2010 Projects: Michael McHale Masterclass
22 April 2010
Five young pianists had the opportunity to meet and work with Belfast born concert pianist Michael McHale when they participated in a masterclass session at Flowerfield Arts Centre, Portstewart in April 2010. Michael was performing that evening in Flowerfield as part of a Moving on Music NI Tour.
The students, aged 9-17 and ranging from Grade 1 to Grade 8 standard. Ashleigh Cassells (Coleraine), Jack Nevin (Portrush), Zak Hassan (Aghadowey), Wesley McCartney (Coleraine) and Jordan Millican (Coleraine) each performed a piece that they were currently working on for Michael. Michael’s feedback, tips and encouragement seemed to have an instant effect on their playing transforming some very good initial performances into really great ones by the end of the session.
All the participants (and their parents) were inspired by the session, and determined to return to regular practice with renewed enthusiasm!
Many thanks Michael McHale, to piano teachers Anne Campbell and Laurena Buick, and to Flowerfield Arts Centre for giving the young pianists opportunity to play the beautiful Yamaha grand piano based at the centre.
www.michaelmchale.com