Nigel M Taylor
@nigelmtaylor.bsky.social
40+ years in music education, now retired.
Former school teacher, head of music service, music adviser, ofsted inspector, freelance consultant, conductor, charity trustee.
Interests: music, education, languages, history, food, wine
Former school teacher, head of music service, music adviser, ofsted inspector, freelance consultant, conductor, charity trustee.
Interests: music, education, languages, history, food, wine
Amazing to meet Paul Brennan, conductor of Bolton Youth Orchestra 1971-1979, for the first time in 45 years. He was an inspiration for me (and many others) as a young player. We talked a lot about the rehearsals and concerts in Bolton and in Paderborn. It was great to reminisce.
April 26, 2025 at 10:25 AM
Amazing to meet Paul Brennan, conductor of Bolton Youth Orchestra 1971-1979, for the first time in 45 years. He was an inspiration for me (and many others) as a young player. We talked a lot about the rehearsals and concerts in Bolton and in Paderborn. It was great to reminisce.
40 years ago today, this happened.
March 30, 2025 at 2:50 PM
40 years ago today, this happened.
"Every primary school should become a "singing school” where music, drama, and visual arts are just as integral as literacy and numeracy, a new report suggests."
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home...
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home...
‘Singing should be as important as reading and maths in schools’
A new report has called for the Government to put creativity and the expressive arts ‘at the heart’ of the primary school curriculum
www.independent.co.uk
March 16, 2025 at 11:26 AM
"Every primary school should become a "singing school” where music, drama, and visual arts are just as integral as literacy and numeracy, a new report suggests."
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home...
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home...
Fascinating....
www.theguardian.com/music/2025/f...
www.theguardian.com/music/2025/f...
British Library acquires torn-out drafts of Edward Elgar masterpiece
Exclusive: sketches for Introduction and Allegro for Strings had been removed from sketchbook by composer in 1930
www.theguardian.com
February 22, 2025 at 9:53 AM
Fascinating....
www.theguardian.com/music/2025/f...
www.theguardian.com/music/2025/f...
"...children enter classrooms with fewer and fewer of the skills needed to begin their formal education. The key culprit...screen time."
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Children are starting school unable to sit up or hold a pencil – and I know the culprit | Kathryn Peckham
As an early years specialist, I’ve seen the drastic impact of screens replacing physical activity and face-to-face interaction, writes early childhood consultant Kathryn Peckham
www.theguardian.com
February 19, 2025 at 8:06 AM
"...children enter classrooms with fewer and fewer of the skills needed to begin their formal education. The key culprit...screen time."
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Heartbreaking 💔 news that Joseph Talbot died on Saturday aged 20. The most inspiring young man, he met his massive health challenges with bravery, fortitude and perseverance. His personality and smile lit up every room. I was privileged to know him. RIP J xx
February 17, 2025 at 12:08 PM
Heartbreaking 💔 news that Joseph Talbot died on Saturday aged 20. The most inspiring young man, he met his massive health challenges with bravery, fortitude and perseverance. His personality and smile lit up every room. I was privileged to know him. RIP J xx
6 years old
"I'm one little boy and it started with one tub and one dream to save the planet, and now look how many we've got."
What a star.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
"I'm one little boy and it started with one tub and one dream to save the planet, and now look how many we've got."
What a star.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Netley boy saves thousands of sweet tubs from landfill
Teddy has collected the plastic confectionery tubs because he wants to help save the planet.
www.bbc.co.uk
February 9, 2025 at 11:49 PM
6 years old
"I'm one little boy and it started with one tub and one dream to save the planet, and now look how many we've got."
What a star.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
"I'm one little boy and it started with one tub and one dream to save the planet, and now look how many we've got."
What a star.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Happy Feast of the Epiphany to all that celebrate.
January 6, 2025 at 10:37 AM
Happy Feast of the Epiphany to all that celebrate.
🎶 On the Twelfth Day of Christmas.....🎶
Not many drummers to be seen or heard today, except perhaps for the one across the pond who consistently drums up bile and nonsense.
Not many drummers to be seen or heard today, except perhaps for the one across the pond who consistently drums up bile and nonsense.
January 5, 2025 at 2:52 PM
🎶 On the Twelfth Day of Christmas.....🎶
Not many drummers to be seen or heard today, except perhaps for the one across the pond who consistently drums up bile and nonsense.
Not many drummers to be seen or heard today, except perhaps for the one across the pond who consistently drums up bile and nonsense.
Finally put up my Christmas tree
December 24, 2024 at 6:05 PM
Finally put up my Christmas tree
"For behold, darkness shall cover the earth...."
A dramatic and staggeringly portentous aria, from Handel's Messiah.
Here's James Bundy with Staffordshire Symphony Orchestra, in a live performance, conducted by yours truly.
soundcloud.com/nigel-t-6194...
A dramatic and staggeringly portentous aria, from Handel's Messiah.
Here's James Bundy with Staffordshire Symphony Orchestra, in a live performance, conducted by yours truly.
soundcloud.com/nigel-t-6194...
For behold, darkness shall cover the earth
From a live performance of Handel's Messiah, Lichfield Cathedral 26 March 2011 with Staffordshire County Chorus and Staffordshire Symphony Orchestra (James Bundy - Bass soloist)
soundcloud.com
December 18, 2024 at 10:44 PM
"For behold, darkness shall cover the earth...."
A dramatic and staggeringly portentous aria, from Handel's Messiah.
Here's James Bundy with Staffordshire Symphony Orchestra, in a live performance, conducted by yours truly.
soundcloud.com/nigel-t-6194...
A dramatic and staggeringly portentous aria, from Handel's Messiah.
Here's James Bundy with Staffordshire Symphony Orchestra, in a live performance, conducted by yours truly.
soundcloud.com/nigel-t-6194...
Fabulous lunch with Ian Duckworth, and Tim and Hilary Reynish. An immense treat!
December 16, 2024 at 4:04 PM
Fabulous lunch with Ian Duckworth, and Tim and Hilary Reynish. An immense treat!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review for Paul McCartney at the
Co-op Live. What an extraordinary musician, and still going strong. Very hard to believe he's 82.
www.theguardian.com/music/2024/d...
Co-op Live. What an extraordinary musician, and still going strong. Very hard to believe he's 82.
www.theguardian.com/music/2024/d...
Paul McCartney review – extraordinarily sublime and humblingly beautiful
Stretching an almost three-hour set from the Quarrymen through to the ‘final Beatles single’ this is like an arena-sized Last Night at the Proms, with Beatlemania
www.theguardian.com
December 16, 2024 at 9:25 AM
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review for Paul McCartney at the
Co-op Live. What an extraordinary musician, and still going strong. Very hard to believe he's 82.
www.theguardian.com/music/2024/d...
Co-op Live. What an extraordinary musician, and still going strong. Very hard to believe he's 82.
www.theguardian.com/music/2024/d...
Great to catch up with breweychris.bsky.social today. We exchanged tales of recent travel experiences, discussed our respective plans for 2025, and shared stories of our time as pupils at Hayward Grammar School, where we first met in 1969. How time has flown...
December 12, 2024 at 6:03 PM
Great to catch up with breweychris.bsky.social today. We exchanged tales of recent travel experiences, discussed our respective plans for 2025, and shared stories of our time as pupils at Hayward Grammar School, where we first met in 1969. How time has flown...
What a super story:
“...I would say that it’s the most worthwhile task in life, to make music and do it well.”
www.theguardian.com/music/2024/d...
“...I would say that it’s the most worthwhile task in life, to make music and do it well.”
www.theguardian.com/music/2024/d...
Man, 88, passes grade 8 piano with distinction, 67 years after taking grade 7
Ray Eveleigh says playing helps keep his brain active and wife and daughter encouraged him to go for grade 8
www.theguardian.com
December 12, 2024 at 9:31 AM
What a super story:
“...I would say that it’s the most worthwhile task in life, to make music and do it well.”
www.theguardian.com/music/2024/d...
“...I would say that it’s the most worthwhile task in life, to make music and do it well.”
www.theguardian.com/music/2024/d...
Hector Berlioz was born on this day in 1803. What better way to toast his musical genius than listen to his "Symphonie Fantastique".
Here's the 5th movement performed in 1976 by Orchestre National de France conducted by Leonard Bernstein.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=cao6...
Here's the 5th movement performed in 1976 by Orchestre National de France conducted by Leonard Bernstein.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=cao6...
Berlioz: "Symphonie Fantastique" - 5th Mvt. - Leonard Bernstein
YouTube video by Roberto Mastrosimone
www.youtube.com
December 11, 2024 at 10:02 PM
Hector Berlioz was born on this day in 1803. What better way to toast his musical genius than listen to his "Symphonie Fantastique".
Here's the 5th movement performed in 1976 by Orchestre National de France conducted by Leonard Bernstein.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=cao6...
Here's the 5th movement performed in 1976 by Orchestre National de France conducted by Leonard Bernstein.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=cao6...
What an outrageously brilliant sound.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=fXOT...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=fXOT...
Saint-Saens Organ Symphony #3 (Maestoso) at Notre Dame de Paris 2024 Olivier Latry & Gustavo Dudamel
YouTube video by MountedCornetV
www.youtube.com
December 10, 2024 at 6:31 PM
What an outrageously brilliant sound.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=fXOT...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=fXOT...
For all you fellow piano enthusiasts, how long can the lowest C last on a Steinway grand piano?
I was surprised by the answer, it's over a minute!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=zox0...
I was surprised by the answer, it's over a minute!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=zox0...
How Long Can a Steinway Sing? 🎹 The Ultimate Sustain Test
YouTube video by Steinway Piano Gallery Oslo
www.youtube.com
December 9, 2024 at 6:35 PM
For all you fellow piano enthusiasts, how long can the lowest C last on a Steinway grand piano?
I was surprised by the answer, it's over a minute!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=zox0...
I was surprised by the answer, it's over a minute!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=zox0...
Tinnitus has returned. This time in a constant Ab.
So annoying.
So annoying.
December 8, 2024 at 9:35 PM
Tinnitus has returned. This time in a constant Ab.
So annoying.
So annoying.
Duolingo progress report. It seems I'm doing ok!
December 6, 2024 at 11:30 PM
Duolingo progress report. It seems I'm doing ok!
I'd support this petition. First heard this in the students' union bar at university in 1978. Musical gloriousness!
This is my petition to formally make Mr. Blue Sky by ELO the official anthem for this platform…
”And today is the day we've waited for”
Thoughts @jay.bsky.team?
youtu.be/bJ8Sz8CJY5g?...
”And today is the day we've waited for”
Thoughts @jay.bsky.team?
youtu.be/bJ8Sz8CJY5g?...
Mr. Blue Sky
YouTube video by Electric Light Orchestra - Topic
youtu.be
December 5, 2024 at 9:08 PM
I'd support this petition. First heard this in the students' union bar at university in 1978. Musical gloriousness!
Delighted with my new bread machine and especially the book of recipes my son and his wife bought me. This one’s a “French Crusty” and it’s really quite delicious!
December 5, 2024 at 6:36 PM
Delighted with my new bread machine and especially the book of recipes my son and his wife bought me. This one’s a “French Crusty” and it’s really quite delicious!
Reposted by Nigel M Taylor
The firm doing refurb at the National Opera Studio today is On Brand.
December 3, 2024 at 2:46 PM
The firm doing refurb at the National Opera Studio today is On Brand.
When an orchestra grabs the momentum of a piece and threatens to run away with it, sometimes all you can do as a conductor is to go with it, enjoy it, join in, and lead the biggest accelerando!
Farandole, L’Arlésienne Suite No.2 by Bizet is such a piece.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=VDHo...
Farandole, L’Arlésienne Suite No.2 by Bizet is such a piece.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=VDHo...
Birmingham Symphony Hall - concert HD - part.8
YouTube video by bogdan horoba
www.youtube.com
December 2, 2024 at 11:16 PM
When an orchestra grabs the momentum of a piece and threatens to run away with it, sometimes all you can do as a conductor is to go with it, enjoy it, join in, and lead the biggest accelerando!
Farandole, L’Arlésienne Suite No.2 by Bizet is such a piece.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=VDHo...
Farandole, L’Arlésienne Suite No.2 by Bizet is such a piece.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=VDHo...
Congratulations to Anna, a worthy winner of BBC Young Chorister of the Year.
All three finalists were fantastic and heartfelt congratulations to them all.
Anna sang with such musicality and maturity, it belied the title of "Junior".
Brava!
www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/epis...
All three finalists were fantastic and heartfelt congratulations to them all.
Anna sang with such musicality and maturity, it belied the title of "Junior".
Brava!
www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/epis...
Songs of Praise - Young Chorister of the Year - Final
On the first Sunday of Advent, Aled Jones and the Rev Kate Bottley host the final of BBC Young Chorister of the Year, with judges Katherine Jenkins, Bob Chilcott and YolanDa Brown.
www.bbc.co.uk
December 2, 2024 at 10:46 PM
Congratulations to Anna, a worthy winner of BBC Young Chorister of the Year.
All three finalists were fantastic and heartfelt congratulations to them all.
Anna sang with such musicality and maturity, it belied the title of "Junior".
Brava!
www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/epis...
All three finalists were fantastic and heartfelt congratulations to them all.
Anna sang with such musicality and maturity, it belied the title of "Junior".
Brava!
www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/epis...