Porque a vida é cheia de história e de histórias, gostaria de prestar homenagem a um dos meus professores, o percussionista Michael Skinner (1941/1942?-2025), com quem tive a honra e privilégio de estudar entre 1993-1997. Abaixo, partilho uma nota do falecimento, escrita por um colega ex-aluno, que tão bem descreve o nosso querido professor. Incluo igualmente uma crítica e um link gratuito (pdf) ao seu excelente livro, Roll Review, que apesar de não estar já disponível para compra, tenho vindo a partilhar com colegas e alunos ao longo de largos anos. Querido professor, muito obrigado!

Roll Review (pdf): https://www.benjaminwaterson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Roll-Review.pdf

Review: Roll Review by Michael Skinner

In a varied and exciting career, Michael was Principal Percussionist of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden for over 30 years and prior to this held the same position in the Royal Philharmonic, London Philharmonic, Philharmonia and Sadler’s Wells Opera orchestras. His versatility was reflected by his being a much sought-after player in West End shows, countless commercial sessions and even a prominent role as actor/musician in Frank Zappa’s film 200 Motels.  

Michael was also a supremely committed and intuitive teacher, not only at the Royal College of Music, but at the Guildhall, Trinity College and privately, in addition to being a busy examiner. He also found time to be President of the National Association of Percussion Teachers and ran the first Percussive Arts Society (UK) weekend at the RCM in 1995. 

I was fortunate enough to study with Michael for several years, and I and so many others owe him a huge debt of gratitude for his enthusiasm, knowledge and patience. Michael had a very dry wit and razor-sharp mind, and he enjoyed regaling everyone with funny anecdotes mined from his multitude of experiences in the profession. Michael was a quiet, modest and unassuming man who wore his learning very lightly. A degree in mathematics and an ability to complete The Times cryptic crossword in under 15 minutes were just two of his other talents. I remember only too well struggling and failing to keep up with his lightning-speed intellect, and he noticed this straight away with the wonderful comment, ‘Am I boring you?’

Michael will be sorely missed by all his ex-students, peers and particularly his wonderfully supportive and loving wife Christeen, children Claire and Simon, brother Brian and grandchildren Lily, Ira and Monty. 

RCM alumnus, timpanist Neil Hitt