Learning New Songs For May!

May! Where did you go?

This month has flown by in a whirlwind of weddings, birthday parties, and anniversary celebrations. It has taken me to hotels, castles, historic houses, and restaurants across ten different counties and afforded me opportunities for learning new songs.

There are a few things that have stood out for me this month. The first is the wonderful warmth, kindness, and generosity of spirit of all the people for whom I have played. Every event has been enjoyable, and the people who have booked me have been fun, easy-going, and incredibly kind with their feedback.

The second highlight is the variety and quality of the venues I’ve had the pleasure of visiting. This job takes me to stunning locations, and a quick look through my recent Instagram posts will show you just how beautiful these venues are.

My third reflection is that I’ve learned more new songs and musical pieces for events this month than ever before! Before becoming a professional pianist, I had always played by ear and had a fairly extensive repertoire. However, since setting out as a wedding and event pianist, my repertoire has expanded more rapidly across musical genres than I had ever anticipated. This is largely because I play what people want me to play, which introduces me to new musical tastes, expands my knowledge and skill, and makes me a better pianist as a result.

New Songs In May

This month, I learned the following new songs and pieces to play at wedding ceremonies and birthday parties:

“Always and Forever” (Luther Vandross) for Lisa and Fernando at Edgbaston Park Hotel, Birmingham, on May 4th.
“Je Te Veux” (Eric Satie) and “Got To Get You Into My Life” (The Beatles) for Cheryl and Nairn at Normanton Church, Leicestershire, on May 5th.
“Hello My Love” (Westlife) for John and Lauren at St Tewdrics House, Chepstow, on May 11th.
The theme music to “Succession” and Ivor Novello classics for David and Stephen’s birthday at Eastnor Castle on May 17th.
“Everything” (Michael Buble) for Kirsty and Rob’s wedding at Bourton Hall, Warwickshire, on May 24th.
The theme from “Cinema Paradiso” and the “Game of Thrones” title theme for Lydia and Ashley at Stonehouse Court, Gloucestershire, on May 25th.
“Teach Me How To Be Loved” (Rebecca Ferguson) and “Blackbird” (The Beatles) for Hayley and Harvey at Gorcott Hall, Warwickshire, on May 26th.

Learning New Songs

These were all new to me, and I enjoyed learning every one of them. My learning process starts by adding the music to a Spotify playlist and listening to it extensively to become very familiar with it. I then locate the sheet music from various apps I subscribe to and, through a combination of reading and listening, start to learn the piece. It’s not enough for me to learn a song technically; I need to know it inside out and feel completely comfortable with it to apply my own interpretation and style. This ensures I can play it with the required quality and depth of feeling.

What’s Your Favourite Piece To Play?

All the pieces above are now firmly in my ever-expanding repertoire! When people ask me what I enjoy playing the most on the piano, I used to find it difficult to answer. Now, I know the answer: it’s the latest piece I have learned. Learning is the most satisfying part of playing the piano for me. Learning, and working on new interpretations and adaptations of songs I’ve played for a long time.

Keep Them Coming!

Thank you to everyone who has asked me to learn something new. For those who have booked me or are thinking of booking me, please don’t feel you can only ask me to play songs from my current repertoire. By asking me to play new songs, you’re helping me improve as a pianist, inviting me to explore new artists and genres, and expanding my musical knowledge.

Stay tuned to find out what new delights the wonderful month of June will bring!

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