David Soward worked through the ABRSM grades in his schooldays and then took up serious piano lessons as a young adult with Stephen Reynolds (BBC Piano Competition finalist, 1970). With a degree under his belt and well into his first job, he now focused on his piano performance, taking the Performers’ ARCM diploma in 1984 and working up several piano recital programmes. At the same time he accompanied singers and instrumentalists and, having secured the LRAM Teachers’ Diploma in 1985, he also began to teach the piano.
Later he had some singing lessons, trained as a choral conductor and became increasingly involved in the world of singing. As a linguist from early days he finds it very satisfying to help singers to learn both the notes and the words of the many masterpieces in the song, musical and operatic world, as well as accompanying singers in rehearsal or performance. For relaxation he plays both solo piano and chamber music.
Having done his more important piano studies as an adult and after years of private practice, David has an understanding of ‘adult returners’ and their needs and enjoys sharing the fruits of his own learning and experience.
If asked to name a hero in the world of pianists, near the top of the list would certainly be Stephen Hough, shown below, and in a younger generation, Steven Osborne. For an all-round performer, teacher and programme-builder, there are few to beat Joanna McGregor.
DAVID SOWARD 