Come, emerse yourself in the sound world of one of the most significant composers of Western classical music!

In this mixed ability course dedicated to the music of Beethoven, Graham Fitch will guide you in exploring the physical, emotional and intellectual challenges of the 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.

Over the course of the weekend, 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.

Workshop titles will include:

Technique & practice: Solving problems in Beethoven’s music
Style and interpretation: Bringing Beethoven’s music to life

Please bring a Beethoven piece (or two) with you to work on in private practice, performance workshops and masterclasses. You may also like to bring another piece by a different composer of the same era – or otherwise – for variety and comparison!

In the evening on Saturday, Graham will give a walk-through talk and performance of Beethoven’s Op. 90 Sonata in Em, offering insights into the composer’s style and rich musical artistry, that will help us understand the underlying emotions found in his music.

There 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.

In between the workshop and masterclass sessions there will be time for private practice on one of our beautiful grand pianos including our new Steinway.

Guests will also:

Have the chance to play in and observe two performance masterclasses.
Will receive a one-to-one lesson with Graham.
Enjoy access to play on our 9 grand pianos anytime between 7am and 8pm. (There are enough pianos to go round that everyone can play a piano at any given time.)
Experience a private walk-through performance talk for course participants in the main hall of the family home, performed by Graham.
Join and socialise with a group 8 fellow piano enthusiasts during lunch and dinner.
Dine in style with lunches and three course dinners prepared by our fabulous chef.
Experience the Finchcocks bubble, hailed as a “paradise for pianists” by BBC Music Magazine and stay in a grade 1 listed country manor.

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

The course is intended for intermediate to advanced players 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.

For booking enquiries, please contact us on 01580 428080 or fill in the form below.

Weekend courses

from £650 (inclusive of accommodation, tuition and all food and wine)

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Beethoven weekend with Graham Fitch – mixed ability – waiting list

Weekend courses

from £650 (inclusive of accommodation, tuition and all food and wine)

Details