Still Here....

It's now August, and just about to get back to earning some cash teaching. {albeit somewhat reduced due to Covid19 - thanks!}

I have to be honest, Zoom/Skype/8x8 has been remakably effective as a tool for virtual teaching, but it's not for everyone. Relying on a decent rural internet connection every day is wishful thinking, as is remembering which platform i'm using from one to another lesson. "Where have you gone? oh, you're not Zoom, you're Skype!" Exhausting. I have to confess I was ready for a longer break at the end of term than I thought. The relentlessness of non stop lessons without any interaction with Mums and Dads etc makes a day's work; well' a day's work!

At the workshop I have had the usual frustrations, and satisfying victories with sticky clarinets, bashed flutes and bodged piccolos. One thing that strikes me is that there must be a large number of ex school instruments from way back that never err.. quite made it back to school on leaving education. Some years on, i've had a few refurbs with the same story. It does say something for the mainly British made instruments quality in the 60's and 70's. Very little mass produced in this country now.

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I've been slowly improving tools and equipment at the workshop to expand my facilities, and developing knowledge as I go. You just can't know it all!

I watch the changing seasons from my lovely picture window, and have had a few days in the workshop with the door open, listening to the Test Match or choral music {still working my way through the extensive St Johns College Choir box set}

Occasionally the curious cows in the field come up to the fence when i'm making musical noises testing instruments!

I now have a few instruments for sale, so will put them on the site in the next week. If you anyone looking for a clarinet, flute or sax, have a look.

I look forward to being able to teach face to face again, but for now it's back to Zoom.........