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DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260424T190000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260426T153000
DTSTAMP:20260416T090327
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
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260529T190000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260531T153000
DTSTAMP:20260416T090327
CREATED:20250929T070036Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251112T102027Z
UID:30510-1780081200-1780241400@www.finchcocks.com
SUMMARY:Beyond the Notes: Exploring Harmony\, Structure & Style - WAITING LIST
DESCRIPTION:Beyond the Notes: Exploring Harmony\, Structure & Style is a weekend designed to transform how you hear\, understand\, and interpret the music you play. Through a mix of hands-on sessions and guided exploration\, you’ll gain practical tools for decoding harmony\, recognising structural patterns\, and shaping musical texture with clarity and confidence. Ideal for upper intermediate to advanced pianists looking to deepen their interpretative insight\, this course will leave you with fresh ways of thinking\, sharper analytical ears\, and a more personal connection to your repertoire. \nThis 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.  \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 \nWorkshops will include: \nFrom Chords to Colour: Making Harmony Work for You\nA fresh look at harmony fundamentals\, discovering how chords and scales really work together to create colour and tension in music. We’ll also dip into the world of counterpoint\, exploring how independent musical lines can interact to create richness and depth.\n \nUnlocking the Score: Finding the Music Beneath the Notes\nDigging into the structure of a piece reveals far more than just its form. It uncovers the composer’s thinking\, the emotional arc\, and the musical logic that brings it all together. In this session\, we’ll explore how analysis can sharpen your interpretation\, deepen your connection to the music\, and even make memorisation more intuitive.\n \n\nThinking in Sound: Intervals\, Lines & the Magic of Counterpoint\nExpand your harmonic toolkit with colourful chords that bring music to life! These richer sounds open the door to greater expression\, variety\, and nuance in your playing.\n\n \nTexture & Style: Bringing Music to Life with Colour and CharacterExplore how texture\, articulation\, and stylistic choices shape the sound world of a piece. From the clarity of Baroque counterpoint to the lushness of Romantic voicing\, this session will help you develop a more nuanced and expressive approach to performance.\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 interactive worshops.\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\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. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n	Weekend courses\n\n	from £700 (inclusive of accommodation\, food\, wine and tuition)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n  \n\n\n\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/beyond-the-notes-exploring-harmony-structure-style/
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/2023/04/IMG_20220715_140605_Bokeh-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260612T190000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260614T153000
DTSTAMP:20260416T090327
CREATED:20250929T070024Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260309T162635Z
UID:30487-1781290800-1781451000@www.finchcocks.com
SUMMARY:A weekend in Italy with Margherita Torretta - mixed ability
DESCRIPTION:Recognising the Influence of Italian Music: A way to reimagine keyboard works from the Baroque to the Classical Period. \nSpend a sunny weekend in Italy with Italian and London-based pianist Margherita Torretta\, and explore the extraordinary influence of Italian keyboard music in the Baroque and Classical periods. \nRevitalise your spirits and experience music inspired by Italy’s rustic pastoral landscapes\, verdant groves and colorful gardens\, turquoise lagoons and azure seas\, picturesque towns and ancient villages\, all the while appreciating beautiful melody\, elegant simplicity\, romantic lyricism – and the urge to dance – that all define the Italian style! \nMargherita Torretta will guide your weekend trip with a musical virtual tour of the birthplaces – not only of Italian Baroque music – but also of its transition to the Galant Style and piano works of the Classical period. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDestinations in this virtual tour of the birthplaces of Italian music include: \n• Naples for Domenico Scarlatti\n• Venice (“La Serenissima”) for “Il Buranello” Baldassare Galuppi and Domenico Cimarosa\n• Lucca for Elisabetta De Gambarini – trailblazing\, first published female composer\n• Rome for Muzio Clementi\n• Verona\, Milan\, Bologna and Florence\, cities that Mozart visited on his first extended tour of Italy\, understanding the influence of the music that Mozart heard and how he skillfully incorporated many of its qualities into his own keyboard works. \nRecommended repertoire to prepare is therefore by the composers\, according to your playing level: \n\nD. Scarlatti\nB. Galuppi\nE. De Gambarini\nS. Cimarosa\nM. Clementi\nW. A. Mozart\nJ. Hayden and\nL. V. Beethoven\nAnd even a Chopin waltz\, nocturnes or mazurka!\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIncluded in the weekend itinerary: \n1) Stylistic performance technique for Italian character\, Baroque to Classical \nWe will discuss and demonstrate how performance technique – phrasing\, note articulation and touch\, pedaling\, tempo adjustment\, dynamic range\, and balance between clefs – can be used to enhance the Italian character of music from the Baroque to the Classical period. \n2) Essential ornamentation and improvisation of the time \nWe will also discuss the use of ornamentation and improvisation as essential qualities in the performance of the music of this time. Examples of ornaments and improvisational effects will be given – and the decisions that help determine when and where these effects can be used will be studied. \nAnd on the Saturday evening\, Margherita will treat guests to a recital-talk in our main hall on Theatrical elements and dance in Italian 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\n\n\n\nIn between the workshop and performance class sessions there will be time for private practise on one of our beautiful grand pianos. During these sessions\, Margherita 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\nAs you know\, art and music go hand-in-hand with food. So\, Mark our talented chef is accompanying your musical experience with an Italian-themed menu for your stay! What a collection of goodies we have in store for you! \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGuests will: \n\nHave the chance to play in and observe two performance masterclasses.\nWill receive a one-to-one lesson with Margherita.\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 Margherita.\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{″ARInfo″:{″IsUseAR″:false}\,″Version″:″1.0.0″\,″MakeupInfo″:{″IsUseMakeup″:false}\,″FaceliftInfo″:{″IsChangeEyeLift″:false\,″IsChangeFacelift″:false\,″IsChangePostureLift″:false\,″IsChangeNose″:false\,″IsChangeFaceChin″:false\,″IsChangeMouth″:false\,″IsChangeThinFace″:false}\,″BeautyInfo″:{″SwitchMedicatedAcne″:false\,″IsAIBeauty″:false\,″IsBrightEyes″:false\,″IsSharpen″:false\,″IsOldBeauty″:false\,″IsReduceBlackEyes″:false}\,″HandlerInfo″:{″AppName″:2}\,″FilterInfo″:{″IsUseFilter″:false}} \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n“Listening to Margherita Torretta’s performance it is not hard to agree that a major contribution has jumped straight into the Italian master’s discography” GRAMOPHONE (Linsday Kemp)\n\n“..these are poised performance\, Torretta draws you into the finest detail of the composition” BBC music magazine (Rebecca Franck)\n\n“Her trasparency\, precision and intelligence always draw the ear in music that is appealing and invites repeat listening” INTERNATIONAL PIANO (David Threasher)\n\nMargherita Torretta is an Italian pianist and ex-classical dancer born in 1986. Following her recording of D.Scarlatti-20 Keyboard Sonatas (Academy Productions)\, she made her debut at the Carnegie Hall in New York in 2016. Margherita has performed in over twenty countries and their concert halls across the globe – from Europe\, England and the United States to Asia and Australia – and London’s St. Martin-in-the-Fields\, Vienna’s Ehrbar Saal\, Warsaw’s Fryderyk Chopin Institute\, the Conservatory Maurice Ravel in Paris\, the Steinway Hall in Dubai\, Sala Verdi in Milan and many others.\n\nMargherita graduated with honors at the Conservatory in Piacenza and G. Verdi Conservatory in Milan. Supported by the Theo Lieven Foundation\, she entered the Performance & Interpretation Masters Programme at Conservatorio della Svizzera Italiana in Lugano. Here she was a student at the prestigious International Lake Como Academy\, directed by William Grant Naborè and studying with Dimjtri Bashkirov\, Fout’s Ong and Stanislav Ioudetich.\n\nMargherita has released a second album with Baldassare Galuppi’s piano sonatas (2023\, Academy Classical Music). She’s the first pianist to record the complete piano works composed by Italian-British composer Elisabetta De Gambarini (2024\, Brilliant Classics) and in March 2024 she released her first novel Rimmel inspired by her personal story (2024\, edizioni Pendragon).\n\nHer interviews and reviews have appeared in music magazines including Gramophone\, BBC music magazine\, Classics Today\, The Art Desk\, Pianist Magazine and International Piano. She has performed live concerts and given interviews over major broadcast networks including RAI Radio 3\, Rai Radio 2\, BBC radio 3\, RSI Radiotelevisione Svizzera\, France Musique\, Radio France\, Luxembourg 100.7\, ORF1 Austria and Radio Romania Muzical.\n\nShe currently lives in London.\n\n\n\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	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/a-weekend-in-italy-with-margherita-torretta/
LOCATION:Kent
CATEGORIES:Advanced,Upper intermediate,Upper intermediate weekend
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.finchcocks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Screenshot_20250625_162133_FaceApp.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260626T190000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260628T153000
DTSTAMP:20260416T090327
CREATED:20250929T070007Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260309T162409Z
UID:30583-1782500400-1782660600@www.finchcocks.com
SUMMARY:The Invigorated Pianist with Dr. Michael Low - grade 8+
DESCRIPTION:Invigorate your piano playing and take ownership of your music with this new course\, developed by Dr. Michael Low! \nThrough coaching within the performance masterclass/workshop format\, popular piano myths such as “the solution to your technical problems can only be solved by practising more exercises” will be debunked\, encouraging you to see beyond the narrow confines of traditional piano teaching orthodoxies. Not only will course participants build and develop fundamental aspects of piano technique\, but they will consolidate their own personal vision of a musical work to perform with vibrancy and confidence. \n\n\n\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 hope guests will leave this special Finchcocks course feeling inspired\, confident – and above all invigorated. \nThis course aims to encourage and inspire participants to: \n\nhave the confidence and the ability to study a piece of music without the constant need for external validation\ntackle repertoire which other teachers may have told you is “beyond you”\nfind simple/practical lasting solutions to technical issues such as playing fast passages evenly and without physical tension\ntake ownership of your music\, from a technical\, artistic and interpretative point of view\nleave the course feeling “Well that was so obvious and simple!’ or ‘Why haven’t I thought of that before?”\nsee the bigger picture – after all\, life has never been about just playing the piano whereas playing the piano have always been about life!\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Invigorated Pianist will have a slightly different format to the usual Finchcocks one. \nMornings will begin with the established interactive workshop but\, in order to offer guests a longer allocation in the open\, performance class sessions\, slots will be doubled to at least 45 minutes per pianist – in lieu of one-to-one lessons. Should guests prefer a closed\, one-to-one lesson instead\, this can be arranged\, given notice. \nWorkshops will include: \n\nTaking inspiration from the great pianists. What they can teach us and how we can put these ideas into practice in our own playing OR Taking Ownership of Your Music\n Misreading the score: some musical examples as to how all of us\, including some of the greatest musicians of all times\, have ‘misread’ the musical score (Introduce Roberto Poti’s book\, The Secret Life of Musical Notation): Beethoven’s Fur Else\, opening motif of the 5th Symphony\, possibly the opening of the middle section of Chopin’s B minor Scherzo.\n\nAnd on the Saturday evening\, Michael and Fran will discuss and challenge the conventional idea of musical rubato with a recital-talk on Brahms Intermezzo in A Major Opus 118 No. 2; Saint-Saens/Bizet: First movement of Piano Concerto in G minor Opus 22; Brahms Piano Sonata No. 3 in F minor Opus 5\, Liszt Benediction of God in Solitude. \n\n\n\n\n\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. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGuests will: \n\nHave the chance to play in and observe extended (45min+ per player) performance 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.)\nExperience a private accompanied recital-talk for course participants in the main hall of the family home\, performed by Michael.\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\nPraised for his innovative approach and passionate insight into piano playing\, Dr. Michael Low’s teaching career in Asia and Africa has spanned almost a quarter of a century. As a student\, Michael studied piano with Richard Frostick (the current director of the BBC World Voice Programme) before enrolling as a member of London’s prestigious Centre For Young Musician where he studied piano with the international pedagogue Graham Fitch. He obtained his Honours at Surrey University under the tutelage of Clive Williamson before completing his Masters of Music whilst studying with Nils Franke and Niel Immelman. \nAn International Scholarship brought Michael to Cape Town where he completed his Doctorate under the supervision of South African greatest living composer\, Hendrik Hofmeyr. Michael has also worked with numerous eminent teachers and pianists including\, Nina Svetlanova\, Frank Heneghan\, James Gibb\, Phillip Fowke\, Renna Kellaway\, Carolina Oltsmann\, Florian Uhlig\, Gordon Fergus Thompson\, Francois du Toit and Helena van Heerden. \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-invigorated-pianist-with-dr-michael-low/
LOCATION:Kent
CATEGORIES:Advanced,Upper intermediate,Upper intermediate weekend
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.finchcocks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Michael-Low.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260904T190000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260906T153000
DTSTAMP:20260416T090327
CREATED:20260216T080054Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260130T163557Z
UID:31189-1788548400-1788708600@www.finchcocks.com
SUMMARY:Pianorama - Upper Intermediate - Advanced with Philip Fowke
DESCRIPTION:Pianorama – To See or not to See\, that is the Question! \nPianorama is an opportunity for Upper Intermediate to Advanced players to explore the piano as if for the first time. Finchcocks is delighted to welcome the inimitable Philip Fowke to our teaching team\, examining our relationship with the piano and how we practise\, play and perform. \nKnown for both his prolific performing career (including many BBC Promenade concerts and major concert halls worldwide) – as well as a distinguished teaching career (including RAM\, Welsh College of Music and Drama\, Head of Keyboard at Trinity College of Music) – Philip’s approach is to concentrate less on the performance\, but rather to know how to prepare.\n\nAimed at grades 7/8 upwards\, this course is a must for those who want to develop a healthy\, effective and sustainable approach to advanced playing.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPreparation comes first. Performance comes second – and it grows in direct proportion to the quality of preparation. Too often\, we rush to perform before the groundwork is truly in place. \nAt the heart of Philip’s teaching are the three D’s: Dedication\, Discipline\, and Detail. Just as important is learning how to learn – learning to listen\, and learning to see what’s really on the page. \nStudents of all ages and abilities often focus too heavily on performance itself\, rather than on the skills needed to prepare effectively for it. When preparation is rushed or incomplete\, it can lead to Panic\, Insecurity\, Anxiety\, Nerves\, and Other avoidable difficulties. \nPhilip’s guiding mantra is:See it. Sort it. Play it!(Inspired by British Rail’s “See it. Say it. Sorted.”) \nWith the right approach to preparation\, performance becomes not something to fear – but something to enjoy. \n\n \n\n\nPhilip loves working with adult advanced amateurs and strongly believes course participants should not feel any pressure to give a full performance. In group workshops\, he encourages students to present just a few troublesome bars or even nothing at all. It is quite sufficient to bring a piece\, not even to play it but simply discuss issues arising. And everyone in the group can benefit from this.\n\nThis philosophy feeds into his two talks Exploding Myths and Practice versus Preparation? which will form part of the weekend’s programme alongside the workshops.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn between group sessions\, there will be time for private practice on one of our beautiful grand pianos including our new Steinway. There are plenty for everyone\, and no need to book in a practice slot! \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nParticipants will also:\n\n\nEnjoy access to play on our 9 grand pianos anytime between 7am and 8pm. (There are enough pianos to go round that everyone can play a piano at any given time.)\nJoin and socialise with a group 8 fellow piano enthusiasts during lunch and dinner.\nDine in style with lunches and three course dinners prepared by our fabulous chef.\nExperience the Finchcocks bubble\, hailed as a “paradise for pianists” by BBC Music Magazine and stay in a grade 1 listed country manor.\n\nPlus ones are very welcome on our courses\, with a room surcharge dependant on whether they are a playing or non-playing guest. Please ask for further details. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPhilip Fowke has been described as “The Pianist’s Pianist”. From his debut at the Wigmore Hall in 1974 to his final televised Promenade Concert appearance at The Royal Albert Hall in 2003\, he has consistently received accolades in the press\, star ratings in his recordings and been acclaimed for his musicality and technical brilliance. His first BBC broadcast was as a boy at Downside School when he was thirteen. His career has covered a wide range of composers\, often exploring less familiar British repertoire. In addition\, he has given solo recitals at the Wigmore Hall\, the Queen Elizabeth Hall\, three Royal Gala concerto appearances at the Royal Festival Hall and has worked with some of the greatest conductors of the age including\, Yuri Temirkanov\, Gennadi Rozhdestvensky\, Klaus Tennstedt\, Carl Davis\, Norman del Mar\, Rudolph Barshai\, Yan Pascal Tortelier\, Martyn Brabbins\,Vladimir Ashkenazy\, Sir Alexander Gibson\, Sir Charles Groves\, Sir Edward Downes\, Sir Richard Hickox and Sir Simon Rattle. \nIn the nineteen nineties\, Philip devoted more time to teaching and was appointed Head of Keyboard at Trinity College of Music in 1994 where he remained until his retirement in 2019. With his extensive performing experience\, his reputation as an imaginative\, provocative and inspiring teacher has become legendary. \nPhilip Fowke spends time at his marital home in New Zealand\, a retreat in the Chilterns Buckinghamshire and Quarr Abbey on the Isle of Wight where he is an Oblate and accompanies the monks in the Gregorian Chant liturgy. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis is a fantastic opportunity to come and be inspired by a leading thinker\, teacher\, speaker and performer of the piano world. We can’t wait to experience his teaching in person and anticipate spaces to be snapped up very quickly. Book early to avoid disappointment! \nFor booking enquiries\, please fill in the form below. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n	Weekend courses\n\n	from £700 (inclusive of accommodation\, tuition and all food and wine)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n  \n\n\n\n Your Name (required)\n \n \n Your Email (required)\n \n \n Which course date(s) are you interested in?\n \n \n Playing level / experience (required)\n \n \n Room price band:\nPlease selectClassic (standard)Considerable (large)Old Dairy (with own piano)\n\n \n Other room preferences: (please select most important one and we'll try to our best to accommodate)\nPlease selectEnsuiteWalk-in showerBath2nd floor3rd floorI'm easy!\n\n \n Please tell us anything else that you think would be helpful:\n \n \n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n...
URL:https://www.finchcocks.com/availability/pianorama-upper-intermediate-advanced-with-philip-fowke/
LOCATION:Finchcocks\, Finchcocks\, Goudhurst\, Kent\, TN17 1HH\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Advanced,Upper intermediate,Upper intermediate weekend
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.finchcocks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/PF-PARIS-C-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261002T190000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261004T153000
DTSTAMP:20260416T090327
CREATED:20260216T080053Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260130T163343Z
UID:31216-1790967600-1791127800@www.finchcocks.com
SUMMARY:Jazz Piano with Nikki Yeoh - Upper Intermediate - Advanced
DESCRIPTION:Got the piano skills\, but want to learn the language of jazz? \nLove playing notated jazz\, but want to play like a proper jazzer? \nThis course is perfect for Upper Intermediate (classical) players and beyond who want to explore the world of jazz. We are very excited to be welcoming award-winning British jazz pianist\, Leeds Conservatoire Jazz Principal lecturer and Jazz FM presenter Nikki Yeoh to Finchcocks to teach the art of jazz. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you love to play\, but would like to learn the art of “comping” (playing along with other players)\, join seven other Upper Intermediate – Advanced pianists for some intensive jazz tuition and practice. \nLearn how to: \n\nVoice chords\nBuild up your voicing vocabulary\nComp for fellow students\nPerfect your comping rhythms as a supporting musician\nWork on different comping styles\nWork on Latin style rhythms\nBecome a confident live performer\n\n\n\n\nGuests will have the chance to play with a double bassist and jazz singer and\, with Nikki on hand to direct proceedings\, you’ll feel ready for your own gig in no time!\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn between group sessions\, there will be time for private practice on one of our beautiful grand pianos including our new Steinway. There are plenty for everyone\, and no need to book in a practice slot! \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nParticipants will also:\n\n\nEnjoy access to play on our 9 grand pianos anytime between 7am and 8pm. (There are enough pianos to go round that everyone can play a piano at any given time.)\nJoin and socialise with a group 8 fellow piano enthusiasts during lunch and dinner.\nDine in style with lunches and three course dinners prepared by our fabulous chef.\nExperience the Finchcocks bubble\, hailed as a “paradise for pianists” by BBC Music Magazine and stay in a grade 1 listed country manor.\n\nPlus ones are very welcome on our courses\, with a room surcharge dependant on whether they are a playing or non-playing guest. Please ask for further details. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSince her emergence on the British jazz scene in the mid 90s pianist Nikki Yeoh has proved to be an improviser\, composer and all-round adventurer who has continually sought to broaden her musical horizons. She has led her own bands in prestigious venues such as the  Royal Festival Hall and performed with hip-hop producers like DJ Pogo at more informal spaces such as the Jazz Café. She has been part of a brilliant duo with the vocalist Cleveland Watkiss and also worked with choral ensembles. In other words Yeoh is a creative free spirit who\, although deeply rooted in the language of improvisation\, is open to a range of music that leans as much to populism as it does high art. \nIndeed it was a tour with the maverick pop vocalist Neneh Cherry that led Yeoh to form her first significant group\, as she clicked musically with two other members of the singer’s backing band\, the bass guitarist Michael Mondesir and drummer Keith Le Blanc\, noted for his work for the pioneering hip-hop label Sugar Hill. \nAfter making its debut at the Jazz Café in 1994 the trio\, which Yeoh called Infinitum\, toured as part of a double bill with Django Bates’ Human Chain\, and Michael’s brother Mark eventually took over the drum chair as the group did more international work\, a highlight of which was a trip to Cuba for a collaboration with Conjunto Folklorico Nacional De Cuba. \nThose who have seen Yeoh in any one of the aforementioned settings will testify to her virtuosity on the keyboard. Drawing on pioneers from the worlds of jazz\, classical music and soul\, above all the likes of Herbie Hancock\, Alexander Scriabin and Stevie Wonder\, Yeoh has developed a style that can move from explosive rhythmic energy to understated lyricism at a moment’s notice. Indeed her ability to conjure up the most vividly evocative of moods by way of subtle\, probing harmony\, either in a duo\, as with vocalist Watkiss\, or in the demanding context of solo piano\, has been proven time and again. \nAccomplished soloist as she is\, Yeoh has also excelled as a composer over the years and this is borne out by the number of very significant commissions she has to her name. Among the most notable recent works is a Suite Of Seven Tunes\, based on the seven deadly sins\, for the internationally renowned reeds virtuoso\, John Surman. This was premiered at the 2010 Cheltenham International Jazz Festival. Prior to that\, in 2006\, Yeoh presented River Spirit\, which was written for The Oxford New College Boys Choir following a commission from Oxford Contemporary Music. These two compositions were testimony to the wealth of ideas that she has generated since the early stages of her career\, and the impression she made with Infinitum Plus\, a work for a 12-piece ensemble\, was considerable to say the least. It could not have been a clearer sign of the composer’s ambition and unpredictability\, so it was characteristic of Yeoh to subsequently head in an entirely different direction\, writing three pieces for classical piano virtuoso Joanna MacGregor\, Be-Bop\, Entwined and Flora And Fauna\, that were featured on the album Piano Language. \nYeoh’s output to date reflects an irrepressible spirit of curiosity that has taken her into areas far and wide\, be it gigs with cutting edge jazz musicians such as Steve Williamson and Courtney Pine\, soul stars like Jean Carne and Roy Ayers\, or the fiercely original hip-hop group The Roots. Regardless of the setting Yeoh always shows the same degree of dynamism and responsiveness\, qualities that she has developed through both her personal research of the history of music and extensive travels in Latin America\, India\, the Far East and Europe. \nNikki Yeoh is at the peak of her artistic powers. To her experience as a player has been added substantial life experience\, above all the joy of being both a teacher and mother. Her music remains one of her most precious creations. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDon’t let nerves stop you! This is an amazing opportunity to learn from one of the UK’s leading jazz pianists and educators and discover your own jazz piano voice. \nFor booking enquiries\, please fill in the form below. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n	Weekend courses\n\n	from £700 (inclusive of accommodation\, tuition and all food and wine)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n  \n\n\n\n Your Name (required)\n \n \n Your Email (required)\n \n \n Which course date(s) are you interested in?\n \n \n Playing level / experience (required)\n \n \n Room price band:\nPlease selectClassic (standard)Considerable (large)Old Dairy (with own piano)\n\n \n Other room preferences: (please select most important one and we'll try to our best to accommodate)\nPlease selectEnsuiteWalk-in showerBath2nd floor3rd floorI'm easy!\n\n \n Please tell us anything else that you think would be helpful:\n \n \n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n...
URL:https://www.finchcocks.com/availability/jazz-piano-with-nikki-yeoh/
LOCATION:Finchcocks\, Finchcocks\, Goudhurst\, Kent\, TN17 1HH\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Advanced,Upper intermediate,Upper intermediate weekend
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.finchcocks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Nikki-Yeoh-071B-By-Nick-White-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261113T190000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261115T153000
DTSTAMP:20260416T090327
CREATED:20260216T080046Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260206T162852Z
UID:31256-1794596400-1794756600@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 will be in residence for the duration of the course so that guests can explore what these instruments can reveal in our interpretation. \nThis mixed ability course is suitable for pianists playing at an intermediate to advanced level. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs well as a one-to-one lesson with Steven\, weekend tuition will include two workshops and the chance to play in and observe two performance masterclasses also. Themes to be explored are: \n\nBaroque Music – a question of style: Bring your Baroque repertoire to life through an understanding of articulation\, ornamentation\, rhythm\, phrasing\, and historical context. Participants will consider how stylistic choices influence sound and interpretation\, with practical demonstrations on both piano and  and discussion applicable to composers such as Bach\, Handel\, and Scarlatti.\nThere’s not only Bach…: Broaden your Baroque horizons by exploring the rich variety of composers and styles from across Europe. Through listening\, discussion\, and practical examples\, pianists will explore contrasting styles and discover fresh repertoire to enliven their Baroque playing.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n“He’s building a reputation as an outstanding recitalist; this completion of his ‘48’ is a highly satisfying account.” BBC Music Magzine November 2020 \n\nOn Saturday evening\, guests can sit back and relax in the main hall of the family home and enjoy a performance by Steven himself. This is an opportunity to hear an artist regularly featured on BBC Radio 3 perform an exclusive private concert in a relaxed setting. An inspirational treat not to be missed! \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDuring their stay\, guests will also: \n\nEnjoy access to play on our 9 grand pianos anytime between 7am and 8pm. (There are enough pianos to go round that everyone can play a piano at any given time.)\nJoin and socialise with a group 8 fellow piano enthusiasts during lunch and dinner.\nDine in style with lunches and three course dinners prepared by our fabulous chef.\nExperience the Finchcocks bubble\, hailed as a “paradise for pianists” by BBC Music Magazine and stay in a grade 1 listed country manor.\n\nPlus ones are very welcome on our courses\, with a room surcharge dependant on whether they are a playing or non-playing guest. Please ask for further details. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSteven Devine enjoys a busy career as a music director and keyboard player working with some of the finest musicians. \nHe is the Principal Keyboard Player with the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment and also the principal keyboard player for The Gonzaga Band\, The Mozartists and performs regularly with many other groups around Europe. He has recorded over thirty discs with other artists and ensembles and made six solo recordings. His recording of Bach’s Goldberg Variations (Chandos Records) has received critical acclaim – including Gramophone magazine describing it as “among the best”. The complete harpsichord works of Rameau (Resonus) has received five-star reviews from BBC Music Magazine. Steven has recently released  Bach’s Well-Tempered Clavier (“it’s the one of all I’ve heard in the past ten years that I am happiest to live with.” Early Music Review)  – available on this site. \nHe made his London conducting debut in 2002 at the Royal Albert Hall and is now a regular performer there – including making his Proms directing debut in August 2007 with the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment. He has conducted the Mozart Festival Orchestra in every major concert hall in the UK and also across Switzerland. Steven is Music Director for New Chamber Opera in Oxford and with them has performed repertoire from Cavalli to Rossini. For the Dartington Festival Opera he has conducted Handel’s Orlando and Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas. He is currently conductor and Artistic Advisor for the English Haydn Festival in Bridgnorth. \nSteven works regularly with the Norwegian Wind Ensemble\, Trondheim Barokk\, the Victoria Baroque Players (BC\, Canada) and Arion Baroque Ensemble (Montreal). \nHe is Early Keyboard Consultant to the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire and Royal Welsh Colleges\, and teaches fortepiano at the Royal Academy of Music. \nFinally\, Steven is thrilled to be a member of the ground-breaking Art of Moog: an electronic music group specialising in the performance of Bach. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFor booking enquiries\, please contact Jenny by filling in the form below. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n	Weekend courses\n\n	from £700 (inclusive of accommodation\, tuition and all food and wine)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n  \n\n\n\n Your Name (required)\n \n \n Your Email (required)\n \n \n Which course date(s) are you interested in?\n \n \n Playing level / experience (required)\n \n \n Room price band:\nPlease selectClassic (standard)Considerable (large)Old Dairy (with own piano)\n\n \n Other room preferences: (please select most important one and we'll try to our best to accommodate)\nPlease selectEnsuiteWalk-in showerBath2nd floor3rd floorI'm easy!\n\n \n Please tell us anything else that you think would be helpful:
URL:https://www.finchcocks.com/availability/keyboard-music-from-the-baroque-with-steven-devine-mixed-ability-2026/
LOCATION:Finchcocks\, Finchcocks\, Goudhurst\, Kent\, TN17 1HH\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Advanced,Intermediate,Upper intermediate,Upper intermediate weekend
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.finchcocks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Steven-Devine-2.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261211T193000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261213T153000
DTSTAMP:20260416T090327
CREATED:20260216T080022Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260206T165014Z
UID:31259-1797017400-1797175800@www.finchcocks.com
SUMMARY:Christmas at Finchcocks with David Hall - Mixed ability
DESCRIPTION:Experience the magic of Finchcocks during the festive season and escape Christmas craziness with this popular retreat! \nRun by David Hall\, FRCO MA Cantab\, this mixed ability weekend aims to explore Christmas music written or arranged for piano\, accompanied by carols\, mince pies and of course mulled wine! \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGet your festive party pieces ready for Christmas day… or whenever you’re put on the spot for some Christmas music! Guests can bring any pieces they would especially like to work on\, or might choose from any of the following: \n\nThe Faber Music Christmas Piano Anthology\nTchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite for solo piano\nThe John Rutter Christmas Piano Album\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs well as focussing on Christmas repertoire in performance classes\, a spotlight will also be given to Carols for choirs and Christmas songs you need up your sleeve in our two interactive workshops. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn between the workshop and performance class sessions there will be time for private practice on one of our beautiful grand pianos. During these sessions\, David will give one-to-one lessons on our new Steinway to provide individual pointers and tips… And of course there’s always time for some Christmassy duets with a fellow guest too! \n\n\nOn the Saturday evening\, we’ll enjoy some carols and David will round off the evening with some of his own favourites on the family Bosendorfer. This is the chance to sit back and simply be inspired\, glass of wine in hand by the fireside. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGuests will: \n\nHave the chance to play in and observe two performance masterclasses.\nWill receive a one-to-one lesson with David.\nEnjoy access to play on our 9 grand pianos anytime between 7am and 8pm. (There are enough pianos to go round that everyone can play a piano at any given time.)\nExperience a private concert for course participants in the main hall of the family home\, performed by David.\nJoin and socialise with a group 8 fellow piano enthusiasts during lunch and dinner.\nDine in style with lunches and three course dinners prepared by our fabulous chef.\nExperience the Finchcocks bubble\, hailed as a “paradise for pianists” by BBC Music Magazine and stay in a grade 1 listed country manor.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFor some musical\, Christmas magic (and to book)\, please fill in the form below! \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n	Weekend courses\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n	from £700 (inclusive of accommodation\, food\, wine and tuition)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n  \n\n\n\n Your Name (required)\n \n \n Your Email (required)\n \n \n Which course date(s) are you interested in?\n \n \n Playing level / experience (required)\n \n \n Room price band:\nPlease selectClassic (standard)Considerable (large)Old Dairy (with own piano)\n\n \n Other room preferences: (please select most important one and we'll try to our best to accommodate)\nPlease selectEnsuiteWalk-in showerBath2nd floor3rd floorI'm easy!\n\n \n Please tell us anything else that you think would be helpful:
URL:https://www.finchcocks.com/availability/christmas-at-finchcocks-2026/
LOCATION:Kent
CATEGORIES:Advanced,Intermediate,Lower intermediate,Lower Intermediate Weekend,Mixed ability,Upper intermediate,Upper intermediate weekend
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.finchcocks.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/2019-04-06-Finchcocks-Piano-schoolEd-Ovenden-006-Copy.jpg
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