Before I move onto the current journey I am on with music, I'd quite like to share how my passion for music has been influenced and evolved over my life's journey so far. I remember as a toddler sitting on the floor of my parent's lounge as my mother would play the likes of Patsy Cline's Crazy or Neil Sedaka's Oh Carol, then there was Dolly Parton and Jim Reeves. Then there were those magical trips to Sussex to my maternal grandparents home, where the radio was on for most of the day, except at mealtimes and my Grandfather's most amazing record collection, where he'd often be found making his own mixed tapes enlisting even more greats such as Glenn Miller and Buddy Holly. Then aged about eight years of age two things happened. The first, I began lessons on a multi-tiered organ, but this sadly did not last. Admittedly I struggled with my left hand co-ordination and not wanting to waste my father's money, I stopped lessons. Regrettable, yes, but pipe organs still blow me away to this day. The second event was probably one of the most memorable Christmas presents ever. My first portable radio cassette player, with a collection of albums, probably from Woolworth's. The artists and albums I recall were, All The Best Paul McCartney, Bad Michael Jackson, The Beach Boys Greatest Hits, Chas 'n' Dave, Kylie, Jason Donavan and Richard Clayderman. It was the last artist which probably sowed the seed for my love of the piano, every chance I had at school to stand near a piano, I took, which was often easy given I liked to sing too. But I was not allowed to learn the piano, neither in primary school or at secondary school. The excuse given was that I didn't have one at home in order to practice. Fast forward a few decades later...
In 2021 when I began working for my current employer as a customer delivery driver, I had the privilege of meeting piano players of all ages and abilities. Some of whom were extremely encouraging in me taking up the piano. One customer very kindly offered to teach me, but sadly neither of our diaries have ever been able to match up. So I tried for a few months to try and land myself a piano teacher. Sadly, due to my limited availability no-one seemed to be able to accommodate to my needs. I feel I should re-wind a bit, I did purchase a digital piano, compact but full sized keyboard with weighted keys and the standard three pedals; as a birthday present to myself. For a short time I also tried to teach myself, but felt it best I had a teacher. I knew some things, but admitted this was not a light task.
Someone posted an advert locally which I responded too, but yet again as soon as I mentioned my availability, nothing. So Google came to the rescue and back in January 2025 I found the most amazing piano teacher I could have ever wished for. Of course I wish Miss Thomas had taught me back in the 1990s at school because she was great, but Ana Gogava is both amazing and inspiring. Our lessons together are theory and practice based.
Now, if my global challenge 2025 is successful, I may be able to squeeze in an extra lesson here and there, but as I can only afford two lessons every pay cheque cycle; which is more than some can afford I know and don't get me wrong two lessons every four weeks suits the current regime with plenty of time to practice most days between work and life. As of 9th June 2025 we have begun working on Grade 1 pieces and so looking forward to sharing my journey from here on in. When recovering from surgery my practice time will also increase, once I am allowed up and about.
My musical tastes grew in my teenage years and expanded out across many genres as well as across my personal interests. Visits to my grandparents in Sussex involved listening to my uncle's music where exposure to the likes of Phil Collins, Elton John, Whitney Houston and bands such as R.E.M. and Status Quo. Then through working in the hospitality industry and a college trip to Europe came the likes of Squeeze and Supertramp. My love for classical was not instant, obviously there was the influence of Italia '90 with Nessun Dorma and the annual Last Night of the Proms, but it was actually my passion for film and theatre which got me exploring more. Two of my recent influences have definitely been Adele and Amy Winehouse, however I also like searching for quirky covers through the likes of Youtube.