3-day Lower Intermediate course with David Hall
Learn Faster. Play Better. Express More.
When your musicianship is secure, learning new music becomes easier. It frees your mind to focus on sound, style, and communication – rather than just getting the notes right!
Develop core musicianship skills that help you learn repertoire more quickly, with greater accuracy and a deeper sense of musical expression – so practice feels focussed and effective.
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 tips & making the most of your stay. How to:
– practice efficiently and effectively
– structure a practice session
– ensure practice is creative and enjoyable - Workshop 2 – Tips for developing sight-reading and aural skills
- Workshop 3 – Exploring intervals, chords and lead sheets
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.
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!
During the course of their stay guests will:
- Enjoy access to play on our 9 grand pianos anytime between 7am and 8pm. (There are enough pianos to go round that everyone can play a piano at any given time.)
- Enjoy a one-to-one lesson with our tutor.
- Experience a private recital for retreat guests in the main hall of the family home, performed by our tutor.
- Join and socialise with a group 8 fellow piano enthusiasts during lunch and dinner.
- Dine in style with lunches and three course dinners prepared by our fabulous chef.
- Experience the Finchcocks bubble, hailed as a “paradise for pianists” by BBC Music Magazine and stay in a grade 1 listed country manor.
- Be able to explore the Kentish countryside and local attractions should they wish a trip out.
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.
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.