Probably the most joyous concert ever! This week my son got on a coach with the rest of Skipton Parish Primary Years 5 and 6 and headed for Manchester AO Arena to perform as part of the Young Voices 2023 Choir – the largest children’s school choir in the world! We followed closely behind to watch the concert and we… Read more »
As a former member of Bradford Festival Choral Society and someone with strong family links to the choir, it pleases me to promote their concerts here on my blog. This month they’ll be giving their annual recital of Handel’s Messiah at Price Hall at Bradford Grammar School, and I’ve been lucky enough to be able to sponsor the programme. I… Read more »
At the weekend I was at a friend’s birthday party when the inevitable question popped up: “Can you teach anyone to sing?” As usual, this question was followed up with a statement that I hear people saying all the time: “I can’t sing. I’m tone deaf.” Once I’ve reassured them that everyone can sing, I would usually go on to… Read more »
Here’s what my new student, Keri, sent me in an email over the weekend: Hi Damian, I had to message you to say my Mind. Is. Blown. What a massive difference it makes taking an intentional breathe rather than just singing whilst breathing like you do naturally when talking. Already, I can hold the notes better because I’ve got enough… Read more »
Many of my students have been confused and perplexed by the various and changing arrangements for graded instrumental exams over the past year or so. For clarity, I have trawled through the info for the three main boards that my students enter and provide a little info for each below: ABRSM Face to face exams resume in June. From the… Read more »
One of the best things about teaching music on Zoom is that I end up having students all over the place. Just take tomorrow’s schedule: Guitar in Kent Singing in Hull Piano in Carleton Ukulele in Skipton Guitar in Cononley Guitar in Steeton Guitar in Shipley Guitar in Bingley Now that’s what I call variety!!
Happy New Year Here’s to a bright, happy and healthy 2021! With this in mind, I’ve made the decision to delay all face-to-face lessons at my house until February. With the Covid-19 virus currently spreading faster than ever, and government tier regulations being tightened, I feel that it’s important for me to be part of the solution to this pandemic… Read more »
Damian Oxborough: A Winter’s Tale It’s my birthday today!!! So, please enjoy the video I recorded, then take a look at the info below… we’re doing all of this for UNICEF, and so I’d love it if you could support our efforts by pressing the button below and making a donation of whatever amount you’re able. Even £1 helps the… Read more »
With some Skipton schools closing for half term holidays this coming Thursday, I have the prospect of a shorter week of available lesson slots. There are a couple of available spaces, though, should you want to book in: Monday 19th October 17:00 (30 mins) Tuesday 20th October 11:15 (2 x 30 mins) I am taking a week off for half… Read more »
This week I made the return to face-to-face lessons for those students who want them, and I’ve been pleased that there’s been a good uptake. The Zoom facility remains in place permanently, and there are government rules that I have to follow when people visit my house for lessons. Also, the past 6 months have obviously effected big changes in… Read more »