Calling The Tune - August 2005
Having something in common with your partner has to be a good ingredient for a happy marriage - and newlyweds Christopher and Maria Giles have more than simply being professional pianists.
The couple, who live in Shrewsbury, are on the verge of working together as they prepare to open The Shropshire School of Classical Music in the music block of Kingsland Grange School in the town.
A ground breaking establishment, it will combine the music teaching cultures of both Russia and England as Maria (nee Sytnik) is Russian. A professional pianist and musicologist who trained at the Moscow State Conservatoire after performing from the age of five, she became a professional pianist and teacher at just 16 years of age. She also worked as a teacher at the Central Music School for Gifted Musicians in Moscow and as a correspondant and editor at the Moscow classical music radio station, Orpheus.
Christopher works as Director of Music of Kingsland Grange School. He studied for his bachelor's degree at Goldsmiths College, University of London, before gaining a masters degree in performance studies, going on to specialise in contemporary music. He has worked under the guidance of promiment performers such as Russian cellist Alexander Ivashkin and performer John Tilbury, and has given many recitals.
The Shropshire School of Classical Music will also employ Russian piano teacher, Olga Lewis who graduated from the Gnessins Academy of Music, Moscow, and worked as an accompanist to the Moscow Choir - and Phillipa Dearsley, who graduated from the University of London and also studied at The Sibelius Academy in Helsinki, Finland. It will initially cater for 20 children for the basic course.
Christopher and Maria, both principles of the school, said "We want to complement what we have in England, adding what we feel will be of benefit for our pupils."
The classes will take place in addition to a child's normal schooling, being held on Tuesday afternoons and on Saturdays. They range from courses for five and six year olds up to those for 11 to 16 year olds. Subjects taught in the curriculum include piano, advanced aural training and music history. Adult courses will take place on Monday and Friday afternoons.
Maria said "We will be combining our experiences of two different cultures and of two different approaches. Our basic programme and curriculum is based on Russian music education adapted to the British system. It is an additional opportunity for children to be educated in a very special and important part of general education. All we initially ask is that the children are showing an interest in music."
Further details are available from Christopher or Maria Giles on 01743 363154 or 07905 377630.
