Hi all.

So fewer posts (rants) from me. Did I hear "Thank goodness for that"? .. or was it "What a shame"?

In any case Bevpiano is clearly in the lead for "Most Supportive" member, and Barry-Clari looks like holding on to his laurels in most other categories. And I would not even get "Most Annoying". There are a few that are way out in front in that category!

For the last year and a half, even after a day at work, classes at the conservatoire, and four hours practice I have had plenty of time to browse these pages offer advice and opinions, seek support and help, get caught up in some heated debates ...

But now with a house to get into shape, and a body that needs putting into shape even more urgently, and with my wife joining me in Holland soon many of the hours I have spent on the Forum will be spent on being a good husband (Salsa clases!!), carpentry, plumbing, decorating, yoga, running and swimming.

[And there is still the small matter of several Concertos to be memorized and other recitals and examinations to be prepared]

And there are only 168 hours in a week!

So I'll probably just look in once a week, and find something contentious and sensitive to keep up the skill of putting my foot in it!

I've said - or at least thought - that sort of thing before! But I bet you look in more than once a week, really!

And we'll miss you if you don't!

Yes good luck with being a good husband Tom.
We will miss your excellent advice, particularly on matters pianistic. For the most arrt I have been on the same 'wavelength' as you.
I may find myself in the same situation when Mrs. retires and is around in the house more (work half the week at home)

Is is really that tricky for you blokes?

I will miss you MT for being my polar opposite on work ethic (does that make sense?) and obviously for your "comic genius" as well

Yep - see you around.

Good luck with it all - we'll still be here when it all gets too much.

best wishes.

Pleased to hear that your wife is to join you soon, Mad Tom. I hope you'll still post your gret advice from time to time, and let u know how the preparation for the piano concerto is going.

All the best in all your endeavours!

Definitely the latter!

Intriguing the effect that having a wife about the place seems to have on some of you men (including F#minors comments here)!

Don't overdo it Mad Tom. We need some sanity round here at times.

I'll be glad to see you around when you do have chance to drop in. All the best with your new developments, and I hope you soon settle into a new routine.

Wishing you all the very best MT!

Good luck Tom (and Mrs Tom! )

don't stay away too long.

Have a good time away from the forum, MT, but please don't forget to come back regularly (I like doing all those other things too, but I'd get someone else in for the plumbing )

Please don't stay away too long, Mad Tom. I will definitely miss your posts. Thank you for saying I'm "most supportive" - I do try to be, but people don't always see it like that. One woman on the parents' board accused me of being "aggressive" or mounting a "personal attack" on her, which was the last thing I intended.

I feel supportive of you, because I can understand how dedicated to the piano you feel & your determination to continue to improve your playing. I hope you will continue to keep us informed of your progress & (I hope) successes.

I'm also dedicated to my own improvement as a pianist. I don't have any strong ambitions to do any more exams or competitions, just to enjoy my own performing. I've enjoyed teaching for many years & have always kept my own lessons up, but I've only recently got to the stage where I can actually enjoy performing, rather than being terrified. I love playing in my own teacher's concerts, plus the various masterclasses we arrange & I'm crazy about Chetham's Summer School.

See you back here soon, Mad Tom! *You'll be back!*

Enjoy the salsa classes!

YOu won't be able to just pop in once a week. You'll see. Good luck with the new house and I hope Mrs Tom settles in quickly to her new way of life.
Bev

Ah so you've decided to stay in the Netherlands for the foreseeable future then? When do the Dutch classes start?

???? Ik spreek geen Engels.

Oh no! Mad Tom's been seeing green angels - is this a bad sign?

All the best to you and your missus.

Tom - tried to find your post on competitions, but was unsuccessful so am posting here and hope you may see it.

A short while ago (IIRC) you were asking if anyone knew any piano competitions you could enter as an alternative to one that had been cancelled.

I was in France last week and saw an advertisement for one that's being held in late April. I don't know if you're still looking / suited / given up or what - but I can give you a bit more detail if this might be of interest.

I thought maggiemay had maybe resurrected this thread to say - Oi! I thought you were supposed to be posting less!

Come back soon!!!