Local Heroes
Dear Reader – Today’s letter features local heroes from Sligo to New Jersey, some in their prime and others past it, some celebrated in literature - others in song. But first, something to think about as we approach.
Letter
The Piano Has Been Thinking
Stories and reflections on songs, piano, performance, teaching and the musical life around Kieran Quinn Music.
Archive
Latest letters and stories
When you play the wrong song...
Dear Reader – Plenty of memorable moments during Teenage Theme Night #27 this weekend, not least when I started into the wrong song! More below… **All hyperlinks in bold. The Big Thing Teenage Theme Night #27 was just.
Selfies, scholars and values...
Dear Reader – This week’s letter brings us from the local all the way to Goran Ivanisevic and Maura O’Connell. But first, news on the first Teenage Theme Night of the new school year. **All hyperlinks in bold. The Big.
A new residency begins...
Dear Reader – When our residency in Connolly’s finished earlier this year, it was a bit like a long-term relationship coming to an end. I felt I needed time to take stock before jumping into something else. But as of.
Don't miss out this morning...
Dear Reader – Some reflections on an epic Theme Night #30 today. Thanks to Kris Manulak for the great pics. But first, here’s how and when you can get Theme Night #31 tickets… **All hyperlinks in bold. The Big Thing.
The best part...
Dear Reader – There’s only one show in town this week… **All hyperlinks in bold. The Big Thing And so I’m going to let the show do the talking, except for a few short messages… This show is sold out - and thanks once.
Lifelong companions...
Dear Reader – Even if the All-Ireland football final hadn’t been brought forward, it would still be over by now. And - the heating went on in our house for the first time last night - so there is a real feeling around.
Keeping the head right...
Dear Reader – It was nice to be asked by Rory O’Connor (Rory’s Stories) to be his guest on the Sligo leg of his national tour last Saturday night. We had a great chat and finished the show with a few tunes and a.
TN #30 Teaser, and a ticket giveaway!
Dear Reader – The Theme Night #30 sprint is about to start… **All hyperlinks in bold. The Big Thing Just over three weeks to go, and the excitement is building. And without giving too much away, there are some parts of.
A busker in Granada...
Dear Reader – Information, not advice in today’s letter. Starting with adult learning and an intriguing story about a busker in Granada. **All hyperlinks in bold. The Big Thing It’s a big thing to try and learn a new.
Being a superfan...
Dear Reader – More great things happened this week - this Ursula K. Le Guin (via James Clear) quote sums them up nicely. “The daily routine of most adults is so heavy and artificial that we are closed off to much of.
"Better than the frickin' Beatles"
Dear Reader – I’m not sure if it was our Lady Madonna (below) that inspired some American visitors to utter the above famous words in The Strand last Friday, but I enjoyed hearing them I must say. Now watch out Paul.
"They practise without being asked"
Dear Reader – These days, it’s all about prep for Theme Night #30 and the new teaching term. More about the former below, but firstly the latter (thanks Dad for the help with the posters)! **All hyperlinks in bold. The.
Is this the year?
Dear Reader – It’s time to get ready for the new teaching term. I have had loads of inspiration over the summer, and I’m excited that it’s time to put these ideas into practice. **All hyperlinks in bold. The Big Thing.
Endings...
Dear Reader – They can be good or bad, joyous or heartbreaking. Everything has to end though. And it’s the thread that ties today’s letter together. **All hyperlinks in bold. The Big Thing But first - we have just 2.
From one festival to another...
Dear Reader – Sligo Jazz delivered again last week. A magic few days in the company of Eddie Lee, Therese and all the crew. In the midst of it all I managed to get up to the National Concert Hall on Friday night to do.
Time for throw-in...
Dear Reader – I was lucky enough to attend the All-Ireland Hurling Final on Sunday. And you can only marvel at what Limerick have built. It was inspirational to watch. As Ronan O’Gara tweeted about another victorious.
Up Our Side!
Dear Reader – We spotted three Galway GAA fans on the pitch in the AVIVA stadium last Saturday. They had just crossed the city from Croke Park where they had watched their team qualify for an All-Ireland final for the.