, for example, is a pain that Joseph and I find to be a pain in the head if your mind is tired! Mind you, it has hand cross-overs too!

Nutroast · Post by **Nutroast** » 17 Dec 2008, 11:23

ebonyivory wrote: I like the Specials too! Our era really. .

My era too! I thought "Ghost Town" was brilliant.

Jan
xx

Nutroast · Post by **Nutroast** » 17 Dec 2008, 11:25

DAVE!! Santa is coming to your house and he looks remarkably like the postman. Hope you like it

Jan
xx

Moonlight · Post by **Moonlight** » 17 Dec 2008, 17:11

Moonlight wrote: My lesson is a 4.30 tomorrow not 3

No lessons for me until next year!

my teacher is bussy, Oh well more time to learn that Anna Magdelena Note book thing!

Shame, I was looking forward to trying out Ecosassie! on the acoustic piano.

Moonlight · Post by **Moonlight** » 17 Dec 2008, 17:31

markymark wrote: Personally, I've never really considered Bach's ornaments to be relaxing.
Preambulum, for example, is a pain that Joseph and I find to be a pain in the head if your mind is tired! Mind you, it has hand cross-overs too!

I guess I find it fun or whatever because its new for me! the ornaments really make a piece just that bit more intresting. I'm sure after the novelty has worn off I will loathe them.

Never heard of Preambulum, I just found out about the Notebook for Anna Magdelena Bach. I bought the Schirmer performance edition, it has selections of the dance pieces from the notebook. And its great for beginners who want to learn ornaments, like me!

louttrim · Post by **louttrim** » 17 Dec 2008, 22:52

Up until March I used to live in Hersham!!! It is quite middle class - has it's own Waitrose n everyfink!

Am almost ready for Christmas... how's everyone else doing? Got the biggest tree outside of Trafalgar Square in our sitting room

Tomorrow should see all of the shopping finished..hurrah !!! I do love Christmas

Lx

Moonlight · Post by **Moonlight** » 18 Dec 2008, 14:28

I'm STILL unemployed...

Excuse me as I go and find some class A narcotics, or better still a profoundly sad Chopin piece to play ( if I could play it ) or listen to.

Moonlight · Post by **Moonlight** » 18 Dec 2008, 14:31

dave brum wrote:Just had my first leccy bill of the winter through via email, £132 - which means my March one will be higher still. Can I afford to go back to lessons, or is it begging bowl round the streets time for me?

I will cry on your shoulders Dave, if you cry on mine.

Nutroast · Post by **Nutroast** » 18 Dec 2008, 17:47

Sorry to hear that Anna. It's their loss.

Love,
Jan
xx

Moonlight · Post by **Moonlight** » 18 Dec 2008, 18:03

dave brum wrote: My shoulders are waterproof Annacakes. And they're nice and squodgey too! Hope yours are.

Hi Dave,

No, mine are rather bony!

I just had a feel of them.

dave brum wrote:At least you tried, which is all you can do. Know Ive said it before, but a recession affects everyone in the world, not just graphic designers in Essex! And if the jobs aren't there, you can't go after them can ya! But at least you have the piano to take it all out on, hey

yeah and I will keep trying!

But until that day happens I do have my piano! Pianos are like a cup of tea - they make everything better!?, well kind of. Hope your having fun wherever you are, you said you were out...

Moonlight · Post by **Moonlight** » 18 Dec 2008, 18:05

Nutroast wrote:It's their loss.

How true...

Hi Jan

haven't bumbed into you for a while! Hows it going? Hows the wildlife, and piano pratice?

Moonlight · Post by **Moonlight** » 05 Jan 2009, 16:03

Hi Dave,

I'm cold too! Its a bit snowy here and I have my gloves on! Yeah my hands get so cold that I don't really want to pratice

, but I force myself to do a bit at least.

Just started snowing again! brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr! but I do love snow it makes everything look clean; even rubbish bags!

Moonlight · Post by **Moonlight** » 07 Jan 2009, 19:37

So then hows it going then Dave?

Had my 1st lesson of the new year today. Went ok(ish), I would say. I didn't get enought time to play other stuff on the piano though

.

When are you going to take your lessons again, with your saved up money - Dave?

louttrim · Post by **louttrim** » 08 Jan 2009, 09:07

hello all, and a belated happy new year!

Don't know where the time goes..

Was Father Christmas good to everyone??
Not much happens here - I'm practising like mad, on the new (to me) piano; it's amazing how different they sound, and the feel on this one is much better. Trouble is, I'd got used to having to be heavy handed with my left hand, and I'm trying to un-learn that - it's hard! Pieces are beginning to sound like (I think!) they are meant to though, so getting there slowly. And I'm having lots of fun with complicated scales, my holiday homework was Bb major, and F major, and associated minors. Love them!

no, really!!!

Anyway... hope everyone's OK??

Lx

Moonlight · Post by **Moonlight** » 08 Jan 2009, 14:14

dave brum wrote:This is getting a bit Adrian Mole-ish isn't it...the quest for the piano teacher where cows and sheep outnumber humans...

Get a sheep to teach you, it could teach you to play Baaaaaaaaaaaaaaach

I love rubbish jokes!

Good luck with your teacher search, hope you fine one soon.

Moonlight · Post by **Moonlight** » 08 Jan 2009, 14:25

louttrim wrote: I'm practising like mad, on the new (to me) piano; it's amazing how different they sound, and the feel on this one is much better.

Hi Linzy

Haven't really spoken to you properly before, so I will now!

What the make of your new piano (baby) then?

I think when I get an upright I might also call it 'baby'!

I know what you mean they are like a new 'pet'.

Moonlight · Post by **Moonlight** » 08 Jan 2009, 14:37

Actually I have a new dilemma now, I might not be able to take grade one as soon as I thought. My teacher wants me to have half hour lessons each week if I am to do it soon ( we still need to work on the sight reading and aural test, haven’t even got round to it yet or scales! ), but of course I have no job and not much money. I suppose I will just have to take this whole exam thing really slowly and possibly do it at the end of the year if I still have money problems.

I'm not to upset about it, I know that when I get some money I will just storm ahead. I'm quite happy working on my other pieces on my own, for now.