Note For Note: Bewitched, Bothered & Bewildered

‘A truly inspirational odyssey. The author’s musical journey will motivate and encourage everyone – his determination and disciplined long term endeavours in music makes for a compelling, unique read.’ Murray McLachlan, Concert Pianist & Educator, Head of Keyboard, Chetham’s School of Music

For forty years, HOWARD SMITH worked hard as a technologist and consultant, a career he loved. Approaching retirement, and facing an intractable problem at the office, he discovers the one thing that had been missing all along: a piano. Regretful of not having had the discipline to persevere with lessons as a child, the author embarks upon an urgent quest: to lead a new creative life and to achieve this in just three years. Encountering many obstacles and rescued by a blue snowman, he finally comes to understand what it means to be a musician.

Blending theory and practice, this unique memoir describes how the author navigated his transition from the digital to the analogue: from the bits and bytes of the computer industry to the world of melody, harmony and musical performance. Join our hero as he jumps onto a distinctly bumpy escalator in what becomes a relentless pursuit of his dream.

Reviews

‘A unique insight into how journeying into music can enhance and transform our lives in ways we had perhaps never imagined. The distinctive blend of biography with music theory takes the reader on unexpected twists and turns as Howard’s story unfolds, and his musical adventure intertwines with daily life. Note For Note is hugely captivating, touching and inspiring – a must-read for anyone who has dabbled with taking up music.’ Victoria Williams, MyMusicTheory, LmusTCL, BA (Hons)

‘Highly recommended. Will resonate with all those who understand the compulsion to play or improvise music, the psychological need this fills and the exhilaration felt when practice is rewarded by an audience’s response to an amateur’s performance. A brutally honest personal testimony of a human experience that enriches life via the intimate physical act of working with a musical instrument.’ Marie McKavanagh, Amateur Pianist, LTCL & Performing Arts Clinician BAPAM

‘Could this be the next Play It Again? Written by an amateur pianist for amateur pianists, Howard Smith lays out the landscape, signposts and challenge of coming to music as a mature adult. His “late returner” story will provide a sense of relief that no one need be on their own and that it is never too late.’ Ophelia Gordon, Pianist & Music Teacher, B.Mus (hons), ATCL, LTCL

‘Uplifting. I suspect this engaging tale will be appreciated by pianists and songwriters alike. His joy, frustration and love for music and musicians comes across strongly. The author brings a refreshingly scientific inquisition to the challenge of switching tracks in later life and learning a complex art. His theory experiments had me jumping to the piano on numerous occasions!’ Rob Foster, Piano Teacher, DipLCM, London Piano Meetup Group

‘A powerful message. Not only is the record of the author’s adventures on the musical escalator entertaining and affecting but I absorbed a good deal of sage wisdom along the way.’ Martin Ouvry, Writer & Musician

‘In this candid and informative account, Howard Smith captures the excitement and frustrations, pleasures and practicalities of taking up the piano as an adult. Howard’s fable is sure to resonate with other adult amateur musicians – and teachers too. His book provides important support to those considering embarking on a similar journey as well as to those who are already fully committed to it.’ Frances Wilson, pianist, writer and blogger on classical music and pianism as ‘The Cross-Eyed Pianist’