Sarah Walker
Who? Radio 3 Presenter, Essential Classics
I think learning the drums will make me listen to music in a very different way.
Instrument? Percussion
Why Get Playing? "I think that learning a new instrument will be very good for my brain, so I’m hoping it will contribute to my mental and physical well-being in a very general sense. Also, each instrument connects to a whole world of music, so I’m looking forward to broadening my musical horizons too. I think that learning the drums will make me listen to music in a very different way."
About Sarah
Like many broadcasters, Radio 3’s Sarah Walker was born in the South Yorkshire town of Barnsley.
She started learning the piano at an early age, mostly using her skills to improvise satirical songs about teachers and to perform on her own pretend radio shows (recorded on cassette - there was one listener).
Sarah studied music at Royal Holloway College where she met her future husband, the jazz musician Martin Pyne, a percussionist who now has the unenviable job of teaching his wife to play the drums. To make it more fun, Martin is allowing Sarah to use LED drumsticks which glow with blue light when used.
Sarah’s background in experimental music (she wrote a PhD thesis about composers involved in the legendary Scratch Orchestra) means that she is very excited about being part of the Virtual Orchestra, especially playing an instrument in which she has very little skill!
Sarah believes exciting things can happen when people are taken out of their comfort zones. And if she never masters a paradiddle or flam, at least she will be making some amazing blue patterns in the air.
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What is Get Playing?
Wherever you are, whatever your level, Get Playing and join our nationwide community of music makers.
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Learn Bizet's Toreador song on the drums
Learn Bizet's Toreador song and join the Virtual Orchestra.
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Sarah Walker's practice diaries
Follow Sarah's journey as she learns the drums for Get Playing.
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Sarah Walker: 'I have joined the Virtual Orchestra'
Sarah's done her drum roll for the opening of the Toreador Song and has joined the Virtual Orchestra.
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Essential Classics
Rob Cowan and Sarah Walker play definitive recordings of the greatest classical music, joined by a guest every day at 10.00am who shares their favourite music.
