Chris W Posted November 2, 2019 Share Posted November 2, 2019 Hey PWJ members! The PWJ member spotlight for the month of November is.... Terry Hopley! Terry has such a positive impact on the PWJ community and on the Facebook page; he posts regular videos of his playing and offers so much encouragement to others. He has a lot of passion for music and playing the piano and it's great to have him as part of the community! Here is his PWJ Member Spotlight! 1. Where are you from? I was born in the East End of London in 1937 and my formative years were dominated by air raid shelters and being evacuated together with my brother and two sisters. We never owned a home but my family taught me the meaning of true love. 2. When did you start playing piano? I had piano lessons from a neighbour when I was six years old and apparently showed a natural talent. But with World War II and the devastation that goes with it raging around us we had other priorities. Nevertheless I developed a passion for music and dancing that has never left me. 3. What got you interested in learning music? Move forward 30 or 40 years and I found myself in Command of giant cruise ships. The job carried lots of responsibilities but I always formed close friendships with the amazing talented musicians we had on board. I desperately wanted to start playing again but had little time despite the wonderful opportunities. 4. What is your favorite style of piano music? I worked out that I have been round the world nearly 40 times and that means I have listened to and loved just about every kind of music there is. From Russian Cossacks, to Argentine Tango. From the last night of the Proms to Basin Street Blues in New Orleans. From Kiri de Kanawa singing arias in the heart of an Australian vineyard to Frank Sinatra On Broadway. How could I possibly pick a favourite? I simply love music. 5. Do you have any favorite pieces to play? I finally decided to start playing again in my 81st year and I was lucky enough to stumble on the PWJ website almost immediately. I started with the 1-6-2-5 chord progression so the pieces I love playing are the songs with that progression. That means a choice of hundreds of great songs. Think of Rod Stewart’s Great American Songbook and you have my kind of music. 6. What has most helped you most in improving as a pianist? Every student is on a different journey but for me personally the ability to sit and play song after song in a basic way is a great foundation. Now I can concentrate on expanding my understanding of chord structures and techniques and Jonny’s methods are second to none. 7. Do you have any tips for other PWJ members? My tip for new students is to start with modest ambitions. That way you get tremendous satisfaction and can’t wait to set a new target. For us amateurs the secret is enjoyment so don’t allow practice to become hard work. 8. What is your favorite part of the PWJ Membership? The favourite part of my PWJ membership is the social interaction I enjoy with new friends all over the world. Watching each other play in so many different styles is inspiring. And being able to chat about our life style, families and ambitions gives us the chance to show how this world could be ..... if everyone played piano. 9. What are your future music goals? My music goal is to keep playing for as long as the fingers hold out and, with any luck, bring pleasure to myself, my family and friends. 10. Do you have any words you try to live by or a favorite quote? A great artist creates a beautiful picture on canvass. A great musician creates a beautiful picture on silence. 10 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe S Posted November 2, 2019 Share Posted November 2, 2019 Restarting at 81 and having a grand time at it is just awesome! 🤩😃 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dina M Posted November 2, 2019 Share Posted November 2, 2019 I enjoyed reading this. Congrats Terry! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Douglas R Posted November 2, 2019 Share Posted November 2, 2019 6 hours ago, Chris W said: Hey PWJ members! The PWJ member spotlight for the month of November is.... Terry Hopley! Terry has such a positive impact on the PWJ community and on the Facebook page; he posts regular videos of his playing and offers so much encouragement to others. He has a lot of passion for music and playing the piano and it's great to have him as part of the community! Here is his PWJ Member Spotlight! 1. Where are you from? I was born in the East End of London in 1937 and my formative years were dominated by air raid shelters and being evacuated together with my brother and two sisters. We never owned a home but my family taught me the meaning of true love. 2. When did you start playing piano? I had piano lessons from a neighbour when I was six years old and apparently showed a natural talent. But with World War II and the devastation that goes with it raging around us we had other priorities. Nevertheless I developed a passion for music and dancing that has never left me. 3. What got you interested in learning music? Move forward 30 or 40 years and I found myself in Command of giant cruise ships. The job carried lots of responsibilities but I always formed close friendships with the amazing talented musicians we had on board. I desperately wanted to start playing again but had little time despite the wonderful opportunities. 4. What is your favorite style of piano music? I worked out that I have been round the world nearly 40 times and that means I have listened to and loved just about every kind of music there is. From Russian Cossacks, to Argentine Tango. From the last night of the Proms to Basin Street Blues in New Orleans. From Kiri de Kanawa singing arias in the heart of an Australian vineyard to Frank Sinatra On Broadway. How could I possibly pick a favourite? I simply love music. 5. Do you have any favorite pieces to play? I finally decided to start playing again in my 81st year and I was lucky enough to stumble on the PWJ website almost immediately. I started with the 1-6-2-5 chord progression so the pieces I love playing are the songs with that progression. That means a choice of hundreds of great songs. Think of Rod Stewart’s Great American Songbook and you have my kind of music. 6. What has most helped you most in improving as a pianist? Every student is on a different journey but for me personally the ability to sit and play song after song in a basic way is a great foundation. Now I can concentrate on expanding my understanding of chord structures and techniques and Jonny’s methods are second to none. 7. Do you have any tips for other PWJ members? My tip for new students is to start with modest ambitions. That way you get tremendous satisfaction and can’t wait to set a new target. For us amateurs the secret is enjoyment so don’t allow practice to become hard work. 8. What is your favorite part of the PWJ Membership? The favourite part of my PWJ membership is the social interaction I enjoy with new friends all over the world. Watching each other play in so many different styles is inspiring. And being able to chat about our life style, families and ambitions gives us the chance to show how this world could be ..... if everyone played piano. 9. What are your future music goals? My music goal is to keep playing for as long as the fingers hold out and, with any luck, bring pleasure to myself, my family and friends. 10. Do you have any words you try to live by or a favorite quote? A great artist creates a beautiful picture on canvass. A great musician creates a beautiful picture on silence. Great job Terry! The PWJ Community is fortunate to have you as a member. Thank-you for all your support and friendship 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul Toal Posted November 2, 2019 Share Posted November 2, 2019 Congratulations Terry on this month's spotlight. It's great to read your story. At 81, you are an inspiration to us all 🙂 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ido B Posted November 3, 2019 Share Posted November 3, 2019 Loved reading your spotlight and getting to know more about you. Terry!! You are such an inspiration to all of us here in the PWJ Community! I always look forward to your videos. They bring a smile to my face! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Megan K Posted November 3, 2019 Share Posted November 3, 2019 Wow, I enjoyed your story! You've had some unbelievable life experiences. Thanks for sharing! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Suzanne H Posted November 3, 2019 Share Posted November 3, 2019 Hey well done Terry! Only just seen this. 👏🏻👏🏻 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Julie P Posted November 4, 2019 Share Posted November 4, 2019 Hi, Terry! I loved reading about your life. I always enjoy your posts and hope I am as active and play as well as you do, in another 10 years or so when I am your age. We're actually just youngsters and learning has never been more fun! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ellen M Posted November 5, 2019 Share Posted November 5, 2019 Hey Terry, interesting interview! It’s so great to have you in this community and you’ll always be remembered for the Terry Challenge that got everyone posting their video stories. Keep on posting and sharing 😄👍🏻🎹💪 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sam A Posted November 12, 2019 Share Posted November 12, 2019 It’s great hearing your story Terry! I always enjoy your posts in the PWJ community. Keep up the great work! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris E Posted November 26, 2019 Share Posted November 26, 2019 Terry, Thanks for sharing your story, wisdom and great advice enjoying piano playing and improving with PWJ! Keep on rocking the 🎹😀 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jonny May Posted November 29, 2019 Share Posted November 29, 2019 Well done, and congrats @Terry H! I enjoyed reading your responses. You most definitely deserved this spotlight! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rachel L Posted February 1, 2020 Share Posted February 1, 2020 I love reading your posts...you always have something so interesting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rachel P Posted May 8, 2021 Share Posted May 8, 2021 He sounds like he was a great guy! I wish I had gotten to meet him. Maybe in the next life.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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