TRES BIEN! A former music teacher has started writing songs in French after being inspired by tutors on a college languages course.
Talented Paul Fisher, from Wrexham, performed some of his new compositions for fellow learners at Coleg Cambria Yale this week.
Paul, who spent most of his career teaching at the city’s St Christopher’s School, sang and played classical guitar, including his own tracks, Où Sont Passés Ces Jours (Where Have Those Days Gone), and Mon Coeur est Ouvert (My Heart is Open).
Having played harmonica, keyboard and guitar with local bands over the years he recently returned to his “great passion” and plans to release solo material this year.
Paul’s love of languages – he is also performing tunes in Italian and Spanish – was reinforced on the part-time Conversational French programme at Cambria, which led to him trying something a little different.
“In working to construct a quality set list which includes some of my own songs, I’ve been able to learn and add a number of them in French, Italian and Spanish,” he said.
“I’ve also hired local village halls for my practice sessions and worked to develop my vocal skills with professional soprano Jayne Wilson, so it was fantastic to be able to get up in front of students and staff at the college and perform some of my compositions for them.”
Paul added: “The first foreign language song I attempted was in French and recorded at Amp studios in Wrexham, which is where I did my first ever recording many years ago.
“With only a basic knowledge of the dialect – enough to order a baguette and a pain au chocolat – I knew my vocals had pronunciation errors so having already signed up for French at Coleg Cambria to prepare for my next ‘vacances en France’ it was a great opportunity to look for the support I needed to raise my game.
“The tutor provided the help and encouragement I was looking for and was instrumental in enabling me to begin writing my own songs in French, and I found singing and playing was a really good way to pick up the language.
“This was a creative development I would not have undertaken if not for this course and the supportive atmosphere at the college, as well as the opportunity to learn and interact with all the other attendees – merci to Pam and all the team!”
Mel Henry, Curriculum Director and Deputy Head at Yale Sixth, said their languages programmes continue to be popular with adult and part-time learners.
“We have seen more and more people sign up to French and Spanish lessons, as people are attracted to the flexible, supportive nature of these courses,” she said.
“Paul’s story is amazing, he’s an inspiration himself so for him to be inspired by our brilliant team and his peers is lovely to hear.
“We really enjoyed his performance and can’t wait to hear more from him – in different languages! – over the coming years.”
