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In
the last newsletter we announced the launch of the new addition to our
service Keyboard Connection. The response has been so positive that in
December, even before much of the marketing had been done, we struggled at
times to find enough pianists on KC free to do the work! It seems we have filled a gap in the
marketplace, with calls coming from various opera companies, cruise lines,
agents, choral societies and orchestras.
These enquiries have come from a variety of sources, some through mailshots produced in-house, some through KC clients
passing on the work they were not available to do themselves, and others from
referrals by MAS clients. And so the
network expands.
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Keyboard Connection – Tel. 01306 500033
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How does
Keyboard Connection benefit existing MAS clients?
When
your students need an experienced accompanist for their exams, auditions or
recitals, KC can help them out. Our
keyboard players have their own particular areas of expertise, so we are
quickly able to find someone who specialises in the relevant area. Also, Keyboard Connection, as part of MAS,
raises the profile of the entire diary service and increases our exposure
within the music industry by helping out fixers with pianists, as well as
other instrumentalists.
MAS is
bidding a fond farewell to two members of staff this month. After three years at the diary, Dan has
decided to move on at the end of March to concentrate on composition. We also
say goodbye to Sophie, who has moved back to Nottingham to be near her
family. We wish them both all the best
for the future, and are presently interviewing for their replacements.
Our current staffing is:
Manager : Isobel.
String Team: Louise, Celia, Abbie,
Angela and Clare.
Wind and Others Team: Dan, Tania, Beth and Helen.
Over
the last few months many of you have visited us in deepest, darkest
Dorking. It’ s always nice to meet
face to face, so if you’re in the area, you would be most welcome to pop in
for a cup of tea (or something stronger!).
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Tax Tips
Tax affairs and tax problems are different for each
individual. If you think a chat with a tax expert with experience within
the music industry will help clarify your situation, why not call MAS
approved tax advisor, Mike Harding for a free consultation.
We guarantee you will not be pressurised in any way,
during or after the consultation, to continue to use their services.
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Mike Harding - Brooks & Co
Mid-Day Court, 20 - 24
Brighton Road
Sutton, Surrey SM2 5BN
Tel: 0181 642 8681 Fax: 0181 643 8640
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Harding Whiteman recently
merged with Brooks & Co. The
combined firm now has an office in East Grinstead in addition to Sutton.
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FOR MORE INFORMATION - FREEPHONE NOW
0800 0181 448
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Financial Planning
Financial
Planning and the complexities of balancing income with investment and living is a
personal problem.
If
you think you could benefit from an unpressured
free consultation with an independent financial advisor who has strong
connections with the music profession and a wealth of experience in
financial planning, try calling the MAS approved financial planning
consultant - Robert Turrell.
Graeme
Blair Financial
Planning
Ltd
Est.
1967
Tel:
01732 743092
Regulated by the Personal Investment Authority
We guarantee you will not be pressurised in any way during or
after the consultation to continue using their
services or to take up any of their advice
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In this issue we are launching a new feature for the
newsletter: “Entrepreneurs
Corner”. If you have any
entrepreneurial activities that would be of interest to other MAS clients,
please let us know.
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This time we are featuring Alan Brown (Double Bass), who
has come up with a new computerised teaching aid that could be beneficial
to those of you teaching music, whether practical or theoretical.
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If you teach
music, whether instrumental, singing or
theory, you should know about “C.A.T.S.”!
How often do you encounter the time pressures which
exist in today’s teaching world and wish your students already knew their
theory? What about students wishing to take grade 6 practical, who need
their grade 5 theory first? New on the market, C.A.T.S. (Computer Aided Theory Skills) is an
interactive CD-ROM designed to make music theory fun and easy to learn.
Use C.A.T.S. as a supplement to your
music lessons and your students will progress much more quickly, get higher
marks in exams and discover the fun in theory.
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The software is simple to use. Aimed at age 6 upwards
and covering beginner to grade 2 (grades 3 to 5 are due out later this
year). There are two sections to the software – ‘Learn’ and ‘Test’. In the
test section, each grade is split into levels, each covering a different
area of music theory (note names, dynamics, key & time signatures,
scales, etc.). The student (player) has to progress through the levels with
a sufficiently high score at each stage, much in the manner of a standard
computer game. There is even a ‘High Scorers League Table’ so students can
keep track of how they are progressing – or maybe compete against friends!
The learning section can be used in a number of ways. Each area of music
theory is covered interactively, so students can learn at their own speed,
revise for exams or test themselves in each separate subject area. C.A.T.S. covers the syllabuses for the major examining
boards, including the Associated Board, making it ideal for help in
preparation for both theory and practical exams.
The advantage of computer based learning is the
questions are all selected at random, so no two tests will be the same.
This means it can be used over and over again. Students can learn theory in
less than half the time compared to traditional learning methods.
C.A.T.S. is supplied on CD-ROM and
will run on any PC with Windows 95 or 98 installed. It is also
exceptionally good value for money.
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You can purchase C.A.T.S. by post, telephone, fax or
internet.
Promotional leaflets are
available for teachers and schools, please call or email.
“If you can use a mouse you can use C.A.T.S.”
Take Note Publishing Limited,
54 Lincolns Mead, Lingfield, Surrey, RH7 6TA
Tel/fax: 01342 836689
Internet orders: http://www.takenote.co.uk/cats/order.htm
Email: Cats@takenote.co.uk
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The MAS clients listed below have recently changed
address and/or telephone numbers; please check with MAS for details.
Antonia Bakewell – Double bass
Nick Betts – Trumpet
Rebecca Palmer – Violin
Helen Cole – Harp
Bob Qinquest – Viola
Martin Gill – Violin
Please note:
Changes of address are not automatically put on the bulletin
board! If you would like yours to be
included, please ask!
Notices
Quashing
Rumours...
Steve Levine, contrary to any rumours you
may have heard, has not moved to the USA.
He is still living, and more importantly, working in this country
until you hear from Steve himself.
New Name
Mary Kettel Music Management now has a new name. The company is to be known as Mary Spiers
Music Management.
MAS on the web…
Have you visited our website yet? Don’t forget, not only can we put your full
CV on the website, but we can also include a photograph and links to websites
of any other groups you may be involved with. We can even provide a link to
your e-mail address. All we ask is
that you put in reciprocal links to us.
If you would like your photo on the website, please make sure it is
large enough to scan in—bigger than passport size please!
CV Reminder...
Please remember that we do not automatically update
CVs, either on the website or in the CV publication, so if there’s anything
you wish to add or take away, just ask!
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MUSICIANS ANSWERING SERVICE
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Masters Yard, 180A South
Street, Dorking, Surrey, RH4 2ES
Tel:01306 500011/500022 Fax:01306 888041 Email:mas@maslink.co.uk
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