Imagine a keyboard instrument that looks a little like a grand piano, but sounds very different! That's the harpsichord. What was it?

It's a super important tool that helps you keep steady time when you are playing music. Think of it as a musical clock! It makes a regular 'tick' or 'click' sound at a speed that you choose. This speed is measured in BPM, which stands for Beats Per Minute.

Hoop rolling might sound like something ancient, but in the year 1900, it was a super popular game, especially for children! Imagine a giant wooden or metal hoop—sometimes plain, sometimes decorated—and a stick or small bat. The goal was simple but exciting: push or strike the hoop to keep it rolling along without letting it fall over. You could race your friends, try tricks, or just enjoy the satisfying rhythm of the hoop spinning under your control.

February open  mic was the first of 2026.  These open mics tend to be well attended, fun interactive sessions for 2 hours. The night included learning some traditional dancing from a grandmother. Comparing the same song sung in different styles and the effect that had on the audience.  We were taught to beatbox by a student. 

Welcome to a fascinating area of music history that will help you understand the foundational principles of harmony, specifically how the fauxbourdon tradition, an ancient technique, paved the way for two fundamental concepts in classical music theory: Figured Bass and The Rule of the Octave.

This blog features the ten calls we incorporate into lessons for any instrument at Stalybridge Music Academy. These calls are perfect for understanding The Harmonic Series, Triads, Transposition, composition, and The Circle of Fifths.

The Baroque era, spanning from approximately 1600 to 1750, marks a period of profound change and dramatic flair in Western music. The era is characterised by its ornate, highly decorated, and often complex textures, Baroque music is a rich tapestry woven with expressive melodies and rigorous structures. This period is pivotal in music history, solidifying many forms and practices that would influence music for centuries to come.

Robert Schumann's "Soldier's March" from his Album for the Young, Op. 68, is one of the most famous pieces you'll ever play on the piano. But who was the man who wrote this energetic, determined music?

Are you learning the famous 'Spinning Song' (Op. 14, No. 4) on the piano? It's one of those pieces that just sounds fast, fun, and impressive. But have you ever stopped to think about the person who wrote it?

Have you ever heard of a Gavotte? It's a fun and graceful French dance from a long time ago. The great news is you don't just have to dance it—you can learn to play it on the piano!

Thomas Attwood (1765–1838)  is a composer whose name often resides in the footnotes of music history, overshadowed by the giants of the Classical era. Yet, his story is one of direct connection to the greatest musical minds of his time—most notably, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart—and his influence as a composer and educator helped shape the musical landscape of 19th-century England.

Public Domain image: Danish and German pianist and composer Ludvig Schytte (1848-1909) Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:LudvigSchytte.jpg Ludvig Schytte (April 28, 1848 – November 10, 1909) is a name that deserves to be brought into the light of Danish music history. Although his name may not resonate as well as those of Gade or Carl Nielsen, Schytte was an exceptionally productive and influential composer, pianist, and educator whose works still hold great val

Frédéric Chopin's set of twenty-four Preludes, Op. 28, is a treasure trove of miniature masterpieces, each exploring a unique mood and technical challenge. Among them, the seventh—the famous Prelude in A major—stands out as a jewel of lyrical simplicity and a perfect piece for the intermediate pianist to explore.

A Balinese Gamelan is a captivating percussive ensemble originating from the island of Bali, Indonesia. Its most distinctive characteristic is a shimmering and pulsing soundscape, meticulously crafted through intricate interlocking patterns played by various instruments.