Two Rhapsodies for piano
Paul Harris (aged 17)
I actually started writing pieces at the age of about 7. They are all inconsequential!
But recently I came across a folder where I had collected all these pieces together and two did actually stand out! During my mid-teens, I became quite transfixed with Rachmaninoff and other composers of a similar ilk which clearly influenced my writing.
So I thought it might be fun to make these two pieces available. I was 17 at the time and studying A-level music with the great Alan Taylor who was the inspiring Head of Music at Haberdashers.
At the moment, we thought we’d make these available simply as downloads with the option of donating £3 to Lymphoma Action – an important charity dedicated to developing further treatment for various blood cancers. You may know I had non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma some years ago. Happily and successfully treated by the wonderful Graham Collins and his team at the Churchill Hospital in Oxford.
Do feel free to donate more if you wish!
And hope you enjoy these pieces!
Paul Harris 2025
Until we have live performances, this will give some indication though the computer struggles with any degree of musical expression…!
Why Music Education Matters
Here’s the downloadable takeaway from my recent talk on ‘Why Music Education Matters’ at the London EXPO 2025.
Please distribute as widely as possible. Blog following soon!
The Music Education Podcast
In this episode of The Music Education Podcast, Chris Woods chats with Paul Harris about music education.
The Nine Muses for Clarinet Quartet (2023)
About Paul
After studies at the Royal Academy of Music and the University of London, Paul Harris has now established an international reputation as one of the UK's leading educationalists.
Simultaneous Learning
Teaching music is, incontestably, one of the most fascinating and stimulating of all professions. And as teachers we can inspire, encourage and help our pupils develop...
Paul's Publications
Firmly rooted in Paul Harris’s Simultaneous Learning approach, it will transform how music theory is taught and learned, improving every aspect of musicianship along the way.
Paul Harris: The Clarinet is the seminal guide to every facet of clarinet playing. In this comprehensive companion, acclaimed author Paul Harris shares his unique insights towards gaining mastery of the instrument, inspiring both students (from intermediate level) and professionals alike to develop an individual clarinet personality.
In-depth, clear and universally relevant, The Clarinet is Paul Harris’s complete philosophy of playing, equipping clarinettists with innovative ways to overcome the instrument’s technical, musical and practical challenges and ultimately, enhance the enjoyment of their art.
Paul Harris: A Musical Celebration
In 2018, Paul was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. This candid journal documents his often gruelling treatment and offers insights into coping with serious illness, alongside reflections on the teaching and learning process. Touching on empathy, communication and identity, it is a poignant read for musicians and non-musicians alike, and is at all times thought-provoking and positive.
All proceeds from the sale of this book go to Lymphoma charities
If we serve up the right thing, for the right reasons and in the right order, it’s pretty likely our pupils will get it and will feel pleased. This is central to the Basics series!