Mary Potter

I spent most of my working life teaching young children, and most of the children’s songs were written to be performed in end-of-year shows. They needed to be accessible to all the children, so I focussed on making them ‘catchy’. Music is magic, and many a shy child would become an unexpected star, thriving in the environment of imaginative fun.

I have also been the pianist for a local choir for many years, and among the ‘Songs for all ages’ section are lurking a couple I wrote for them. ‘The Altos’ Lament’ celebrates (or mourns) the altos’ often monotonous line. ‘Thursday Nights’ could be adapted for any choir – just change the day to when you rehearse and substitute your own director’s name.

My piano compositions come from my retirement, when I explored different scales and modes on the piano. They generally have a blues/jazz feel, and vary considerably in difficulty. If you want an easy one, ‘Bouncer’ would be a good one to try.

Free improvisation is another love of mine, and I have had a wonderful time playing with some outstanding musicians based in Poole. All the music on the recordings was completely unplanned – what happened was meant to be. Within tracks there are elements of on-the-hoof composition and development of motifs and ideas, as well as musical conversations. An acquired taste for the listener, perhaps, but this music is the embodiment of inspiring and creative forces.

My music and song sheets are all free to download. If you would like to express your appreciation with a donation I would be very grateful. Otherwise please sing, play and enjoy it all.