BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
PRODID:-//Finchcocks Piano Courses - ECPv6.17.2//NONSGML v1.0//EN
CALSCALE:GREGORIAN
METHOD:PUBLISH
X-WR-CALNAME:Finchcocks Piano Courses
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://www.finchcocks.com
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Finchcocks Piano Courses
REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H
X-Robots-Tag:noindex
X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H
BEGIN:VTIMEZONE
TZID:Europe/London
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:+0000
TZOFFSETTO:+0100
TZNAME:BST
DTSTART:20250330T010000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:+0100
TZOFFSETTO:+0000
TZNAME:GMT
DTSTART:20251026T010000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:+0000
TZOFFSETTO:+0100
TZNAME:BST
DTSTART:20260329T010000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:+0100
TZOFFSETTO:+0000
TZNAME:GMT
DTSTART:20261025T010000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:+0000
TZOFFSETTO:+0100
TZNAME:BST
DTSTART:20270328T010000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:+0100
TZOFFSETTO:+0000
TZNAME:GMT
DTSTART:20271031T010000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:+0000
TZOFFSETTO:+0100
TZNAME:BST
DTSTART:20280326T010000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:+0100
TZOFFSETTO:+0000
TZNAME:GMT
DTSTART:20281029T010000
END:STANDARD
END:VTIMEZONE
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260810T103000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260814T153000
DTSTAMP:20260605T134913Z
CREATED:20250929T070027Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260605T134913Z
UID:30565-1786357800-1786721400@www.finchcocks.com
SUMMARY:5-day Piano holiday with David Hall - mixed ability - WAITING LIST
DESCRIPTION:This 5-day piano holiday has proved so popular\, we’ve added two to summer 2026’s offering. This is our most relaxed course ever and a pianist’s dream Finchcocks stay: a 5-day 5-star Piano Holiday! \nThis extended piano retreat offers the chance to spend mornings at the piano in a 30-minute one-to-one lesson with Musical Director David Hall\, as well as enjoying free practice-time. Afternoons will be devoted to leisure (and of course more piano if you’d like!) \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUsually\, our course timetables are more focussed to structured learning. The Piano Holiday will be a musical escape duetting with plenty of relaxing! \nAfternoon/ evening activities will include (subject to weather and change): \n\nA guided tour of the Finchcocks gardens by our Head Gardener\nA morning swim in our outdoor heated pool\nA walk and visit to beautiful neighbouring Scotney Castle\nA tour of a typical Wealden (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) hop trail\nA group (garden) yoga/ Alexander Technique session\nPlenty of opportunity to play duets\nThe opportunity to book the Steinway recital room to (video)record your playing\nThe opportunity to take part in an informal guest performance in main hall on the family Bosendorfer\nFree access to Finchcocks music library\n\nAnd of course\, socialising with fellow piano enthusiasts for a whole week! \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs usual\, everyone will have access to their own grand piano for the week including our new Steinway\, and have plenty of time to practise in our vaulted piano cellar. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnd of course\, it goes without saying that you can expect the usual! \nPiano holiday guests will: \n\nReceive daily one-to-one lessons.\nEnjoy 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.)\nExperience a private recital for course participants in the main hall of the family home\, performed by our tutor.\nJoin and socialise with a group 8 fellow piano enthusiasts during lunch and dinner.\nDine in style with lunches and three course dinners prepared by our fabulous chef.\nExperience the Finchcocks bubble\, hailed as a “paradise for pianists” by BBC Music Magazine and stay in a grade 1 listed country manor.\n\nPlus 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. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis is a UK-based gem of a piano holiday and one that you won’t forget anytime soon! Many guests continue friendships made on these courses\, encouraging each other on in the piano playing… and bumping into each other again on future courses! \nTo ensure a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere\, priority is given to those who have attended at least one weekend Finchcocks course previously. \nFor booking enquiries\, please fill in the form below. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n	5-day courses\n\n	from £1550 (inclusive of accommodation\, tuition and all food and wine)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n  \n\n\n\n Your Name (required)\n \n \n Your Email (required)\n \n \n Which course date(s) are you interested in?\n \n \n Playing level / experience (required)\n \n \n Room price band:\nPlease selectClassic (standard)Considerable (large)Old Dairy (with own piano)\n\n \n Other room preferences: (please select most important one and we'll try to our best to accommodate)\nPlease selectEnsuiteWalk-in showerBath2nd floor3rd floorI'm easy!\n\n \n Please tell us anything else that you think would be helpful:\n \n \n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n...
URL:https://www.finchcocks.com/availability/5-day-piano-holiday-with-david-hall-2026/
CATEGORIES:Advanced,Beginner,Intermediate,Lower intermediate,Upper intermediate,Upper intermediate week
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.finchcocks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Black-Renaissance.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260817T103000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260821T153000
DTSTAMP:20251202T115643Z
CREATED:20250929T070005Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251202T115643Z
UID:30566-1786962600-1787326200@www.finchcocks.com
SUMMARY:5-day Exploring the Romantics with Florian Mitrea - intermediate - advanced - WAITING LIST
DESCRIPTION:Exploring the Romantics invites pianists (intermediate – advanced) to immerse themselves in the expressive world of the 19th Century\, a period when the piano became the quintessential instrument of personal and artistic expression. \nThrough a combination of morning workshops\, individual tuition\, masterclass-style lessons\, performance classes\, and concerts\, participants will explore the ideals and innovations that defined Romantic music. Each workshop will focus on a major composer (Mendelssohn\, Chopin\, Schumann\, and Liszt)\, tracing how their works reflect contrasting aspects of Romanticism: elegance\, poetry\, imagination\, and virtuosity.  \nAlongside technical and interpretative study\, we will consider the cultural context of the time\, examining how these composers sought to capture human emotion\, storytelling\, and national identity in sound. The course offers not only practical strategies for mastering Romantic repertoire but also opportunities to perform\, reflect\, and share music with fellow pianists. By the end of the week\, participants will have gained deeper insight into the Romantic spirit and new inspiration for their own artistic journey. \nOur 5-day courses are a well established highlight of the Finchcocks calendar. To ensure a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere\, places are open to those who have attended at least one weekend Finchcocks course previously. \n\n\n\n“An outstanding young pianist’” ~ Martha Argerich \n\nExploring the Romantics will be led by internationally renowned British-Romanian concert pianist Florian Mitrea. With performances broadcast on BBC Radio 3 and Classic FM\, as well as appearances at prestigious concert venues such as Carnegie Hall and St John’s Smith Square\, learning from Florian’s wealth of knowledge and experience will be a guaranteed privilege and delight! \nFlorian says\, “A 5-day course provides the ideal framework to explore music-making in all its aspects. It gives us the necessary time to discuss issues regarding the role of technique\, touch\, phrasing\, and sound production\, from both historic and contemporary perspectives. It also provides the opportunity to experiment with these in several performances\, either in a masterclass setting or in the various informal concerts\, with a goal to finding your own fresh voice with the music that you are playing. \nI will always listen to your own response to each piece and match my artistic suggestions with possible technical means to achieve them\, not in a prescriptive way\, but rather in a manner that will give you options\, which you can then explore during your practice and reach a final interpretative decision. With the already well-established format that includes masterclasses\, as well as interactive workshops and individual lessons\, I am looking forward to spending these days with you talking music all day long\, sharing what makes us all so passionate about it.” \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLike our weekend courses\, formal tuition takes place in workshops\, performance classes and one-to-one lessons. Below are the topics Florian will cover in his interactive workshops. \n1:  Clarity and Elegance. Felix Mendelssohn \nMendelssohn’s piano music combines sparkling clarity with poetic charm\, often evoking the spirit of song or the intimacy of chamber music. In this workshop\, we will explore his Songs Without Words and other piano works as examples of balance\, proportion\, and transparent textures. Interactive activities will include duet reading of short excerpts (one person doing one hand\, and another person doing the other)\, phrasing experiments to find the ‘sung line’\, and group discussion about how to keep Mendelssohn’s textures light\, yet expressive. \n2: Poetry. Chopin \nChopin transformed the piano into a voice of profound expressivity\, fusing ‘’bel canto’ lyricism with bold harmonic innovation. This workshop focuses on shaping melodic lines\, exploring rubato\, and creating tonal colour through touch and pedalling. Together\, we will analyse short excerpts from nocturnes\, mazurkas\, and preludes\, then experiment with different interpretations to highlight Chopin’s subtle emotional nuances. The aim is to help pianists discover how Chopin’s music can sound both intimate and universal\, both improvisatory and perfectly crafted. \n3: Story-telling and imagination. Robert Schumann \nSchumann’s piano music often tells stories without words\, portraying characters\, moods\, and fragments of inner life. In this workshop\, we will explore pieces and cycles of pieces such as Kinderszenen and Fantasiestucke\, considering how pianists can bring out their contrasting voices and narrative qualities. Activities will include group analysis of short movements\, ensemble role-play of Schumann’s ‘characters’\, and interpretive exercises that emphasize contrast and imagination. \n4: Visionary Virtuosity. Liszt \nLiszt expanded the piano’s possibilities with dazzling virtuosity and visionary soundscapes. This workshop looks at how to approach his music not only as technical display\, but as deeply expressive art. We will consider his innovations in harmony\, texture\, and pianistic writing\, focusing on excerpts from works like the Consolations\, Hungarian Rhapsodies\, and Years of Pilgrimage. Interactive exercises will encourage participants to experiment with bold gestures\, orchestral sonorities\, and controlled virtuosity. The goal is to inspire pianists to approach Liszt with both freedom and imagination\, seeking deeper expression in this fascinating musical universe. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs usual\, everyone will have access to their own grand piano for the week including our new Steinway\, and have plenty of time to practise in our vaulted piano cellar. \nWe’ll also have a bit of fun! We’ll explore the private gardens at Finchcocks\, experience a local wine tasting\, be able to go for beautiful Kentish countryside walks to Scotney castle and enjoy a session or two in the family’s new heated swimming pool\, weather permitting. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnd of course\, it goes without saying that you can expect the usual! \nGuests will: \n\nHave the chance to play in and observe multiple performance masterclasses.\nWill receive one-to-one lessons with Florian.\nEnjoy 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.)\nExperience a salon-style concert performed by Florian exclusively for guests.\nHave the chance to take part in a recital on the Bosendorfer in the main hall of the family home.\nJoin and socialise with a group 8 fellow piano enthusiasts during lunch and dinner.\nDine in style with lunches and three course dinners prepared by our fabulous chef.\nExperience the Finchcocks bubble\, hailed as a “paradise for pianists” by BBC Music Magazine and stay in a grade 1 listed country manor.\n\nPlus 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. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis is a unique\, luxury UK-based piano gem and an experience that you won’t forget anytime soon. Many guests continue friendships made on these courses\, encouraging each other on in the piano playing on Whatsapp\, organising private piano meet ups further down the line… and bumping into each other again on future courses! \nFor booking enquiries\, please fill in the form below. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n	5-day courses\n\n	from £1550 (inclusive of accommodation\, tuition and all food and wine)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n  \n\n\n\n Your Name (required)\n \n \n Your Email (required)\n \n \n Which course date(s) are you interested in?\n \n \n Playing level / experience (required)\n \n \n Room price band:\nPlease selectClassic (standard)Considerable (large)Old Dairy (with own piano)\n\n \n Other room preferences: (please select most important one and we'll try to our best to accommodate)\nPlease selectEnsuiteWalk-in showerBath2nd floor3rd floorI'm easy!\n\n \n Please tell us anything else that you think would be helpful:\n \n \n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n...
URL:https://www.finchcocks.com/availability/5-day-exploring-the-romantics-with-florian-mitrea/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.finchcocks.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Florian-10.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260904T190000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260906T153000
DTSTAMP:20260616T110908Z
CREATED:20260216T080054Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260616T110908Z
UID:31189-1788548400-1788708600@www.finchcocks.com
SUMMARY:Pianorama - Upper Intermediate - Advanced with Philip Fowke - WAITING LIST
DESCRIPTION:Pianorama – To See or not to See\, that is the Question! \nPianorama is an opportunity for Upper Intermediate to Advanced players to explore the piano as if for the first time. Finchcocks is delighted to welcome the inimitable Philip Fowke to our teaching team\, examining our relationship with the piano and how we practise\, play and perform. \nKnown for both his prolific performing career (including many BBC Promenade concerts and major concert halls worldwide) – as well as a distinguished teaching career (including RAM\, Welsh College of Music and Drama\, Head of Keyboard at Trinity College of Music) – Philip’s approach is to concentrate less on the performance\, but rather to know how to prepare.\n\nAimed at grades 7/8 upwards\, this course is a must for those who want to develop a healthy\, effective and sustainable approach to advanced playing.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPreparation comes first. Performance comes second – and it grows in direct proportion to the quality of preparation. Too often\, we rush to perform before the groundwork is truly in place. \nAt the heart of Philip’s teaching are the three D’s: Dedication\, Discipline\, and Detail. Just as important is learning how to learn – learning to listen\, and learning to see what’s really on the page. \nStudents of all ages and abilities often focus too heavily on performance itself\, rather than on the skills needed to prepare effectively for it. When preparation is rushed or incomplete\, it can lead to Panic\, Insecurity\, Anxiety\, Nerves\, and Other avoidable difficulties. \nPhilip’s guiding mantra is:See it. Sort it. Play it!(Inspired by British Rail’s “See it. Say it. Sorted.”) \nWith the right approach to preparation\, performance becomes not something to fear – but something to enjoy. \n\n \n\n\nPhilip loves working with adult advanced amateurs and strongly believes course participants should not feel any pressure to give a full performance. In group workshops\, he encourages students to present just a few troublesome bars or even nothing at all. It is quite sufficient to bring a piece\, not even to play it but simply discuss issues arising. And everyone in the group can benefit from this.\n\nThis philosophy feeds into his two talks Exploding Myths and Practice versus Preparation? which will form part of the weekend’s programme alongside the workshops.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn between group sessions\, there will be time for private practice on one of our beautiful grand pianos including our new Steinway. There are plenty for everyone\, and no need to book in a practice slot! \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nParticipants will also:\n\n\nEnjoy 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.)\nJoin and socialise with a group 8 fellow piano enthusiasts during lunch and dinner.\nDine in style with lunches and three course dinners prepared by our fabulous chef.\nExperience the Finchcocks bubble\, hailed as a “paradise for pianists” by BBC Music Magazine and stay in a grade 1 listed country manor.\n\nPlus 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. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPhilip Fowke has been described as “The Pianist’s Pianist”. From his debut at the Wigmore Hall in 1974 to his final televised Promenade Concert appearance at The Royal Albert Hall in 2003\, he has consistently received accolades in the press\, star ratings in his recordings and been acclaimed for his musicality and technical brilliance. His first BBC broadcast was as a boy at Downside School when he was thirteen. His career has covered a wide range of composers\, often exploring less familiar British repertoire. In addition\, he has given solo recitals at the Wigmore Hall\, the Queen Elizabeth Hall\, three Royal Gala concerto appearances at the Royal Festival Hall and has worked with some of the greatest conductors of the age including\, Yuri Temirkanov\, Gennadi Rozhdestvensky\, Klaus Tennstedt\, Carl Davis\, Norman del Mar\, Rudolph Barshai\, Yan Pascal Tortelier\, Martyn Brabbins\,Vladimir Ashkenazy\, Sir Alexander Gibson\, Sir Charles Groves\, Sir Edward Downes\, Sir Richard Hickox and Sir Simon Rattle. \nIn the nineteen nineties\, Philip devoted more time to teaching and was appointed Head of Keyboard at Trinity College of Music in 1994 where he remained until his retirement in 2019. With his extensive performing experience\, his reputation as an imaginative\, provocative and inspiring teacher has become legendary. \nPhilip Fowke spends time at his marital home in New Zealand\, a retreat in the Chilterns Buckinghamshire and Quarr Abbey on the Isle of Wight where he is an Oblate and accompanies the monks in the Gregorian Chant liturgy. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis is a fantastic opportunity to come and be inspired by a leading thinker\, teacher\, speaker and performer of the piano world. We can’t wait to experience his teaching in person and anticipate spaces to be snapped up very quickly. Book early to avoid disappointment! \nFor booking enquiries\, please fill in the form below. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n	Weekend courses\n\n	from £700 (inclusive of accommodation\, tuition and all food and wine)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n  \n\n\n\n Your Name (required)\n \n \n Your Email (required)\n \n \n Which course date(s) are you interested in?\n \n \n Playing level / experience (required)\n \n \n Room price band:\nPlease selectClassic (standard)Considerable (large)Old Dairy (with own piano)\n\n \n Other room preferences: (please select most important one and we'll try to our best to accommodate)\nPlease selectEnsuiteWalk-in showerBath2nd floor3rd floorI'm easy!\n\n \n Please tell us anything else that you think would be helpful:\n \n \n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n...
URL:https://www.finchcocks.com/availability/pianorama-upper-intermediate-advanced-with-philip-fowke/
LOCATION:Finchcocks\, Finchcocks\, Goudhurst\, Kent\, TN17 1HH\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Advanced,Upper intermediate,Upper intermediate weekend
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.finchcocks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/PF-PARIS-C-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260918T190000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260920T153000
DTSTAMP:20260216T101640Z
CREATED:20260216T080016Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260216T101640Z
UID:31196-1789758000-1789918200@www.finchcocks.com
SUMMARY:Polishing Performance weekend for Advanced pianists with Florian Mitrea - WAITING LIST
DESCRIPTION:Advanced pianists will be thrilled to have the opportunity to spend a weekend Polishing Performance with extremely popular Finchcocks tutor\, Florian Mitrea. Below\, Florian describes his plan for group sessions\, helping guests to clarify\, polish and gain performance experience and confidence in works they are preparing. \nThis course is aimed at those beyond grade 8\, preparing for – or at – diploma standard\, or higher. \n\n\n“This weekend course provides us with a condensed look at aspects explored on my 5-day Advanced courses. It also provides the opportunity to experiment with these – either in a performance class setting or the informal “piano club” – a goal to finding your own fresh voice with the music that you are playing. \nI will always listen to your own response to each piece and match my artistic suggestions with possible technical means to achieve them\, not in a prescriptive way\, but rather in a manner that will give you options\, which you can then explore during your practice and reach a final interpretative decision. With the already well-established format that includes performance classes\, as well as interactive workshops and individual lessons\, I am looking forward to spending the weekend with you talking music all day long\, sharing what makes us all so passionate about it.” \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFormal tuition takes place in interactive workshops\, performance classes and one-to-one lessons. Workshop topics will include: \n\nPosture and Performance – a crash-course in movement at the piano\nThis is all about reviewing the basic premises of our piano playing – refreshening ideas about we sit at the piano\, what the optimal height position of the piano stool might be\, and using upper body posture and strength to enhance our performance. We will be analysing how the different joints of the hands and the arms are contributing significantly to a satisfying feeling of freedom at the piano\, while also avoiding injuries and strains. You will be taking in turns trying out some very simple movement exercises\, and\, most significantly\, be prepared to wriggle your knees (you will quickly learn why this is very important)!\nBeing in the flow\nGetting into the optimal physical and mental state for performance is a life-long process\, but there are ways in which we can learn to achieve this more quickly\, maybe even on-demand. This will be a deep exploration of what our preparation at the piano involves\, the multi-faceted aspects of our practising\, and how it all leads to the wonderful feeling of complete identification with the pieces that we are playing and our own personal sound at the piano.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs usual\, everyone will have access to their own grand piano for the weekend – including our new Steinway – and have plenty of time to practise in our vaulted piano cellar. There are enough pianos for everyone\, with no need to book in a particular practice session slot. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnd of course\, it goes without saying that you can expect the usual! \nGuests will: \n\nHave the chance to play in and observe two performance masterclasses.\nWill receive one-to-one lessons with Florian.\nEnjoy access to play on our 9 grand pianos anytime between 7am and 8pm.\nExperience a salon-style concert performed by Florian exclusively for guests.\nHave the chance to take part in a recital on the Bosendorfer in the main hall of the family home.\nJoin and socialise with a group 8 fellow piano enthusiasts during lunch and dinner.\nDine in style with lunches and three course dinners prepared by our fabulous chef.\nExperience the Finchcocks bubble\, hailed as a “paradise for pianists” by BBC Music Magazine and stay in a grade 1 listed country manor.\n\nPlus 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. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis is a unique\, luxury UK-based piano gem and an experience that you won’t forget anytime soon. Many guests continue friendships made on these courses\, encouraging each other on in the piano playing on Whatsapp\, organising private piano meet ups further down the line… and bumping into each other again on future courses! \nFor booking enquiries\, please fill in the form below. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n	Weekend courses\n\n	from £700 (inclusive of accommodation\, tuition and all food and wine)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n  \n\n\n\n Your Name (required)\n \n \n Your Email (required)\n \n \n Which course date(s) are you interested in?\n \n \n Playing level / experience (required)\n \n \n Room price band:\nPlease selectClassic (standard)Considerable (large)Old Dairy (with own piano)\n\n \n Other room preferences: (please select most important one and we'll try to our best to accommodate)\nPlease selectEnsuiteWalk-in showerBath2nd floor3rd floorI'm easy!\n\n \n Please tell us anything else that you think would be helpful:\n \n \n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n...
URL:https://www.finchcocks.com/availability/polishing-performance-weekend-for-advanced-pianists-with-florian-mitrea/
CATEGORIES:Advanced
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.finchcocks.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Florian-10.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261002T190000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261004T153000
DTSTAMP:20260707T093648Z
CREATED:20260216T080053Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260707T093648Z
UID:31216-1790967600-1791127800@www.finchcocks.com
SUMMARY:Jazz Piano with Nikki Yeoh - Upper Intermediate - Advanced - WAITING LIST
DESCRIPTION:Got the piano skills\, but want to learn the language of jazz? \nLove playing notated jazz\, but want to play like a proper jazzer? \nThis course is perfect for Upper Intermediate (classical) players and beyond who want to explore the world of jazz. We are very excited to be welcoming award-winning British jazz pianist\, Leeds Conservatoire Jazz Principal lecturer and Jazz FM presenter Nikki Yeoh to Finchcocks to teach the art of jazz. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you love to play\, but would like to learn the art of “comping” (playing along with other players)\, join seven other Upper Intermediate – Advanced pianists for some intensive jazz tuition and practice. \nLearn how to: \n\nVoice chords\nBuild up your voicing vocabulary\nComp for fellow students\nPerfect your comping rhythms as a supporting musician\nWork on different comping styles\nWork on Latin style rhythms\nBecome a confident live performer\n\n\n\n\nGuests will have the chance to play with a double bassist and jazz singer and\, with Nikki on hand to direct proceedings\, you’ll feel ready for your own gig in no time!\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn between group sessions\, there will be time for private practice on one of our beautiful grand pianos including our new Steinway. There are plenty for everyone\, and no need to book in a practice slot! \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nParticipants will also:\n\n\nEnjoy 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.)\nJoin and socialise with a group 8 fellow piano enthusiasts during lunch and dinner.\nDine in style with lunches and three course dinners prepared by our fabulous chef.\nExperience the Finchcocks bubble\, hailed as a “paradise for pianists” by BBC Music Magazine and stay in a grade 1 listed country manor.\n\nPlus 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. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSince her emergence on the British jazz scene in the mid 90s pianist Nikki Yeoh has proved to be an improviser\, composer and all-round adventurer who has continually sought to broaden her musical horizons. She has led her own bands in prestigious venues such as the  Royal Festival Hall and performed with hip-hop producers like DJ Pogo at more informal spaces such as the Jazz Café. She has been part of a brilliant duo with the vocalist Cleveland Watkiss and also worked with choral ensembles. In other words Yeoh is a creative free spirit who\, although deeply rooted in the language of improvisation\, is open to a range of music that leans as much to populism as it does high art. \nIndeed it was a tour with the maverick pop vocalist Neneh Cherry that led Yeoh to form her first significant group\, as she clicked musically with two other members of the singer’s backing band\, the bass guitarist Michael Mondesir and drummer Keith Le Blanc\, noted for his work for the pioneering hip-hop label Sugar Hill. \nAfter making its debut at the Jazz Café in 1994 the trio\, which Yeoh called Infinitum\, toured as part of a double bill with Django Bates’ Human Chain\, and Michael’s brother Mark eventually took over the drum chair as the group did more international work\, a highlight of which was a trip to Cuba for a collaboration with Conjunto Folklorico Nacional De Cuba. \nThose who have seen Yeoh in any one of the aforementioned settings will testify to her virtuosity on the keyboard. Drawing on pioneers from the worlds of jazz\, classical music and soul\, above all the likes of Herbie Hancock\, Alexander Scriabin and Stevie Wonder\, Yeoh has developed a style that can move from explosive rhythmic energy to understated lyricism at a moment’s notice. Indeed her ability to conjure up the most vividly evocative of moods by way of subtle\, probing harmony\, either in a duo\, as with vocalist Watkiss\, or in the demanding context of solo piano\, has been proven time and again. \nAccomplished soloist as she is\, Yeoh has also excelled as a composer over the years and this is borne out by the number of very significant commissions she has to her name. Among the most notable recent works is a Suite Of Seven Tunes\, based on the seven deadly sins\, for the internationally renowned reeds virtuoso\, John Surman. This was premiered at the 2010 Cheltenham International Jazz Festival. Prior to that\, in 2006\, Yeoh presented River Spirit\, which was written for The Oxford New College Boys Choir following a commission from Oxford Contemporary Music. These two compositions were testimony to the wealth of ideas that she has generated since the early stages of her career\, and the impression she made with Infinitum Plus\, a work for a 12-piece ensemble\, was considerable to say the least. It could not have been a clearer sign of the composer’s ambition and unpredictability\, so it was characteristic of Yeoh to subsequently head in an entirely different direction\, writing three pieces for classical piano virtuoso Joanna MacGregor\, Be-Bop\, Entwined and Flora And Fauna\, that were featured on the album Piano Language. \nYeoh’s output to date reflects an irrepressible spirit of curiosity that has taken her into areas far and wide\, be it gigs with cutting edge jazz musicians such as Steve Williamson and Courtney Pine\, soul stars like Jean Carne and Roy Ayers\, or the fiercely original hip-hop group The Roots. Regardless of the setting Yeoh always shows the same degree of dynamism and responsiveness\, qualities that she has developed through both her personal research of the history of music and extensive travels in Latin America\, India\, the Far East and Europe. \nNikki Yeoh is at the peak of her artistic powers. To her experience as a player has been added substantial life experience\, above all the joy of being both a teacher and mother. Her music remains one of her most precious creations. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDon’t let nerves stop you! This is an amazing opportunity to learn from one of the UK’s leading jazz pianists and educators and discover your own jazz piano voice. \nFor booking enquiries\, please fill in the form below. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n	Weekend courses\n\n	from £700 (inclusive of accommodation\, tuition and all food and wine)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n  \n\n\n\n Your Name (required)\n \n \n Your Email (required)\n \n \n Which course date(s) are you interested in?\n \n \n Playing level / experience (required)\n \n \n Room price band:\nPlease selectClassic (standard)Considerable (large)Old Dairy (with own piano)\n\n \n Other room preferences: (please select most important one and we'll try to our best to accommodate)\nPlease selectEnsuiteWalk-in showerBath2nd floor3rd floorI'm easy!\n\n \n Please tell us anything else that you think would be helpful:\n \n \n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n...
URL:https://www.finchcocks.com/availability/jazz-piano-with-nikki-yeoh/
LOCATION:Finchcocks\, Finchcocks\, Goudhurst\, Kent\, TN17 1HH\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Advanced,Upper intermediate,Upper intermediate weekend
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.finchcocks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Nikki-Yeoh-071B-By-Nick-White-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261012T103000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261016T153000
DTSTAMP:20260203T121145Z
CREATED:20260216T080016Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260203T121145Z
UID:31242-1791801000-1792164600@www.finchcocks.com
SUMMARY:5-day Advanced Autumn School with William Westney
DESCRIPTION:This autumn\, we are delighted to welcome back concert pianist\, keynote speaker\, educator and author of best-selling books The Perfect Wrong Note (2003) and Eros at the Piano (2023) William Westney to Finchcocks. \nAdvanced pianists will have the great priviledge of learning from US-based piano pedagogue\, spending five days focussed on confidence and freedom within piano performance. Below\, he describes his plan for the Finchcocks 2026 autumn school course for Advanced pianists (beyond grade 8\, preparing for – or at – diploma standard\, or higher). \nOur 5-day courses are a well established highlight of the Finchcocks calendar. To ensure a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere – and that guests are on the appropriate course for their playing level – places are open to those who have attended at least one weekend Finchcocks course previously. \n\n\n“One of great things about piano playing is that when it feels good – with flowing\, comfortable technique – it tends to sound good too! At the same time we want lots of technical security. Bartok’s brilliant Mikrokosmos series is a uniquely effective gold mine for achieving all of these goals. In addition to learning how to get the greatest benefit from Bartok’s all-level method\, participants will also have plenty of opportunity to be coached on their own repertoire pieces throughout the week.“ \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLike our weekend courses\, formal tuition takes place in workshops\, performance classes and one-to-one lessons. Workshops begin with a deep-dive into Bartok’s brilliantly progressive set of piano miniatures\, providing inspiration on both technique and musical imagination. \n\nWorkshop 1: Bartok’s Mikrokosmos – how to mine its special riches\nWorkshop 2: Mikrokosmos – continued\nWorkshop 3: The Perils of Pianissimo\nWorkshop 4: Technique Clinic: bring all your questions! \n\nIn preparation for the course\, please bring with you a variety of repertoire pieces\, whether totally learned or still “in process.” And of course\, familiarise yourself somewhat with books 1 – 4 of Mikrokosmos! \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs usual\, everyone will have access to their own grand piano for the week including our new Steinway\, and have plenty of time to practise in our vaulted piano cellar. \nWe’ll also plan in some downtime for you! Weather permitting\, we’ll exploring the private gardens at Finchcocks\, discover the beautiful Kentish countryside or exploring nearby Scotney Castle. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnd of course\, it goes without saying that you can expect the usual! \nGuests will: \n\nHave the chance to play in and observe multiple performance masterclasses.\nWill receive one-to-one lessons with Florian.\nEnjoy 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.)\nExperience a salon-style recital-talk performed by William exclusively for guests.\nHave the chance to take part in a recital on the Bosendorfer in the main hall of the family home.\nJoin and socialise with a group 8 fellow piano enthusiasts during lunch and dinner.\nDine in style with lunches and three course dinners prepared by our fabulous chef.\nExperience the Finchcocks bubble\, hailed as a “paradise for pianists” by BBC Music Magazine and stay in a grade 1 listed country manor.\n\nPlus 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. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis is a unique\, luxury UK-based piano gem and an experience that you won’t forget anytime soon. Many guests continue friendships made on these courses\, encouraging each other on in the piano playing on Whatsapp\, organising private piano meet ups further down the line… and bumping into each other again on future courses! \nFor booking enquiries\, please fill in the form below. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n	5-day courses\n\n	from £1550 (inclusive of accommodation\, tuition and all food and wine)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n  \n\n\n\n Your Name (required)\n \n \n Your Email (required)\n \n \n Which course date(s) are you interested in?\n \n \n Playing level / experience (required)\n \n \n Room price band:\nPlease selectClassic (standard)Considerable (large)Old Dairy (with own piano)\n\n \n Other room preferences: (please select most important one and we'll try to our best to accommodate)\nPlease selectEnsuiteWalk-in showerBath2nd floor3rd floorI'm easy!\n\n \n Please tell us anything else that you think would be helpful:\n \n \n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n...
URL:https://www.finchcocks.com/availability/5-day-advanced-autumn-school-with-william-westney/
CATEGORIES:Advanced
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.finchcocks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/William-Westney-headshot.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261030T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261101T153000
DTSTAMP:20260703T073303Z
CREATED:20260216T080050Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260703T073303Z
UID:31248-1793354400-1793547000@www.finchcocks.com
SUMMARY:3-day Lower Intermediate course with David Hall
DESCRIPTION:Learn Faster. Play Better. Express More.\nWhen 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! \nDevelop 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. \nOur 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. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDuring your stay\, David will cover the following topics in his interactive workshops: \n\nWorkshop 1 – Practice tips & making the most of your stay. How to:\n– practice efficiently and effectively\n– structure a practice session\n– ensure practice is creative and enjoyable\nWorkshop 2 – Tips for developing sight-reading and aural skills\nWorkshop 3 – Exploring intervals\, chords and lead sheets\n\nAfternoons 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. \nThere 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. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOn 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! \n\n\n\n\nWe 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! \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDuring the course of their stay guests will: \n\nEnjoy 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.)\nEnjoy a one-to-one lesson with our tutor.\nExperience a private recital for retreat guests in the main hall of the family home\, performed by our tutor.\nJoin and socialise with a group 8 fellow piano enthusiasts during lunch and dinner.\nDine in style with lunches and three course dinners prepared by our fabulous chef.\nExperience the Finchcocks bubble\, hailed as a “paradise for pianists” by BBC Music Magazine and stay in a grade 1 listed country manor.\nBe able to explore the Kentish countryside and local attractions should they wish a trip out.\n\nPlus 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. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nStarting 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. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n  \n\n\n\n Your Name (required)\n \n \n Your Email (required)\n \n \n Which course date(s) are you interested in?\n \n \n Playing level / experience (required)\n \n \n Room price band:\nPlease selectClassic (standard)Considerable (large)Old Dairy (with own piano)\n\n \n Other room preferences: (please select most important one and we'll try to our best to accommodate)\nPlease selectEnsuiteWalk-in showerBath2nd floor3rd floorI'm easy!\n\n \n Please tell us anything else that you think would be helpful:\n \n \n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n	3-day courses\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n	from £900 (inclusive of accommodation\, food\, wine and tuition)
URL:https://www.finchcocks.com/availability/3-day-lower-intermediate-course-with-david-hall-2026-2/
CATEGORIES:Intermediate,Lower intermediate,Lower Intermediate Weekend
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.finchcocks.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/David-Hall-zoom-2.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261113T190000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261115T153000
DTSTAMP:20260804T075323Z
CREATED:20260216T080046Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260804T075323Z
UID:31256-1794596400-1794756600@www.finchcocks.com
SUMMARY:Keyboard Music from the Baroque with Steven Devine - mixed ability - WAITING LIST
DESCRIPTION:We are delighted to be offering a course with brilliantly talented keyboard player and Early Keyboard Consultant to the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire and Royal Welsh Colleges\, Steven Devine. \nDuring this weekend course Keyboard Music from the Baroque\, Steven Devine will explore this incredibly fertile period of keyboard music\, looking at style\, technique\, repertoire and instruments. Although intended for pianists – teaching will be delivered on our Steinway and other beautiful grand pianos – a harpsichord will be in residence for the duration of the course so that guests can explore what these instruments can reveal in our interpretation. \nThis mixed ability course is suitable for pianists playing at an intermediate to advanced level. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs well as a one-to-one lesson with Steven\, weekend tuition will include two workshops and the chance to play in and observe two performance masterclasses also. Themes to be explored are: \n\nBaroque Music – a question of style: Bring your Baroque repertoire to life through an understanding of articulation\, ornamentation\, rhythm\, phrasing\, and historical context. Participants will consider how stylistic choices influence sound and interpretation\, with practical demonstrations on both piano and  and discussion applicable to composers such as Bach\, Handel\, and Scarlatti.\nThere’s not only Bach…: Broaden your Baroque horizons by exploring the rich variety of composers and styles from across Europe. Through listening\, discussion\, and practical examples\, pianists will explore contrasting styles and discover fresh repertoire to enliven their Baroque playing.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n“He’s building a reputation as an outstanding recitalist; this completion of his ‘48’ is a highly satisfying account.” BBC Music Magzine November 2020 \n\nOn Saturday evening\, guests can sit back and relax in the main hall of the family home and enjoy a performance by Steven himself. This is an opportunity to hear an artist regularly featured on BBC Radio 3 perform an exclusive private concert in a relaxed setting. An inspirational treat not to be missed! \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDuring their stay\, guests will also: \n\nEnjoy 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.)\nJoin and socialise with a group 8 fellow piano enthusiasts during lunch and dinner.\nDine in style with lunches and three course dinners prepared by our fabulous chef.\nExperience the Finchcocks bubble\, hailed as a “paradise for pianists” by BBC Music Magazine and stay in a grade 1 listed country manor.\n\nPlus 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. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSteven Devine enjoys a busy career as a music director and keyboard player working with some of the finest musicians. \nHe is the Principal Keyboard Player with the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment and also the principal keyboard player for The Gonzaga Band\, The Mozartists and performs regularly with many other groups around Europe. He has recorded over thirty discs with other artists and ensembles and made six solo recordings. His recording of Bach’s Goldberg Variations (Chandos Records) has received critical acclaim – including Gramophone magazine describing it as “among the best”. The complete harpsichord works of Rameau (Resonus) has received five-star reviews from BBC Music Magazine. Steven has recently released  Bach’s Well-Tempered Clavier (“it’s the one of all I’ve heard in the past ten years that I am happiest to live with.” Early Music Review)  – available on this site. \nHe made his London conducting debut in 2002 at the Royal Albert Hall and is now a regular performer there – including making his Proms directing debut in August 2007 with the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment. He has conducted the Mozart Festival Orchestra in every major concert hall in the UK and also across Switzerland. Steven is Music Director for New Chamber Opera in Oxford and with them has performed repertoire from Cavalli to Rossini. For the Dartington Festival Opera he has conducted Handel’s Orlando and Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas. He is currently conductor and Artistic Advisor for the English Haydn Festival in Bridgnorth. \nSteven works regularly with the Norwegian Wind Ensemble\, Trondheim Barokk\, the Victoria Baroque Players (BC\, Canada) and Arion Baroque Ensemble (Montreal). \nHe is Early Keyboard Consultant to the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire and Royal Welsh Colleges\, and teaches fortepiano at the Royal Academy of Music. \nFinally\, Steven is thrilled to be a member of the ground-breaking Art of Moog: an electronic music group specialising in the performance of Bach. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFor booking enquiries\, please contact Jenny by filling in the form below. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n	Weekend courses\n\n	from £700 (inclusive of accommodation\, tuition and all food and wine)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n  \n\n\n\n Your Name (required)\n \n \n Your Email (required)\n \n \n Which course date(s) are you interested in?\n \n \n Playing level / experience (required)\n \n \n Room price band:\nPlease selectClassic (standard)Considerable (large)Old Dairy (with own piano)\n\n \n Other room preferences: (please select most important one and we'll try to our best to accommodate)\nPlease selectEnsuiteWalk-in showerBath2nd floor3rd floorI'm easy!\n\n \n Please tell us anything else that you think would be helpful:
URL:https://www.finchcocks.com/availability/keyboard-music-from-the-baroque-with-steven-devine-mixed-ability-2026/
LOCATION:Finchcocks\, Finchcocks\, Goudhurst\, Kent\, TN17 1HH\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Advanced,Intermediate,Upper intermediate,Upper intermediate weekend
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.finchcocks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Steven-Devine-2.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261127T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261129T153000
DTSTAMP:20260709T142018Z
CREATED:20260216T080040Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260709T142018Z
UID:31257-1795773600-1795966200@www.finchcocks.com
SUMMARY:Beethoven 3-day course with Graham Fitch - Advanced - WAITING LIST
DESCRIPTION:Come\, immerse yourself in the sound world of one of the most significant composers of Western classical music!\n\nOn this Advanced ability three-day course dedicated to the music of Beethoven\, Graham Fitch will guide you in exploring the physical\, emotional and intellectual challenges of the great composer’s music\, paying particular attention to the interpretation of the numerous markings for dynamics and articulation that we find on every page of Beethoven’s music.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDuring your stay\, Graham will devote a workshop to how Beethoven’s style changed throughout the span of his so-called three periods\, ending with a presentation of a selection of his music.\n\nWorkshop titles will include:\n\nTechnique & practice: Solving problems in Beethoven’s music\nStyle and interpretation: Bringing Beethoven’s music to life\nProblem solving: Technique\, style and practice-related questions\n\nPlease bring a Beethoven piece (or two) with you to work on in private practice\, performance workshops and masterclasses. Problem spots\, specific or general questions about practising and technique will be discussed in the group sessions.\n\nYou may also like to bring another piece by a different composer of the same era – or otherwise – for variety and comparison!\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \nOn Saturday evening\, Graham will talk and play guests through one of his favourite Beethoven pieces\, whilst they discover a deeper understanding of the music in an inspiring setting! \n \nThere can be few people in the world more qualified to talk to us about practice techniques than Graham. Author of his blog www.practisingthepiano.com and his own online piano academy\, Graham’s ideas for healthy piano technique and practice tips attract followers from across the world. He will also offer a broader workshops on healthy piano and practice technique to compliment the programme. \n \nIn between the workshop and masterclass sessions there will be time for private practice on one of our beautiful grand pianos including our new Steinway. \nGuests will also: \n\nHave the chance to play in and observe two performance masterclasses.\nWill receive a one-to-one lesson with Graham.\nEnjoy 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.)\nExperience a private walk-through performance talk for course participants in the main hall of the family home\, performed by Graham.\nJoin and socialise with a group 8 fellow piano enthusiasts during lunch and dinner.\nDine in style with lunches and three course dinners prepared by our fabulous chef.\nExperience the Finchcocks bubble\, hailed as a “paradise for pianists” by BBC Music Magazine and stay in a grade 1 listed country manor.\n\nPlus-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. \n \nThe course is intended for Advanced players beyond grade 8 who are keen to bring their favourite works by Beethoven to life. It might well be that there’s a piece that you’ve been struggling with for years that you would desperately like to perfect\, or equally there might be something you’ve always wanted to play\, but haven’t yet had the chance to really work on. \nFor booking enquiries\, please fill in the form below. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n	3-day courses\n\n	from £900 (inclusive of accommodation\, tuition and all food and wine)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n  \n\n\n\n Your Name (required)\n \n \n Your Email (required)\n \n \n Which course date(s) are you interested in?\n \n \n Playing level / experience (required)\n \n \n Room price band:\nPlease selectClassic (standard)Considerable (large)Old Dairy (with own piano)\n\n \n Other room preferences: (please select most important one and we'll try to our best to accommodate)\nPlease selectEnsuiteWalk-in showerBath2nd floor3rd floorI'm easy!\n\n \n Please tell us anything else that you think would be helpful:\n \n \n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n...
URL:https://www.finchcocks.com/availability/beethoven-weekend-with-graham-fitch-mixed-ability-2026/
CATEGORIES:Advanced
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.finchcocks.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Graham-Fitch.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261211T193000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261213T153000
DTSTAMP:20260702T170244Z
CREATED:20260216T080022Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260702T170244Z
UID:31259-1797017400-1797175800@www.finchcocks.com
SUMMARY:Christmas at Finchcocks with David Hall - Mixed ability
DESCRIPTION:Experience the magic of Finchcocks during the festive season and escape Christmas craziness with this popular retreat! \nRun by David Hall\, FRCO MA Cantab\, this mixed ability weekend aims to explore Christmas music written or arranged for piano\, accompanied by carols\, mince pies and of course mulled wine! \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGet your festive party pieces ready for Christmas day… or whenever you’re put on the spot for some Christmas music! Guests can bring any pieces they would especially like to work on\, or might choose from any of the following: \n\nThe Faber Music Christmas Piano Anthology\nTchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite for solo piano\nThe John Rutter Christmas Piano Album\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs well as focussing on Christmas repertoire in performance classes\, a spotlight will also be given to Carols for choirs and Christmas songs you need up your sleeve in our two interactive workshops. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn between the workshop and performance class sessions there will be time for private practice on one of our beautiful grand pianos. During these sessions\, David will give one-to-one lessons on our new Steinway to provide individual pointers and tips… And of course there’s always time for some Christmassy duets with a fellow guest too! \n\n\nOn the Saturday evening\, we’ll enjoy some carols and David will round off the evening with some of his own favourites on the family Bosendorfer. This is the chance to sit back and simply be inspired\, glass of wine in hand by the fireside. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGuests will: \n\nHave the chance to play in and observe two performance masterclasses.\nWill receive a one-to-one lesson with David.\nEnjoy 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.)\nExperience a private concert for course participants in the main hall of the family home\, performed by David.\nJoin and socialise with a group 8 fellow piano enthusiasts during lunch and dinner.\nDine in style with lunches and three course dinners prepared by our fabulous chef.\nExperience the Finchcocks bubble\, hailed as a “paradise for pianists” by BBC Music Magazine and stay in a grade 1 listed country manor.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFor some musical\, Christmas magic (and to book)\, please fill in the form below! \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n	Weekend courses\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n	from £700 (inclusive of accommodation\, food\, wine and tuition)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n  \n\n\n\n Your Name (required)\n \n \n Your Email (required)\n \n \n Which course date(s) are you interested in?\n \n \n Playing level / experience (required)\n \n \n Room price band:\nPlease selectClassic (standard)Considerable (large)Old Dairy (with own piano)\n\n \n Other room preferences: (please select most important one and we'll try to our best to accommodate)\nPlease selectEnsuiteWalk-in showerBath2nd floor3rd floorI'm easy!\n\n \n Please tell us anything else that you think would be helpful:
URL:https://www.finchcocks.com/availability/christmas-at-finchcocks-2026/
CATEGORIES:Advanced,Intermediate,Lower intermediate,Lower Intermediate Weekend,Mixed ability,Upper intermediate,Upper intermediate weekend
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.finchcocks.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/2019-04-06-Finchcocks-Piano-schoolEd-Ovenden-006-Copy.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20270108T190000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20270110T153000
DTSTAMP:20260616T125404Z
CREATED:20260706T070013Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260616T125404Z
UID:31697-1799434800-1799595000@www.finchcocks.com
SUMMARY:Retreat weekend with Beatrice Nicholas - mixed ability
DESCRIPTION:Fancy a UK based\, luxury weekend away in a grade-1 listed country manor\, surrounded by grand pianos? \nOur Piano Retreat is designed for anyone who just wants a weekend away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It would suit those who want a bit of time away to practise\, or to fall in love with playing the piano again. It would also be an ideal kickstart to a New Year’s resolution! \nThere are no formal group sessions\, no performances and no stress! The weekend is open to pianists of all levels. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDuring the course of the weekend\, there will 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. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis January we welcome back concert pianist\, composer and arranger Beatrice Nicholas. Beatrice is a fantastic pianist\, with a warm\, encouraging approach to teaching – and a wealth of knowledge to back it up! \nBeatrice will be on hand for two optional one-to-one lessons over the course of the weekend. Both Saturday and Sunday will also begin with an optional group session on warm ups\, practice tips and a Q&A. You may however plan to structure your weekend differently (with a long lie-in and breakfast in bed!). \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOn the Saturday night\, Beatrice will perform a private recital of her current repertoire 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. \n\n\nWe 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! \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe piano retreat is arranged around food. There’s no strict timetable or deadlines (although you can see a past schedule here). Guests are free to play anytime they like between 7am and 8pm\, rest when they need – or explore the beautiful Kentish countryside. \n\n\nDuring the course of their stay guests will: \n\nEnjoy 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.)\nBe able to book in two one-to-one lessons with our tutor.\nExperience a private recital for retreat guests in the main hall of the family home\, performed by our tutor.\nJoin and socialise with a group 8 fellow piano enthusiasts during lunch and dinner.\nDine in style with lunches and three course dinners prepared by our fabulous chef.\nExperience the Finchcocks bubble\, hailed as a “paradise for pianists” by BBC Music Magazine and stay in a grade 1 listed country manor.\nBe able to explore the Kentish countryside and local attractions should they wish a trip out.\n\nPlus 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. \n  \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis promises to be one of most relaxed and enjoyable weekend courses. If it sounds of interest\, please drop Porgramme Director Jenny a line\, using the contact form below. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n  \n\n\n\n Your Name (required)\n \n \n Your Email (required)\n \n \n Which course date(s) are you interested in?\n \n \n Playing level / experience (required)\n \n \n Room price band:\nPlease selectClassic (standard)Considerable (large)Old Dairy (with own piano)\n\n \n Other room preferences: (please select most important one and we'll try to our best to accommodate)\nPlease selectEnsuiteWalk-in showerBath2nd floor3rd floorI'm easy!\n\n \n Please tell us anything else that you think would be helpful:\n \n \n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n	Weekend courses\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n	from £720 (inclusive of accommodation\, food\, wine and tuition)
URL:https://www.finchcocks.com/availability/retreat-weekend-with-beatrice-nicholas-mixed-ability-2027/
CATEGORIES:Advanced,Intermediate,Lower intermediate,Lower Intermediate Weekend,Upper intermediate,Upper intermediate weekend
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.finchcocks.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/2019-04-06-Finchcocks-Piano-schoolEd-Ovenden-004-Copy.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20270122T190000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20270124T153000
DTSTAMP:20260706T110805Z
CREATED:20260706T070038Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260706T110805Z
UID:31725-1800644400-1800804600@www.finchcocks.com
SUMMARY:The Versatile Pianist with Pavel Timofeyevsky - upper intermediate - advanced - WAITING LIST
DESCRIPTION:The Versatile Pianist returns to Finchcocks with virtuoso pianist and composer Pavel Timofeyevsky.  \nDesigned for pianists with a broad range of interests and repertoire\, the course welcomes everything from Bach\, Haydn and Beethoven to Liszt\, Brahms\, Tchaikovsky Debussy\, Gershwin\, Ravel\, Prokofiev and beyond. Drawing on Pavel Timofeyevsky’s experience as a soloist\, chamber musician\, lecturer and artistic director of concert series and festivals\, the course will explore not only technical and musical questions but also interpretation\, communication\, stylistic awareness and performance craft. We hope that participants will develop a deeper understanding of their repertoire\, gain practical tools for more confident performances\, and discover fresh perspectives that can be applied across a wide variety of musical styles. \nCovering a broad range of piano repertoire\, two interactive workshops\, two performance classes and a one-to-one lesson\, this course for upper intermediates – advanced players is not to be missed. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWe’re delighted to welcome Pavel back to Finchcocks. A virtuoso pianist\, composer for film and the concert stage\, arranger and lecturer\, Pavel Timofeyevsky has received numerous prizes and accolades\, including the BBC/Guardian Young Composer of the Year award – and has appeared at nearly all the major concert venues across the UK. \nFor this weekend he shares his wealth of knowledge\, skill and experience with you and just a small group of 8 piano enthusiasts! \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Versatile Pianist weekend will follow our usual format\, incorporating an interactive workshop on both Saturday and Sunday mornings. \nTime Travel at the Piano \nWhy should a Schubert sonata sound different from a Brahms intermezzo\, and why does Debussy demand a fundamentally different palette from Prokofiev? This workshop explores how changing musical styles\, aesthetics and instruments shaped the way composers imagined sound. Through demonstrations and discussion\, we will examine how touch\, articulation\, pedalling\, phrasing and tone production evolve across different periods\, and how knowledge of historical context can enrich modern performance. \nThe Musical Doctor  \n(Solving Technical Problems Through Musical Means)  \nMany technical difficulties arise not from the fingers but from an unclear musical intention. In this interactive workshop\, participants are invited to bring passages that have long frustrated them; awkward runs\, leaps\, voicing challenges\, memory slips\, tension\, unevenness or other recurring problems. Together we will diagnose these issues and explore solutions that begin with the music itself rather than purely mechanical exercises. By connecting technique to imagination\, character and musical purpose\, we will discover how artistic clarity can often unlock technical freedom and transform both practice and performance. \nTwo additional performance classes will give participants the opportunity to apply these insights in a supportive and inspiring setting. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAfter these\, time will be spent in private practice\, one-to-one tuition with Pavel – or an open lesson performance class in our Steinway recital room. Repertoire is completely open to personal preference\, spanning from late baroque right through to 20th century! You may wish to stick to a genre – or bring two constrasting eras for comparison. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe highlight of a weekend course is often our Saturday evening tutor recital talk. Pavel will treat guests to a recital-talk on Moscow vs St Petersburg: Roots. Rivalry. Revolution. It is such a treat to sit in the main Finchcocks hall of the family home and listen to a private salon concert and it really does fit the description of an “extraordinary” and special occasion! \nMoscow vs St Petersburg: Roots. Rivalry. Revolution\n\nMusic by Tchaikovsky\, Rachmaninoff\, Mussorgsky\, Scriabin & Prokofiev\n\nIn St Petersburg\, the self-taught composers of the Mighty Handful rejected western academic training\, seeking a new\, distinctly Russian voice – rooted in folklore\, speech\, and exoticism of the empire. Mussorgsky pushed music toward raw realism\, bending the conventions of harmony and form to mirror the rhythms of language itself. \nIn Moscow\, the Conservatory fostered a more cosmopolitan ideal. Tchaikovsky\, trained in St Petersburg but launched in Moscow under Nikolai Rubinstein found there both refuge and recognition\, away from the aesthetic battles of the imperial capital. \nAcross these worlds emerged striking contrasts: \n\nNationalism vs internationalism\nExperiment vs structure\nMyth\, folklore\, and ritual vs western symphonic tradition\n\nA paradox unfolds: \nSt Petersburg\, the “window to Europe\,” turned inward for inspiration\, while Moscow\, the old eastern capital\, produced composers most fluent in Western forms. \nFrom the emotional grandeur of Rachmaninoff to the mysticism of Scriabin\, and the modernist fire of Prokofiev\, this rivalry would ultimately reshape music far beyond Russia. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOn this weekend course\, guests will: \n\nHave the chance to play in and observe two performance masterclasses.\nWill receive a one-to-one lesson with Pavel.\nEnjoy 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.)\nExperience a private salon concert in the main hall of the family home\, performed by Pavel.\nJoin and socialise with a group 8 fellow piano enthusiasts during lunch and dinner.\nDine in style with lunches and three course dinners prepared by our fabulous chef.\nExperience the Finchcocks bubble\, hailed as a “paradise for pianists” by BBC Music Magazine and stay in a grade 1 listed country manor.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPianist and composer PAVEL TIMOFEYEVSKY is quickly gaining a reputation as one of the most\nexciting and compelling artists emerging today. Audiences and press alike praise his playing for its\n“shimmering undertones\, transient reality and sunlit rays full of rapturous colours” (Pulse UK).\nPavel has performed at major concert venues in UK and worldwide which include the Royal\nFestival Hall\, Wigmore Hall\, Cadogan Hall\, Queen Elizabeth Hall\, Shanghai Oriental Centre for\nArts\, Mumbai National Centre for Performing Arts\, Guangzhou Opera House and the Linder\nAuditorium in Johannesburg. His New York debut at the renowned Merkin Hall at the Kaufman\nCenter has brought him invitations to debut in Italy (Florence)\, as well as tours in Kenya and South\nAfrica. Recent highlights include performing with the Hollywood Chamber Orchestra at the Fred\nKavli Theatre in Los Angeles. \nPavel is a sought-after composer. Winner of the BBC/Guardian Young Composer of the Year Award\,\nhe recently conducted a world premiere of his new work for orchestra at London’s Cadogan Hall.\nHe has composed music for several films and animation and has recorded the soundtrack and\nstarred in the US documentary “Tchaikovsky”. \nPavel is the Artistic Director of Philomel Creative Circle\, a concert series in London in residence at\nthe Francis Crick Institute and in St Cuthbert’s Church\, Earl’s Court. A passionate educator Pavel\nruns a summer school\, Philomel Music Academy\, that takes place at Yehudi Menuhin School in\nSurrey. \nIn 2023 Pavel was invited to become Music Director of Devon Opera and Artistic Director for\nNotable (formerly Golden Age Productions). He debuted with his own arrangement of Puccini’s\nTosca for both companies with the London performance featuring on Channel 4 News and\ngarnering high praise in “Opera” magazine. An eloquent speaker Pavel gives regular lecture-recitals\nfor Notable’s concert series in London. Since May 2024 Pavel is the artistic director of a chamber\nmusic and opera festival “Fêtes Musicales Saint-Maxime: Soirées Sous Les Etoiles” in St Maxime\,\nCôte D’Azur. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFor booking enquiries\, please contact fill in the form below. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n  \n\n\n\n Your Name (required)\n \n \n Your Email (required)\n \n \n Which course date(s) are you interested in?\n \n \n Playing level / experience (required)\n \n \n Room price band:\nPlease selectClassic (standard)Considerable (large)Old Dairy (with own piano)\n\n \n Other room preferences: (please select most important one and we'll try to our best to accommodate)\nPlease selectEnsuiteWalk-in showerBath2nd floor3rd floorI'm easy!\n\n \n Please tell us anything else that you think would be helpful:\n \n \n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n	Weekend courses\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n	from £720 (inclusive of accommodation\, food\, wine and tuition)
URL:https://www.finchcocks.com/availability/the-versatile-pianist-with-pavel-timofeyevsky-2027/
CATEGORIES:Advanced,Upper intermediate weekend
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.finchcocks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Pavel-Timofeyevsky-headhot-2.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20270205T190000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20270207T153000
DTSTAMP:20260617T173816Z
CREATED:20260706T070051Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260617T173816Z
UID:31707-1801854000-1802014200@www.finchcocks.com
SUMMARY:Unlocking the Magic of Liszt weekend for Advanced pianists with Florian Mitrea
DESCRIPTION:Advanced pianists will be thrilled to have the opportunity to spend a weekend Beyond the Legend: Unlocking the Magic of Liszt with extremely popular Finchcocks tutor\, Florian Mitrea. Below\, Florian describes his plan for group sessions\, helping guests to clarify\, polish and gain performance experience and confidence in works they are preparing – and of course better understand the “Devil’s Pianist” and how to play his music. \nThis course is aimed at those beyond grade 8\, preparing for – or at – diploma standard\, or higher. \n\n\nFor many pianists\, Franz Liszt stands like a mountain on the horizon: awe-inspiring and intimidating. Yet behind the legend lies a composer of extraordinary imagination\, humanity\, spirituality\, wit\, and charm whose music is far more accessible than its reputation suggests. This course invites you to step beyond the myths and discover a Liszt you can understand\, enjoy\, and ultimately\, play with great pleasure. \nThrough a combination of group workshops\, private lessons\, performance classes\, guided listening\, and discussion\, participants will explore carefully chosen works spanning the breadth of Liszt’s output\, from intimate poetic miniatures to deeply spiritual masterpieces. Along the way\, we will encounter one of history’s greatest musicians\, a most fascinating personality who was a visionary artist\, a celebrity virtuoso\, a philanthropist\, a teacher\, a thinker\, and a Franciscan. All at once! \nBy the end of the course\, participants will feel more confident approaching Liszt’s music and the wider Romantic repertoire; gain a deeper understanding of Liszt’s life\, personality\, and artistic ideals; discover exciting new repertoire suited to all playing levels; develop more effective and efficient approaches to technique and practice; learn to project greater colour\, character\, and storytelling at the piano; and leave with a renewed sense of curiosity\, inspiration\, and artistic ambition. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFormal tuition takes place in interactive workshops\, performance classes and one-to-one lessons. Workshop topics will include: \n\n\nThe Secret Workshop: Liszt’s Lost Technical Exercises \nWhat if you could sit at the piano and work from the exercises Liszt himself used with his students? In this workshop\, we will explore the remarkable collection of technical exercises that Liszt never published during his lifetime. Collected and later published by one of his pupils after his death\, these extraordinary studies offer a rare glimpse into the workshop of the greatest piano teacher of the 19th century. Together we will examine some of the exercises\, discuss the technical and musical principles hidden within them\, and discover how they can transform our own playing. Participants will then head to the practice rooms to experiment with specific tasks before regrouping to share and compare results\, and draw conclusions. This is an opportunity to learn directly from Liszt’s pedagogical legacy. \n\n\nBeyond the Rhapsodies: The Hidden Worlds of Liszt \nThere is far more to Liszt than dazzling virtuosity and thundering Hungarian Rhapsodies. This workshop explores the astonishing diversity of Liszt’s piano music\, focusing particularly on works that reveal his introspective\, spiritual\, poetic\, and deeply personal side. We will examine a range of accessible and rewarding repertoire that challenges many assumptions about the composer\, from meditative religious works to pieces of profound emotional depth or simplicity. Along the way we will consider Liszt’s identity as a committed Franciscan Catholic and ask whether history may have misunderstood him. Was he really the flamboyant showman\, or was that perhaps only one\, overblown aspect of a far more complex figure? Through discussion\, score study\, listening\, and practical exploration at the piano\, participants will encounter a composer whose inner world may prove even more fascinating than his public image. \nSelected pieces of one to two pages in length will be distributed in advance and should be prepared before the course. These pieces will form the basis of our practical work and discussion during this workshop.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs usual\, everyone will have access to their own grand piano for the weekend – including our new Steinway – and have plenty of time to practise in our vaulted piano cellar. There are enough pianos for everyone\, with no need to book in a particular practice session slot. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nInto the Abyss\, Then Into the Light: Liszt’s Great B-Minor Visions \nSaturday evenings are often the highlight of our weekend courses. Guests have the opportunity to experience an intimate salon concert in the family’s main hall\, relaxing with a glass of wine\, the open fire and listening to inspirational playing from their tutor.\n \nFlorian’s evening recital explores two of Liszt’s most profound and compelling musical journeys: the Ballade No. 2 in B minor and the monumental Sonata in B minor. Both works stand among the most daring achievements of the Romantic era\, transforming the piano into an instrument of drama\, philosophy\, poetry\, and transcendence. From moments of terrifying power to passages of radiant stillness\, these masterpieces reveal Liszt at the height of his imaginative powers. This recital offers an opportunity to hear in action the artistic ideals discussed throughout the course\, illustrating the vision of a composer whose works continue to challenge\, but most importantly\, inspire. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnd of course\, it goes without saying that you can expect the usual! \nGuests will: \n\nHave the chance to play in and observe two performance masterclasses.\nWill receive one-to-one lessons with Florian.\nEnjoy access to play on our 9 grand pianos anytime between 7am and 8pm.\nExperience a salon-style concert performed by Florian exclusively for guests.\nHave the chance to take part in a recital on the Bosendorfer in the main hall of the family home.\nJoin and socialise with a group 8 fellow piano enthusiasts during lunch and dinner.\nDine in style with lunches and three course dinners prepared by our fabulous chef.\nExperience the Finchcocks bubble\, hailed as a “paradise for pianists” by BBC Music Magazine and stay in a grade 1 listed country manor.\n\nPlus 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. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis is a unique\, luxury UK-based piano gem and an experience that you won’t forget anytime soon. Many guests continue friendships made on these courses\, encouraging each other on in the piano playing on Whatsapp\, organising private piano meet ups further down the line… and bumping into each other again on future courses! \nFor booking enquiries\, please fill in the form below. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n	Weekend courses\n\n	from £720 (inclusive of accommodation\, tuition and all food and wine)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n  \n\n\n\n Your Name (required)\n \n \n Your Email (required)\n \n \n Which course date(s) are you interested in?\n \n \n Playing level / experience (required)\n \n \n Room price band:\nPlease selectClassic (standard)Considerable (large)Old Dairy (with own piano)\n\n \n Other room preferences: (please select most important one and we'll try to our best to accommodate)\nPlease selectEnsuiteWalk-in showerBath2nd floor3rd floorI'm easy!\n\n \n Please tell us anything else that you think would be helpful:\n \n \n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n...
URL:https://www.finchcocks.com/availability/unlocking-the-magic-of-liszt-weekend-for-advanced-pianists-with-florian-mitrea/
CATEGORIES:Advanced
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.finchcocks.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Florian-10.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20270219T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20270221T153000
DTSTAMP:20260623T161337Z
CREATED:20260706T070021Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260623T161337Z
UID:31734-1803031200-1803223800@www.finchcocks.com
SUMMARY:3-day Strictly Piano course with David Hall - Upper Intermediate
DESCRIPTION:Strictly Piano: Bringing dance to your playing!\nMissing your weekly dose of sequins\, sambas and score paddles? \nJoin 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. \nDesigned 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. \nCome ready to learn\, listen\, play – and perhaps even feel like dancing! \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDuring your stay\, David will cover the following topics in his interactive workshops: \n\n1.Breaking It Down: Adding Character\, Energy and Movement?\nWhat 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.\n2. Baroque Dance Suites\nStep 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.\n3. Ballroom Dances\nFrom 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.\n\n\nPreparation\nPlease 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. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAfternoons 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. \nThere 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. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnd 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! \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDuring the course of their stay guests will: \n\nEnjoy 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.)\nEnjoy a one-to-one lesson with our tutor.\nExperience a private recital for retreat guests in the main hall of the family home\, performed by our tutor.\nJoin and socialise with a group 8 fellow piano enthusiasts during lunch and dinner.\nDine in style with lunches and three course dinners prepared by our fabulous chef.\nExperience the Finchcocks bubble\, hailed as a “paradise for pianists” by BBC Music Magazine and stay in a grade 1 listed country manor.\nBe able to explore the Kentish countryside and local attractions should they wish a trip out.\n\nPlus 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. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nStarting 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. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n  \n\n\n\n Your Name (required)\n \n \n Your Email (required)\n \n \n Which course date(s) are you interested in?\n \n \n Playing level / experience (required)\n \n \n Room price band:\nPlease selectClassic (standard)Considerable (large)Old Dairy (with own piano)\n\n \n Other room preferences: (please select most important one and we'll try to our best to accommodate)\nPlease selectEnsuiteWalk-in showerBath2nd floor3rd floorI'm easy!\n\n \n Please tell us anything else that you think would be helpful:\n \n \n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n	3-day courses\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n	from £925 (inclusive of accommodation\, food\, wine and tuition)
URL:https://www.finchcocks.com/availability/3-day-strictly-piano-course-with-david-hall-upper-intermediate/
CATEGORIES:Intermediate,Lower intermediate,Lower Intermediate Weekend
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.finchcocks.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/David-Hall-zoom-2.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20270305T190000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20270307T153000
DTSTAMP:20260701T151730Z
CREATED:20260706T070047Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260701T151730Z
UID:31775-1804273200-1804433400@www.finchcocks.com
SUMMARY:The Romantic Community weekend with Daniel Grimwood - Upper Intermediate - Advanced
DESCRIPTION:The nineteenth century’s great pianist-composers formed a remarkably interconnected musical world. As colleagues\, rivals\, champions and critics\, figures such as Liszt\, Chopin\, Henselt and their contemporaries shaped one another’s artistic development\, exchanging ideas through performance\, teaching\, composition and personal friendship. Drawing on current research\, this course explores some of the relationships\, influences and musical connections that helped define the golden age of piano playing. \nLed by concert pianist and research associate of 19th century piano performance at the University of York\, Daniel Grimwood\, will offer insight into the Romantic Community and its relevance to the modern performer playing romantic repertoire today. \nAs broad the repertoire\, so the ability required to play it! This course suits anyone from Upper Intermediate level through to Diploma+. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBoth Satuday and Sunday begin with an interactive workshop\, led by Daniel:\n\n\nWorkshop 1: Clementi\, Kalkbrenner\, Thalberg – Some Methods Explored\nThe nineteenth century inherited a rich tradition of piano pedagogy\, much of it preserved in influential methods and teaching collections. Inspired by his research at the University of York\, Daniel will consider the work of figures such as Clementi\, Kalkbrenner and Thalberg – and to explore aspects of the technical and musical ideals they sought to cultivate and the impact these approaches had on generations of pianists.\n\n\n\n\n\nWorkshop 2: Henselt and Russia\nAdolf von Henselt was one of the most influential yet overlooked pianist-composers of the nineteenth century. After settling in Russia\, he played a formative role in shaping the Russian piano school\, leaving a legacy that extended through generations of pianists and composers. Having recorded a collection of works in 2016 Daniel will lead an exploration of Henselt’s remarkable influence on Russian musical life\, his distinctive pianistic ideals\, and his place within the evolving tradition that links Chopin to the great Russian composers who followed.\n\n\n\n\n\nAfternoons are spent exploring and enjoying each other’s repertoire\, applying newly gained knowledge during performance classes – as well as some private practice on one of our beautiful grand pianos! During these sessions\, Daniel will give one-to-one lessons on our new Steinway to provide individual pointers and tips. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n“He has all the velocity and firepower\, and then some.” ~ BBC Magazine. \n\nOn Saturday evening\, guests can sit back and relax in the main hall of the family home and enjoy a performance by Steven himself. This is an opportunity to hear an artist regularly featured on BBC Radio 3 perform an exclusive private concert in a relaxed setting. An inspirational treat not to be missed! \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGuests will also: \n\nHave the chance to play in and observe two performance masterclasses.\nWill receive a one-to-one lesson with Daniel.\nEnjoy 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.)\nExperience a private accompanied talk for course participants in the main hall of the family home\, performed by Daniel.\nJoin and socialise with a group 8 fellow piano enthusiasts during lunch and dinner.\nDine in style with lunches and three course dinners prepared by our fabulous chef.\nExperience the Finchcocks bubble\, hailed as a “paradise for pianists” by BBC Music Magazine and stay in a grade 1 listed country manor.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n“Daniel Grimwood\, fast making a name for himself as an original and discriminating musician”  ~ Gramophone \n“Probably the finest all‐round musician I have ever known” – Felix Aprahamian \n\nWith a repertoire ranging from Elizabethan Virginal music to the works of living composers\, Daniel enjoys a solo and chamber career which has taken him around the globe\, performing in many of the most prestigious concert platforms\, including the Wigmore Hall\, Queen Elizabeth Hall and the Purcell Room in London\, Saffron Hall\, Bridgewater Hall in Manchester\, Symphony Hall Birmingham\, the Sage Gateshead\, the Three Choirs Festival\, the Rachmaninoff and Gnessin Halls in Moscow\, the Carnegie Hall in New York\, as well as venues in Germany\, Austria\, Italy\, The Netherlands\, Slovenia\, Estonia\, Taiwan\, Azerbaijan\, Egypt\, Lebanon and Oman. \nHis musical interest started as a 3-year-old playing next door’s piano in Kent\, and by the age of 7 he was performing in front of audiences. His training continued with Graham Fitch at the Purcell School\, where he also studied violin\, viola and composition\, giving him a broad appreciation of classical music\, and later with Vladimir Ovchinnikov and Peter Feuchtwanger. \nDaniel is a passionate about all keyboard instruments old and new\, and has given a recital of Chopin’s Etudes on the composer’s own Pleyel piano. \nHis discs of Liszt and Chopin\, performed on an 1851 Erard piano\, received a unanimous chorus of praise from the press; the Liszt album was Daily Telegraph CD of the week and Editor’s Choice in Gramophone Magazine. He was the first artist to record on the Edition Peters Sounds label\, the complete Fauré Nocturnes album was released to excellent reception in The Sunday Times\, which was followed by a disc of solo piano works by Adolph von Henselt\, described as “a blizzard of dazzling pianism” by the Observer. His most recent release is a disc of Doreen Carwithen and William Alwyn\, also on Edition Peters Sounds\, and his account of the complete Henselt Etudes will be released later this year. \nAs editor Daniel is currently preparing editions of John Field and Adolph von Henselt for Edition Peters. \nDaniel regularly performs on live broadcasts on BBC Radio 3\, and has been featured in BBC Four’s TV documentary series “Revolution and Romance”. \nAway from the piano\, Daniel is a keen runner\, member of Paddock Wood Athletic Club and guardian of Bartok the Hungarian Visla. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFor booking enquiries\, please fill in the form below. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n  \n\n\n\n Your Name (required)\n \n \n Your Email (required)\n \n \n Which course date(s) are you interested in?\n \n \n Playing level / experience (required)\n \n \n Room price band:\nPlease selectClassic (standard)Considerable (large)Old Dairy (with own piano)\n\n \n Other room preferences: (please select most important one and we'll try to our best to accommodate)\nPlease selectEnsuiteWalk-in showerBath2nd floor3rd floorI'm easy!\n\n \n Please tell us anything else that you think would be helpful:\n \n \n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n	Weekend courses\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n	from £720 (inclusive of accommodation\, food\, wine and tuition)
URL:https://www.finchcocks.com/availability/the-romantic-community-weekend-with-daniel-grimwood/
CATEGORIES:Advanced,Intermediate,Upper intermediate,Upper intermediate weekend
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.finchcocks.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Daniel-Grimwood-4-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20270315T103000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20270319T153000
DTSTAMP:20260721T102836Z
CREATED:20260706T070042Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260721T102836Z
UID:31711-1805106600-1805470200@www.finchcocks.com
SUMMARY:5-day Spring School for Advanced Pianists with Graham Fitch
DESCRIPTION:Our first 5-day course of 2027 is an established favourite for Advanced pianists. Dedicated to those preparing for a special performance\, it provides a concentrated boost for those attending – to study\, practise\, polish and improve performance skills and experience. And at the helm leading the process is the hugely popular and inspiring Graham Fitch! \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPreparing for a diploma or special performance is an excellent way to provide focus and structure to your piano practice as you work towards a goal. This provides an ideal opportunity for continued professional or personal development. On this course you can receive tuition and coaching on your programme. There will also be opportunities to practise performing your programme (or selections from it) to others in a safe and supportive environment\, either in the class or more informally in a small group. In addition to masterclasses\, there are workshops on how to prepare for performance\, strategies to manages nerves\, as well as clinics where we aim to solve practice and technical issues. Whether you are just embarking on the path\, about to sit a diploma or simply preparing for a recital at advanced level\, this course is for you. \nOur 5-day courses are a well established highlight of the Finchcocks calendar. To ensure a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere\, places are open to those who have attended at least one weekend Finchcocks course previously. \nDedicated to those wanting to improve their performance\, Graham Fitch will lead guests through an intensive week providing a concentrated boost of study\, practice and experience in performance skills. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLike our weekend courses\, formal tuition takes place in workshops\, performance classes and one-to-one lessons. \nThis course’s focuses will be: \n\nPreparing for a Performance: Strategies for Structuring Your Practice\nPerformance Confidence\nClinic: Solving Technical and Musical Problems in Your Pieces\nMemorisation and Deep Learning Techniques\nPractising a Performance: Building Stamina and Resilience into your Programme.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs usual\, everyone will have access to their own grand piano for the week including our new Steinway\, and have plenty of time to practise in our vaulted piano cellar. \nWe’ll also have a bit of fun! We’ll enjoy a recitial from either a visiting concert pianist\, Graham himself or your course host\, explore the private gardens at Finchcocks and be able to go for beautiful Kentish countryside\, weather permitting. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnd of course\, it goes without saying that you can expect the usual! \nGuests will: \n\nHave the chance to play in and observe multiple performance masterclasses.\nWill receive one-to-one lessons with Graham.\nEnjoy 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.)\nHave the chance to take part in a recital on the Bosendorfer in the main hall of the family home.\nHear a presentation from Graham in the main hall on advanced repertoire\, with ideas for practice and interpretation.\nJoin and socialise with a group 8 fellow piano enthusiasts during lunch and dinner.\nDine in style with lunches and three course dinners prepared by our fabulous chef.\nExperience the Finchcocks bubble\, hailed as a “paradise for pianists” by BBC Music Magazine and stay in a grade 1 listed country manor.\n\nPlus-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. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis is a unique\, luxury UK-based piano gem and an experience that you won’t forget anytime soon. Many guests continue friendships made on these courses\, encouraging each other on in the piano playing on Whatsapp\, organising private piano meet ups further down the line… and bumping into each other again on future courses! \nFor booking enquiries\, please contact Jenny by filling in the form below. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n	from £1595 (inclusive of accommodation\, tuition and all food and wine)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n  \n\n\n\n Your Name (required)\n \n \n Your Email (required)\n \n \n Which course date(s) are you interested in?\n \n \n Playing level / experience (required)\n \n \n Room price band:\nPlease selectClassic (standard)Considerable (large)Old Dairy (with own piano)\n\n \n Other room preferences: (please select most important one and we'll try to our best to accommodate)\nPlease selectEnsuiteWalk-in showerBath2nd floor3rd floorI'm easy!\n\n \n Please tell us anything else that you think would be helpful:\n \n \n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n...
URL:https://www.finchcocks.com/availability/5-day-spring-school-for-advanced-pianists-with-graham-fitch-2027/
CATEGORIES:Advanced
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.finchcocks.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Graham-Fitch.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20270402T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20270404T153000
DTSTAMP:20260707T075803Z
CREATED:20260706T070048Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260707T075803Z
UID:31713-1806660000-1806852600@www.finchcocks.com
SUMMARY:"The 25th Hour" 3-day course with Florian Mitrea - Upper Intermediate - Advanced - WAITING LIST
DESCRIPTION:Upper Intermediate – Advanced pianists will jump at the chance to have the opportunity to spend three days discovering The 25th Hour: practising and playing the piano for busy lives with extremely popular Finchcocks tutor\, Florian Mitrea. Below\, Florian describes his plan for group sessions\, helping guests to get the most out of time at the piano in today’s busy\, modern life. \nThis course is aimed at around grade 7 and beyond. \n\n\nModern life is busy. Careers\, families\, responsibilities\, travel\, and endless demands on our time often leave pianists feeling frustrated by the gap between their musical ambitions and the hours available to achieve them. Yet meaningful progress is not reserved for those who can practise four or five hours a day. This three-day course is designed for upper intermediate and advanced pianists who want to make every minute at the keyboard count. \nThrough workshops\, performance classes\, private lessons\, demonstrations\, and discussion\, we will explore how to learn more efficiently\, practise more creatively\, and build a sustainable approach to long-term improvement. Participants will discover strategies used by professional musicians to accelerate learning\, solve technical problems\, and maintain progress even during the busiest periods of life. \nBy the end of the course\, participants will have developed a more structured and efficient approach to practice; learned how to organise and prioritise their musical goals; gained tools for learning new repertoire more quickly and securely; improved their ability to identify and solve technical and musical problems independently; developed greater confidence in preparing performances and examinations; and created a personalised practice framework that can fit realistically into even the busiest schedule. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPreparation \nNo specific preparation is required. Participants are encouraged to bring one or two pieces they are currently studying\, particularly works that present challenges in learning\, memorisation\, technique\, interpretation\, or performance. These pieces may provide useful material for discussion during lessons\, performance classes\, and workshops. The course is designed to focus on practical strategies rather than specific repertoire\, ensuring that every participant can immediately apply the ideas explored to their own musical projects. \nFormal tuition takes place in interactive workshops\, performance classes and one-to-one lessons. Workshop topics will include: \n\n\nWorkshop I – Learn faster: creative practising \nHow do great pianists learn so much music so quickly? Experience does play a role\, but there is also method. This practical workshop explores the process of learning a new piece from the very first reading through to confident performance. Together we will examine proven strategies for decoding scores\, identifying challenges\, building secure technique\, and avoiding the common traps that waste valuable practice time. Participants will be given short\, unfamiliar pieces and practical tasks before heading to the practice rooms to experiment with different learning methods. On returning\, we will compare results\, discuss discoveries\, and identify which approaches produced the most effective outcomes. This workshop is about learning how to learn. \n\n\nWorkshop II – Maximum reward\, minimum hours: choosing repertoire wisely \nNot every masterpiece requires six months of preparation. One of the most important yet overlooked skills for pianists is choosing repertoire wisely. This workshop explores a wealth of rewarding music that delivers artistic satisfaction without demanding endless practice hours. We will examine repertoire choices for advanced amateurs\, discuss how to balance ambition with practicality\, and consider how thoughtful programming can accelerate musical development. We will also look at pathways towards performance goals such as Grades 7-8 and Diploma examinations\, discussing how repertoire can be selected strategically to maximise progress\, enjoyment\, and success. \n\n\nWorkshop III – Ask Anything. A piano problem-solving clinic \nEvery pianist faces obstacles. Some are technical. Some are musical. Some are organisational. Most are surprisingly common. This open clinic provides an opportunity for participants to bring their questions\, challenges\, frustrations\, and curiosities for collective discussion. Topics might include technical difficulties\, memorisation\, performance anxiety\, motivation\, examination preparation\, injury prevention\, repertoire choices\, interpretation\, practice planning\, or balancing piano study with professional and family life. Through demonstrations\, discussion\, and practical examples at the piano\, we will work together to find solutions and create a shared toolbox of ideas that every participant can take home. Often the question one person asks turns out to be exactly what everyone else wanted to know. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs usual\, everyone will have access to their own grand piano for the weekend – including our new Steinway – and have plenty of time to practise in our vaulted piano cellar. There are enough pianos for everyone\, with no need to book in a particular practice session slot. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nChopin in B Minor \nSaturday evenings are often the highlight of our weekend courses. Guests have the opportunity to experience an intimate salon concert in the family’s main hall\, relaxing with a glass of wine\, the open fire and listening to inspirational playing from their tutor.\n \nFlorian’s evening recital explores two of Chopin’s most dramatic and compelling masterpieces: the Scherzo No. 1 in B minor and the Sonata No. 3 in B minor. Together these works reveal the astonishing range of Chopin’s musical imagination\, from explosive virtuosity and restless passion to moments of profound lyricism and intimacy. The Scherzo confronts us with turbulence\, brilliance\, and defiance\, while the Third Sonata stands among the crowning achievements of the Romantic piano repertoire\, a work of extraordinary sophistication\, emotional depth\, and architectural mastery. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnd of course\, it goes without saying that you can expect the usual! \nGuests will: \n\nHave the chance to play in and observe two performance masterclasses.\nWill receive one-to-one lessons with Florian.\nEnjoy access to play on our 9 grand pianos anytime between 7am and 8pm.\nExperience a salon-style concert performed by Florian exclusively for guests.\nHave the chance to take part in a recital on the Bosendorfer in the main hall of the family home.\nJoin and socialise with a group 8 fellow piano enthusiasts during lunch and dinner.\nDine in style with lunches and three course dinners prepared by our fabulous chef.\nExperience the Finchcocks bubble\, hailed as a “paradise for pianists” by BBC Music Magazine and stay in a grade 1 listed country manor.\n\nPlus 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. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis is a unique\, luxury UK-based piano gem and an experience that you won’t forget anytime soon. Many guests continue friendships made on these courses\, encouraging each other on in the piano playing on Whatsapp\, organising private piano meet ups further down the line… and bumping into each other again on future courses! \nFor booking enquiries\, please fill in the form below. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n	Weekend courses\n\n	from £925 (inclusive of accommodation\, tuition and all food and wine)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n  \n\n\n\n Your Name (required)\n \n \n Your Email (required)\n \n \n Which course date(s) are you interested in?\n \n \n Playing level / experience (required)\n \n \n Room price band:\nPlease selectClassic (standard)Considerable (large)Old Dairy (with own piano)\n\n \n Other room preferences: (please select most important one and we'll try to our best to accommodate)\nPlease selectEnsuiteWalk-in showerBath2nd floor3rd floorI'm easy!\n\n \n Please tell us anything else that you think would be helpful:\n \n \n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n...
URL:https://www.finchcocks.com/availability/the-25th-hour-3-day-course-with-florian-mitrea-upper-intermediate-advanced/
CATEGORIES:Advanced
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.finchcocks.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Florian-10.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20270416T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20270418T153000
DTSTAMP:20260705T081009Z
CREATED:20260706T070032Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260705T081009Z
UID:31790-1807869600-1808062200@www.finchcocks.com
SUMMARY:3-day Feeling at Home at the Piano course with David Hall - Lower Intermediate
DESCRIPTION: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. \n\n\nOver 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. \n\nAnd 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.\nThe 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.\nOur 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. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDuring your stay\, David will cover the following topics in his interactive workshops: \nWorkshop 1\nPractice that works!\n\nMany 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.\nWe’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.\n\n\nWorkshop 2\nMaking Music: Melody\, Choices & Creativity\nMusic 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.\n\nWorkshop 3\nHarmonic Building Blocks: Chords\, Patterns & Playing by Ear\nUnderstanding 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!\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAfternoons 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. \nThere 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. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOn 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! \n\n\n\n\nWe 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! \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDuring the course of their stay guests will: \n\nEnjoy 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.)\nEnjoy a one-to-one lesson with our tutor.\nExperience a private recital for retreat guests in the main hall of the family home\, performed by our tutor.\nJoin and socialise with a group 8 fellow piano enthusiasts during lunch and dinner.\nDine in style with lunches and three course dinners prepared by our fabulous chef.\nExperience the Finchcocks bubble\, hailed as a “paradise for pianists” by BBC Music Magazine and stay in a grade 1 listed country manor.\nBe able to explore the Kentish countryside and local attractions should they wish a trip out.\n\nPlus 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. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nStarting 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. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n  \n\n\n\n Your Name (required)\n \n \n Your Email (required)\n \n \n Which course date(s) are you interested in?\n \n \n Playing level / experience (required)\n \n \n Room price band:\nPlease selectClassic (standard)Considerable (large)Old Dairy (with own piano)\n\n \n Other room preferences: (please select most important one and we'll try to our best to accommodate)\nPlease selectEnsuiteWalk-in showerBath2nd floor3rd floorI'm easy!\n\n \n Please tell us anything else that you think would be helpful:\n \n \n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n	3-day courses\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n	from £925 (inclusive of accommodation\, food\, wine and tuition)
URL:https://www.finchcocks.com/availability/3-day-feeling-at-home-at-the-piano-course-with-david-hall/
CATEGORIES:Intermediate,Lower intermediate,Lower Intermediate Weekend
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.finchcocks.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/David-Hall-zoom-2.jpg
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR