John Pitts

John Pitts is a British composer, teacher, and author of the unusual 258-page book "How to Play Indian Sitar Rāgas on a Piano" (first published 2016, fully revised 2nd edition 2020) for adventurous pianists, followed by "Indian Rāgas for Piano Made Easy" (2018, 2020) for fledgling pianists. Visit WWW.PIANORAGA.COM to order the books, cds and downloads, and to see video guides and reviews.

Composer especially of music for piano - stylistically melodic, motoric, motif-driven, jazz-tinged, post-minimal impressionism - in recent years with a particular interest in various traditional world musics. Winner of the 2003 Philharmonia Orchestra MMSF Composition Prize at the Royal Festival Hall. His 2009 album "Intensely Pleasant Music: 7 Airs & Fantasias and other piano music by John Pitts", performed by Steven Kings, received "delicious" reviews - see below. His virtuosic pieces for two/three pianists ("7 Piano Duets & Triets inspired by music from around the world" and "Gaelic Faram Jig in Kiev") have been performed at concerts, competitions and festivals in several European countries, plus Armenia, Australia, Russia, Ukraine and the USA.

CRITICS' VERDICTS (How to Play Indian Sitar Raags on a Piano - 1st edition)

"a fascinating and unique product!" Christopher Norton, Composer

"bursting with information, ideas, and advice... truly monumental... a lot of fun" Dr Gail Fischler, Piano Bench Mag

"fascinating" Dr Angela Miller-Niles, American Music Teacher Magazine

"endlessly fascinating" Allan Cronin, NewMusicBuff

"...I strongly recommend the book to pianists with an eye and an ear to the East..."

Dr Jonathan Katz, International Piano Magazine

"If you have any interest in this esoteric arena... I can't imagine a better primer than this." Jonathan Woolf, MusicWeb-International

"a very well produced and informative book" Robert Matthew-Walker, Editor, 'Musical Opinion'

"This is a great book." Dr Mark Polishook

CRITICS' VERDICTS (Indian Raags for Piano Made Easy - 1st edition)

"very handsomely produced ... immediately accessible and enjoyable ... utterly enchanted ... a fabulously colourful and rich new sound world ... a brilliant boon ... this stunning music ... an essential purchase ... HIGHLY RECOMMENDED" Andrew Eales, Piano Dao

"I can see this book being extremely useful to: those who teach world music and would value a keyboard approach to it; classical pianists wanting a wonderfully approachable insight into Indian music; and anyone teaching pupils of Indian heritage." Fiona Lau, Music Teacher Magazine

"exposure to the actual practice of this music will leave a valuable bit of programming in my neural circuits that will enhance my musical thinking and ability to appreciate other musics. ...highly recommended." Allan Cronin, New Music Buff

"A Very Out-of-the-Box Book for the Improv-Challenged Pianist ...a very useful tool ... fascinating ... A perfect approach for someone who just can't fully break away from the printed music yet! ... extremely accessible ..." Natalie Weber, Music Matters

"intriguing, attractive and engaging... Recommended" Frances Wilson, Crosseyed Pianist

CRITICS' VERDICTS (CD - Intensely Pleasant Music: Airs & Fantasias and other piano music by John Pitts) www.hyperion-records.co.uk/dc.asp?dc=D_1EMIPM08 www.johnpitts.co.uk/cds.htm

"Realmente un magnífico repertorio desbordante de calidad, belleza y de sumo interés."4 stars

Alejandro Clavijo, Reviews New Age

"The performances by Steven Kings are excellent ... All [the pieces] are pleasing to hear and will be satisfying to play" Patric Standford, Music & Vision Daily

"This is a colorful and interesting set by a talented composer.... The playing by Steven Kings is technically and emotionally perfect." Oleg Ledeniov, MusicWeb International

4 stars Stephen Eddins, All Music Guide

"great character and emotional integrity...a thoroughly worthwhile project" Mark Tanner, Piano Professional Magazine

"recomendable" Adolfo del Brezo, OpusMusica.com (Spain)

"...surely more than just `intensely pleasant music'." Michael Darvell, ClassicalSource.com

4 stars Paul Riley, Venue Magazine

5 stars Robert Matthew-Walker, Musical Opinion Magazine

4 stars Andy Gill, The Independent

"...highly listenable stuff, very deftly in control of its chosen medium. A number of disparate influences are on display here, but welded into an overall idiom of considerable charm... `Intensely pleasant music'? Most certainly." Calum MacDonald, International Record Review Magazine

9/10 "this album is beautiful, moving and relaxing" Andy Whitehead, Cross Rhythms

"A colossal musical project... stunning and seriously impressive" John France, MusicWeb International

"Exciting stuff all round - vital, energising, but sensitive when need be. Toes - prepare to tap." Jonathan Woolf, MusicWeb International