Biography
Rowan Peter Kennard BMus Hons - Pianist, Keyboard Musician & Piano Teacher
Rowan demonstrated an ability to play the piano by ear from an early age and began learning the piano from the age of 4.
Having studied the piano traditionally as a first instrument through the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music examination system to Grade 8, Rowan progressed to learning the cello, organ & electric organ, later studying A-Level Music and then a Bachelor of Music degree specialising in Music Education.
Although classically trained to read music, Rowan has always considered the music that he plays by ear to be his real enthusiasm and area of expertise, and the majority of his repertoire is recalled from memory. Many of the performances which Rowan undertakes on piano enable him to uniquely combine both trained and natural skills making him an extremely versatile and adaptable performer. This can be particularly advantageous when accompanying theatrical shows or choirs when aural transposition is required, or meeting the demands of ‘on-the-spot requests’.
Rowan has been performing and accompanying on the piano, electric organ and keyboard for professional engagements for over 10 years, and has worked as a piano accompanist for a variety of schools since 2000.
He has played for a countless number and wide range of events both locally and across the UK including: wedding services in churches and civil venues, wedding receptions, private and corporate functions, parties, dances & celebrations. The majority of Rowan's work now consists of playing the piano for wedding ceremonies and receptions across the South, East and South East of England.
Recent Venues include: Cheltenham Race Course, The Honourable Society of Gray's Inn, London; Best Western Abbots Barton Hotel, Canterbury; Stockbrook Manor, Essex; The Mulberry House, Ongar; The Reid Rooms; Essex, Gosfield Hall; Essex, The Brentwood Centre, Arley Hall, Cheshire; Weald Place, Epping; Careys Manor, New Forest Brockenhurst; Trafalgar Tavern; Greenwich, Donnington Manor Hotel; Kent, to name a few. . . (See Pianist/Keyboard Musician section for further details).
No Piano - No Problem!
Where venues do not have a piano Rowan transports his Kawai ES4 portable piano. This has proven to be the ideal portable but above all professional instrument, with its outstandingly realistic piano voicing and action. Rowan also uses a small amplifier for outdoor events, or for larger venues to subtly enhance the piano.
Rowan also owns a Yamaha HS-8 Electone organ. Due to its ability to replicate any instrument from a single bell chime to a full sounding big band, this is mainly used for wedding ceremonies (where venues do not have an organ), production of backing CD's for schools, and accompaniment for theatrical productions.
Rowan also teaches the piano and keyboard (See Piano Tuition) from home, visits private homes and at a variety of Infant and Junior schools in Essex. (See Support for schools).
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