Back in August we wrote about our association with Mateo Davis, a talented young pianist that The Piano Shop Bath was able to support by providing a good quality piano for his studies. Since then, Mateo has gone on to enrol with the South West Music School and is taking part in a number of exciting projects in association with his sponsors, EMI and Awards for Young Musicians. Mateo recently took part in a film project with Bristol City Council and Swedish conceptual artist/film producer Johanna Billing, working with other musicians in workshops to prepare for a filmed performance that included Mateo playing a John Cage-esque prepared piano! Mateo is also going to be participating in masterclasses with leading concert pianists and the experience he will gain from that will be invaluable.
Mateo was first introduced to the Piano Shop Bath by Edward Bettella, a local composer-pianist, piano teacher and associate of The Piano Shop Bath.
‘Mateo was introduced to me by his mother, Emma, and within a minute of hearing him play I knew he was very talented,’ said Edward.
‘I was amazed to discover that he had only been playing piano for a year and was entirely self-taught; Mateo had worked out some very challenging pieces by the world-renowned artist Chilly Gonzalez, by watching videos of the pianist on YouTube. It was obvious that Mateo was a naturally gifted pianist and would soon outgrow his basic digital piano at home.’
For Mateo’s mother Emma, watching her son develop so rapidly at the piano has been a joy,
‘Mateo got his first keyboard for Christmas 2017 and I was surprised and delighted to see him take to it like a duck to water almost overnight, and entirely off his own back,’ said Emma.
‘Mateo feels that playing the piano is an expression of himself and is most at home when playing. He loves to perform and is moving from strength to strength under the tuition of Edward Bettella who helps him to develop in a really unique way. I am so happy to see him gain such enjoyment from his new instrument which fills our house with music for hours every day. A big thank you to The Piano Shop, EMI and Awards for Young Musicians for their support.’
For Jon Kelly, owner of The Piano Shop Bath, supporting Mateo in his development as a pianist was an easy decision,
‘We naturally wanted to support Mateo and with the help of his grant we were able to provide further support and an instrument which will really help him on his journey to great things. We will be keeping in touch with Mateo and wish him the very best for the future, from us all at The Piano Shop Bath.’
If you are a piano teacher and would like to feature a talented pupil in our newsletter, please get in touch with us today hello@thepianoshopbath.co.uk