Local artist, piano man and charity in tune to make pretty music

Sunday 14 February 2016

A local artist, piano man and charity have tuned in to the needs of Islanders and helped bring music to the ears of people with severe physical disabilities.

Julia Renault, Martin Coxshall from Jersey Street Pianos and Jersey Cheshire Homes have been working together to transform an old piano into a work of art so that the charity's residents can enjoy some sing-alongs.

Jersey Cheshire Homes Fundraising & Marketing Coordinator Sarah Stevens said: “We had heard of how Jersey Street Pianos was collaborating with local artists to decorate pianos – making them beautiful to look at as well as to listen to and we felt this would be the perfect opportunity to bring our tired piano back from the brink."

Julia Renault adorned the piano with feathers, the charity's emblem, so that it could take pride of place in the resident's dining room.

Sarah said: “We’re delighted with the results and can’t wait for the piano to not only become the focal point in the Home’s dining room but to once again offer our residents the opportunity to enjoy regular sing-alongs.”

Jersey Street Pianos founder Martin Coxshall wants more pianists bring their instruments out of the woodwork and share their talents.

He said: “Music is often overlooked or underused in education, healthcare and for wellbeing. These beautiful pianos simply must remain part of the furniture because interacting with them encourages expression, healing, inclusion and happiness in a way that nothing else can”

“I would urge piano players to seek out instruments in all places and play them. Share your talents & change how people speak to each other by playing music in their place.”