This September, Noosa Piano Studio is showcasing student talent with Noosa’s first ever 14-day Video Piano Concert Marathon.
The online event will feature over 25 students performing more than 100 pieces from Bach to Brahms to the Beatles.
While Rob Melbourne from Noosa Piano Studio has been welcoming students back to his studio in a COVID-safe environment for lessons, restrictions mean it’s still not quite the right time to host an in-person concert showcasing students. The answer? A virtual piano concert marathon.
Rob said it’s been amazing to see famous musicians bring their music to the world virtually despite tour cancellations.
“And although we might not yet be famous, holding our own virtual piano concert marathon gives our students an opportunity to share their talents at a time when we can’t hold a live student concert,” he said.
When the global health pandemic hit our shores in March this year, many small businesses felt the full brunt of its impact.
Rob, an accomplished pianist, Director of Composing Noosa Festival, and founder of Noosa Piano Studio was no different.
“With students no longer able to attend in-person lessons at my Noosa studio, we went from a full schedule of teaching to suddenly no students. I simply didn’t know what I’d do if I wasn’t teaching piano,” he said.
“Over the past 30+ years, I’ve had lessons from great pianists like Roger Woodward, Piers Lane, and Elizabeth Powell and the possibility of not being able to share what I’ve discovered from these masters with my students was crushing.”
But Rob’s tight-knit piano community refused to accept that their lessons and musical development was to be put on hold “until further notice”.
Frank Turner, 71-years old, and a passionate student of Rob’s led the charge by encouraging Rob to set up online lessons—a first for Noosa Piano Studio.
After some teething issues, together they figured it out and got virtual lessons up and running for those who wanted them. Six months on and Rob’s business is thriving again. His student quota is now almost at capacity with students not only located in Noosa and surrounds, but also in Brisbane and even Bribie Island.
“I think the COVID crisis has been incredibly difficult for small business owners—but I also think it’s forced us to get creative,” Rob said.
“I think music will always be seen as a “must-have” for those of us that it brings such immense joy.
“For many students, their performances during our 14-day Video Piano Concert Marathon will also be their examination videos so it’d be wonderful to have the wider community supporting them and cheering them on with their likes and shares.”
The COVID crisis may have largely put live music events on hold but regardless of whether you can get to a concert hall or not, you can still support local music by joining this free 14-day Noosa Piano Studio Video Concert Marathon this September on Facebook daily from 19 September to 3 October. For more information visit www.facebook.com/NoosaPianoStudio.
