November 23, 2004 at 2:20 PM

It's been a whole month, again. Tch, bad, bad Sebastian.

I've been up to quite a lot recently, but before I get into that, I've acquired a great little Nikko Hi-mini metronome . I love it. I suspect I paid to much for it in Dublin, though. Something more 'wholesome' and 'honest' about a mechanical metronome, no? That being said, anyone have any exercises to improve timing and rhythm? My timing's about as good as that of a stopped clock.

I've progressed onto Bach Minuets (I and II) and my teacher asked me if I want to do the Royal Irish Academy of Music exams. I think I shall. I've heard good things about them from a friend who sat the piano exams. They brought her playing in all areas up to a certain level, and that the critisism at the end was good too.

I attended the University College Dublin's Sinfona's performance of Tchaikosvky, Saint-Saens and Beethoven's 7th last week. Very good stuff, even better for 10e. The Astra Hall is somewhat more intimate than the Nationcal Concert Hall, next time, I can and shall sit in front of the string section. Which is about 3ft or so away from the front row.

-Bastian

Edit: Go the grown up students wanting gold stars. I'll be 20 next month, so I technically qualify. Who doesn't like gold stars?