Modern Ballet Studio Melodies Vol. 2 offers a great selection of melodies for all musical tastes. It contains everything from Chopin to Gershwin to U2, with a few original melodies thrown in for added variety. Each piece is played with a steady beat and a focus on ballet exercises. Christopher uses many different instruments to accompany the piano giving this CD a very full and dancing flow. This is the perfect title to pick up the energy and give a real change of music to your ballet class.

DanceClassMusic.com

Thank you SO MUCH for this CD! I used it for class yesterday and we all loved it. The tracks are really fun, beautiful and the tracks are nice and long. Thanks again! I envy those who have you to accompany them on a regular basis.

Robin Mahboeb, New York

This CD, Modern Ballet Studio Melodies, Volume 1, came highly recommended by a fellow dance professional, and it’s easy to see why. The piano music is excellent–and different. You will hear renditions of favorites such as “Summertime”, “Hernando’s Hideaway”, “Some Day My Prince Will Come” and “Somewhere Out There” – but they avoid the “cheesy” factor that is so often a part of this type of translation for ballet class music.
The intent of the CD is to add variety to the ballet class repertoire, which it does quite successfully. I am located in the US, but have had many UK dance teachers ask me for recommendations in their area in terms of ballet class music. I would pass this CD along without hesitation as something that would be fun to use for a welcome change of pace. There is both barre and centre music, and the quality of the recording is very good–another rarity in this type of CD.

Catherine L. Tully on 4dancers.org, read the full review here

Fantastic melodies perfectly arranged for any free class, no matter what the ability. The melodies are memorable and just what I look for in a CD for class. Keep up the amazing work!

Mediaphorie.com

Your playing is brilliant, fluid and precise. With your mature and sensible way of dealing with things, I am certain you will be very successful with your CDs. Such a rare catch to find an inspirational pianist whos music motivates the class. Oh, I almost forgot, there's also the fact that you play beautifully.

Patrick, classicalballetmusic.com

I am writing to let you know how much I enjoy your cds, on several levels. I enjoy your music when I take ballet class....it is so much fun and just helps me enjoy class even more.  I dance ballet as a hobby(4 x a week!) but I am a pediatric physical therapist by profession. I work in a school for special needs children, the majority of whom cannot walk or talk.  I always wanted to combine my passion with my work and eventually started a ballet program for our little girls.  It is very unconventional...each child has an adult with them to move their arms or legs, and the class takes place seated, either on a bench or a rolling stool or even in a wheelchair.  The children are ages 3 to 12.  I am always in search of music that the children and staff will enjoy and must tell you that they very much enjoy your music. So, thank you for your wonderful music.  I look forward to future cds and hope that another one will be coming out soon.

Lynn Barral, New York

Modern Ballet Studio Melodies volume three includes many of your favorite melodies and classical compositions. While the tracks are not repeated each exercise has several selections of music to choose from. Some selections use a two piano sound while others use piano and strings. These additional instruments are always performed with complete attention to what works best for the musical selection and the dance that would go with it. This CD will really make you want to get up and dance. The easy to follow beat and melodies will help you make up new combinations and exercises to keep your class enjoyable. Each volume by this artist seems to get better and better.   

DanceClassMusic.com

★★★★★    I have all 3 Modern Ballet Studio Melodies CD's and highly recommend them all. I find that music has a huge impact on the tone of the class and Chris' choice of music and beautiful playing are very inspiring. I teach ballet to ages 3 thru adult and all ae groups respond favorably to these CD's. The little ones get so excited when they recognize music from Toy Story or Disney and the older ones practically sing along to Amy Winehouse, Alicia Keys or the show tunes. Of course there are beautifully played classics and original compositions as well, these CD's being an excellent blend of genres. Chris is a talented artist who plays with a richness and passion not always found in music for ballet class. Try his CD's - you will not be disappointed.

Review from www.cdbaby.com

This CD provides exactly what I am looking for when I have to teach a class with no live music. The tempos are all very carefully considered, helping to enhance the movement of any exercise. The very eclectic choice of music used for the exercises bring fun and enjoyment to the studio. What these releases have is a focus on helping the teacher and student alike, whilst retaining the feel of a live pianist. All tempos are carefully indicated from the outset of every exercise and Christopher's experience of accompanying dance shows with his excellent choice of phrasing and also fantastic playing I am very much looking forward to the next volume in this excellent series of CDs.

Paul Bayes Kitcher - Director Fallen Angels Dance Theatre, Ex Birmingham Royal Ballet Soloist

My attention was drawn initially to MBSM V1 due to the fresh and modern approach taken by its very talented pianist Christopher Hobson. His selection on this CD not only had an impact on my teaching but managed to increase my students' artistic performance. His great choice of tempos and repertoire made class work more professional and fun for all involved, helping to create a healthy work environment for learner. This motivated me to purchase V2 which was as rewarding for both teacher and student. Students were able to react more artistically to his music choices which is so important as ballet technique is constantly being challenged; students have to feel that they can transfer and apply their knowledge from other dance genres and this CD increases their ability of this. I am eagerly awaiting delivery of V3 and am confident that this will be another contemporary approach to what can sometimes be boring and monotonous accompaniment in the studio.

Andrew Hall - Dance Lecturer at LIPA, Ex Hamburg Ballet,