Fabulous Longford Pitch & Pulse Christmas piano concert

Ardagh Music Room, now Pitch & Pulse Piano, was delighted to host its annual Piano Concert in person in the newly refurbished Ballycloghan Hall on Monday, December 19. 

There were still a number of Zoom participants and video performances but the hall itself was packed with pianists of all ages playing from this year's repertoire. 

Thea Dillon, one of the youngest students, introduced a new song I want a Hippopotamus for Christmas to the Christmas classics. Thea started playing just before lockdown aged 2 and a half, with the Dog and Bird piano method used by Pitch & Pulse tutors. With the dedicated support of mum - Karen and consistent Zoom classes, Thea is now reading notation and able to play her own choice of pieces.

Thea's siblings Alex and Grace achieved RIAM Grade 1 and 2 respectively, this year, both having started learning through the Dog and Bird method. They sat and listened whilst the older pianists played a wide selection of their own choice pieces, including Mozart's Rondo alla Turca, Shcumann's Phantasietanz and Experience by Ludwico Eunaudi. 

Karen was enthusiastic in her support for the piano concert, "The show is great - giving them the chance to show off their pieces, but also there is nothing like seeing what the other children are playing to keep them thinking forward."  

Joanna Pearman, piano teacher, commented, "We have two Anna's, one who is my most recent recruit playing Jingle Bells and the second, Anna O'Caithan, working towards Grade 7, having started 7 years ago using the same Dog and Bird method." Anna was heading to Wexford Opera House the next day, to sing in Cór Linn with the National Symphony Orchestra.

"Thank you to everyone who participated, it is so lovely for everyone to get together and be able to perform in front of each other and know you have a room full of positivity and support."  

For further information on piano lessons or early years music, please visit www.pitchandpulse.ie or email [email protected].