3-day Strictly Piano course with David Hall – Upper Intermediate

Strictly Piano: Bringing dance to your playing!

Missing your weekly dose of sequins, sambas and score paddles?

Join us for a toe-tapping exploration of dance-inspired piano music, from graceful Baroque dances to the fiery Argentinian tango. Along the way, you’ll discover how rhythm, metre and character shape great performances, and learn to capture the unique style and spirit of each dance in your own playing.

Designed for (Upper) Intermediate pianists around grades 5-7 playing level, this course is led by Finchcocks Music Director David Hall. Unlike a certain Strictly judge, David combines expert insight with an encouraging, flexible teaching style – helping every participant develop confidence, musicality and flair.

Come ready to learn, listen, play – and perhaps even feel like dancing!

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

• 1.Breaking It Down: Adding Character, Energy and Movement?
  What do we really mean by “character” in music? In this session, David unpacks the essential ingredients that create energy and forward motion in your playing. Through dynamics, articulation, and a solid connection to bass line and rhythm, you’ll discover practical ways to make your music more expressive and alive.
• 2. Baroque Dance Suites
  Step into the refined world of Baroque dance suites and discover how metre and texture create elegance, contrast and flow. We’ll explore key dances through listening and practical examples, helping you bring stylistic clarity and character to your playing.
• 3. Ballroom Dances
  From waltzes to tangos, explore defining characteristics of ballroom dances. Through interactive listening and hands-on musical examples, you’ll build confidence in identifying style and shaping more authentic performances.

Preparation
Please prepare two movements from a Baroque dance suite – for example, an Allemande, Courante, Sarabande or Gigue – and one contemporary piece based you might see a famous politician or TV presenter attempt to stomp their way through. This could include a waltz, tango, samba, or any other dance-inspired piece in a modern or jazz-influenced style.

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.

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

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 (Upper) 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.