Email me with your news and I will post it here:

Congratulations to Courtney for getting a 2:1 at Cambridge! Well done Courtney!

I'm having a couple of 'keep in touch days' at the end of June just before my Maternity leave runs out. It took longer than I planned to get back to normal because of various complications (see my blog!) and so will be returning to work just 2 days a week for now from July.Apologies for clients who have not been scheduled on these days, I will get to you as soon as I can. I'm still finding it hard to leave Zoe after everything that has happened. Thank you for your understanding. Hope to see you all again soon. Sheila x

Big congratulations to Tim for being accepted on the music degree course at Chichester University. The hard work starts here but you will find it very rewarding. A word of advise: do ALL the little extra tasks like listening to pieces of music as soon as you can after they are set. (I used to spend an hour in the library doing the recommended listening to music on headphones after each History of Music lecture). They will make more sense immediately after the lecture and you can keep up to speed with the slow drip feed of music information that will come your way. By the time you get to your finals it will be time well spent and you won't have a panic or a backlog. Enjoy Tim and good luck.

Congratulations to Leo for passing his Grade 5 Theory with Merit

Zoe arrived on the 21/10/07 weighing 8lbs 5oz. To see how we're getting on visit by blog HERE.

I am on maternity leave from 28/09/07. Zoe's due on the 22/10/07. All's well. Unfortunately I haven't been able to get my online piano lessons up and running yet but I intend to complete this before I start teaching again (as soon as I finish maternity leave).

Richard and I have now got married and so I am now
SHEILA SMITH! Please continue to make cheques payable to Sheila Norris until further notice though! Thanks. x

Congratulations to Margaret for passing her Grade 3 Piano Exam, to Christy for passing her Grade 2 Violin Exam with merit, and to Leo for passing his Grade 5 Piano Exam with distinction.

Congratulations to Tim for passing his Grade 5 Theory with merit. This is a huge achievement as Tim came from nothing to this level in just 38 lessons! Well done Tim.

As I've got a few people on holiday at the moment I might try and attempt to get my video piano lessons project off the ground, energy permitting!

Had my 27 week scan and it's going to be a girl! I'm very excited! Baby due October 22nd. Check out my blog HERE.

Congratulations to Chris for passing his Grade 8 Theory Composers Exam with Merit, a great achievement, well done Chris.

Congratulations to Chris for passing his Grade 7 Theory Composers Exam with Merit

I was building an internet TV channel so I can deliver online piano lesson TV programs over the internet and expand my client base worldwide. This will not effect exisitng clients but may help to cater for prospective clients on my waiting list! However, I have been so sick and exhausted from being pregnant I just haven't had the energy to get this off the ground, but will keep it in mind as a possible future project. Sorry for any inconvenience.

Congratulations to everyone who passed their Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music exams before Christmas. A special well done to Andy for passing his Grade 5 and Grade 5 Theory which means he now can go on to the more advanced grade levels now! Keep up the good work!

Congratulations to Andy for passing his Grade 5 Theory and to Tim for passing his Grade 3 Theory with distinction getting 100%!

Congratulations to Lisa on successfully passing her singing audition. I look forward to seeing you in concert next year.

To arrive at Oxford on time Leo and I were required to be ready by 7am which meant I had to get up especially early to do my paper round but it was worth the early start to visit such a prestigious and historic place.

Arriving at Oxford slightly earlier than planned we stopped off at a café near to Magdalen College where we were to watch the child virtuosos perform their marvellous pieces. After polishing our plates clean of delicious chocolate cake and gulping down our strawberry milkshakes we moved forth from the café to the university building.

Here we witnessed some marvellous piano performances by a range of well known composers such as Beethoven, each with a different feel than the last, one piece lasted 25 minutes alone! I was amazed that these were played by such young pianists.

An older lady (who in my opinion was slightly eccentric) expertly led the masterclass giving her opinion of each piece to the performers, expressing her views as well as improvements that could be made even at this level. After the performances we wandered round the nearby High Street, watching the excellent buskers and even managing to do a bit of shopping along the way.

Once our lunchtime McDonalds was eaten and we felt full to burst we left the city hoping to return soon for a repeat of the day’s events.

Thank you Sheila for putting on such a brilliant day it was thoroughly enjoyable and enlightening.
Written by Andy

On Wednesday, July 26^th I went with Sheila and Andrew to see performances by young pianists at Oxford University.

At the crack of dawn (06:55!) Sheila called for me then Andy and we set off to Oxford. She provided us with bottles of fresh water from the cool bag so we would not dehydrate en route. As soon as we arrived, Sheila took us to a classy cake shop where we devoured our thick chocolate fudge cake with an icy smoothie. All this was included in the price.

At the university, we listened to a breathtaking Nocturne by Chopin and an intricate Sonata by Beethoven. Although the musicians were only about 16, they showed amazing dexterity and a sensitive interpretation of the pieces. Furthermore, after the performances, a music expert analysed the pieces to indicate where improvements could be made. This was very enjoyable and also educational as I was able to understand that music could be interpreted in many different ways and that there is always room for improvement.

Before we returned home, Sheila let us pick any restaurant for dinner and we strolled round a few shops in Oxford city centre. I was home by three: it had been a super day. Many thanks to Sheila for driving us and providing food and drink.
Written by Leo

Congratulations to Leo for winning the music prize at his school for good effort. Grade 0-5 in just over a year is outstanding. Well done Leo!!!

Well done to Matty for getting into the finals for his school music competition and finishing as a runner up. A great achievement and well done for performing in front of so many people!

Congratulations to Chris for passing his Grade 8 Theory (Performers) Exam with Merit. Well done Chris!

Best of luck to Mark in getting your first music publishing deal.

NEW! Sheila's Sound Bites featuring clients' performance recordings is now up and running. Check out top of the Links page.

Congratulations to Tim for passing his Grade 1 Piano with merit and to Matty for passing his Grade 1 Piano with distinction. Congratulations to Becky as well for passing her Grade 2 Piano with merit.

Break a leg to Stacey for her X-FACTOR audition!

A big well done to Leo for passing his Grade 3 Piano with merit.

Congratulations to Joe for an excellent performance in my charity concert for Leukaemia Research.

Congratulations to Chris for passing his Grade 7 Theory (Performers) Examination with distinction! Sheila x

Congratulations to Chris for getting 83%
for his Grade 6 Theory (Composers) Examination! Sheila x

Congratulations to Courtney on the completion of his CD and all the best for a happy and successful time in Cambridge! Courtney's CD is now available on the OnLine Shop on this site! Sheila x

Congratulations to Kit & Pat on their wedding and well done to Kit for performing on the violin at the reception. It took a lot of guts to do what you did and it sounded great so well done. Looking forward to next year and you doing your own full violin concert! Sheila x

Congratulations to Tim for passing his GCSE Music! All your hard work paid off, well done. Sheila x

I recently went to one of Sheila's days where she took me to her house and taught me for a whole day. In this day she let me choose what I wanted to do. In my case I chose to focus on my sight reading. I found that it was a very helpful morning which boosted my sight reading a lot. She provided lunch for me and I found that the day helped an awful lot. In the afternoon we focused on a KS3-4 bridging unit. This was very good considering the fact that I had not done or been introduced to any GCSE work before. I found this equally as helpful and I found that it wasn't as hard as I expected. I have 2 lessons a week usually, one at school and one with Sheila. I find that these are very helpful as well but to spend a whole day playing the piano was brilliant. Sheila even picked me up from my house and dropped me back. I am glad that I had this extra lesson which helped considerably. Thank you Sheila.
By Joe Dunlop.

Leo Westbury. A Review of Yesterday’s Courses.

Anyone considering Sheila’s Music Workshops this summer should go ahead and book. I have just completed four sessions and would recommend them highly.

If you are about to embark on a GCSE Music course then the bridging unit is ideal as it covers an introduction to the course, including crucial musical vocabulary, identifying musical instruments, a slide show with sound accompaniment of music through the ages and from different countries and cultures- all vital for GCSE. Sheila gives hot tips for success in all areas of listening, composing and performing and a comprehensive specification of the GCSE course. You get to take a bulging pack away too which is full of information as well as an audio tape to help you.

The composing workshop was great fun and I managed to compose a piece which I can use for my GCSE. Sheila gave me lots of tips on how to compose successfully and she recorded my composition for me at the end of the session. She also gave me a certificate of authenticity and a manuscript of my composition to take home. I now feel confident to compose on my own. Look out Bach!!

Refreshments were provided too and whilst they were being prepared I played several musical games and puzzles on the laptop –a different way to pick up musical knowledge.

I had a great day-I learnt a lot of new skills and had a lot of fun too. Thank you, Sheila!

Congratulations to all clients who passed their Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music Exams. Sheila x

Congratulations to Chris for getting 96%
for his Grade 6 Theory (Performers) Examination! Sheila x

Fiddles On FIre - The Anvil Theatre Basingstoke 12th May 2005

So we all trooped off to Basingstoke in eager anticipation of a night of all that is best in fiddle music and I have to say that we were not dissapointed. Fiddles on Fire was a coming together of fiddlers of all nationalities combining the lilting tones of Ireland with the smooth sound of Shetland and the insane world of appelachian mountain music. Not to mention a few Mazurkas , Polkas and Czardas along the way!! And then a bit of old-time fiddle thrown in as well. An incredible combination of talent from across the globe.

The concert started with some solo performances and then progressed as various combinations of fiddlers demonstrated the various styles of fiddling from around the world. Cathal Hayden gave us a few Irish fiddle tunes in his own inimitable style, before demonstrating his prowess on the Tenor Banjo as well! As the night went on, things got faster and faster and with every new tune played you started to think that it could not get any better, but it did. The climax of the show had Darol Anger teamed with two other fiddlers and a cellist providing a whole new meaning to the string quartet and with so much energy and enthusiasm the performance went from excellent to mind-blowing.

I have to say that for me one of the highlights of the evening was the Cellist. Never has a cello been played with so much viguor and the guy's talent for entertainment was incredible. His facial expressions alone were worth the ticket price! As was remarked to me by Richard from Sonic Violins - It was like watching the Cello world's answer to the comic talent of Lee Evans.

So in conclusion I would have to see that this was definitely one of the best night's entertainment I have had for a long time, good company, incredible music , good atmosphere and on top of it all, a decent drop of the Black Stuff in the bar!!!

Written by Keith. Check out his new site on the "Links" Page!

SHEILA NORRIS IN CONCERT... EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED!
Saturday 17th December 2005 - 7.30pm
St. Jude's Church, Southsea

A selection of music in different styles... Pop, rock, classical, Irish! Expect the unexpected... that is an electric violin I'm playing!!!

Admission free. All donations to Leukaemia Research

Big thank you to St. Jude's for the use of their beautiful chuch for this event! Thank you to Paul Nelson & David Caine at St Jude's for all their work on the live video projection in preparation for the concert.

Many, many thanks to Livewire Theatre Consultants for lighting & sound for the concert! Thank you to Adam for doing the PowerPoint presentation and the video projection on the night. Check out their link on the "Links" Page.

Couldn't do this type of event without Ameritz for excellent backing tracks promptly delivered. Thank you for your support! Check out their link on the "Links" page.

Big, big thank you to Steven Stringer, photographer for the new pictures for this website and for the CD! steven@ssphotography.co.uk

BIG BIG THANKS to Sue at CINDERELLA'S for beautiful dress hire! If you need a dress go to Sue's at Cinderella's: sue@cinderellas.me.uk
02392 753860

Tina Carrie at Fitness First will be doing a brilliant job on my hair for the evening - many thanks Tina!

Hazel Taylor at Fitness First will be doing my make up for the concert - thank you.

Big thank you to Courtney & Walker(local music shop) for the loan of a spare electric violin! Nothing went wrong with my Yamaha but Courtney & Walker kindly agreed to lend me a spare! Thank you.

A special thank you to my guest performers Nicola Slade & Joe Dunlop.

THE CONCERT RAISED £400. MANY THANKS TO ALL WHO ATTENDED.
CD SALES RAISED £300 MAKING A GRAND TOTAL OF £700.

MASTERCLASSES:

Aims:
To provide a performance opportunity for clients

To make the transition from lesson to exam/ public performance easier

To consolidate skills learned in lessons

To have some fun!

Dates for 2006:

Due to problems booking venues at the moment I will just be offering small masterclasses in my music room in preparation for exams. Larger masterclasses will be replaced by video shoots and recording sessions on a termly basis until further notice. Recordings can be uploaded to Sheila's Sound Bites free of charge.

Saturday 4th November 11am Music Room

(for clients taking exams)

REVIEWS:
Saturday 16^th July 2005 Children’s Masterclass

St Jude's Church, Southsea

Wow! What a masterclass! The kids performed EXCELLENTLY and have made so much progress over the year! 5 reviews were received. The one pulled out of the England hat was:
Really excellent masterclass again! Great to see the children so enjoying the experience. They're an inspiration to us all.
SANDIE SHARUDIN

Saturday 25^th June 2005 Large Masterclass
3rd Floor Arts Centre, Guildhall, Portsmouth
Congratulations to all performers at this masterclass. Everyone did really well and the video looks great! 5 reviews were received. The one pulled out of the England hat was:
This was a great experience for performers to increase their confidence especially when they have got a subsequent exam. I feel more confident and secure after every masterclass. I found this enjoyable, interesting and a super confidence boosting experience.

Children's Masterclass Review
Saturday 12th March 2005
St Jude's Church, Southsea
Congratulations to all the performers at today's Children's Masterclass. It was wonderful to celebrate the achievement of all the performers and everyone did brilliantly! Thank you to Lacey, our guest performer, we wish you luck with your first professional singing contract. Sheila x
6 reviews were received - thank you. The one pulled out of the England hat was:
It was a pleasure and privelege to attend this mornings childrens masterclass. Sheila has so much energy and enthusiasm the children readily stepped up to perform with her so naturally and at ease in her company. I asked my six yr old what she thought of sheila. She replied shes a lovely lady and very kind i wish she was my other big sister.
Love from helen and alice xx

Masterclass Review:
Friday 25th February 2005

Congratulations to all the performers at the small group masterclass on Friday 25th February.
Thank you for the reviews - they were all well thought out and constructive and it was really difficult to decide, so the one picked out of the England top hat (I knew it had a use!) was...
We all felt a little nervous tonight, but by the end of the session we were all very proud of what we had achieved. It's certainly not easy to perform in front of an audience and tonight's performance has definately boosted our confidence. I now feel ready to face the examiner for my Grade 1 exam. Thank you to Sheila for providing us with this opportunity.
Written by Nathalie.

Learn music the fun way!

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