Pianist (80) still knows how to hit the right notes
On April 15, former pupils and friends of Selcourt resident Paddy Jeffery, a repetiteur, escort, and music instructor, surprised her with an 80th birthday celebration.
Selcourt resident Paddy Jeffery may have recently turned 80 years, but her musical talent shows no signs of ageing.
Aunty Paddy, as she is known, has been playing the piano since she was five years old, fervently declaring, “I’ve been playing all my life.”
She said her family, who also loved to play the piano, inspired her to pursue this wonderful instrument.
“My parents played when they were young. My brother has his own dance band and my sister performed classical music,” Paddy explained.
“I inherit the family’s passion, so to speak. As a child, I played everywhere. Whenever I was asked to play at concerts, festivals, or talent shows, I was there.
“Back in the days, we used to have talent competitions instead of the modern competitions, which I truly loved and enjoyed,” she recalled.
“We used to hop in a combi. There were a lot of us – dancers, pianists and vocalists – travelling around entertaining people and we would sleep in the coldest dorms that I’ve ever slept in in my life. That was fun.”
Paddy was part of the Springs Operatic Society’s productions, giving her the chance to mingle with famous performers.
Her fondest moment was at Hoërskool Hugenote, where she had been teaching music for 35 years while also taking care of her children.
“For me, that was a fantastic time. I embraced my calling to teach music. But at the same time, my own plane took a back seat. When I left the school and my children had grown up, I had to focus on rediscovering myself.”
During that time, Paddy met Brakpan resident Andries Aldrich, an opera singer who had rekindled her musical journey.
“Andries enjoys organising concerts, which I find to be very enjoyable. It was through his involvement that I began performing and accompanying people I had never met before,” she added.
“I can’t even explain my relationship with Paddy. It’s been a remarkable experience,” said Andries.
“Music is different from any other profession. In music, you and your teacher walk a very personal road. I believe it is not just a teacher-student thing, you become friends and that’s what she has become.
“Without her guidance, I wouldn’t be where I am today. She taught me how to be musically sensitive,” Andries affirmed.
To show how special Paddy is, Andries and a group of singers and Paddy’s former students made an extra effort to plan her surprise 80th birthday on April 15.
“It was a lovely day that brought together some of her former students, friends, and artists that she worked with. I started crying. I wasn’t expecting it. I was honoured and moved by seeing those faces,” said Paddy.
“It was special and heart-warming for them to plan my birthday celebration.”
Continuing to touch hearts with their music, Paddy and Andries will perform at a music concert at Nigel Methodist Church on May 13.
For more information, contact Andries on 071 141 4938.
