https://catherinepope.com/categories/music/ Recent content in Music on Catherine Pope Hugo -- 0.148.2 en Sun, 16 Aug 2026 16:45:04 +0100 https://catherinepope.com/posts/piano-progress/ Sat, 15 Aug 2026 15:51:57 +0100 https://catherinepope.com/posts/piano-progress/ <p>After <a href="https://catherinepope.com/posts/learning-to-play-piano-at-50/">launching myself into piano playing with characteristic zeal</a>, I suffered a hiatus for almost six months. I had became frustrated with Simply Piano and exchanged it for Piano Marvel. Although Piano Marvel was much better, I found many of the songs unappetising. I was still playing most days, but never stretching myself or learning anything new. I went slinking back to Simply Piano, then got annoyed with it all over again. Finally, I realised the problem: I wanted to <em>hear</em> classical piano, rather than play it. Although I love the <em>idea</em> of playing a Chopin piece, I don&rsquo;t love the idea of the practising involved to make it sound even mediocre. For me, it&rsquo;s much better to go and see Isata Kanneh-Mason. Indeed, seeing Kanneh-Mason perform probably contributed to this feeling.</p> https://catherinepope.com/posts/ace-of-bass/ Mon, 03 Aug 2026 14:07:14 +0100 https://catherinepope.com/posts/ace-of-bass/ <p>This year has been challenging, to say the least. I&rsquo;ve needed to focus a lot on mental health and generally being a lot more selective about what I do. One of the most restorative practices I&rsquo;ve found is learning a musical instrument. I&rsquo;d already been learning piano and classical guitar, but needed a new adventure. I&rsquo;ve always enjoyed hearing the bass, but had never even touched one. Last year, I was mesmerised by Tamsin Greig playing bass in the TV series <em>Riot Women</em>.</p> https://catherinepope.com/posts/playing-piano-with-dinosaurs/ Sun, 13 Oct 2024 16:29:09 +0100 https://catherinepope.com/posts/playing-piano-with-dinosaurs/ A candid account of transitioning from piano learning apps to real lessons at age 50. Discover how human instruction transforms your understanding of dynamics, physicality, and musical interpretation beyond what apps can teach. https://catherinepope.com/posts/learning-to-play-piano-at-50/ Thu, 26 Sep 2024 10:19:28 +0100 https://catherinepope.com/posts/learning-to-play-piano-at-50/ A candid review of piano learning apps from a 50-year-old beginner. Compare FlowKey, Simply Piano, and Piano Marvel to discover which apps work best for adult learners, including pros and cons of each platform&#39;s teaching methods.