EPTA East of Scotland Region

SAD NEWS

For those of you who may not have heard, Margaret McLeod, our tireless and hardworking EPTA Regional Organiser, had become very ill with the rare form of cancer which she had long disguised by presenting a brave and vivacious public face to everything. Despite all, however, the illness took over, and a week past Sunday, sadly, she died.

Her funeral will be on FRIDAY 8 OCTOBER, 3 pm, in the MAIN CHAPEL of MORTONHALL CREMATORIUM EDINBURGH EH16 6TX

Thought this might cheer up a few of you!!

Dear all,

In these troubled times, you will not be surprised to learn that the Masterclass scheduled for 10 May has been cancelled. Aaron Shorr has agreed that this is the only thing to do, and has said he would be pleased to conduct a masterclass for us some time in the future. Hopefully that will not be too far off, although at the moment the coming months look very bleak.

Some of us are setting up on-line teaching, and if you are worried about how to go about this, there is plenty of advice on the EPTA page. Let’s hope the government recognises that freelance or self-employed people need financial help as well as the employed. So many of us teachers will find ourselves in a precarious situation.

We hope you are all keeping well and surviving the strictures now placed on us.

Best wishes,

EPTA East of Scotland Committee

Another full house for our Performance Platform on Sunday (23.02.20). Some lovely playing from these young pianists.

Successful afternoon at the Edinburgh Society of Musicians presenting the new EPTA-Faber "Teachers' Choice" books. Scott Barron and Margaret Murray McLeod played and advised on teaching issues on a number of pieces taken from the two volumes.

We had so many performers for todays Performance Platform that we had to stage two separate concerts. Packed houses enjoyed some lovely playing from beginners to diploma level. Almost 2 hours of music!

An enthusiastic group of teachers gathered here in Edinburgh to listen to an enlightening and enjoyable lecture by EPTA member, Ingrid Sawers. Entitled, "Two's Company", she delved into the world of accompanying and ensemble playing both from the point of view of the performer and the teacher. Ingrid herself is an experienced accompanist and examiner for the ABRSM. The event was summed up neatly by one member of the audience when she wrote: "Just wanted to send a little thank you for today’s event, it was fabulous, so much knowledge to take away and reflect on."

EPTA UK East of Scotland Region would like to alert you to two events coming up in this year's Edinburgh Fringe Festival featuring two Scottish musicians - composer John McLeod, and jazz genius, Richard Michael.

On 10 August, the brilliant pianist, Murray McLachlan (Chair of EPTA UK) and his talented daughter, Rose, play some of the piano works of McLeod, with the composer introducing the programme.

Richard Michael, always a great entertainer, is presenting two programmes; one on 7, 8 and 9 August and the other on 15, 16 & 17 August.

EPTA East of Scotland Teachers' Forum took place today, 28 April '19. Members and guests enjoyed a stimulating afternoon of questions and shared ideas and experiences. Topics ranged from how to improve aural skills to teaching Improvisation and advanced pedalling techniques.

In just a fortnight's time we will be holding another Performance Platform when pupils of members will show us just what they can do.
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Sunday 18 November saw record numbers attending our latest Pupils' Concert. In fact it was TWO concerts as we decided to split the numbers so that more people could come along and support our young pianists. The two different audiences were treated to some lovely playing from the youngest ones up to the teenagers. Everyone of them played well and seemed to enjoy the occasion.

A wonderful day of sharing and learning at the CPD day in Edinburgh on Sunday (23 Sept '18)...….the first of three taking place this autumn. Murray McLachlan (Chair of EPTA-uk), Kathryn Page, Paul Harris (the well-known writer & composer) & Margaret Murray McLeod were the presenters. An enthusiastic group of some 25 teachers attended the day-long event that climaxed with a splendid masterclass for three young pupils of East of Scotland teachers, coached by the sympathetic but illuminating Murray McLachlan.
Mention must be made of the three stalwart members, Jane Blackie, Scott Barron and Stephen Armstrong who kept the show running so smoothly.