Madeline Beasley has been teaching the piano for 25 years. Madeline still has one of her original students coming for lessons, brushing up on their style of playing.
Yes, my father had his own dance band when I was a child and he taught the saxophone and the clarinet. He also played the piano and piano accordion, as did my mother (when no one was around). We spent many a winter’s evening around the piano singing songs. That’s when my love of music started I suppose.
What are the age groups you teach?
I prefer my pupils to be at least seven years old when they start to learn. I did have someone who was in his late seventies.
Do you play any other instruments?
I also play the guitar and sing in folk clubs.
Last year, at the age of 79, I started to learn the banjo. Lots of fun, though my partner did ask me the other day if I actually liked the sound of the banjo. Obviously he’s not so keen!
How did you survive the pandemic?
I missed playing and listening to live music.
As soon as it was allowed, I got together a small group of like-minded folkies to come round and share some music. And we have carried on meeting up every weekend ever since.
Something few people know about you?
I used to be a graphic designer for TVNZ and do courtroom drawings for the news among other things.
What’s your dream holiday internationally?
My daughter said she would take me to New York for my 80th birthday, but now I have no desire to travel. Bad for the planet anyway. And I have far too much to do in Auckland. Though maybe a quick trip to Fiji would be nice.
See yourself in ten years where?
I hope I will still be enjoying good health, playing music and teaching the piano.
Give your teenage self some advice.
Love yourself more and appreciate who you are.
How has piano music changed over the years?
There is a lot more variety in piano music now. Albums of certain pop idols like Taylor Swift inspire young piano students. Also the inclusion of jazz pieces in piano exams.
What was your childhood like?
I was lucky to have a happy childhood in the south of England. I used to spend hours outside with my friends playing down by the creek and riding around on our bikes. My parents were very kind and loving and my two older brothers weren’t too bad when they weren’t tormenting me. My mother did hit me once to bring me to my senses. I became hysterical after flying over the handlebars of my pushbike and hurting my writing arm, days before my GCE exams. I ended up sitting on a high stool to take them because I couldn’t bend my arm.
Which TV series do you like?
Well I don’t have a television but my daughter told me about a great series called 'The Piano 'which I recently watched on TV+ on my phone. Four young people were selected out of hundreds that came and played the piano at various train stations around Britain. They were judged by Lang Lang and Mika and then coached by them to perform at the Royal Festival Hall in London. It was so inspiring. They were all so different and talented.
What motivates you?
Which item of clothing can’t you live without?
I couldn’t do without my skinny jeans. Thank goodness clothes are now made with elastane and polyester in cotton. So much more comfortable with a bit of give!
What would be your favourite hero of fiction?
Well he isn’t really a hero I guess, but I love the character of Senior Detective George Cross in Tim Sullivan’s books. George is autistic and goes about solving murders in his own methodical way, frustrating his co-workers who think they know better, but never do. He rides his bike everywhere and relaxes by playing the church organ in the evening when nobody is around. He never says thank you or good bye or accepts an invitation to shake hands, preferring not to be touched. There is a series of five books featuring him called 'The Cyclist', 'The Patient', 'The Politician', 'The Monk' and 'The Teacher’. All really enjoyable and worth reading. (DAVID HARTNELL, ONZM)
