By ROBERT GIBSON

Last updated at 21:24, Friday, 05 March 2010

A MUSIC teacher from Prudhoe who set up his own business on being made redundant has been celebrating after giving his 5,000th piano lesson.

Richard Hannam is a former head of corporate affairs for a publicly-listed software systems company,which had 40 per cent of its contracts with major airlines.

After the 9/11 terrorist attack in New York, all the contracts were cancelled and he was subsequently made redundant.

This gave him the motivation to start up what would become Key Skills Music and PR.

“When I gave the very first lesson on September 9, 2003, I never dreamed I would give another 4,999,” he said this week.

“I’m very proud to have reached this 5,000th lesson milestone, but I would sincerely like to thank all of my loyal pupils, both past & present, for making it possible.”

The recipient of the 5,000th lesson, given on February 18, was 10-year-old Joseph Torre, from Newcastle, who has been a pupil since October 2006.

“I’m really enjoying learning the piano,” he said. “Richard makes it easy and a lot of fun!”

All of Richard’s students were given a card and gifts to celebrate the occasion.

First published at 09:45, Friday, 05 March 2010
Published by http://www.hexhamcourant.co.uk