Story behind "Little Nocturne"

This month’s blog is dedicated to my beloved college piano teacher and friend, James L. Clyburn
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Nocturne - a work of art dealing with evening or night; especially:  a dreamy pensive composition for the piano (Webster’s Dictionary)


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Is it Spring Yet?  Even though snow is predicted for this weekend, I say ……Happy Spring Ya’ll!

This time of year many music students are preparing for their spring recitals.  It reminds me of my years at Meredith.  Practice! Practice! Practice!  I still love the sound of walking down the hallway of a music building and hearing the beautiful cacophony of sounds coming from the practice rooms!  For me, it’s just a warm fuzzy, what else can I say?

I recently attended the funeral of Margaret Clyburn, a wonderful Raleigh musician and piano teacher. Her husband, the late James Clyburn, was my beloved piano teacher at Meredith College.  All those who knew them, loved them both and miss them very much. 

Mr. Clyburn had a great love and knowledge of Chopin music which he passed on to his students.   My freshman year, he taught me my very first Chopin Nocturne, Nocturne Op. 9, No. 1 in B-flat minor. It is still one of mine and my husband’s favorites.  Because I fell in love with nocturnes, it’s no surprise that the very first piano piece I wrote, I titled “Little Nocturne” and have dedicated it to Mr. Clyburn. 

If you would like a FREE copy of my sheet music for “Little Nocturne”, just subscribe to my blog in March and put “Little Nocturne” in the comments section. I will email you a free PDF copy! 

                           Listen to Little Nocturne by clicking here

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