Nigel M Taylor @nigelmtaylor.bsky.social · 26/04/2025Amazing to meet Paul Brennan, conductor of Bolton Youth Orchestra 1971-1979, for the first time in 45 years. He was an inspiration for me (and many others) as a young player. We talked a lot about the rehearsals and concerts in Bolton and in Paderborn. It was great to reminisce. 060
Nigel M Taylor @nigelmtaylor.bsky.social · 16/03/2025"Every primary school should become a "singing school” where music, drama, and visual arts are just as integral as literacy and numeracy, a new report suggests." www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home...independent.co.uk‘Singing should be as important as reading and maths in schools’A new report has called for the Government to put creativity and the expressive arts ‘at the heart’ of the primary school curriculum 180
Nigel M Taylor @nigelmtaylor.bsky.social · 22/02/2025Fascinating.... www.theguardian.com/music/2025/f...theguardian.comBritish Library acquires torn-out drafts of Edward Elgar masterpieceExclusive: sketches for Introduction and Allegro for Strings had been removed from sketchbook by composer in 1930 051
Nigel M Taylor @nigelmtaylor.bsky.social · 19/02/2025"...children enter classrooms with fewer and fewer of the skills needed to begin their formal education. The key culprit...screen time." www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...theguardian.comChildren are starting school unable to sit up or hold a pencil – and I know the culprit | Kathryn PeckhamAs an early years specialist, I’ve seen the drastic impact of screens replacing physical activity and face-to-face interaction, writes early childhood consultant Kathryn Peckham 030
Nigel M Taylor @nigelmtaylor.bsky.social · 17/02/2025Heartbreaking 💔 news that Joseph Talbot died on Saturday aged 20. The most inspiring young man, he met his massive health challenges with bravery, fortitude and perseverance. His personality and smile lit up every room. I was privileged to know him. RIP J xx 020
Nigel M Taylor @nigelmtaylor.bsky.social · 09/02/20256 years old "I'm one little boy and it started with one tub and one dream to save the planet, and now look how many we've got." What a star. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...bbc.co.ukNetley boy saves thousands of sweet tubs from landfillTeddy has collected the plastic confectionery tubs because he wants to help save the planet. 010
Nigel M Taylor @nigelmtaylor.bsky.social · 06/01/2025Happy Feast of the Epiphany to all that celebrate. 030
Nigel M Taylor @nigelmtaylor.bsky.social · 05/01/2025🎶 On the Twelfth Day of Christmas.....🎶 Not many drummers to be seen or heard today, except perhaps for the one across the pond who consistently drums up bile and nonsense. 020
Nigel M Taylor @nigelmtaylor.bsky.social · 18/12/2024"For behold, darkness shall cover the earth...." A dramatic and staggeringly portentous aria, from Handel's Messiah. Here's James Bundy with Staffordshire Symphony Orchestra, in a live performance, conducted by yours truly. soundcloud.com/nigel-t-6194...soundcloud.comFor behold, darkness shall cover the earthFrom a live performance of Handel's Messiah, Lichfield Cathedral 26 March 2011 with Staffordshire County Chorus and Staffordshire Symphony Orchestra (James Bundy - Bass soloist) 110
Nigel M Taylor @nigelmtaylor.bsky.social · 16/12/2024Fabulous lunch with Ian Duckworth, and Tim and Hilary Reynish. An immense treat! 010
Nigel M Taylor @nigelmtaylor.bsky.social · 16/12/2024⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review for Paul McCartney at the Co-op Live. What an extraordinary musician, and still going strong. Very hard to believe he's 82. www.theguardian.com/music/2024/d...theguardian.comPaul McCartney review – extraordinarily sublime and humblingly beautifulStretching an almost three-hour set from the Quarrymen through to the ‘final Beatles single’ this is like an arena-sized Last Night at the Proms, with Beatlemania 020
Nigel M Taylor @nigelmtaylor.bsky.social · 12/12/2024Great to catch up with breweychris.bsky.social today. We exchanged tales of recent travel experiences, discussed our respective plans for 2025, and shared stories of our time as pupils at Hayward Grammar School, where we first met in 1969. How time has flown... 020
Nigel M Taylor @nigelmtaylor.bsky.social · 12/12/2024What a super story: “...I would say that it’s the most worthwhile task in life, to make music and do it well.” www.theguardian.com/music/2024/d...theguardian.comMan, 88, passes grade 8 piano with distinction, 67 years after taking grade 7Ray Eveleigh says playing helps keep his brain active and wife and daughter encouraged him to go for grade 8 061
Nigel M Taylor @nigelmtaylor.bsky.social · 11/12/2024Hector Berlioz was born on this day in 1803. What better way to toast his musical genius than listen to his "Symphonie Fantastique". Here's the 5th movement performed in 1976 by Orchestre National de France conducted by Leonard Bernstein. www.youtube.com/watch?v=cao6...youtube.comBerlioz: "Symphonie Fantastique" - 5th Mvt. - Leonard BernsteinYouTube video by Roberto Mastrosimone 020
Nigel M Taylor @nigelmtaylor.bsky.social · 10/12/2024What an outrageously brilliant sound. www.youtube.com/watch?v=fXOT...youtube.comSaint-Saens Organ Symphony #3 (Maestoso) at Notre Dame de Paris 2024 Olivier Latry & Gustavo DudamelYouTube video by MountedCornetV 110
Nigel M Taylor @nigelmtaylor.bsky.social · 09/12/2024For all you fellow piano enthusiasts, how long can the lowest C last on a Steinway grand piano? I was surprised by the answer, it's over a minute! www.youtube.com/watch?v=zox0...youtube.comHow Long Can a Steinway Sing? 🎹 The Ultimate Sustain TestYouTube video by Steinway Piano Gallery Oslo 010
Nigel M Taylor @nigelmtaylor.bsky.social · 08/12/2024Tinnitus has returned. This time in a constant Ab. So annoying. 000
Nigel M Taylor @nigelmtaylor.bsky.social · 06/12/2024Duolingo progress report. It seems I'm doing ok! 000
Nigel M Taylor @nigelmtaylor.bsky.social · 05/12/2024I'd support this petition. First heard this in the students' union bar at university in 1978. Musical gloriousness! 120
Nigel M Taylor @nigelmtaylor.bsky.social · 05/12/2024Delighted with my new bread machine and especially the book of recipes my son and his wife bought me. This one’s a “French Crusty” and it’s really quite delicious! 010
Reposted by Nigel M TaylorAndrew Griffiths @colla-voce.bsky.social · 03/12/2024The firm doing refurb at the National Opera Studio today is On Brand. 4275
Nigel M Taylor @nigelmtaylor.bsky.social · 02/12/2024When an orchestra grabs the momentum of a piece and threatens to run away with it, sometimes all you can do as a conductor is to go with it, enjoy it, join in, and lead the biggest accelerando! Farandole, L’Arlésienne Suite No.2 by Bizet is such a piece. www.youtube.com/watch?v=VDHo...youtube.comBirmingham Symphony Hall - concert HD - part.8YouTube video by bogdan horoba 000
Nigel M Taylor @nigelmtaylor.bsky.social · 02/12/2024Congratulations to Anna, a worthy winner of BBC Young Chorister of the Year. All three finalists were fantastic and heartfelt congratulations to them all. Anna sang with such musicality and maturity, it belied the title of "Junior". Brava! www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/epis...bbc.co.ukSongs of Praise - Young Chorister of the Year - FinalOn the first Sunday of Advent, Aled Jones and the Rev Kate Bottley host the final of BBC Young Chorister of the Year, with judges Katherine Jenkins, Bob Chilcott and YolanDa Brown. 000
Nigel M Taylor @nigelmtaylor.bsky.social · 01/12/2024My Funny Valentine Posted for no other reason than it's - a bloody good tune - a great arrangement - a super performance www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sfnc...youtube.comMy Funny Valentine (L. Hart / R. Rodgers) - Corus Brass Ensemble 1988YouTube video by miketrumpet 100
Nigel M Taylor @nigelmtaylor.bsky.social · 29/11/2024First attempt at baking bread. It looks shabby but tastes delicious. 150
Nigel M Taylor @nigelmtaylor.bsky.social · 28/11/2024Tonight's listening: Four Scottish Dances, Arnold arr. John P Paynter. A wonderful piece and a superb arrangement. /1 www.youtube.com/watch?v=0HHN...youtube.comArnold arr. Paynter - Four Scottish DancesYouTube video by Mike Lebrias 110
Nigel M Taylor @nigelmtaylor.bsky.social · 28/11/2024Interesting article. It criticizes ACE for its monochrome view of music hub success being confined to output rather than outcomes, but it doesn't say anything about what "quality" (of experience) means. /1 www.musicteachermagazine.co.uk/content/opin...musicteachermagazine.co.ukHow to assess music hubs - Music TeacherHow should the effectiveness of music hubs be assessed? Graeme Smith, the former chair of Music Mark and Head of Croydon Music and Arts (2000–24), argues for greater value to be placed on quality of e... 140
Nigel M Taylor @nigelmtaylor.bsky.social · 26/11/2024This little guy, Henri, was born exactly 18 years before me. He perished aged only 6. Among millions of others in a terrible worldwide tragedy. Here am I thriving in my 69th year enjoying freedom and life. Think of Henri and the millions of his compatriots. @auschwitzmemorial.bsky.social 000
Nigel M Taylor @nigelmtaylor.bsky.social · 25/11/2024Probably the most humorous card I’ve received today. Team Talbot’s 3rd child chose it. He’s in BIG trouble the next time I see them. 🤣 000
Nigel M Taylor @nigelmtaylor.bsky.social · 25/11/2024Trester. A perfect digestive. A gift from my friends in Schleswig-Holstein. I first tasted it in Dresden when visiting there with them in September. A pomace brandy - similar to Italian grappa and French marc. It’s fab! 000
Nigel M Taylor @nigelmtaylor.bsky.social · 25/11/2024t's an exquisite feeling to bathe in the love sent by family and friends around the world on my birthday today. I'm extremely lucky. 000
Nigel M Taylor @nigelmtaylor.bsky.social · 25/11/2024A great article about a great musician and educator. "We need to be much more imaginative in connecting professional music with schools. It’s a profoundly wonderful world, and we need to make sure the door is open to every child." www.continuoconnect.com/features/pau...continuoconnect.comFeature | Paul McCreesh: Always an Educator | Continuo ConnectPaul McCreesh leads Gabrieli Roar’s Christmas tour, inspiring 4,000 young voices across England with vibrant Georgian music and a love for classical heritage 1185
Nigel M Taylor @nigelmtaylor.bsky.social · 24/11/2024An early birthday celebration at Ocean Palace, Darwen. Fabulous company with excellent food and wine. 010
Reposted by Nigel M TaylorMusicStuart @musicstuart.bsky.social · 23/11/2024Is there someone out there with availability for a January start and who might be looking for a Music Education Leadership role on a fixed term 12 month position? The new post holder will work with me as part of the London West Music Hub. #MusicEducation. jobs.hillingdon.gov.uk/vacancies/25...jobs.hillingdon.gov.ukHead of Music Service | Hillingdon CouncilView details and apply for this Head of Music Service vacancy in . Hillingdon Council is looking for a new Head of Music Service to oversee the delivery of music services across the area. This includ... 21415
Nigel M Taylor @nigelmtaylor.bsky.social · 22/11/2024Happy 111th birthday to Benjamin Britten born #otd 1913. One of England's finest composers of the 20th century. 150
Nigel M Taylor @nigelmtaylor.bsky.social · 22/11/2024Happy St Cecilia's Day to all that celebrate Patron saint of music and musicians. 030
Nigel M Taylor @nigelmtaylor.bsky.social · 21/11/2024"You would think conductors have more cognitive reserve than you can shake a stick at – to conduct an orchestra involves complex tasks...All of that sounds good for one’s brain and soul, and, just possibly, for one’s life expectancy." www.theguardian.com/music/2024/n...theguardian.comMore endurance than you can shake a stick at: does conducting keep you young?The 97-year-old Herbert Blomstedt is in London today to conduct the Philharmonia. He is one of a very long line of maestros working well into old age 140
Nigel M Taylor @nigelmtaylor.bsky.social · 20/11/2024The passing of an unsung guitar hero www.theguardian.com/music/2024/n...theguardian.comVic Flick, guitarist on the James Bond theme, dies aged 87Famed session musician, who also performed with the Beatles, Tom Jones, Jimmy Page and Eric Clapton, died after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s 010
Nigel M Taylor @nigelmtaylor.bsky.social · 19/11/2024🧵What is “quality” in music education? Can “quality” even be defined? Here’s a short thread 🧵on what I think constitutes “quality” in music education /1 163
Nigel M Taylor @nigelmtaylor.bsky.social · 19/11/2024Never say “please play that part louder” to the trombone section 🤣 050
Nigel M Taylor @nigelmtaylor.bsky.social · 18/11/2024It's hard to believe that Charles Dumont's "Non, je ne regrette rien" (composed for and famously sung by Edith Piaf) was written the year I was born. He wrote many other brilliant songs. The great man has sadly passed today aged 95. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...bbc.co.ukCharles Dumont, composer of Edith Piaf's Je Ne Regrette Rien, diesCharles Dumont wrote the song in 1956 but did not dare offer it to French star Edith Piaf until 1960. 040
Nigel M Taylor @nigelmtaylor.bsky.social · 17/11/20245 things government could do for music ed (England): 1) Make music mandatory in all schools, all pupils 2) Overhaul music teacher training & recruit more 3) Make music a key issue in Ofsted inspections 4) Double the music hub grant 5) Manage music hubs directly from DFE Just a start. More needed. 170
Nigel M Taylor @nigelmtaylor.bsky.social · 16/11/2024"Pass the parcel. That's sometimes all you can do..... Pass it on. Nor for me, not for you. But for someone, somewhere. One day." 000
Nigel M Taylor @nigelmtaylor.bsky.social · 16/11/2024Lovely concert at Bolton Parish Church. BMS singers under @alexpattersonmusic.bsky.social sounding rich and sonorous. Corus Brass under Sam King were in fine form. A darned good Rutter Gloria to finish. Congratulations all. 441
Nigel M Taylor @nigelmtaylor.bsky.social · 15/11/2024 Musicians, music educators. There's a place for us - somewhere. Is Bluesky that somewhere? www.youtube.com/watch?v=-JSt...youtube.comNadine Sierra – Bernstein: West Side Story: Somewhere (Live/Opus Klassik 2019)YouTube video by Deutsche Grammophon - DG 130
Nigel M Taylor @nigelmtaylor.bsky.social · 15/11/2024Interesting article from @gabyhinsliff.bsky.social www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...theguardian.comThe exodus from X to Bluesky has happened – the era of mass social media platforms is over | Gaby HinsliffThere’s comfort in being surrounded by like-minded people, but challenge is important, and we may have to look for it elsewhere, says Guardian columnist Gaby Hinsliff 000