As the principal of an international piano school and a pianist/composer, I’ve had the privilege of working on numerous creative projects ranging from film scores to award-winning albums. My passion lies in tackling unique challenges, blending musical styles, and working with visionary artists. Each project I take on is a musical highlight of my year, pushing me to explore new creative boundaries and challenging myself through collaboration.
Recent Musical Projects and Collaborations
Healing through Music: Journey through Conflict
One of my most impactful projects was collaborating with General Major Andy Salmon on his journey to healing through music. We produced the album Journey through Conflict: Iraq, which featured him singing for the first time alongside a Kurdish Freedom fighter and famous Northen Iraqi singer who’s music was banned from the Sadam Hussan regime. It was a deeply moving experience to help translate powerful emotions into a musical expression that touched so many lives.
From Dream to Vinyl: Jason Karr’s Musical Journey
Currently, we’re finalising an album with Jason Karr, a student at the school, whose songs have been in his head for over 30 years. After teaching him the chord systems on the piano, we were able to bring his compositions to life. This summer, his music will be pressed onto vinyl, featuring a world-class opera singer who joined us in the recording studio to lay down one of the tracks. You can check out one of his songs here.
We also had the pleasure of recording Shivank Menon’s debut album. Shivank is a 16-year-old pianist from Mumbai who collaborates with us via Skype. His original compositions have reached over 3 million views on YouTube.
Preserving Cultural Heritage through Piano Arrangements
Another rewarding project involved creating a book of simple musical arrangements with a student at approximately Grade 4 piano level. We worked together to document and arrange songs from her cultural heritage that had never been transcribed for piano before.
What’s Your Musical Project?
Many of our students often wonder what kind of musical project they could embark on. Whether it’s composing a song for a loved one, creating your first piano piece, rehearsing for a small concert, or producing a YouTube video to document your piano journey—there’s a project for everyone. Starting a musical project can transform your learning experience, turning regular piano lessons into a structured, goal-oriented adventure.
Why Take on a Musical Project?
Musical projects provide more than just an end goal; they offer structure and purpose to your piano lessons. Tackling even a small project can significantly accelerate your progress. Here are some reasons to consider taking on a musical venture:
- You have the drive but struggle to set goals: Projects give you a clear path to follow, helping you stay focused and motivated.
- You face a musical challenge: Overcoming hurdles becomes easier when you have a structured plan and a mentor to guide you.
- You have a creative idea but need the right team: We have the expertise and resources to bring even the craziest musical ideas to life.
- You lack confidence in your musical abilities: A mentor and producer can help build your confidence, bringing out your best performance.
- You want to explore new musical directions: Small or large, every project opens up new possibilities in your musical journey.
Let’s Collaborate on Your Next Musical Adventure
If you’re ready to take your music to the next level, I’d be thrilled to be your mentor and collaborator. Whether your idea is big or small, together, we can bring your vision to life. I only take on a limited number of new projects each year to ensure that I give each one the attention it deserves.
How to Get Started
To discuss your ideas, challenges, or potential projects, reach out to me directly at [email protected]. We’ll set up a call to see if we’re a good fit for each other and determine the best way forward. Let’s turn your musical dreams into reality!
Note: I only take on projects where there’s a genuine commitment to growth and creativity. If you’re serious about your musical journey, I’d love to hear from you!
Looking forward to hearing from you,
Tom Donald
London Contemporary School of Piano
