New year, new practice - Piano-Yoga and more

In between unpacking and seasonal preparation, I found time in December to join Skipton Ukulele Club - great fun! Including joining in their Christmas charity gigs on 19th December. Piano practice became somewhat less enthused....

Whilst I don't do New Years Resolutions per se, I took the turning of a new year to revisit performing and practicing. On 2nd January, I attended the first Players for Pleasure group meeting of the year in central Leeds. Players for Pleasure is like a piano group but for all instruments. As well as piano, we heard pieces for flute, clarinet, alto sax, guitar, cello, tin whistle (as well as combinations/duets/quartets). Everyone was really friendly and I look forward to going again - maybe even bringing along my ukulele!!

On Wednesday 6th January, I headed to London for the latest instalment of the Piano-Yoga Club. I have been using the Piano-Yoga exercise book for a few years now, but hadn't been to any events as yet. The Piano-Yoga Club started last September and meets every first Wednesday at 7pm.

The January Club was entitled 'Simple formula for an efficient practice'. It was really useful to discuss aspects of planning practice time and how to get the most out of that time, as well as discussing/trialling a few yogic exercises to help with energy levels. I have already starting using a few of GéNIA's tips to refresh my piano practice, so far so good! A lot of GéNIA's advice would also be applicable to learning ukulele.

The future Club topics and dates are listed on this page; although sadly too far from Skipton to attend regularly.

My calendar of events is already starting to get quite busy. This year I have planned a day at It's All About Piano in March; as well as further events with Skipton Music and Ilkley Concert Society. After having so much fun with Let's Play The Piano! Newcastle, I am planning to attend the Let's Play The Piano! Manchester group in February.

Happy music-making!

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