Hello, I am Alistair Strating and welcome to the keyboard page!
I began playing the piano when I was very young (about 5 years old). My parents owned a grand piano and supported me up until I was 16 paying for lessons and pushing me to practice. I must say if it wasn’t for them I would probably never had continued when I hit my teens. I was taught piano in the classical style. I practiced scales and learned set pieces for an exam each year. I worked hard at theory and learned how to notate and harmonize small tunes. I am thankful for the knowledge I have even if sometimes it does make me a little “stiff”.
Me practicing and my
daughter Sophie trying to help!
I began playing the piano when I was very young (about 5 years old). My parents owned a grand piano and supported me up until I was 16 paying for lessons and pushing me to practice. I must say if it wasn’t for them I would probably never had continued when I hit my teens. I was taught piano in the classical style. I practiced scales and learned set pieces for an exam each year. I worked hard at theory and learned how to notate and harmonize small tunes. I am thankful for the knowledge I have even if sometimes it does make me a little “stiff”.
When I was in grade 11 I was asked if I would like to join a band to try out for the “Rock Challenge” a contest held in different parts of Tasmania and then a final. The band was called ‘George’s big block’. We were a 7 piece funk/rock band. I had never had any experience with a band or improvising.
Thankfully the sax player who was also an awesome jazz pianist showed me a few tricks. I quickly learned the blues scale and combining that with the scales I already knew I was off to a good start.
My other love is the French horn. I started playing in primary school and already with a sound knowledge of music I picked it up quickly. I loved horn lessons especially since the horn teacher taught in school hours and I would miss out on maths or english to be there. I would often stay far longer than my designated ½ hour because others would forget their lessons.
When I was in year 10 I applied to go to the Conservatorium of Music Junior program. I was accepted and the one year that I spent there had a huge influence on my horn playing. I finally was with players of equal caliber and was taught by the principal horn player of the Queensland Philharmonic. I continue to play the horn, playing with the University of Tasmania Wind Orchestra. I also enjoy bringing out the horn and having a blow with the band…..who knows?
I met Steve and Eric at a jam at a neighbour’s house when I lived in Rosevears in 2005. We kept in contact and the band “Sterical” was formed. We played together for 3 years before meeting JC. I look forward to the next ‘who knows how long’ playing with Azimus.
Azimus
A powerful yet subtle musical quartet with: