BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Finchcocks Piano Courses - ECPv6.15.20//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:20210328T010000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0100 TZOFFSETTO:+0000 TZNAME:GMT DTSTART:20211031T010000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+0000 TZOFFSETTO:+0100 TZNAME:BST DTSTART:20220327T010000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0100 TZOFFSETTO:+0000 TZNAME:GMT DTSTART:20221030T010000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+0000 TZOFFSETTO:+0100 TZNAME:BST DTSTART:20230326T010000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0100 TZOFFSETTO:+0000 TZNAME:GMT DTSTART:20231029T010000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+0000 TZOFFSETTO:+0100 TZNAME:BST DTSTART:20240331T010000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0100 TZOFFSETTO:+0000 TZNAME:GMT DTSTART:20241027T010000 END:STANDARD 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 END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260424T190000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260426T153000 DTSTAMP:20260429T070956 CREATED:20250722T070013Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251002T100827Z UID:29950-1777057200-1777217400@www.finchcocks.com SUMMARY:Russian & Soviet Piano with Nicholas Walker - upper intermediate - diploma+ - WAITING LIST DESCRIPTION:This exciting weekend course offers students the chance to explore the rich vein of music not only from Russia per se\, but also from the countries that were once part of the Russian Empire or Soviet Union. Their many common features will be shared – in particular the influence of Chopin – but also many distinct and personal traits. \nWe’re delighted to be welcoming guest tutor Nicholas Walker to share his extensive knowledge on the Russian & Soviet Piano here at Finchcocks. Acclaimed as a “prodigy… of exceptional artistry” (Evening Standard)\, pianist Nicholas is renowned for his virtuosic flair and sensitive musicianship. A champion of Balakirev\, his celebrated Naxos Grand Piano series includes world premiere recordings. He has performed globally\, recorded widely\, and appeared with major UK orchestras. His 2024 Wigmore Hall all-Balakirev concerts drew acclaim as “a master at work.” \nThe course is aimed at confident upper intermediates and advanced pianists. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAlongside the well-known Russian composers – Rachmaninoff\, Scriabin\, Prokofiev\, and others – there is a wealth of lesser-known figures who have written beautiful and significant works. These include familiar names like Balakirev\, Glinka\, Dubuque\, Dargomyzhsky\, Borodin\, Mussorgsky\, Arensky\, Lyadov\, and Gëdike\, as well as important non-Russian Slavic composers such as Bortkiewicz\, Glière\, Lysenko\, Szymanowski\, and Silvestrov. One might also include composers born in the Russian Empire or Soviet Union\, such as Čiurlionis\, Karganov\, Weinberg\, and Khachaturian. \nComposers of this tradition are often accused of never writing one note when twenty-five thousand will do! Yet there is a great deal of music that is far more accessible while remaining of the highest quality—for example\, Lyadov’s Biryulki or Scriabin’s preludes. \n\n\n\n\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 Russian & Soviet Piano weekend will follow our usual format\, incorporating an interactive workshop on both Saturday and Sunday mornings and will include: \nWorkshop 1: Navigating your way through the thick forest of notes – how to make it all simpler. \nWhen one opens a page of Russian\, or indeed a great deal of other 19th/20th century music\, one is often met with a very black\, discouraging looking page. However what one is looking at is very often the chromatic ornamentation of simple tonal or modal chord progressions and melodies. This workshop will suggest ways in which you could explore this for yourself\, and use the structure you find to enable you to play many notes with gesture\, free of mental and physical stress. \nWorkshop 2: Recreating orchestral and other sonorities at the piano \nThe piano is capable of infinite suggestion\, which is why so much piano music suggests other instruments\, such as bells\, the guitar\, the harp\, in fact the whole orchestra. This workshop will look at how becoming more aware of this stimulates one’s imagination so that one begins to make music from the beginning\, rather than just struggling with the notes. Practice is a lot more absorbing this way. \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 Nicholas – or an open lesson performance class in our Steinway recital room. For inspiration on repertoire choice\, the works of many Russian composers can be found on IMSLP – but not everything. https://notes.tarakanov.net/ is an excellent alternative resource. Although it is in Russian\, there is a composer search available in English for which Nicholas has also created a handy help sheet on how to navigate. (Avaliable upon request.) \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. Nicholas will treat guests to a concert inspired by the music of Balakirev\, Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninoff\, interweaved with his knowledge of and great love for Russian and Soviet repertoire. We just can’t wait to experience 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\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 Nicholas.\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 of music by Balakirev\, Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninoff in the main hall of the family home\, performed by Nicholas.\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\nNicholas Walker \nHailed by the London Evening Standard as a ‘prodigy\, of awesome technical fluency backed by exceptional artistry’\, Nicholas Walker possesses a rare combination of talents combining sensitivity with ‘the flair of a full scale virtuoso and a sparkling intelligence’ (BBC Music Magazine). \nHe studied at the Royal Academy of Music\, where he won all the major awards for both piano and composition\, and subsequently at the Moscow Conservatoire. \nWhile still a student in Moscow\, he won the First Newport International Piano Competition and has since played with many British Orchestras\, including the City of Birmingham and National Symphony Orchestras\, the Royal Philharmonic\, London Mozart Players\, the London Festival and New Queen’s Hall Orchestras\, the Philharmonia and the BBC National Symphony Orchestra of Wales. As well as performing in all the major London concert halls\, he has played in North and South America\, France\, Germany\, Switzerland\, Italy\, Scandinavia\, Australia and Russia. He has recorded for BBC Radio 3\, Cirrus\, ASV\, BMG Arte Nova\, Chandos\, Toccata Classics and Naxos Grand Piano. Equally at home in chamber music\, he is sought after as an imaginative and sensitive accompanist\, and his CD with Lydia Mordkovitch of Russian violin music was Daily Telegraph CD of the week. \nAlthough Walker’s performances of Beethoven have brought him special notice\, and his performances of the lyrical and late romantic piano music have also been singled out for the highest praise\, it is for his championing of the cause of the neglected leader of ‘The Mighty Handful’\, Mili Alexei Balakirev\, that he is best known. Described by the Financial Times as ‘the nearest thing to a natural Balakirev performer’\, Walker’s two discs of Balakirev piano music for ASV (CD DCA 940 & 1048) received great critical acclaim\, and he has also received high praise for his performances of other Russian composers\, including his live recording of the Liapunov Sonata on Danacord (DACOCD 539)\, described by Jeremy Nicholas as ‘thrilling… a tour de force’ \nHis now complete series for Naxos Grand Piano is however unique\, in that it introduces music that has never before been performed or published\, including a substantial sonata and works that Nicholas has finished off himself. All the CDs garnered enthusiastic reviews\, and CD3 was CD of the week on Musiq3. James Harrington of the American Record Guide has called them the “reference set”; Damian Thompson\, writing in the Spectator\, said that the series “has to be heard to be believed”\, while Jeremy Nicholas in the Gramophone described the playing as “bravura with integrity”. \nHis 2024 Wigmore Hall performances – two concerts with different all Balakirev programmes on the same day (surely a first!) – were greeted with acclaim by Barry Creasy – “A master at work”: https://www.musicomh.com/classical/reviews-classical/mily-balakirev-nicholas-walker-wigmore-hall \nNicholas’s next recording project is a double CD of all the Liszt etudes and the Sonata in B minor. \nwww.nicholaswalkerpiano.com \nwww.youtube.com/user/NicholasWalkerPiano \n\n\n\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\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 £700 (inclusive of accommodation\, food\, wine and tuition) URL:https://www.finchcocks.com/availability/russian-soviet-piano-with-nicholas-walker/ LOCATION:Kent CATEGORIES:Advanced,Upper intermediate weekend ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.finchcocks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Nicholas-Walker-Steinway-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260410T100000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260412T153000 DTSTAMP:20260429T070956 CREATED:20250722T070024Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260224T181953Z UID:30006-1775815200-1776007800@www.finchcocks.com SUMMARY:3-day Upper Intermediate course with David Hall - WAITING LIST DESCRIPTION:Our 3-day course for Upper Intermediate pianists is designed to allow a bit more space to take things at slower pace and in more depth. \nThere can be a split camp when it comes to taking exams as part of the learning process\, perhaps especially as an adult learner. Some love the focus to work towards\, some are happy to leave the stress behind with school. Perhaps it depends on our source of motivation – or something else! \nEither way\, the skills tested in most exams (e.g. scales\, arpeggios\, sight-reading…) ideally help shape us into a well-rounded musician\, as well as pianist. \nOn this 3-day Upper Intermediate course for pianists around grades 5-7 playing level\, our Music Director and author of There’s (even) more to playing piano David Hall will be helping you discover a way to becoming that versatile pianist. Guests can expect his signature inspiration alongside an encouraging and flexible teaching style. \n\nHall certainly knows his stuff\, both academically and as a teacher. ~ Andrew Eales\, Piano Dao \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\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 – Efficient Practice\n\nWorkshop 2 – Scales and Arpeggios – the easy bit!\n\n\nWorkshop 3 – 10-Week Plan to Improve Sight-Reading\n\n\nThere will also be time for private practice on one of our beautiful grand pianos to consolidate material covered in the workshops. And for those who would like\, David will give one-to-one lessons on our new Steinway to provide individual pointers and tips. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEach day also includes an afternoon performance class\, during which half the group have the chance to play and receive feedback from David. (The third and final one being a chance for all to give a piece a final airing or ask questions arising from your stay.) This is a lovely and encouraging setting and will hopefully feel more like an “open lesson” rather than the exam you might be preparing for! \nOn the Saturday night\, David will then perform a private salon concert for retreat guests\, which is an opportunity to relax and be inspired with a glass of wine in the magical setting of the main hall of Finchcocks. It really is truly special. \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 David.\nExperience a private recital for retreat guests 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.\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 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\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-upper-intermediate-course-with-david-hall-2026/ LOCATION:Kent CATEGORIES:Upper intermediate,Upper 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:20260306T190000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260308T153000 DTSTAMP:20260429T070956 CREATED:20250722T070007Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251229T141308Z UID:29916-1772823600-1772983800@www.finchcocks.com SUMMARY:The American Piano with Beatrice Nicholas - mixed ability - WAITING LIST DESCRIPTION:We are very excited to welcome back British classical concert pianist and composer Beatrice Nicholas for a weekend delving into the rich repertoire of American piano\, “classical swing” and boogie woogie. \nThe mixed-ability weekend will explore the crossover genre of notated jazz\, blues and boogie woogie through the lens of 20th century Broadway\, Hollywood and the American rights movement. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBeatrice enjoys an international career as a solo concert pianist\, performing works by Bach through to the present day\, with notable performances at Wigmore Hall\, the Royal Festival Hall and Royal Opera House. Alongside this – and composing – she loves collaborative work with chamber ensembles and The British Black Classical Foundation\, which tackles the lack of ethnic diversity in the classical arts and represents and works in communities of colour throughout the UK and beyond. \n\n\n\n\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 American Piano weekend will follow our usual format\, incorporating an interactive workshop on both Saturday and Sunday mornings and will include: \nBoogie Woogie Blues: Licks\, Hacks and Monster Left Hands! \nBoogie Together: Take part in the Boogie Woogie piano ensemble. A chance improvise in a piano ensemble team. \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 Beatrice – or an open lesson performance class in our Steinway recital room. Repertoire for this is not restricted to boogie woogie and can take the form of any notated jazz\, broader 20th century American piano music – or something completely different for contrast! \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. Beatrice will treat guests to a concert inspired by the female jazz legends Hazel Scott and Lil Hardin Armstrong. These African American female jazz stars trained first as classical pianists but were denied access to the classical music industry on account of their colour. Hazel Scott in particular\, became famous for giving popular classical music a jazz spin with her style became known as ‘classical swing’. Music will contain a selection of the following: \n\nMoonlight Sonata Mvt I\, Ludwig van Beethoven.\nEast Town Boogie. By Lil Hardin Armstrong. Arr Beatrice Nicholas.\nWaltz in C Sharp Minor l. Op.69 No.2 by Federic Chopin.\nChopin Minute Waltz in the style of Hazel Scott\nHungarian Rhapsody No.2 in C Sharp Minor by Franz Liszt\nHallelujah by Vincent Youmans. Arr Hazel Scott.\n\n\n\n\n\n\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 Beatrice.\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 Beatrice.\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\nBeatrice Nicholas is a captivating Pianist whose performances are full of imagination\, freedom and beauty. She plays solo repertoire ranging from Bach to the present day and has performed in the UK’s leading venues. Her music engagements take her around the UK\, Germany\, Poland\, Thailand and the Czech Republic. Notable venues have included the Royal Festival Hall\, Wigmore Hall\, Royal Opera House\, London Coliseum\, Berlin Konzerthaus\, Sadler’s Wells Theater\, Leeds Town Hall and Snape Maltings. \nAs well as being a solo artist\, Beatrice enjoys collaborative work with a variety of opera singers and instrumentalists. She  has strong links to the world of dance and has  played for the Birmingham Royal Ballet\, Royal Ballet and for the English National Ballet companies. Beatrice is also a composer and arranger who has received commissions from the Creative Minds Festival\, Nottingham Chamber Music Festival\, Dark Design Graphics Company and been showcased by the British  Black Classical Foundation as a featured composer for  Black History Month 2021. \nBeatrice\, born in England\, was admitted to the Junior Department of the Royal College of Music at fourteen years old.  She studied solo piano with Danielle Salamon\, composition with David Sutton Anderson and received additional teaching from composer Paul Patterson at the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain Composer’s Course. During her time at the  Junior Department Beatrice won the institution’s major prizes for piano and represented the Department as a composer. At eighteen years Beatrice went to the Royal Academy of Music\, studying piano with Patsy Toh\, composition with Elena Langer\, and won  the Royal Academy of Music’s Eric Brough Memorial Prize for Piano. She continued her training with concert pianists Michael Endres and Susanne Gruetzman at the Hanns Eisler Music Academy in Berlin. Beatrice believes that music is a powerful tool of communication and enjoys using it to lift and engage the human heart. \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\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 £700 (inclusive of accommodation\, food\, wine and tuition) URL:https://www.finchcocks.com/availability/the-american-piano/ LOCATION:Kent CATEGORIES:Advanced,Intermediate,Mixed ability,Upper intermediate weekend ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.finchcocks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Beatrice-2024-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260123T190000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260125T153000 DTSTAMP:20260429T070956 CREATED:20250722T070054Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260112T120621Z UID:29968-1769194800-1769355000@www.finchcocks.com SUMMARY:The Versatile Pianist with Pavel Timofeyevsky - upper intermediate - advanced - WAITING LIST DESCRIPTION:Join virtuoso pianist and composer Pavel Timofeyevsky for a dynamic weekend exploring what it means to be a Versatile Pianist. Covering a broad range of piano repertoire\, late baroque to the 20th century\, 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 for his first weekend course at 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. \nThe first one – The Soul of the Piano – takes a deep dive into all aspects of pedalling\, with hands-(and feet!)-on experimentation across styles and historical periods. \nThe second workshop\, called The Art of Rubato\, examines phrase shaping\, expressivity\, and how the understanding of “counting time” influenced interpretation over the past two centuries. \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 concert of his most current repertoire. 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! \n\n\n\n\n\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\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\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 £700 (inclusive of accommodation\, food\, wine and tuition) URL:https://www.finchcocks.com/availability/the-versatile-pianist-with-pavel-timofeyevsky/ LOCATION:Kent 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:20260109T190000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260111T153000 DTSTAMP:20260429T070956 CREATED:20250722T070058Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250812T093922Z UID:29956-1767985200-1768145400@www.finchcocks.com SUMMARY:Retreat weekend with Sam Haywood - mixed ability - WAITING LIST 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\nDuring the course of the weekend\, there will be time for private practice (or to buddy up for a duet!) 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\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWe welcome back concert pianist\, composer and arranger Sam Haywood for this retreat. Sam is a fantastic pianist\, with a warm\, encouraging approach to teaching – and a wealth of knowledge to back it up! (He may also bring with him his ever-encouraging canine sidekick\, Poppy who is great at putting guests at ease!) \nSam will be on hand for two optional one-to-one lessons over the course of the weekend\, and Saturday 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\nOn the Saturday night\, Sam will perform a private recital of his current repertoire 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 – with a roaring fire to keep you cosy. \nSam has already chosen his programme! You can look forward to: \n\nGrieg’s Holberg Suite \nBeethoven’s Sonate Quasi una fantasia Op.27 No.2\nChopin’s Fantasie in F minor Op.49 \nand a selection of Chopin waltzes\n\nWhat a treat! \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\nThe piano retreat is arranged around food. There’s no strict timetable or deadlines. 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 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 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) URL:https://www.finchcocks.com/availability/new-year-retreat-2026/ LOCATION:Kent 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:20251212T190000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20251214T153000 DTSTAMP:20260429T070956 CREATED:20240102T080034Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250605T102439Z UID:28912-1765566000-1765726200@www.finchcocks.com SUMMARY:Christmas at Finchcocks with - mixed ability - WAITING LIST DESCRIPTION:Experience the magic of Finchcocks during the festive season and escape Christmas craziness with this special retreat! \nRun by the wonderful Beatrice Nichols\, 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\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 you 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\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 workshops. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn between the workshop and masterclass sessions there will be time for private practice on one of our beautiful grand pianos. During these sessions\, Beatrice will give one-to-one lessons on our new Steinway to provide individual pointers and tips. \n\n\nOn the Saturday evening\, we’ll enjoy some carols and Beatrice will round off the evening with some of her 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\nGuests will: \n\nHave the chance to play in and observe two performance masterclasses.\nWill receive a one-to-one lesson with Beatrice.\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 Beatrice\, including repertoire from her programme Christmas with Beactrice.\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\nTo join in the festive fun\, 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 £675 (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\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-2025/ LOCATION:Kent CATEGORIES:Advanced,Beginner weekend,Events,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-006-Copy.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20251121T190000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20251123T153000 DTSTAMP:20260429T070956 CREATED:20250102T080048Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241211T112119Z UID:28916-1763751600-1763911800@www.finchcocks.com SUMMARY:Keyboard Music from the Baroque with Steven Devine - mixed ability 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 and/ or clavichord will be in residence for the duration of the course so that guests can explore what these instruments can reveal in our interpretation. \nThe 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\nThere’s not only 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\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 £675 (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-2025/ 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:20251003T190000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20251005T153000 DTSTAMP:20260429T070956 CREATED:20250102T080048Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250821T105945Z UID:28950-1759518000-1759678200@www.finchcocks.com SUMMARY:Chopin weekend with Sam Haywood - upper intermediate - advanced - WAITING LIST DESCRIPTION:Back by very popular demand\, this will be our seventh Chopin weekend here at Finchcocks\, this time with new\, permanent member of our Finchcocks team – international concert pianist Sam Haywood! \n\n\n\nChopin’s lyrical and elegant Nocturnes and Preludes are firm favourites with our Upper Intermediate\, Advanced and Diploma+ players\, and so we’re very excited to announce the return of our very popular composer-specific weekend.\n\n\n\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 the tutor. This course will include:\n\n\nChopin the Teacher \nAn exploration of Chopin’s teaching method and style\, based on anecdotal evidence from friends and pupils.\n\n\nChopin’s Formative Years in Paris\n\nA discussion about how the vibrant musical scene and Chopin’s acquaintances in Paris influenced his development.\n\n\n\nAfternoons are spent exploring and enjoying each other’s repertoire\, applying new gained knowledge in performance classes – as well as some private practice! \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn between the workshop and performance masterclass sessions there will be time for private practice on one of our beautiful grand pianos. During these sessions\, Sam 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\nGuests will also: \n\nHave the chance to play in and observe two performance masterclasses.\nWill receive a one-to-one lesson with Sam.\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 Sam.\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\nHere’s Sam entertaining the neighbourhood with some Chopin during lockdown! \n\n\n\n\n\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 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 from £675 (inclusive of accommodation\, food\, wine and tuition) URL:https://www.finchcocks.com/availability/chopin-weekend-with-sam-haywood-2025/ LOCATION:Kent CATEGORIES:Advanced,Mixed ability,Upper intermediate weekend ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.finchcocks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Sam-Haywood-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250919T190000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250921T153000 DTSTAMP:20260429T070956 CREATED:20250102T080057Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250806T120320Z UID:28942-1758308400-1758468600@www.finchcocks.com SUMMARY:The foundations of effective practice and performance weekend with Graham Fitch - upper intermediate - WAITING LIST DESCRIPTION:It’s not often we are able to schedule a weekend for Upper Intermediate players with internationally renowned pianist\, piano teacher and practice guru Graham Fitch. But we were determined to do so for 2025! \nAimed at around grades 6-8\, the weekend course offers an insight into the foundations needed for effective practice and performance\, as well as long-lasting\, reliable results. \n\n\n\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 weekend will comprise of two interactive workshops and two performance classes\, as well as a one-to-one lesson with Graham. \nUsing examples from the repertoire suggested by Graham – as well as those presented by the group – we will explore practice ideas to learn notes\, solve technical and musical problems\, and assist with memorisation. Please bring along problem spots from your pieces\, as well as questions that we will address in the workshops.  \nAs usual\, we suggest bringing a couple of pieces with you that are performance ready to work on privately and in a group setting. They don’t need to be perfect – just ready to polish up! \n\nGraham Fitch sits at a Steinway piano in a blue shirt and jeans demonstrating a piece to a student. The student stands at the piano in the background making notes. She has blonde hair\, glasses and wears a daark patterned shirt. \n\n\n\n\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 the workshop and perforamnce class sessions\, there will be time for private practice on one of our beautiful grand pianos. During these sessions\, Graham will give one-to-one lessons on our new Steinway to provide individual pointers and tips. \nOn the Saturday evening\, Graham will whet your appetite for exploring new pieces\, by performing a selection of accessible repertoire you might not have heard of. You might even be tempted to try techniques from Sunday’s workshop on one that takes your fancy! \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOver the course of the weekend\, guests will: \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 recital of inspiring intermediate pieces 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\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\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 £675 (inclusive of accommodation\, food\, wine and tuition) URL:https://www.finchcocks.com/availability/foundations-of-effective-practice-with-graham-fitch/ LOCATION:Kent CATEGORIES:Upper intermediate,Upper intermediate weekend ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.finchcocks.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Graham-Fitch.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250905T190000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250907T153000 DTSTAMP:20260429T070956 CREATED:20250102T080043Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250520T134055Z UID:28940-1757098800-1757259000@www.finchcocks.com SUMMARY:Retreat weekend with Florian Mitrea - mixed ability - WAITING LIST 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 get you back into playing! \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\nWe’re incredibly lucky to have secured the services of Florian Mitrea for this retreat. A very popular member of the Finchcocks team and a phenomenal international concert pianist\, guests always leave truly inspired from their stay on one Florian’s courses. \nFlorian will be on hand for two optional 40 minute 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\nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E-TvboSQ4t0&t=482s\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOn the Saturday night\, Florian will perform a private salon concert recital 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 homemade 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. 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 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 Weekend courses\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n from £675 (inclusive of accommodation\, food\, wine and tuition) URL:https://www.finchcocks.com/availability/retreat-weekend-with-florian-mitrea-mixed-ability-2025/ LOCATION:Kent CATEGORIES:Advanced,Lower intermediate,Lower Intermediate Weekend,Mixed ability,Upper intermediate,Upper intermediate weekend ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.finchcocks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Spring-flowers-piano-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250530T190000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250601T153000 DTSTAMP:20260429T070956 CREATED:20240920T070038Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250502T112727Z UID:28625-1748631600-1748791800@www.finchcocks.com SUMMARY:Enjoying Sight-reading weekend with David Hall - mixed ability - WAITING LIST DESCRIPTION:A weekend dedicated to enjoying sight-reading which\, for the busy or practice-challenged pianist\, requires no preparation at all! \nWhy do we always talk about aural tests and sight-reading tests? Finchcocks musical director David Hall advocates a systematic approach to sight-reading that does not involve weekly high-pressure tests. He believes that sight-reading should feel more like curling up on the sofa with a good book that you’ve not read before! \nThis weekend is aimed at all pianists who want to improve – and enjoy – sight-reading at the piano. Taught by pianist and author of There’s more to playing the piano David Hall (LRSM\, FRCO)\, this course is led by one of the best sight-readers we’ve ever witnessed! \n \nEach day typically starts with a workshop in the Finchcocks recital room or around the Yamaha in our piano cellar. In the afternoons\, there is time for private practice on one of our beautiful acoustic grand pianos including our new Steinway and individual tuition from the tutor. \nMorning workshops for this course will include: \n\n\nA ten-week plan to develop your skills\n\n\nSpotting patterns\n\n\nIn the afternoon we’ll convene for a performance workshop\, which will provide practical application the morning’s learning. There is no pressure to play if you don’t feel ready\, but we aim to make the atmosphere as relaxed\, fun and encouraging as possible\, with David being known to ask a nervous player to just “play one note”! \nPerformance classes for this weekend will include: \n\nQuick study pieces – introduction\nQuick study pieces – performance\n\n \nAt 7pm on Saturday\, we have a pre-dinner talk or recital in the main hall of the family home. This is a chance for guests can sit back and relax with a glass of wine: After a full day’s concentration\, nothing beats hearing the course tutor inspiring guests with some current repertoire on the family Bosendorfer! \n \n“Extraordinary weekend piano course with the excellent David Hall. […] Very good tuition tailored to the individuals and plenty of time to focus on the piano.” ~ Shadow Tours (Google review)\n\nOn a typical weekend course\, Finchcocks guests will: \n\nHave the chance to play in and observe two performance masterclasses and two workshops.\nReceive one-to-one input from tutor David during circulation in the free practice sessions.\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 private recital for course guests on Saturday evening in the main hall of Finchcocks.\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\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\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 £675 (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\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/enjoying-sight-reading-with-david-hall/ LOCATION:Kent CATEGORIES:Advanced,Upper intermediate,Upper intermediate weekend ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.finchcocks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/IMG_20220715_140605_Bokeh-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250411T190000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250413T153000 DTSTAMP:20260429T070956 CREATED:20240429T070039Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240919T091342Z UID:28140-1744398000-1744558200@www.finchcocks.com SUMMARY:Interpretation and improvisation: Making advanced theory fun with David Hall - upper intermediate - diploma DESCRIPTION:This course\, run by Finchcocks Musical Director David Hall\, is ideal for anybody who wants to go beyond grade 5 theory to further develop their keyboard skills of interpretation\, improvisation\, harmonisation and transposition. It would best suit the Upper Intermediate pianist who has good understanding of grade 5 music theory upto Advanced players. David will also cover any specifics for those considering or preparing for grade 8 theory exam (or equivalent) should they wish. \nWhy study music theory and harmony? \nYou can understand repertoire more fully.  \nIf you can identify chords and cadences – if you can pick out passages of intervallic counterpoint – if you can condense a whole passage of music into one concept – then you can learn repertoire more quickly and you can memorise it more quickly. Instead of saying “this is line 1” and “this is line 2”\, start saying “this is the F major phrase” and “this is the D minor phrase”. You’ll soon find that the notes sink in a little more quickly.   \nYou can interpret music better and more authentically.  \nIf you understand the pushes and pulls of harmony\, you can judge your rubato and your dynamics to convey the harmonic tension to the listener. If you understand which chords are prosaic and which are exciting or particularly calming\, then you can pace your performance accordingly.   \nYou can understand composers’ thought processes.  \nKnowledge of music theory helps you to understand music in the same way that composers understand music.  \n You can learn to improvise and compose your own music.  \nAll the great composers of the Baroque and Classical era were taught harmony\, counterpoint\, style and structure from an early age so that they could perform at the keyboard with or without a printed score.  \nDavid Hall\, author of There’s more to playing the piano… (now stocked by Waterstones) was recently described by the Sunday Times when they joined us on a Finchcocks piano course\, as a “musical powerhouse”. You might have seen some of the videos he created for Finchcocks to help pianists during the UK’s first lockdown. His teaching style is packed full of creative ideas and encouraging – with a gentle with a twist of humour! \n \nThis is him in action at one of our Saturday evening recitals\, put on for course guests in the main hall of Finchcocks. On this course\, David will perform two of three some of the very most famous pieces in the piano repertoire with detailed theory analysis beforehand! \n \nAlthough the focus of the weekend will be different to the usual performance-based courses we offer\, David will keep workshops practical\, engaging and interactive\, bringing to life – and making accessible – subjects vital to improving musicality. Workshops will include: \nWorkshop 1 – Nuts and Bolts\nRevision of basic harmony. Which scales fit with which chords. Introduction to counterpoint\nWorkshop 2 – Colourful chords\nExpanding chord knowledge to include secondary dominants\, diminished chords\, sixths\, sevenths and ninths.\nWorkshop 3 – Repertoire Analysis\nAnalysing repertoire helps us to understand the form and structure of the composition and the composer’s intentions. It helps us to perform the music better and helps us to memorise the music more quickly.\nWorkshop 4 – The Cycle of Fifths\nUsing the Cycle of Fifths to understand repertoire and to demystify improvisation.\nDuring the course\, guests are welcome to try out each of our nine grand pianos in the vaulted cellars – to help put into practice what has been discussed in the group sessions. \n \nGuests will also: \n\nHave the chance to take part in and observe four group harmony sessions.\nReceive one-to-one input from tutor David during circulation in the free practice sessions.\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 private recital for course guests on Saturday evening in the main hall of Finchcocks.\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 \nFor booking enquiries or to see if this course is suitable for you\, please contact Jenny by filling in the form below or on 01580 428080. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n Weekend courses\n\n from £675 (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\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/interpretation-and-improvisation-making-advanced-theory-fun/ 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/2019/04/2019-04-07-Finchcocks-Piano-schoolEd-Ovenden-110-Copy.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250328T190000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250330T153000 DTSTAMP:20260429T070956 CREATED:20240429T070036Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241111T150729Z UID:28131-1743188400-1743348600@www.finchcocks.com SUMMARY:Jazz weekend with Nikki Iles - upper intermediate - diploma - WAITING LIST DESCRIPTION:We are thrilled to welcome multi-award winning jazz pianist Nikki Iles to Finchcocks for a weekend devoted to jazz piano. \n\n“A formidable UK jazz presence …” “Iles is one of the\nmost refreshing figures to have emerged in the UK scene in recent times” The Guardian (John Fordham) \n“Formidably creative…. \n“The Heroine of British 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\nThis mixed ability weekend course for upper intermediate pianists upwards will treat pianists to the key elements of jazz either through exploration of Nikki’s own compositions (many of which can be found on the ABRSM piano syllabus) or interactive workshops. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThere will also be time to implement what they learned on one of our beautiful grand pianos. During these practice sessions\, guests will also be scheduled a one-to-one lesson on our new Steinway with Nikki. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNikki will give a performance of some of her latest repertoire on Saturday evening in the main hall of the family home. She’ll joined by equally talented composer\, pianist\, singer and teacher Pete Churchill to give guests the experience of witnessing some jazz collaboration. After a full day’s concentration\, nothing beats hearing the course tutor inspiring guests with some current repertoire on the family Bosendorfer! \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 Nikki.\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 Nikki and Pete Churchill.\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\nNikki Iles \nAs a founder member of the hugely innovative Creative Jazz Orchestra in the early 90s\,\nNikki Iles came to prominence working with musicians such as Anthony Braxton\, Vince\nMendoza\, Mark Anthony Turnage and Mike Gibbs. For many years\, Nikki served a lengthy\napprenticeship in the North of England playing with the cream of British and American jazz\nsuch as Peter King\, Iain Ballamy\, Art Farmer\, Peter King \,Tina May and Jim Mullen. Many of\nthese relationships were re- kindled later \,when after a car accident\, Nikki finally decided to\nmake the move to London in 1998. Here she joined the groups and toured and recorded with\nmusicians such as Steve Arguelles\, Stan Sulzmann and Julian Arguelles and Norma\nWinstone .Although well known as a pianist\, composition still remains a major part of her\nmusical life. The breadth of Nikki’s artistic vision has led her to disregard the arbitrary\nboundaries of the jazz scene and most notably\, commissions have included a collaboration\nwith American dancer Mimi Cichanowicz \, the UMO Jazz Orchestra in Finland\, the London\nSinfonietta \, The LPO’s Renga ensemble and this year “The Caged Bird” from the\nInternational Society of Jazz Arrangers and Composers. Nikki was honoured to have her\npiece HUSH commissioned by the National Youth Jazz Orchestra featured at the 2012\nProms ( BBC TV) and more recently write for the great American singer\, Kurt Elling and The\nScottish National Jazz Orchestra . \nRecently she has been particularly busy – she was awarded the prestigious Ivors Academy\nGold Badge and the Ivor Novello Award – winning the best large ensemble composition in\n2021. Thorough lockdown\, she won The Seattle jazz composition prize and was a recipient of\nboth The British Jazz and Parliamentary Jazz Awards and in the Queens New Years Honours\nlist 2022\, a British Empire Medal for services to music . An inspirational teacher\, she was\nalso awarded an Honorary RAM from The Royal Academy of Music and a Fellow of Birmingham\nConservatoire for outstanding contributions to the music. As a player she remains much in\ndemand with over 35 recordings to her name. Recent work has taken her across the world as\na member of the Julian Arguelles Octet\, The Kenny Wheeler Big Band\, Claire Martin and “The\nNorth “\, a Scandinavian/Anglo/Canadian collaboration .Her most recent recordings are –\n“Hush “ with Americans\, Rufus Reid and Jeff Williams. “Mirrors “ with Kenny Wheeler and\nNorma Winstone\, Lush Life with Stan Sulzmann and Dave Holland and with her own group\,\nThe Printmakers “Westerly”. The last few 3 years also marks a new chapter in her long and\ndistinguished career with writing for larger forces .This new music will be taking her across\nthe world directing bands in Hungary\, Germany \,Prague\, Ireland and Colorado\, which has\nculminated in a post as artist in residence with the great NDR radio big band in Hamburg for\n2023 and her debut CD with them (“Face to Face “ ). \nWith a parallel career as a widely respected teacher\, Nikki is a Professor at the Royal\nAcademy of Music. She also gives masterclasses around the world and has been a driving\nforce behind the innovative Jazz syllabus at the ABRSM and continues to publish extensively\nwith Oxford University Press and EVC Music. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPete Churchill \nPete Churchill has been working as a composer\, pianist\, singer and teacher for almost 30 years.\nAfter twenty years teaching at the Guildhall\, Pete is now Professor of Jazz Composition at the Royal\nAcademy of Music and Head of Jazz Voice at the Brussels Royal Conservatoire.\nWhilst teaching regularly in Europe\, Australia and the Far East (Hong Kong\, Malaysia and\nSingapore)\, Pete is recognised here as being at the forefront of Jazz education – receiving\nthe Parliamentary Award for Jazz Education in 2007 and nominated again in 2012 and 2017.\nBeing founder/director of ‘The London Vocal Project’ (LVP)\, led to work with Sir John\nDankworth & Dame Cleo Laine and Bobby McFerrin and more recently LVP recorded the\ncritically acclaimed CD ‘Mirrors’ with Ken Wheeler and Norma Winstone MBE. In 2017\, after a lengthy\ncollaboration with the Jazz singer/lyricist Jon Hendricks\, Pete and LVP travelled to New York to give the\nworld premiere of Jon Hendricks’ ‘Miles Ahead’. \nAs a pianist\, Pete spent 15 years as accompanist to the legendary Jazz singer Mark Murphy and\,\nmore recently worked with Sheila Jordan.He has been a member of both Kenny Wheeler’s and Abdullah\nIbrahim’s Vocal Projects and was privileged to be the conductor of the Kenny Wheeler Big Band\,\nculminating in the final album\, ‘The Long Waiting’. \n\n“(Royal Academy) students… have the good fortune to find themselves under the guidance of a unique force in British music…” London Jazz News \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 £675 (inclusive of accommodation\, food\, wine and tuition) URL:https://www.finchcocks.com/availability/jazz-weekend-with-nikki-iles-upper-intermediate-diploma/ LOCATION:Kent CATEGORIES:Advanced,Upper intermediate,Upper intermediate weekend ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.finchcocks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Nikki-Iles.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250307T190000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250309T153000 DTSTAMP:20260429T070956 CREATED:20240429T070030Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240505T171530Z UID:28109-1741374000-1741534200@www.finchcocks.com SUMMARY:19th century piano technique & the romantics weekend with Daniel Grimwood - mixed ability - WAITING LIST DESCRIPTION:Developed by the esteemed 19th century pianist Ignaz Moscheles and pedagogue François-Joseph Fétis\, Méthode des Méthodes is one of the most ambitious of the 19th century music methods. The Etudes\, by composers as famous as Chopin\, Mendelssohn and Liszt\, also include less familiar names such as Eduard Wolff\, Amadée Mereaux and Julius Benedict\, and provide a “who’s who” of mid century pianism. Study of this fascinating collection shines light on what pianists considered the most important aspects of keyboard virtuosity in a bygone age. \nConcert pianist and research associate of 19th century piano performance at the University of York\, Daniel Grimwood\, will offer insight into the method 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\n\nBoth Satuday and Sunday begin with an interactive workshop\, led by the tutor. This course will include:\n\nMéthode des Méthodes\nPianists of the Romantic Era\n\nAfternoons are spent exploring and enjoying each other’s repertoire\, applying new gained knowledge in performance classes – as well as some private practice! \n\n\n\n\n\n\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 the workshop and performance class sessions\, there will be time for 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\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\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n“He has all the virtuoso velocity and firepower\, and then some” – BBC Music Magazine \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 \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 contact us on 01580 428080 or 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 £675 (inclusive of accommodation\, food\, wine and tuition) URL:https://www.finchcocks.com/availability/19th-century-piano-technique-the-romantics-weekend-with-daniel-grimwood-mixed-ability/ LOCATION:Kent 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:20250124T190000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250126T153000 DTSTAMP:20260429T070956 CREATED:20240429T070024Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250103T175507Z UID:28118-1737745200-1737905400@www.finchcocks.com SUMMARY:How to practise weekend with Andrew Eales - mixed ability DESCRIPTION:We’re really excited to be welcoming piano educator Andrew Eales to lead his first course at Finchcocks and start 2025 off with an interactive dive into his highly acclaimed practice guide How to practise. \nOn How to practise by Andrew Eales \n“The essential\, pocket-sized companion for every musician. Accessible and authoritative\, How to Practise Music is an ideal guide for anyone learning to play music. Suitable for instrumentalists and vocalists of any genre\, this comprehensive handbook will give you a better idea of how to practise music\, good reasons for doing so\, and the confidence to succeed.” \nThere will be plenty of opportunities to try these ideas out in private practice sessions as well and interactive workshops during your stay. \n\n\n\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 mixed ability weekend course\, Andrew will help freshen up stale practice sessions and give some inspiration for your year ahead with the following interactive workshops: \n\nStrategies for practice\nDeveloping an active repertoire\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThere will also be time to implement new practice techniques on one of our beautiful grand pianos. During these practice sessions\, Andrew will either drop by to offer encouragment or some tips to keep you on track\, or schedule a more formal one-to-one lesson on our new Steinway. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAt 7pm on Saturday\, Andrew will give a recital-talk on Embellishing classical repertoire in the main hall of the family home. This is a chance for guests can sit back and relax with a glass of wine: After a full day’s concentration\, nothing beats hearing the course tutor inspiring guests with some current repertoire on the family Bosendorfer! \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 Andrew.\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 Andrew.\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\nAndrew Eales \nOne of the UK’s most influential piano educators\, Andrew Eales is based in Milton Keynes\, where he runs a successful piano-teaching studio. He is a published composer and author\, and his compositions and recordings have been streamed well over a million times worldwide. \nAndrew’s acclaimed book How to Practise Music is published by Hal Leonard\, and he has compiled Graded Gillock and Naoko Ikeda: The Graded Collection for The Willis Music Company. For 2024 he compiled and edited the first five volumes of The Joy of Graded Piano for Yorktown Music Press\, relaunching one of the most successful and iconic music series ever published\, and he is presently working on further music publishing projects. \nAndrew is also renowned for his piano education website pianodao.com\, which includes hundreds of free articles and reviews to support piano players and teachers worldwide. \nAndrew has worked as a consultant for several leading educational organisations and examination boards. He has trained and worked alongside teachers across the UK\, North America\, and Africa. His video feedback service now provides affordable\, expert support for piano players the world over. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSo if any of these apply to you\, book on without delay! \n“I wish I had more time to practise.” \n“I did practise but you wouldn’t know it. It never translates to my performance!” \n“I’ve fallen off the Practice Wagon.” \n“I’m stuck in a practice rut.” \nFor booking enquiries\, please contact us on 01580 428080 or 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 £675 (inclusive of accommodation\, food\, wine and tuition) URL:https://www.finchcocks.com/availability/how-to-practise-weekend-with-andrew-eales-mixed-ability/ LOCATION:Kent CATEGORIES:Advanced,Intermediate,Lower Intermediate Weekend,Upper intermediate,Upper intermediate weekend ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.finchcocks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Andrew-Eales.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250110T190000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250112T153000 DTSTAMP:20260429T070956 CREATED:20240429T070047Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241104T152451Z UID:28083-1736535600-1736695800@www.finchcocks.com SUMMARY:Retreat weekend with Beatrice Nicholas - mixed ability - WAITING LIST 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\nWe’re welcome back concert pianist\, composer and arranger Beatrice Nicholas for this retreat. 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 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. \nAnd Beatrice has already chosen her programme! \nThe American Piano\n\n\nWhat makes American piano music sound so American?\n\nA concert and talk that looks at the styles and influences used by American piano composers in both classical and jazz genres. With music from African American\, American Indian\, and European American male and female composers.\n\n3 Preludes\, George Gershwin\n\nNo.1 in B-Flat Major\,\nNo.2 in C-Sharp Minor\,\nNo.3 in E-Flat Major\,\n\n\nChina Gates\, John Adams\nPrelude (fragment) George Gershwin\nImpromptu No.1 Op.68\, Lowell Liebermann\nFingerbreaker\, Jelly Morton\nThe Design\, Lola Perrin\nTroubled Water\, Margaret Bonds\nFrom the Navajo Piano\, Connor Chee\n\nNavajo Vocable No.1\n\n\nFrom Dinetah\, Connor Chee\n\nFemale Rain\n\n\nDown a Country Lane\, Aaron Copland\nMoonglow\, Irving Mills /Art Tatum\n\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\nThe piano retreat is arranged around food. There’s no strict timetable or deadlines. 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 Jenny a line using the form below\, or give her a ring on 01580 428080. \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 £675 (inclusive of accommodation\, food\, wine and tuition) URL:https://www.finchcocks.com/availability/retreat-weekend-with-beatrice-nicholas-mixed-ability/ LOCATION:Kent 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:20240223T190000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20240225T153000 DTSTAMP:20260429T070956 CREATED:20230830T070032Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230818T152204Z UID:26260-1708714800-1708875000@www.finchcocks.com SUMMARY:Keyboard Music from the Baroque with Steven Devine - mixed ability 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 and clavichord will be in residence for the duration of the course so that guests can explore what these instruments can reveal in our interpretation. \nThe 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\nThere’s not only 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\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 or on 01580 428080. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n Weekend courses\n\n from £675 (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-2/ 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:20230616T193000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20230618T153000 DTSTAMP:20260429T070956 CREATED:20220901T110005Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230126T105331Z UID:24502-1686943800-1687102200@www.finchcocks.com SUMMARY:American Civil Rights & Black Renaissance Music with Beatrice Nicholas - mixed ability DESCRIPTION:We are very excited to welcome British classical concert pianist and composer Beatrice Nicholas for a weekend of musical exploration\, inspiration and discussion on the theme of Black Renaissance Music for piano. \nBeatrice enjoys an international career as a solo concert pianist\, performing works by Bach through to the present day\, with notable performances at Wigmore Hall\, the Royal Festival Hall and Royal Opera House. Alongside this – and composing – she loves collaborative work with chamber ensembles and The British Black Classical Foundation\, which tackles the lack of ethnic diversity in the classical arts and represents and works in communities of colour throughout the UK and beyond. \nIncluded in her repertoire\, are many works by female composers of the Chicago Black Renaissance and music by British composer Hannah Kendall\, whose piece ‘Processional’  depicts the Montgomery to Selma Civil Rights march. \n\n\n\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 course Beatrice has selected a repertoire of mixed ability (intermediate – advanced) music by black female composers to explore and prepare in advance. \nSuggested repertoire (to choose from): \nClick the links below to access sheet music. All music can be heard on YouTube. \nIntermediate \n\nThe Valley of  Bones from the Spiritual Suite by Margaret Bonds (Contact Finchcocks to purchase)\nAutumn Dance from Four Seasonal Sketches by Betty Jackson King.\nWinter Holiday from Four Seasonal Sketches by Betty Jackson King.\n\nAdvanced \n\nFantasie Negre No.2 by Florence Price (Contact Finchcocks to purchase)\nClouds by Florence Price (Contact Finchcocks to purchase)\nSummer Interlude from Four Seasonal Sketches by Betty Jackson King.\nTroubled Water from the Spiritual Suite by Margaret Bonds (Available at Westminster Music Library)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWorkshop titles will include: \nThe Art of Spiritual Song in Black Renaissance Piano Music \nMany Black Renaissance composers laid traditional or newly composed Spirituals in the foundations of their compositions. In this session we will learn how to make the piano sing within the African-American style that is so often merged with Western piano techniques from the Romantic era \nJazz Styles and Techniques that influenced Black Renaissance Music \nAn opportunity to explore the jazz styles and techniques that influenced the work of many Black Renaissance composers. This exploration will help you bring freedom and authenticity to your  performances of these works. \n\n\n\n\n\n\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 the workshop and masterclass sessions there will be time for private practise on one of our beautiful grand pianos. During these sessions\, Beatrice 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\nGuests will also: \n\nHave the chance to play in and observe two performance masterclasses.\nWill receive a one-to-one lesson with Beatrice.\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 Beatrice.\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\nBeatrice Nicholas is a captivating Pianist whose performances are full of imagination\, freedom and beauty. She plays solo repertoire ranging from Bach to the present day and has performed in the UK’s leading venues. Her music engagements take her around the UK\, Germany\, Poland\, Thailand and the Czech Republic. Notable venues have included the Royal Festival Hall\, Wigmore Hall\, Royal Opera House\, London Coliseum\, Berlin Konzerthaus\, Sadler’s Wells Theater\, Leeds Town Hall and Snape Maltings. \nAs well as being a solo artist\, Beatrice enjoys collaborative work with a variety of opera singers and instrumentalists. She  has strong links to the world of dance and has  played for the Birmingham Royal Ballet\, Royal Ballet and for the English National Ballet companies. Beatrice is also a composer and arranger who has received commissions from the Creative Minds Festival\, Nottingham Chamber Music Festival\, Dark Design Graphics Company and been showcased by the British  Black Classical Foundation as a featured composer for  Black History Month 2021. \nBeatrice\, born in England\, was admitted to the Junior Department of the Royal College of Music at fourteen years old.  She studied solo piano with Danielle Salamon\, composition with David Sutton Anderson and received additional teaching from composer Paul Patterson at the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain Composer’s Course. During her time at the  Junior Department Beatrice won the institution’s major prizes for piano and represented the Department as a composer. At eighteen years Beatrice went to the Royal Academy of Music\, studying piano with Patsy Toh\, composition with Elena Langer\, and won  the Royal Academy of Music’s Eric Brough Memorial Prize for Piano. She continued her training with concert pianists Michael Endres and Susanne Gruetzman at the Hanns Eisler Music Academy in Berlin. Beatrice believes that music is a powerful tool of communication and enjoys using it to lift and engage the human heart. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFor booking enquiries\, please contact us on 01580 428080 or 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\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 £650 (inclusive of accommodation\, food\, wine and tuition) URL:https://www.finchcocks.com/availability/american-civil-rights-black-renaissance-music/ LOCATION:Kent CATEGORIES:Advanced,Intermediate,Upper intermediate weekend ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.finchcocks.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Beatrice-Nicholas-6.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20221202T190000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20221204T153000 DTSTAMP:20260429T070956 CREATED:20210901T070045Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220526T115948Z UID:22967-1670007600-1670167800@www.finchcocks.com SUMMARY:Upper Intermediate weekend with Graham Fitch - sold out DESCRIPTION:Our Upper Intermediate weekend course is designed for pianists grades 5-8. Whether you’re a confident grade 5 level player\, or a grade 8 player in need of a confidence boost when it comes to performing\, this is the one for you! \nTutor for the weekend is the wonderful Graham Fitch. Graham is interested in helping amateur pianists develop their playing. His teaching style is structured but encouraging… and peppered with useful hints and tips to bring his student’s playing\, technique and confidence up a notch! Graham is a principal tutor on The Piano Teachers’ Course UK\, gives regular workshops and classes across the UK and overseas. His online academy www.practisingthepiano.com goes from strength to strength\, bringing many pianists to Finchcocks to experience him “in person”. \n\n\n\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 weekend learning begins in earnest first thing on Saturday and is packed with two workshops\, two performance classes\, a one-to-one session and free practice time. \nWeekend workshop titles will include: \n\nMaking the best use of our practice time\nHow to learn a new piece\n\nPlease bring a piece or two with you that you would like to work on in greater detail. It doesn’t need to be perfect\, but under the fingers well enough to get the most out of Graham’s input! \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \nIn the evening on Saturday\, Graham will present a walkthrough of a piece\, illuminating its important and interesting features\, demonstrating along the way. Guests can sit back and a relax after a day’s concentrating\, soaking up the atmosphere in front of the fire in the main hall of Finchcocks with a glass of wine. \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. \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.)\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 \nFinchcocks is quite magical at Christmas time. A weekend course just as the frenzy of festive activities gets in full swing is an ideal Christmas present to yourself – or a loved one! \nFor booking enquiries\, please contact us on 01580 428080 or 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 £620 (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 Subject\n \n \n Your Message\n \n \n\n \n\n\n\n\n\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/upper-intermediate-weekend-with-graham-fitch/ LOCATION:Finchcocks\, Finchcocks\, Goudhurst\, Kent\, TN17 1HH\, United Kingdom CATEGORIES:Upper intermediate,Upper intermediate weekend ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.finchcocks.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Graham-Fitch-med.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20221104T190000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20221106T153000 DTSTAMP:20260429T070956 CREATED:20210901T070020Z LAST-MODIFIED:20221025T115410Z UID:23053-1667588400-1667748600@www.finchcocks.com SUMMARY:Piano retreat - mixed ability - waiting list DESCRIPTION:Fancy a UK based\, luxury weekend away in a grade 1 listed country manor\, surrounded by 9 grand pianos? Our 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. There are no group sessions\, no performances and no stress! The weekend is open to pianists of all levels. The piano retreat is arranged around food. There’s no strict timetable or deadlines. Guests are free to play anytime they like between 7am and 8pm\, rest when they need or explore the beautiful Kentish countryside. During 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 half hour 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. We’re thrilled to have secured the services of Florian Mitrea for this retreat. The newest member of the Finchcocks team\, he has settled in quickly – offering students endless energy\, positivity\, encouragement and extensive knowledge on the topic of the day. A multi-award winning international concert pianist\, his playing is truly something to behold. Florian will be on hand for two optional half hour 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 with breakfast in bed!). On Saturday night\, Florian will perform a recital for retreat guests\, which is an opportunity to relax and be inspired with a glass of wine in the magical setting of the main hall of Finchcocks. We have one grand piano available for every guest in our vaulted cellars\, including our new Steinway. Piano conversation will flow freely over coffee and home made biscuits and cakes in between bouts of practice! This promises to be one of most relaxed and enjoyable weekend courses. If it sounds of interest\, please drop Jenny a line using the form below\, or give her a ring on 01580 428080. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n Weekend courses\n\n from £620 (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 Please tell us which course are you interested in\, your room preference(s) and a little bit about your playing experience to date:\n \n \n\n \n\n\n\n\n\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/piano-retreat-mixed-ability-2/ LOCATION:Finchcocks\, Finchcocks\, Goudhurst\, Kent\, TN17 1HH\, United Kingdom CATEGORIES:Advanced,Intermediate,Lower Intermediate Weekend,Upper intermediate weekend ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.finchcocks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Nursery-bedroom.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20221021T190000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20221023T153000 DTSTAMP:20260429T070956 CREATED:20210901T070032Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220301T121936Z UID:23057-1666378800-1666539000@www.finchcocks.com SUMMARY:Jazz for classical pianists with David Hall - mixed ability - sold out DESCRIPTION:This course is designed for classically trained pianists (intermediate – advanced) who would love to delve into or brush up on their jazz skills! David Hall (FRCO\, MA Cantab) will help you combine solid piano technique\, aural skills and jazz music theory to help you explore a sound world perhaps different to the one you began playing the piano on. \nLearn how to read chord symbols and interpret them to create your jazz performance. Develop your aural and memory skills\, exploring and learning new tunes by ear. Find out about the various styles of jazz and recreate the authentic textures of boogie\, swing\, bop and modern jazz. Develop your improvisation skills… and accompany a jazz singer!\n\n\n\n \nDavid Hall was recently described by the Sunday Times when they joined us on a Finchcocks piano course\, as a “musical powerhouse”. This is him in action at one of our Saturday evening recitals in the main Hall of Finchcocks. \n \nAnd on our open-air stage with host Jennifer Maslin! \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDuring the course\, guests are welcome to try out each of our nine grand pianos in the vaulted cellars – to help put into practice what has been discussed in the group sessions. \n \nIf you aren’t sure whether this is the right course for you\, or quite what your level is\, please drop Jenny a line using the form below\, or give here a ring on 01580 428080. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n Weekend courses\n\n from £620 (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 Please tell us which course are you interested in\, your room preference(s) and a little bit about your playing experience to date:\n \n \n\n \n\n\n\n\n\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-for-classical-pianists-with-david-hall-mixed-ability/ LOCATION:Finchcocks\, Finchcocks\, Goudhurst\, Kent\, TN17 1HH\, United Kingdom CATEGORIES:Advanced,Intermediate,Upper intermediate,Upper intermediate weekend ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.finchcocks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Jazz-trio-collage.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20220909T190000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20220911T153000 DTSTAMP:20260429T070956 CREATED:20210901T070025Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220815T154313Z UID:19459-1662750000-1662910200@www.finchcocks.com SUMMARY:Beyond Stage Fright – Tackling performance nerves - Upper Intermediate - Advanced - sold out DESCRIPTION:Beyond Stage Fright – Tackling performance nerves is designed for upper intermediate to advanced players\, those working towards grade 8 standard or a performance diploma. It is also suitable for piano teachers. \nRunning the weekend is the incredibly knowledgeable\, encouraging and warm Charlotte Tomlinson. A specialist\, international speaker on the topic\, and a pianist herself\, Charlotte will help guests work on an area that affects every performer\, but one that many don’t like to talk about. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \nCharlotte’s theme for the weekend course will be “Performance preparation”; covering some of the key topics that relate to the challenges faced by advanced players when playing in front of others. \nCharlotte will tackle three key areas related to performing: \n\nManaging nerves – looking at how performance anxiety can arise and the possible psychological reasons behind it\, along with some simple practical tools to manage the anxiety better. This is followed by the opportunity to put the information into practice\, using a short extract from a piece to try to find freer and more enjoyable ways of managing tricky performance situations.\nOwning the stage – how to communicate well with an audience and feel comfortable on stage\nPractising for performance – how to prepare for a performance\, what to focus on and how to control the inner critic when practising and performing.\n\nEach day starts with a workshop in the Finchcocks cellars. Techniques are discussed\, demonstrated and developed with everyone encouraged to participate. No preparation is required\, and the exercises will be carefully adapted to the particular experience level of each participant. \n \nShortly afterwards\, we convene for a performace masterclass in the recital room\, which provides the chance to play your chosen repertoire in front of the group in a nurturing and relaxed atmosphere. \nIn the afternoons\, there is time for private practice on one of our beautiful grand pianos including our new Steinway and as well as an individual 30 minute private lesson with Charlotte. \n \nAt 7pm on Saturday guests have the treat of listening to a private recital with a glass of wine in Finchcocks main hall – a chance to sit back\, socialise\, relax and be inspired after all your hard work! \nOn a typical weekend course\, Finchcocks guests will: \n\nHave the chance to play in and observe two performance masterclasses and two workshops.\nReceive a one-to-one lesson from tutor Charlotte.\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 private recital for course guests on Saturday evening in the main hall of Finchcocks.\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. \nFor booking enquiries\, please contact Jenny on 01580 428080 or 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\n\n\n\n\n\n\n Weekend courses\n\n from £620 (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\n Your Name (required)\n \n \n Your Email (required)\n \n \n Please tell us which course are you interested in\, your room preference(s) and a little bit about your playing experience to date:\n \n \n\n \n\n\n\n\n\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/beyond-stage-fright-tackling-performance-nerves/ 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/2019/10/Charlotte.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20220826T190000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20220829T153000 DTSTAMP:20260429T070956 CREATED:20210901T070048Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220624T085621Z UID:23067-1661540400-1661787000@www.finchcocks.com SUMMARY:3-day Exploring the Impressionists with Warren Mailley-Smith - intermediate - advanced - sold out DESCRIPTION:The piano music of the French impressionists has a special place in the development of any pianist’s repertoire. The music of Debussy\, Satie and Ravel in particular calls for very special control of tone\, texture\, colour and use of pedal. The amazing scope of musical pictures painted by these composers calls for a course dedicated to their music. From Debussy’s evocative Preludes to the vivid brilliance of Ravel’s virtuosic writing\, this course will explore some of the special challenges and characterstics to be found in this wonderful musical period. \nWe’re incredibly lucky to have secured the services of Warren Mailley-Smith for this course. Warren regularly plays the music of impressionistic composers in concerts across the UK\, and his legendary skills of memorisation mean that he has leagues of wisdom to impart to even the most advanced player. This is him in action when he did a recording session at Finchcocks for Classic FM. \n \nThe course\, for intermediate to advanced players\, is an extended 3-day one so that guests can enjoy the bank holiday weekend at a more leisurely pace! Over the course of the weekend\, Warren will explore and demonstrate both the technical aspects of playing music of the Impressionist era as well as sessions on how to perform it to the best of our ability. \nAmongst others\, workshop titles will include: \n\nThe Impressionists & ther music\nTips for playing Impressionist repertoire\n\nIn the masterclass sessions\, we’ll look at developing phrasing and articulation\, with plenty of tips on performance and how to polish our pieces and make them sound as natural and elegant as possible. \nIn the evening on Saturday\, we are delighted to be welcoming back Erik Satie (played by Alexander Metcalfe) along with Amusia Productions for a magical mystery tour of all things absurd\, in a cinematic and live performance of the biography of Satie’s life and career. Read about its Finchcocks debut here. \n \nThere can be few people in the world more qualified to talk to us about memorisation\, so Warren will also run a session on techniques for memorising pieces and how it can be useful when learning and developing your repertoire. \n \nIn between the workshop and masterclass sessions there will be time for private practice on one of our beautiful grand pianos. \nGuest will also: \n\nWill receive a one-to-one lesson with Warren.\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 Warren.\nHave access to a swim session in our new\, heated outdoor pool.\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\nFor booking enquiries\, please contact us on 01580 428080 or 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\n\n\n\n\n\n\n Extended 3-day weekend courses\n\n from £730 (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 Subject\n \n \n Your Message\n \n \n\n \n\n\n\n\n\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/3-day-exploring-the-impressionists-with-warren-mailley-smith-intermediate-advanced/ 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/2021/08/Warren-Mailley-Smith-cropped.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20220812T190000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20220814T153000 DTSTAMP:20260429T070956 CREATED:20210901T070048Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220620T130320Z UID:22907-1660330800-1660491000@www.finchcocks.com SUMMARY:Chopin weekend with Warren Mailley-Smith - sold out DESCRIPTION:Back by very popular demand\, this will be our fourth Chopin weekend here at Finchcocks with Warren Mailley-Smith. \nChopin’s lyrical and elegant Nocturnes and Preludes are firm favourites with our intermediate and advanced players\, and so we’re very excited to announce the return of our very popular first composer-specific weekend. \nWe’re incredibly lucky to have secured the services of Warren Mailley-Smith for this course. In 2016\, Warren became the first British pianist to perform Chopin’s complete works for solo piano from memory at a series of concerts at St John Smith’s Square in London\, a feat which involved memorising 3.5 million notes! \n \nOver the course of the weekend\, Warren will explore and demonstrate both the technical aspects of playing Chopin’s music\, as well as sessions on how to perform Chopin’s music to the best of our ability. \nHe’ll explain why Chopin sounds like Chopin and show us how Chopin intended us to play his pieces. In the masterclass sessions\, we’ll look at developing phrasing and articulation\, with plenty of tips on performance and how to polish our pieces and make them sound as natural and elegant as possible. \nWorkshop titles will include: \n\nThe importance of “cantabile” in piano playing\n The art of pedalling\n\nGuests will also: \n\nHave the chance to play in and observe two performance masterclasses.\nWill receive a one-to-one lesson with Warren.\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 Warren.\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 \nYou can see Warren in action at Finchcocks when he did a recording session with Classic FM recently. \nIn the evening on Saturday\, Warren will give a talk and recital on Chopin\, combining music from various points in his life with a biographical commentary that will help us understand the underlying emotions found in Chopin’s music. \n \nThere can be few people in the world more qualified to talk to us about memorisation\, so Warren will also run a session on techniques for memorising pieces and how it can be useful when learning and developing your repertoire. \nIn between the workshop and masterclass sessions there will be time for private practise on one of our beautiful grand pianos including our new Steinway. During these sessions\, Warren will drop in to each of the practice rooms to provide individual pointers and tips. \n \nThe course is intended for intermediate to advanced players who are keen to bring their favourite works by Chopin to life. It might well be that there’s a prelude that you’ve been struggling with for years that you would desperately like to perfect\, or equally there might be a Waltz that you have always wanted to play\, but haven’t yet had the chance to really work on. Budding Chopin devotees\, this is your moment! \nFor booking enquiries\, please contact us on 01580 428080 or 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 £620 (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 Subject\n \n \n Your Message\n \n \n\n \n\n\n\n\n\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/chopin-weekend-with-warren-mailley-smith-3/ 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/2021/08/Warren-Mailley-Smith-cropped.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20220603T190000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20220605T153000 DTSTAMP:20260429T070956 CREATED:20210901T070057Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220528T151647Z UID:23014-1654282800-1654443000@www.finchcocks.com SUMMARY:Understanding your playing: Applied theory with David Hall - intermediate - sold out DESCRIPTION:This course\, run by Finchcocks Musical Director David Hall\, is ideal for anybody who wants to develop their keyboard skills of improvisation\, harmonisation and transposition. It is aimed at all abilities of piano player\, but would best suit the intermediate pianist – from Lower Intermediate to Upper Intermediate. \nWhy study music theory and harmony? \nYou can understand repertoire more fully.  \nIf you can identify chords and cadences – if you can pick out passages of intervallic counterpoint – if you can condense a whole passage of music into one concept – then you can learn repertoire more quickly and you can memorise it more quickly. Instead of saying “this is line 1” and “this is line 2”\, start saying “this is the F major phrase” and “this is the D minor phrase”. You’ll soon find that the notes sink in a little more quickly.   \nYou can interpret music better and more authentically.  \nIf you understand the pushes and pulls of harmony\, you can judge your rubato and your dynamics to convey the harmonic tension to the listener. If you understand which chords are prosaic and which are exciting or particularly calming\, then you can pace your performance accordingly.   \nYou can understand composers’ thought processes.  \nKnowledge of music theory helps you to understand music in the same way that composers understand music.  \n You can learn to improvise and compose your own music.  \nAll the great composers of the Baroque and Classical era were taught harmony\, counterpoint\, style and structure from an early age so that they could perform at the keyboard with or without a printed score.  \nDavid Hall\, author of There’s more to playing the piano… (now stocked by Waterstones) was recently described by the Sunday Times when they joined us on a Finchcocks piano course\, as a “musical powerhouse”. You might have seen some of the videos he created for Finchcocks to help pianists during the UK’s first lockdown. His teaching style is packed full of creative ideas and encouraging – with a gentle with a twist of humour! \n \nThis is him in action at one of our Saturday evening recitals\, put on for course guests in the main hall of Finchcocks. For our Applied Theory course\, David will perform some of his favourite piano pieces and help guests to analyse them using the various frameworks discussed during the day. \n \nAlthough the focus of the weekend will be different to the usual performance-based courses we offer\, David will keep workshops practical\, engaging and interactive\, bringing to life – and making accessible – subjects vital to improving musicality. \nDuring the course\, guests are welcome to try out each of our nine grand pianos in the vaulted cellars – to help put into practice what has been discussed in the group sessions. \n \nGuests will also: \n\nHave the chance to take part in and observe four group harmony sessions.\nReceive one-to-one input from tutor David during circulation in the free practice sessions.\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 private recital for course guests on Saturday evening in the main hall of Finchcocks.\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 \nFor booking enquiries or to see if this course is suitable for you\, please contact Jenny by filling in the form below or on 01580 428080. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n Weekend courses\n\n from £620 (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\n Your Name (required)\n \n \n Your Email (required)\n \n \n Please tell us which course are you interested in\, your room preference(s) and a little bit about your playing experience to date:\n \n \n\n \n\n\n\n\n\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/applied-theory-with-david-hall/ LOCATION:Finchcocks\, Finchcocks\, Goudhurst\, Kent\, TN17 1HH\, United Kingdom CATEGORIES:Intermediate,Lower Intermediate Weekend,Upper intermediate,Upper intermediate weekend ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.finchcocks.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/2019-04-07-Finchcocks-Piano-schoolEd-Ovenden-110-Copy.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20220520T190000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20220522T153000 DTSTAMP:20260429T070956 CREATED:20210901T070011Z LAST-MODIFIED:20211229T102046Z UID:23030-1653073200-1653233400@www.finchcocks.com SUMMARY:Keyboard Music from the Baroque with Steven Devine - mixed ability - sold out 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 and clavichord will be in residence for the duration of the course so that guests can explore what these instruments can reveal in our interpretation. \nThe 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\nThere’s not only 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\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. His programme “The Bach family” will include performances on both the harpsichord and clavichord with music by JC\, CPE\, WF and JS Bach. 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 or on 01580 428080. URL:https://www.finchcocks.com/availability/keyboard-music-from-the-baroque-with-steven-devine-mixed-ability/ 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:20220422T190000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20220424T153000 DTSTAMP:20260429T070956 CREATED:20210901T070008Z LAST-MODIFIED:20210903T150129Z UID:22922-1650654000-1650814200@www.finchcocks.com SUMMARY:Upper intermediate - Advanced weekend with William Westney - sold out DESCRIPTION:We are thrilled to be hosting concert pianist and keynote speaker Professor William Westney\, as part of his visit to the UK\, in this year’s programme. \nThis weekend course\, for upper intermediate to advanced level pianists\, focuses on musical communication\, physical enjoyment\, and addressing technical challenges in a healthy way. Principles from Dr. Westney’s best-selling book The Perfect Wrong Note (2003) will be naturally incorporated into the sessions. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWilliam Westney is internationally known as a master artist\, master teacher and bestselling author. After winning the top piano prize in the Geneva International Competition\, he performed as concerto soloist and recitalist throughout the US\, Europe and Asia to critical acclaim. His innovative performance workshop\, The Un-Master Class®\, captured the attention of the New York Times\, which published a feature article on it; Westney has given the workshop hundreds of times around the world. In demand as a public speaker\, he has delivered keynote addresses at pedagogy conferences in Korea\, England\, and throughout the US. Articles based on his interdisciplinary research about performance have appeared in such scientific journals as Brain and Cognition. Westney’s celebrated book The Perfect Wrong Note has sold over 50\,000 copies worldwide and continues to be widely influential. He received the Frances Clark Keyboard Pedagogy Award from Music Teachers National Association in recognition of his unique contributions to music teaching. Dr. Westney recently retired after 42 years as Distinguished Professor and Artist-in-Residence at Texas Tech University. www.williamwestney.com \n\n\n\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 weekend\, William will include a presentation on Re-thinking Practising\, a lecture recital on Words\, music and meaning\, as well as offering a technical Problem Spots clinic for course guests. Participants will also:\n\n\n\nHave the chance to play in and observe two performance “un-masterclasses“.\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\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. During these sessions\, William will drop in to each of the practice rooms 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 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 contact us on 01580 428080 or 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 £620 (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 Please tell us which course are you interested in\, your room preference(s) and a little bit about your playing experience to date:\n \n \n\n \n\n\n\n\n\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/upper-intermediate-advanced-weekend-with-william-westney/ 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/2021/08/William-Westney-headshot.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20220325T190000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20220327T153000 DTSTAMP:20260429T070956 CREATED:20210901T070001Z LAST-MODIFIED:20211004T113303Z UID:22915-1648234800-1648395000@www.finchcocks.com SUMMARY:Beethoven weekend with Graham Fitch - intermediate to advanced - sold out DESCRIPTION:Beethoven’s 250th birthday celebrations last year were a bit of a washout\, so we’re keeping the party going!\n\nIn this 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.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOver 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.\n\nWorkshop titles will include:\n\n\nTechnique & practice: Solving problems in Beethoven’s music\nStyle and interpretation: Bringing Beethoven’s music to life\n\nPlease 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!\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \nIn 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. \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.\nReceive 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 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. \nFor booking enquiries\, please contact us on 01580 428080 or 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 £620 (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 Subject\n \n \n Your Message\n \n \n\n \n\n\n\n\n\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-intermediate-to-advanced/ 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/2017/11/Graham-Fitch-med.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20220311T190000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20220313T153000 DTSTAMP:20260429T070956 CREATED:20210901T070026Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220113T120114Z UID:23075-1647025200-1647185400@www.finchcocks.com SUMMARY:Upper Intermediate - Advanced weekend with Florian Mitrea - sold out DESCRIPTION:Our Upper Intermediate – Advanced weekend course is designed for pianists grades 6-8+. Whether you’re a grade 8 player in need of a confidence boost\, a former advanced player who has gotten a little rusty\, or an accomplished upper intermediate player looking for a challenge\, this is the one for you! \nTutor for the weekend is the fantastically talented and inspiring Florian Mitrea. The newest member of the Finchcocks team\, he has settled in quickly – offering students endless energy\, positivity\, encouragement and extensive knowledge on the topic of the day. A multi-award winning international concert pianist\, his playing is truly something to behold. \n\n\n\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 weekend learning begins in earnest first thing on Saturday and is packed with two workshops\, two performance classes\, a one-to-one session and free practice time. \nWeekend workshop titles will include: \n\nLearning to learn\nThe composer’s intentions: do we have a duty to serve them?\n\nPlease bring a piece or two with you that you would like to work on in greater detail. It doesn’t need to be perfect\, but under the fingers well enough to get the most out of Florian’s input! \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \nIn the evening on Saturday\, Florian will treat the class to a performance of his latest repertoire on the Finchcocks family Bosendorfer. Guests can sit back and a relax after a day’s concentrating\, soaking up the atmosphere in front of the fire in the main hall of Finchcocks with a glass of 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 \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 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.)\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 \nIf you’re looking for a luxury piano course for adults\, with top notch tuition and that focuses on creating an encouraging and nurturing atmosphere\, then look no further! Come and be inspired. For booking enquiries\, please contact us on 01580 428080 or 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 £620 (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 Subject\n \n \n Your Message\n \n \n\n \n\n\n\n\n\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/upper-intermediate-advanced-weekend-with-florian-mitrea/ 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/2019/10/Florian-10.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20220225T190000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20220227T153000 DTSTAMP:20260429T070956 CREATED:20210901T070024Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220323T151730Z UID:23040-1645815600-1645975800@www.finchcocks.com SUMMARY:Improvisation and harmony weekend with David Hall - mixed ability DESCRIPTION:This course\, run by Finchcocks Musical Director David Hall\, is ideal for anybody who wants to develop their keyboard skills of harmonisation\, composition and improvisation in a classical style \nIt is a mixed ability course\, aimed at the intermediate to advanced pianist. Grade 5 theory standard would also be helpful. \n \nRather than the usual performance masterclasses\, guests will take part in four practical and interactive workshops on the following subjects: \n\nIntroduction to harmony\nHow to harmonise a melody\nIntroduction to composition\nImprovisation in a classical style\n\nThere will then be plenty of private practice time in-between to absorb and work on material from each of these sessions\, supported by the wonderfully encouraging\, knowledgeable and insightful David as he circulates giving one-to-one input. \n \nDavid Hall\, author of There’s more to playing the piano… (now stocked by Waterstones) was recently described by the Sunday Times when they joined us on a Finchcocks piano course\, as a “musical powerhouse”. You might have seen some of the videos he created for Finchcocks to help pianists during the UK’s first lockdown. His teaching style is packed full of creative ideas and encouraging – with a gentle with a twist of humour! \nThis is him in action at one of our Saturday evening recitals\, put on for course guests in the main hall of Finchcocks. For our Improvisation and Harmony course\, David will perform some of his favourite piano pieces and help guests to analyse them using the various frameworks discussed during the day. \n \nAlthough the focus of the weekend will be different to the usual performance-based courses we offer\, David will keep workshops practical\, engaging and interactive\, bringing to life – and making accessible – subjects vital to improving musicality. \nDuring the course\, guests are welcome to try out each of our nine grand pianos in the vaulted cellars – to help put into practice what has been discussed in the group sessions. \n \nGuests on this course will: \n\nHave the chance to take part in and observe four group harmony sessions.\nReceive one-to-one input from tutor David during circulation in the free practice sessions.\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 private recital for course guests on Saturday evening in the main hall of Finchcocks.\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 \nFor booking enquiries or to see if this course is suitable for you\, please contact Jenny by filling in the form below or on 01580 428080. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n Weekend courses\n\n from £620 (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\n Your Name (required)\n \n \n Your Email (required)\n \n \n Please tell us which course are you interested in\, your room preference(s) and a little bit about your playing experience to date:\n \n \n\n \n\n\n\n\n\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/improvisation-and-harmony-weekend-with-david-hall-mixed-ability/ 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/2019/04/2019-04-06-Finchcocks-Piano-schoolEd-Ovenden-021-Copy.jpg END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR