Singing and Playing

Elaine fancies getting musical and asks:

Singing - I can't really do it very well and I'd like to take lessons. No Xfactor plans but just as a nice little hobby.

Piano -Does anyone know any good local teachers? I can go to them or theycan come to me (which is cheaper?) I haven't played since I was a child andif I'm going to spend time dusting the thing I may as well learn to playagain!

Elaine - I'm not au fait with singing teachers round here - but a few suggestions would include checking at The Forum, Trinity (they may do extra-curricular stuff) and in one of the libraries for notices. Blackheath Concert Halls also have a music school, but it may just be for kiddies.

If you fancy a warble yourself, Monday nights at Mycenae House are music nights where they have a house trio and people of all abilities from beginner to professional get up and do a number or two. As the evening progresses, various instrumentalists join the band and it can get quite busy. It's a very supportive atmosphere. You could go along one week and see whether its your sort of thing.

Piano lessons. I hear very good reports about Viktor Obsust, who teaches from scratch and is very happy to tutor adults. His email is, according to the friend of mine he teaches, obsust@gmail.com but he's not sure if he's got that right. If it's not that, come back and I'll ask him again.

There are huge amounts of musicians in Greenwich - perhaps a combination of cheapish (for London) accommodation and Trinity Music College. There is a lot of music going on (no thanks to a certain restaurant chain) and you're bound to find interesting people once you start looking. I am sure others will be able to point you to other good teachers or classes.