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3-day Feeling at Home at the Piano course with David Hall – Lower Intermediate

16 April 2027 @ 10:00 am - 18 April 2027 @ 3:30 pm

Feeling at Home at the Piano is designed for Lower Intermediate adult pianists who would like to feel more relaxed, confident and expressive at the keyboard.

Over three days we’ll explore practical ways to develop greater ease in our playing -whether that’s performing for others, making musical choices, or simply feeling less tied to the printed page.

And we’ll also have plenty of fun! Through a mixture of group workshops, individual lessons, informal performances and plenty of time to practise, we’ll discover approaches that help playing feel more natural, enjoyable and creative.
The course isn’t about perfection. It’s about building confidence, understanding the music more deeply, and developing the skills that allow you to play with greater freedom and enjoyment, whatever repertoire you love.

Our 3-day course for Lower Intermediate pianists is designed to allow a bit more space to take things at slower pace and in more depth. Aimed at pianists around grades 2-4 playing level, the course is led by our Music Director and author of There’s more to playing piano David Hall. Guests can expect his signature inspiration alongside an encouraging and flexible teaching style.

During your stay, David will cover the following topics in his interactive workshops:

Workshop 1
Practice that works!
Many adult pianists feel perfectly capable in the practice room, only to find that everything changes when someone else is listening, even their own teacher. In this workshop, we’ll explore practice techniques that develop security and confidence, how to recover promptly from slip-ups, and how to keep our minds focused on the music itself.
We’ll also think about what teachers and examiners are actually listening out for in our performance – note accuracy, yes, but also rhythm, shaping, phrasing and tone-quality.
Workshop 2
Making Music: Melody, Choices & Creativity
Music comes alive when we move beyond simply playing the notes. In this interactive workshop we’ll explore phrasing, shaping melodies, listening more deeply, and making thoughtful musical decisions. Through simple creative activities – including experimenting with harmony, accompaniment patterns and playing by ear – you’ll discover practical ways to become a more expressive and imaginative musician, whatever style you enjoy.
Workshop 3
Harmonic Building Blocks: Chords, Patterns & Playing by Ear
Understanding a little harmony can transform the way you learn, remember and enjoy music. This workshop introduces the essential building blocks behind many pieces: simple chords, common chord progressions  and accompaniment patterns. We’ll explore how these ideas can help you recognise musical patterns, play by ear, add simple accompaniments to melodies and feel more confident away from the printed score. No previous theory knowledge is required!

Afternoons are spent in an informal performance class where guests play to each other in an encouraging “open-lesson” format – learning from each others’ challenges and gaining performance experience along the way.

There will also be time for private practice on one of our beautiful grand pianos. And for those who would like, our tutor will give one-to-one lessons on our new Steinway to provide individual pointers and tips.

Man playing Steinway piano with tutor in background playing saxophone.

On the Saturday night, David will perform a private salon concert for retreat guests, which is an opportunity to relax and be inspired with a glass of wine in the magical setting of the main hall of Finchcocks!

We have one grand piano available for every guest in our vaulted cellars, including our new Steinway. Piano conversation will flow freely over coffee and home made biscuits and cakes in between bouts of practice!

Saturday recital

During the course of their stay guests will:

Plus ones are very welcome on our courses, with a room surcharge dependant on whether they are a playing or non-playing guest. Please ask for further details.

Kilndown bedroom

Starting at 10am on the Friday, this extended stay gives Lower Intermediate pianists chance to really absorb and embed new tips and strategies into their playing. If it sounds of interest, please drop Jenny a line using the form below.

    3-day courses

    from £925 (inclusive of accommodation, food, wine and tuition)

    Details