3-day Upper Intermediate course with David Hall

Our 3-day course for Upper Intermediate pianists is designed to allow a bit more space to take things at slower pace and in more depth.

There can be a split camp when it comes to taking exams as part of the learning process, perhaps especially as an adult learner. Some love the focus to work towards, some are happy to leave the stress behind with school. Perhaps it depends on our source of motivation – or something else!

Either way, the skills tested in most exams (e.g. scales, arpeggios, sight-reading…) ideally help shape us into a well-rounded musician, as well as pianist.

On this 3-day Upper Intermediate course for pianists around grades 5-7 playing level, our Music Director and author of There’s (even) more to playing piano David Hall will be helping you discover a way to becoming that versatile pianist. Guests can expect his signature inspiration alongside an encouraging and flexible teaching style.

Hall certainly knows his stuff, both academically and as a teacher. ~ Andrew Eales, Piano Dao

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

• Workshop 1 – Efficient Practice
• Workshop 2 – Scales and Arpeggios – the easy bit!
• Workshop 3 – 10-Week Plan to Improve Sight-Reading

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

Each day also includes an afternoon performance class, during which half the group have the chance to play and receive feedback from David. (The third and final one being a chance for all to give a piece a final airing or ask questions arising from your stay.) This is a lovely and encouraging setting and will hopefully feel more like an “open lesson” rather than the exam you might be preparing for!

On the Saturday night, David will then 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. It really is truly special.

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 David.
• Experience a private recital for retreat guests in the main hall of the family home, performed by David.
• 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.