Latest news with #piano
CTV News
7 hours ago
- Lifestyle
- CTV News
79-year-old piano teacher accepted to Oxford and Cambridge music programs
Susan Evans has been teaching piano to students on the North Shore for decades. She now might get the chance to go back to school herself at Oxford or Cambridge. (Courtesy: Abby Luciano) A lifelong love of music is reaching a crescendo for a passionate piano teacher at the age of 79. For more than 25 years, Susan Evans has been teaching little ones piano in North Vancouver's Lynn Valley. Last year, the piano teacher returned to school to get a master's degree in music theory at the University of British Columbia. As she wraps up, the aspirations for Evans don't stop there as she's been accepted to master's of philosophy of music programs at University of Oxford and Cambridge University for the fall. Studying music at one of those premier universities in the U.K. has been a lifelong dream of hers. 'Just being accepted is a big thing all by itself. Even if I don't manage to get to go, it pleases me hugely that they want me to go,' Evans said. Music has always surrounded Evans. Her mother played the piano and sang to Evans in their home in Wales. Her father was also musically gifted, playing piano and clarinet in a jazz band. By the time she was five, Evans asked her parents for piano lessons. Evans worked on mastering her craft, spending hours gliding her fingers over the white keys. In high school, she continued honing her skills while also learning to play the cello and joining the choir. Her cello skills eventually led her to play in the National Youth Orchestra of Wales. She then went on to study cello, piano and composition at the Dartington College of Arts in Devon, England. 'There was a lot of music going on all the time,' she said. But then Evans decided to change career direction to work in film, another passion of hers. She went on to complete a masters degree in film and television production in London, later becoming one of the film editors on Led Zeppelin's award-winning 1976 concert movie, The Song Remains the Same. She then took on a new career challenge, becoming a freelance writer in Tokyo, Japan, writing restaurant and theatre reviews, cultural and local-interest features for an English-language weekly publication after backpacking through Asia. In 1981, Evans and her family moved to the Vancouver area, eventually settling in North Van. Evans returned as a student 15 years later, starting at Capilano University's music program then transferring over to UBC completing a bachelor's in music after putting her career on pause to raise her family. After finishing school, she began teaching students in her home near Princess Park. As she started to gain attention for her lessons, she was able to secure her own commercial space for a studio in Lynn Valley, teaching dozens of children for more than two decades. 'I love teaching on the North Shore,' Evans said. 'It's just been wonderful because the families there have been so supportive. I just felt so valued, and I enjoy teaching, it's my favourite activity. That's why I've been doing it for so long.' She has fond memories of teaching students, watching them go on to pursue careers in music or otherwise around the world. Now living in Vancouver, the piano teacher took a small hiatus during the COVID-19 pandemic and rented a home in Nova Scotia, allowing a colleague to take over her teaching business. But now the piano teacher teaches again at the Lynn Valley studio once a week. Attending Oxford or Cambridge to study music theory has always been a goal of hers, and she applied on a whim just to see if she would be accepted. 'When I was at school, I really wanted to go to Oxford or Cambridge and my marks weren't good enough. It's a lifelong dream to go, and to be able to go is kind of fulfilling something I've wished [for] my whole life that I didn't.' 'If I don't go now, it's going to be too late. I've been wanting to do that for ages, and this is my very last chance to do it,' Evans added. Evans said she wants to complete a master's in philosophy in music theory from either university, with a particular focus in mid-20th century French composers, a topic that isn't widely available here. 'I wanted to specialize in music theory. I've been teaching piano for a long time, and I really enjoy music theory, and I'm very curious about where music comes from, how does it work, what's the structure of musical pieces and all that,' she said. As Evans ponders her decision, a big factor is money, she said. Her husband, Barry Rueger, set up a GoFundMe in May to try and help raise funds for her tuition. 'The challenge for us is to cover the costs,' the post reads. 'Although we own a small home in Nova Scotia, and have pensions and savings, the reality is that as an international student Susan will be charged more than £40,000 in registration fees for each year. That is, simply, just beyond our reach.' Evans said she might sell a piano she has in Nova Scotia or her car in Vancouver to make up some of the tuition money. But even if Evans doesn't go, she is thrilled to be accepted to both institutions. 'My main goal is that I'm really curious. There are things I don't know … and I want to learn more about the structure of music, the centre of music, the core of music,' she said. 'This is such an opportunity, it seems too big to miss.' Abby Luciano is the Indigenous and civic affairs reporter for the North Shore News. This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative.
BBC News
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Schoolboy River, 11, to play with North Devon Sinfonia
A schoolboy from Devon is set to join the North Devon Sinfonia for a one off concert in late June. River, an 11-year-old pupil at West Buckland School in Barnstaple, has been playing piano since the age of six when his grandma noticed him humming, whistling and singing to movie music. "She thought I would be interested in the piano. I said yes and when I started, I found I progressed really quickly," said River. He will be performing Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 21 on 21 June at Torrington's St Michael and All Angels Church. The schoolboy added: "When I'm playing I'm thinking about stories. "With Rachmaninoff it's like a big adventure story where people are having to sacrifice something. "In my mind it's like pictures, stories, lots of different colours all that sort of stuff." 'It's remarkable' His music teacher Dom Carter said River's talent was beyond anything he had ever seen for his age."I've been teaching for 16 years and I have never met a pianist of this skill at this age," he said. "It's remarkable. River is working on grade seven and grade eight pieces at the age of eleven. "He is so focussed he has just shot up through the grades. Not that it is about grades for him, he just loves playing." River's mum Laura said neither she nor her husband were musical and their son's talent came as a said: "It makes your skin go all tingly when you hear him play because he has such musicality that gives emotion to whatever he is playing. "We are just really happy and love hearing him practice."
ABC News
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- ABC News
'Reach' Jacky Terrasson
For decades, France has been a jazz haven. Paris in-particular has been a home to many iconic players - from guitarist Django Reinhardt to pianist Michel Petrucciani, and the city was also a refuge for countless American musicians in the '50s and '60s. Another leader on today's jazz scene in France is pianist Jacky Terrasson. The son of a French father and an American mother, Terrasson grew up with both European classical music and American bebop ringing in his ears. In the early '90s, he burst onto the international stage after moving to the States, winning the Thelonious Monk International Piano Competition and signing on with Blue Note Records. Since then, Terrasson has gone onto back names like Dee Dee Bridgewater and Cassandra Wilson, and his own output as a leader on the piano is equally impressive. A stand-out session in his extensive catalogue has to be the album 'Reach'. Recorded in 1995, this trio date featured Jacky behind the piano, accompanied by the brilliant German/Nigerian bassist Ugonna Okegwo and the expressive drummer Leon Parker. On this record, the three musicians show just how much history they have assimilated, with a trio sound that reflects the spirit and interplay of groups led by greats like Bill Evans and Chick Corea.
Japan Times
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Japan Times
Japanese pianists win 2nd, 5th prizes in Brussels contest
Japan's Wataru Hisasue and Masaya Kamei won the second and fifth prizes, respectively, in the piano category of the Queen Elisabeth Competition in Brussels, a prestigious international music contest, on Sunday. "I thought this competition, which emphasizes modern songs, would suit my character," Hisasue, 30, said at the venue. "I was really tired because it was a long competition that lasted for a month, but I focused on it and gained valuable experience." After graduating from high school, Hisasue went to Europe to study at the Freiburg University of Music, the Conservatoire National Superieur de Musique et de Danse de Paris and the Berlin University of the Arts. In 2017, he won third place at the International Music Competition in Munich. He is currently based in Berlin but is also actively performing in Japan. Kamei, 23, said, "It is an honor to receive an award at one of the world's top competitions." Of the 12 finalists of the Brussels competition, four were Japanese. The first-place finisher was Nikola Meeuwsen of the Netherlands.
Forbes
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
25 Great Elton John Songs That Shaped His Legacy
Singer Elton John has some of the most iconic hits in history. Sir Elton Hercules John is one of the most popular singers ever, selling more than 300 million albums, earning a career Emmy-Grammy-Oscar-Tony and releasing more than 50 top-40 hits. Elton John music usually includes a piano—he's a piano whiz—and achieves a rare balance of critical and commercial success. The best Elton John songs, such as 'Candle in the Wind' and 'Rocket Man,' blend distinctive vocals with powerful messages. John grew up in Pinner, Middlesex, England, where he learned to play his grandmother's piano, and left school at 17 to pursue a musical career, finding songwriting partner Bernie Taupin in 1967. This list of greatest Elton John songs includes the highlights of his career as well as a few lesser-known gems. Elton John makes pop rock music, with a dash of glam rock and blues. He released his first album, Empty Sky, in 1969, and his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour (2018–2023) set a record (since surpassed) for highest gross. Is Elton John still making music? Yes—in 2025, he collaborated on the new studio album Who Believes in Angels with Brandi Carlile. He has released 32 studio albums. This list is based on the songs' songwriting prowess, commercial success, cultural impact, awards and critical acclaim. If you're looking for a song that demonstrates John's talent with the piano, look no further than this elegy from Diving Board. It pays tribute to the veterans of the Greatest Generation and was written with Taupin; both men said they adore this song. It wasn't released as a single, but the album sold well. Off the acclaimed Goodbye Yellow Brick Road album, 'Roy Rogers' is an underrated song celebrating simpler times. It offers reminders of the heroes we worshipped as children and gets to the universal truth that we all want to feel loved, comforted and safe, as we presumably would with a cowboy like Roy Rogers. John has so many rousing songs you want to stand up and dance to, like this one. 'Philadelphia Freedom' became one of the first disco hits, paying tribute to the titular city. (Fun fact: Billie Jean King requested the song from John, who's a close friend.) It hit No. 1 and went platinum. 'Mellow' from Honky Château marks another collaboration with Taupin (written about his first wife, also the inspiration for 'Tiny Dancer'). Rolling Stone called it John's 'sexiest song,' which talks of 'wreckin' the sheets.' It wasn't released as a single but has received heaps of praise on an album that hit No. 1. John croons about loneliness and wishing he was with his person on this hit with Taupin-penned lyrics from Too Low for Zero. The song reached No. 4 on Billboard and hit the top 10 in five other countries. It's also one of the notable Elton John songs in movies (Peter's Friends). Speaking of popular Elton John movie songs—this one from The Lion King earned an Academy Award for Best Song and reached No. 4 on Billboard. John also won a Grammy for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance and a Golden Globe for Best Song-Motion Picture. The song narrates the growing affection between Simba and Nala. Elton John and Tim Rice attend the 67th Annual Academy Awards ceremony March 27, 1995 in Los ... More Angeles, where they won Best Song. This soul song, which Aretha Franklin covered two years later on Young, Gifted and Black, became John's first song to chart in the U.S. It showcases his piano skills and, once again, was co-written with Taupin. The song closes with the (alas still relevant) prayer, 'He's my brother/Let us live in peace.' This smash became John's first No. 1 hit in the UK. He performed the duet with Motown singer Kiki Dee, a fellow Brit, and the two embraced the camp of the song just enough to make it fun. Taupin and John, who co-wrote the tune under pseudonyms, meant it as a tribute to Motown. A rock song from Caribou, John's second album, 'The Bitch Is Back' stemmed from a joke Taupin's first wife made about the singer's moods. It became a top-five hit in the U.S. and his sixth No. 1 in Canada, though some radio stations refused to play it because of the word 'bitch.' A rock song from Jump Up, John's 16th album, 'Empty Garden (Hey Hey Johnny)' paid tribute to late friend John Lennon, who was murdered in 1981. John called performing with Lennon at Madison Square Garden in 1974 the greatest moment of his career, and he rarely sings the song live because it is too painful. John Lennon (right) makes a surprise appearance at a concert by Elton John at Madison Square Garden, ... More New York City, 28th November 1974. This Taupin-John effort from Honky Château was inspired by the singer's first trip to New York City, when he heard a gun fire. It also pays tribute to Ben E. King's 'Spanish Harlem.' John has said the song, which went gold, is one of his own favorites, and he later recorded a sequel to it. A pop song with orchestral backing, 'Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me' off of Caribou rose to No. 1 on the charts, with backup vocals sung by three of the Beach Boys. The song went gold and earned Grammy nods for Record of the Year and Best Pop Vocal Performance—Male. Davey Johnstone's guitar genius is on prime display in this song from the album of the same name. Taupin's lyrics, which John belts with passion, follow a public persona falling into a chasm. Many speculated it was about then-President Richard Nixon, but the songwriter denied that. The album has gone four times platinum. Too Low for Zero produced this toe-tapping hit, which reached No. 12 in the U.S. and No. 1 in Canada, boosted by a popular music video. The two-times-platinum song included catchy lyrics like, 'You know, I'm still standin' better than I ever did/Lookin' like a true survivor, feelin' like a little kid.' Off the album Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy, this highly personal song details John's suicide attempt and runs 6 minutes, 45 seconds. The singer refused attempts to shorten the song for radio airplay, and he was right—it reached No. 4 with gorgeous lyrics like 'And butterflies are free to fly.' Elton John and David Furnish attend the The CAA Pre-Oscar Party at Sunset Tower Hotel on March 10, ... More 2023 in Los Angeles, California. Another track from Madman, the five-times platinum single 'Tiny Dancer' contrasts the women of the U.S. with those of the UK, where writer Taupin and John came from, focusing on Taupin's first wife. The signature hit is long (over six minutes) and was banned by some radio stations for the mention of 'Jesus freaks.' This two-song medley, the opening to Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, combines an opening instrumental with pop rock. Though they weren't originally envisioned to go together, they fit nicely as symbols of death segueing into a breakup diatribe. Rolling Stone ranks the song No. 6 on its list of best Elton John songs. This song clearly establishes John as one of the most versatile '70s artists. As John himself pointed out, it sounded nothing like his earlier music, and he initially didn't want to release it as a single in the U.S. But it was successful, hitting No. 1 on Billboard and going top-20 on soul charts. 'Levon wears his war wound like a crown' opens this powerful song about a wealthy kid who dreams of escaping his restrictive family. (It is not, contrary to popular belief, about The Band frontman Levon Helm.) While 'Levon' only reached No. 24, its incredible orchestral arrangement has prompted critics to elevate the song. This ballad referencing The Wizard of Oz ranks among Rolling Stone's top 500 songs of all time and went two-times platinum, reaching No. 2 in the U.S. and No. 1 in Canada. Taupin has said the song expresses a yearning for simplicity and returning to his roots. John included it in most of his concerts. Recording artist Sir Elton John gestures to the audience after performing the song "Tiny Dancer" ... More during a stop of the Farewell Yellow Brick Road: The Final Tour at Allegiant Stadium. Recorded as a prelease to Don't Shoot Me I'm Only the Piano Player, the fun, flouncy 'Crocodile Rock' became John's first No. 1 in the U.S. and went platinum. The lyrics examine and pay tribute to early rock artists, and John plays a Farfisa organ as well as doing the falsetto backing vocals. Glam rock at its best, 'Saturday Night's Alright (For Fighting)' details the narrator's plan to have fun and let loose with his friends: 'It's getting late have you seen my mates/Ma tell me when the boys get here.' Johnstone's guitar playing stands out on this platinum-certified song, which hit No. 12. A ballad that opens with a simple yet gorgeous piano riff, 'Young Song' became John's first international hit and remains one of the most beloved love songs ever recorded. 'And you can tell everybody this is your song,' John croons to his lover. The song entered the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1998. The lead release from Honky, 'Rocket Man' helped define John as one of the most popular '70s songs and, later, the title of his biopic. The five-times platinum song hit No. 2 and has been streamed more than 1 billion times on Spotify. It was inspired by the Ray Bradbury short story 'The Rocket Man.' John rerecorded his 1973 hit 'Candle in the Wind' in 1997 as a tribute to his dear friend Princess Diana and played it at her funeral. It was wildly successful. John's most recent No. 1 single held the spot for 14 weeks and became the No. 2 single of all time behind Bing Crosby's 'White Christmas.' Bottom Line A gifted artist who has also given much of his time to AIDS charities and other causes, Elton John has contributed more than just amazing music to the world. The works on this list represent his best work, but you can never go wrong with any John song. How Many Albums Has Elton John Released? Elton John has released 32 studio albums. They are: 1. Empty Sky (1969)2. Elton John (1970)3. Tumbleweed Connection (1970)4. Madman Across the Water (1971)5. Honky Château (1972)6. Don't Shoot Me I'm Only the Piano Player (1973)7. Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (1973)8. Caribou (1974)9. Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy (1975)10. Rock of the Westies (1975)11. Blue Moves (1976)12. A Single Man (1978)13. Victim of Love (1979)14. 21 at 33 (1976)15. The Fox (1981)16. Jump Up! (1981)17. Too Low for Zero (1983)18. Breaking Hearts (1985)19. Ice on Fire (1984)20. Leather Jackets (1986)21. Reg Strikes Back (1988)22. Sleeping with the Past (1989)23. The One (1992)24. Made in England (1995)25. The Big Picture (1997)26. Songs from the West Coast (2001)27. Peachtree Road (2004)28. The Captain & The Kid (2006)29. The Diving Board (2012)30. Wonderful Crazy Night (2016)31. Regiment Sgt. Zippo (2021)32. Who Believes In Angels? (2025) What Elton John Songs Have Been Featured In Movies? Elton John songs that have been featured in movies include: "Can You Feel the Love Tonight," "Already," "Keys to the Kingdom" and more from The Lion King. From The Road to El Dorado, "Queen of Cities," "El Dorado," "The Panic in Me" and more. "Hello, Hello" and "Love Builds A Garden" from Gnomeo and Juliet, and 'Electricity' from Billy Elliot. Is Elton John Still Making Music Today Yes, he continues to make music, most recently releasing an album with Brandi Carlile (Who Believes In Angels). He finished touring in 2023, closing out the Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour after five years and 330 performances. He has said it will be his last tour.
