My job as a pianist and teacher means that I get the chance to work with great people in music. Keep up to date with these activites here and of course, get in touch using the contact page if you'd like to be part of a future story!
New Beginnings
Monday, August 3, 2020 by Simon Larner | Pianist and Teacher
After three years of working under the name Piano Preston, I decided it was time to move on and use my own name. Piano Preston was initially used as a sobriquet to allow me to publicise on social media whilst still a high school teacher. As things have now changed so much it felt right to leave this behind and use my own name on all branding and addresses.
Student Recital, 2020
Sunday, January 19, 2020 by Simon Larner | Pianist and Teacher
For this year’s recital my students had the privilege of performing at the magnificent Croston Theatre in Blackburn. Each student was given the opportunity to perform both solo and ensemble pieces on the theatre’s Yamaha S6 grand piano on a tremendous proscenium arch stage. During the awards ceremony, three students received the High Achievement Award for passing their exam with a result of 93% and the prizes for Technique, Musicianship, Endeavour and Jazz were awarded to students who showed significant promise in these areas. Students who had taken an exam during 2019 were also presented with their certificates and so were those who had successfully taken part in music festivals. The event had an incredible atmosphere of celebration about it. I don’t know who was prouder: parents, families or me!
Professional Development
Saturday, November 30, 2019 by Simon Larner | Pianist and Teacher
Although classically trained, jazz is a huge passion of mine, so as part of my own professional development I've been studying the art of jazz piano playing. As part of this I worked towards the ALCM diploma in Jazz Piano Performance and took this exam this term. I was expertly joined in the rhythm section by Louis on Drums and Gavin on Bass and James added the final touch by joining as a frontline player on sax. I am pleased to report that I passed the exam with 97%. Although it was a formal exam, it was great fun to perform as part of a quartet and the examiner commented "It was a privilege to listen to and observe this set. Admirable chemistry within the ensemble contributed [to the performance]."
