Learn piano from a University of Brighton graduate offering a well-rounded focus on performance and theory.

Thom Isaacs reviewed Max's band recordings, focusing on drumming, arrangement, and transitions, and advised Max on band leadership. They covered music theory, including chord qualities, scales, and the circle of fifths. Max was assigned homework to photograph pages from his theory book for review next session, and they discussed Max's upcoming university open day.

Thom is coaching a learner from Lochmere on improving their vocals for a song being submitted to Eurovision for Luxembourg. The lesson focused on a challenging high run in the lyrics "As long as you're on the ground, I'll stick around," exploring alternative approaches if it proves too difficult. They also discussed Eurovision strategy, particularly Loreen's success and potential for a third win.

Thom Isaacs reviewed Max's band's recorded performances, offering advice on drumming dynamics, piano arrangements, and vocal delivery for Max's reimagined song. Thom emphasized the importance of Max taking a leadership role in directing the band's creative vision. Max was tasked with uploading additional recordings for review in the next session, where they will also revisit music theory.

In a recent singing lesson, Thom worked with an individual, a dedicated music student at St. Petersburg College, on various aspects of vocal technique and performance. The lesson focused on learning a Sam Ryder song, addressing a shaky voice through warm-up exercises, and improving high notes, diction, and memorization. A particularly challenging vocal run in the song was broken down note by note, with Thom offering specific techniques and exercises for mastery. Beyond the musical instruction, they also touched upon personal topics, including the learner's new football allegiance and Thom's ethical work stance.

Thom and Max reviewed Max's recent performance before diving into music theory concepts for exam preparation. Thom explained timbre, articulation, texture, melody, and harmony, using examples like the songs "Heat" and "Three Little Birds" to illustrate these concepts. Max was encouraged to analyze the bass lines of songs to identify their underlying harmony.

Thom Isaacs coached David Arnold on singing Sam Ryder's "Spaceman," working through the song line by line, focusing on vocal techniques like head and chest voice transitions and the "spaceman" howl. They clarified lyric versions and addressed David's specific challenges with certain notes and transitions. Due to David's car issues, they ended the session with a plan to continue practicing the song independently.