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Who or what inspired you to take up percussion, and pursue a career in music?

I was introduced to music at a very early age and so it was instilled in me right from the start. I began with piano lessons, however at the age of 9 I decided that the drum kit was my true calling, and the rest is history!

Who or what have been the most important influences on your musical life and career?

I have had many inspirational teachers throughout my education who have nurtured my musical learning in many different ways and have all influenced me in my musical life and career.

What have been the greatest challenges of your career so far?

The greatest challenge for me is becoming accomplished on as many different percussion instruments as I can – there are so many to choose from!

Which performance/recordings are you most proud of?

As part of a percussion quartet, we spent a day recording three pieces in November 2016 in preparation for a competition in May. We encountered many unusual setbacks in the lead up to the recording and on the recording day itself including a power cut, despite this I feel that we did a really great job and I’m really looking forward to hearing the results.

Which particular works do you think you play best?

I really enjoy the performance aspect of being a soloist and find that the more unusual the piece of the music, the more I enjoy it and therefore the better I play it! At the moment, I’m working on a piece for body percussion and mime called Ceci n’est pas une Balle. It’s a really energetic piece that requires a lot of audience interaction and is really exciting to perform.

How do you make your repertoire choices from season to season?

I choose repertoire based on what I appreciate listening to and what I feel will work best with my musical personality. Above all, I choose pieces that I know I will enjoy playing and performing to an audience.

Do you have a favourite concert venue to perform in and why?

For orchestral playing, I really enjoy the atmosphere of Birmingham’s Symphony Hall, the vast space is thrilling to perform in. Small solo venues can also have the same thrilling effect, with much more intimacy between performer and audience.

Favourite pieces to perform? Listen to?

I’ve recently been introduced to an array of traditional Irish folk music and am enjoying both listening to and playing along to (with the aid of my bodhran) some awesome tunes. There are lots of great bands/artists on the Irish scene who mix traditional tunes with contemporary beats, some great ones to listen to are: Donal Lunny, Flook, Kila, and Planxty.

Who are your favourite musicians?

My favourite musicians are the percussionists and educators who I have had the chance to meet and work with during my education. These are the people who I can consolidate about my career and who will give honest and accountable opinions. They are the musicians who work tirelessly day in day out to make a success of their own careers, they are exceptional players and can give some of the best advice a fellow musician could ask for.

What is your most memorable concert experience?

This would probably have to be my very first visit to the proms when I was a younger. The vastness of The Royal Albert Hall was mesmerising and I can remember being particularly in awe when the orchestra played The Storm from Britten’s Four Sea Interludes.

What do you consider to be the most important ideas and concepts to impart to aspiring musicians?

Make yourself as versatile a musician as you possibly can. There are so many opportunities out there for musicians to take, not just as a performer. Immerse yourself in all aspects of music, from community work to concert organising, from being a session musician to creating your own folk band. Do as much as you can and experience as much as you can, while you can. Above all, make sure that you continue to enjoy all that you do!

What do you enjoy doing most?

Aside from all things musical, I enjoy going rock climbing and bouldering as often as I can. It’s great fun and important to occasionally take myself away from the musical world.
Miriam graduated from Birmingham Conservatoire in June 2016 with a First Class Honours degree in Music Performance; she is now studying for her Master’s degree at the same establishment. Miriam has worked with many percussion teachers and educators from around the world including Adrian Spillett, Alexej Gerassimez, Ney Rosauro and Colin Currie to name but a few. Miriam is a versatile percussionist with interests stretching from the Irish Bodhrán to the music of Latin America; from orchestral playing to solo repertoire. Miriam also has keen interests in learning and participation projects within the wider community and the arts management that surrounds them.

 

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Applications are now open for the Dudley International Piano Competition 2017

2017 marks 50 years since the Dudley International Piano Competition (DIPC) was first suggested. It then evolved in 1968 from piano classes at the Dudley Festival of Music and Drama, with a concerto final, and was held annually until 1989 when it became a biennial event and from 1991 to 1995 it was opened to competitors from overseas. The Dudley International Piano Competition then took a break and re-emerged in 2000 as a competition with a recital final open to pianists of all nationalities studying or resident in the British Isles.

Many past winners, including Benjamin Frith, Andrew Wilde, Graham Scott, Paul Lewis and Mishka Rushdie Momen have gone on to establish successful careers and past competitors have included internationally acclaimed pianists Ian Hobson, Peter Donohoe, Joanna MacGregor and Timothy Horton.

The 2017 competition once again features a concerto final at the world famous Symphony Hall, Birmingham, accompanied by the internationally renowned City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra conducted by Michael Seal.

The jury, chaired by Gordon Fergus-Thompson, consists of distinguished pianists and teachers, including John Humphreys, Andrew Wilde, Siva Oke and Lucy Parham.

The deadline for entries for the 2017 competition is 9th June 2017. Please visit the DIPC enter page for more information.

PRIZES 2017

Concerto performance opportunity for the three finalists at Symphony Hall, Birmingham with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra.

£4,000 1st Prize
£3,000 2nd Prize
£2,000 3rd Prize

£750 4th Prize

£250 Audience Prize

£250 each semi final prizes

Somm Debut CD Recording
(to be offered at the discretion of Siva Oke)

Full details of the competition can be found on the DIPC website

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Wishing all my readers around the globe a very happy and musical 2017.

Forthcoming articles and features on The Cross-Eyed Pianist include:

  • Meet the Artist interviews with BBC Young Musician 2016 finalist, the vibrant saxophonist Jess Gillam, composer Bernard Hughes, and pianist Danny Driver
  • Following The Accidental Pianist, further articles on the myriad aspects of being a pianist, including The Patient Pianist, The Sensitive Pianist and The Doubting Pianist (feel free to suggest other topics for inclusion in this series)
  • ‘Approaching the Concerto’ – reflections from a variety of soloists, including Stephen Hough, Dinara Klinton and Alissa Firsova, and conductor Tom Hammond ahead of a series of concerts featuring piano concerti by Beethoven, Grieg and Brahms, conducted by Tom Hammond.
  • The continuing journey through Schubert’s Sonata in A, D959 (read more about this project here)
  • Music into Words mini conference – following the successful launch of the Music into Words project in February 2016, Frances Wilson (The Cross-Eyed Pianist) and Simon Brackenborough (founder and editor of the Corymbus blog) host a half-day mini conference exploring the great variety of writing about classical music today. Guest speakers, audience discussion and Q&A, and plenty of opportunities for networking and socialising. Further information and tickets here
  • An opportunity to hear acclaimed pianist, writer and teacher Graham Fitch perform the complete Goldberg Variations, plus a special post-concert talk and audience Q&A, hosted by The Cross-Eyed Pianist

And much more besides…..

Readers are welcome to suggest topics to be covered and guest posts are invited – feel free to contact me

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7 Star Arts promotes exciting and eclectic performances by a vibrant collective of musicians, actors, writers and artists, including acclaimed pianists Anthony Hewitt and Viv McLean, violinist David le Page, actress and writer Susan Porrett, jazz ensembles Partikel and the Liam Stevens Trio, and artist Klara Smith.

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Performances often take place in smaller, more intimate venues and feature mixed-genre programmes combining music and words, and music, words and pictures to create unique and accessible concerts which offer unexpected insights into the music being performed.

I have been involved with 7 Star Arts for several years now on an ad hoc basis, as an occasional publicist and performer, but I recently took over managing the 7 Star Arts website and am now responsible for producing publicity material and promoting events via social media.

Christmas 2016 saw the launch 7 Star Arts has a residency at The Jazz Room at The Bull’s Head in SW-London with a sell-out performance of ‘Classic Gershwin’, a wonderful celebration of the life of George Gershwin in music and words. Known as the “suburban Ronnie Scott’s”, the Jazz Room at The Bull’s Head is now an established part of the London jazz scene and host to many acclaimed jazz musicians and singers.

In addition, we are also hosting events at the hidden gem that is Dorich House, the splendid and wonderfully eclectic Art Deco former home of Russian artist Dora Gordine.

Forthcoming events

11th February 2017 – Classic Gershwin, St Michael’s Chiswick. Back by popular request, the hugely successful life of George Gershwin told in music and words, with pianist Viv McLean and actress Susan Porrett.

Book Tickets

14th February 2017 – Valentine’s Extravaganza with Liam Stevens and Friends at The Jazz Room at The Bull’s Head, Barnes. The Liam Stevens Trio is one of the most exciting young groups on the jazz scene today. Led by the dextrous piano playing of Liam, who displays a deep understanding and passion for music, winning increasing plaudits from audiences and respected musicians alike. This cutting-edge trio features Liam Stevens, keyboard, JJ Stillwell, bass and Joe Dessauer, drums, along with some very special guests for this one-off Valentine’s show.

Book Tickets

3rd March 2017 – Chekhov’s Grand Piano. The premiere of a new multi-genre production celebrating the artistic life of the great Russian writer Anton Chekhov, with piano music by Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninoff, Prokofiev and le Page, performed by pianist Viv McLean and violinist David Le Page, with readings by Susan Porrett and Nesley Joy.

Book Tickets

7 Star Arts on Facebook

Twitter: @7StarArts

The great strength of this format is the subtle interweaving of words and music. Susan’s text brings to life the personalities of Chopin and Sand through letters between them and their friends, and contemporary accounts. The readings set the tone, and the music reflects it, each piece sensitively rendered by Viv with expression and commitment, from the tenderest, most intimate Nocturnes (Op 9, No. 2, Op post. In C sharp minor) to an intensely poignant Mazurka (Op 17 No 4). …..Viv’s understated, modest delivery always allows the music to speak for itself, while Susan’s words lend greater focus, encouraging us to listen to the music even more attentively.

(from my review of ‘Divine Fire’)