The Mount Autumn 2024 Piano School Was a Wonderful Success!
With 15 students signing up to 2024 The Mount Piano Course over three days – culminating in a masterclass and recital from world-class pianist, Maestro Martin Roscoe – The Mount is a piano hub of excellence.
Our 14 Steinway pianos – as we are only one of 25 All-Steinway schools across the country – were put to good use over the three days with students working hard in our many practice rooms and two halls.
Director of The Mount Piano Course, Paul Feehan, said:
“I have been delighted to see so many fantastic improvements in a very short space of time and, equally importantly, everyone has enjoyed themselves. A huge well done to all.
It was a pleasure to work with such a talented team to deliver this excellent piano course with Martin Roscoe’s masterclass and recital, a real treat to end on.”
During the course pupils selected from a pick n mix of activities including sight reading, music theory, masterclasses, aural technique, jazz/improvisation and bespoke one-to-one lessons and feedback.
Andrew Passmore, The Mount’s Director of Music, said:
“The breadth and standard achieved was wonderful. I’m proud of every student who took part and invite them all back next year. Watch this space for dates. I’m confident that some of the students on the course will be world-famous pianists of the future, though enjoyment and participation is our first priority as a proudly Quaker school.
As a Music department, we’re enjoying cultivating The Mount’s growing reputation as a piano centre of excellence and will continue to invite in renowned performers and teachers for The Mount music community to enjoy.”
16-year-old student Albert said:
“I mainly practised my two pieces prior to upcoming Grade 7 and was given extremely helpful techniques, and new ways of considering the pieces, which will only help me improve and grow in performance confidence. I recommend this course to anyone who loves piano and wishes to add finesse to their skills. It’s inclusive, as there were all sorts of levels and there was something for everyone to work on.”
Students shared their progress in mini concerts at the end of the day, including long, ambitious pieces and impressive sibling duets. Pieces from Schumann, Beethoven to Gershwin, featured, to name a few.
Pupils received expert guidance from Paul Feehan, Director of The Mount Piano Course, and his team of staff:
• Paul Feehan is a renowned international pianist, performer and teacher, with many prestigious music prizes and recitals to his name, including The RJ Forbes, which he won twice! We are very fortunate that Paul now teaches at The Mount and expertly runs our piano school. Following his successful performance of Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No. 2 last season with York Symphony Orchestra, he will soon be performing Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1 on April 12, 2025, at University of York.
• Simon Passmore is a music teacher at famous music school, Chethams. He has given solo piano recitals at numerous festivals across the UK, has featured as a concerto soloist both in the UK and abroad, and has received countless piano awards and prizes for accompaniment.
• Andrew & Nia Passmore are Director of Music (talented pianist, organist and harpsichordist) and music teachers (specialises in voice tuition) respectively. Andrew has performed as an accompanist and soloist with professional ensembles such as the Royal Northern Sinfonia, London Concertante and the Gabrieli Consort. They are together ably growing The Mount’s musical offering and widening access to musical opportunities for pupils who enjoy music-making and pupils who want to excel and enjoy successful careers in music.
• Martin Roscoe, Professor of Piano at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, London, and at the Royal Conservatoire, Scotland, is one of the UK’s best loved and talented pianists with ‘deeply thoughtful musicianship’, and an easy rapport with audiences and fellow musicians. With hundreds of recitals recorded and performed, over five decades – and a shelf full of international awards – he is a master at work on the piano keys. We were very lucky to have him support and perform at piano school.
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