Sometimes an introduction becomes as famous as the piece that follows. The dramatic chords at the beginning of Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto in Bb minor are instantly recognisable in their own right, even though their principal purpose is simply to command…
The first in what we hope will be a series of music study visits is planned for Tuesday 30th April at the Birmingham Conservatoire. Music tutor Andy Glover is hosting a concert to celebrate … erhm … a major birthday…
Just before we consign 2012 to the cutting room floor, here are some musical highlights – as chosen by members of the OCA music team. Graham Coatman For me the highlight of 2012 has to be the première of my…
The harpsichordist George Malcolm once told me how he had been given a stern rebuke by a world famous maestro for filling out the continuo line whilst performing JS Bach’s St Matthew Passion. The gist of the complaint was that…
This post features music composed by Edinburgh based music student Jamie Dunnett. He writes as follows. “Night Music was written specifically for OCA tutor and professional flautist Carla Rees to play at the composition workshop in November 2011. The brief…
Just before we turn off the lights and lock the door on 2011, here are the musical highlights – as chosen by members of the OCA music team. Duncan Druce: For about a decade, each June, I’ve been spending a…
We are pleased to announce the launch of an enhanced Learner Support Scheme. Trustees have set aside a budget of up to £15,000 in each financial year to underpin this important development. The new scheme will ensure the continuation of…
I was in Grange-over Sands the other weekend. In keeping with its somewhat old world charm, it has a bandstand where live music is performed on summer Sundays. It had to be relocated from a previous site near the railway…
Music composition – and indeed other – students may be interested in an event on Saturday 4 June at 2:00pm in London. Harpsichordist Jane Chapman will be performing a selection of new pieces for harpsichord and electronics by composition students…
We are delighted to announce the launch of our exciting new music course, entitled Music 1: From the Present to the Past, developed for us by OCA tutor Carla Rees. This course starts with the present day, including contemporary ‘classical’…
You Tube has a fascinating clip of Paul Simon discussing where the melody and harmony for the song Still Crazy After All These Years should go after the initial verse and chorus. Even if you are not into music theory,…
Does a composer write his or her best music at a time of joy, tragedy or tranquillity? There are persuasive cases to be made for all three. Indeed we should probably add a fourth option i.e. none of the above…
