Ask me a question Claire Bowes Founding director and piano tutor at Omagh Music Academy Tell us a little about yourself. I am married with three children, aged 5, 9 and 11. I have always been passionate about music and am delighted to have made a career out of it. I love learning and can’t get enough of anything related to piano, piano teaching and music. I have a BA and PgDip in Music, a certPTC and an LTCL in instrumental teaching. I love to walk and tandem cycle with my husband. In my spare time, when I get it, I love listening to audio books. Spending time at the beach is my favourite thing and we are very fortunate that we live less than musicianship, so our students learn to play by ear, improvise and play chords and an hour from the coast. I am blind, but I common chord progressions as well as don’t let my sight loss hold me back. developing the ability to read music. Our main aim is encouraging confidence Who or what has most influenced you and creativity through music. and your career? I would have to say that my piano teacher and music teacher at school were probably two of my main influences. They encouraged me to explore and make discoveries about music. They both also made the piano and music extremely interesting and enjoyable. What would you say is your greatest achievement to date? Making the decision to open Omagh Music Academy has to be one of my greatest achievements to date. I was very reluctant to give up my full-time job to make it happen but now, eight years on, I am so glad I did. At Omagh Music Academy we offer a variety of instrumental and singing lessons to people of all ages and abilities. We teach our students the skills necessary to become independent learners. I feel it is important to develop all aspects of
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Who is your all-time favourite artist and why? It is really hard to choose just one artist. My favourite composer is Chopin as I just love what he does with the piano. Josh Ritter would be another favourite as when he is performing it is hard not to feel how much he enjoys what he does. He really shows his audience how much he loves the music he performs and to me this is so important. His concerts aren’t about selling out huge venues or really elaborate stage set ups but focus instead on him, his guitar and his band. What was the last CD/music download that you purchased? Our recent downloads list includes everything from classical, folk, R’n’B, easy listening and, thanks to the children, many
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Disney classics. I couldn’t say I have a favourite genre of music. It really depends on what mood I’m in. What are your plans for the future? I’m not sure what the future will bring. I tend to live in the moment and enjoy what is happening currently. I would love my future to include offering support to other teachers and owners of music schools, offering advice and information as required. Finally, what is your ISM membership to you? I am so grateful to ISM for professional development, and the support and guidance it offers to musicians. Working in this field can be quite isolating and it is so good to have ISM to consult when necessary. It is particularly helpful, having ISM guidance throughout the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. omaghmusicacademy.com @OmaghMusicAcademy
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