Many players ascribe problems they are having in their playing to faulty technique, when how they are practising might be the root cause. Since how we practise is actually a part of technique, it is helpful to have concrete strategies for learning notes, solving problems, finessing our playing and preparing for performance. In this 3-day...

This 3-day course is designed for people who have made a good start at the piano and got to between grade 2 and grade 4 standard. It's ideal for players keen to return to the piano after a gap of a few years, or indeed for anyone practising regularly working up through the grades. Tuition...

A course devoted to the most luxurious and indulgent of piano repertoire - Exploring the Romantics! This exciting period spans from mid-Beethoven to Rachmaninov (and beyond) and encapsulates an enormous amount of piano music. We are spoiled for choice, as anything from a gentle John Field Nocturne or Schubert Impromptu, to a Brahms Rhapsody, Liszt...

22981|https://finchcocksstg.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Graham-demonstrating-1024x768.jpg|large 2024 offers Advanced pianists three very different 5-day courses to choose from. The first is dedicated especially (but not exclusively) to those preparing for a diploma or special performance, providing a concentrated boost for those attending - to study, practise, polish and improve performance skills and experience. 22984|https://finchcocksstg.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Graham-and-Daire-1024x768.jpg|large Preparing for a diploma or special...

15202|https://finchcocksstg.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/IMG_3122-1024x682.jpg|large A weekend devoted to exploring ideas for improvisation at the piano - which, for the busy or practice-challenged pianist - requires no preparation. Improvisation is great fun in any style. In fact it used to be a mainstay of musical education. Handel, Bach, Mozart and many others were famous for their improvisations, many of...

Dealing with nerves is something players at every level have to deal with, even advanced players. Perhaps even moreso! During this weekend course, we will compare the difference between playing to yourself and playing to other people, and how an awareness of these inherent differences can be channelled to improve your confidence when performing. We...

We are thrilled to be welcoming concert pianist, writer, lecturer, teacher and leading authority in Debussy Paul Roberts to lead this 3-day course. Paul Roberts is an exceptional musician, a fine and deeply sensitive pianist, teacher and an author of the greatest distinction. His books on Debussy and Ravel are quite simply the most outstanding...

We are thrilled to welcome one of the UK's most successful and prolific music educators and composers, Pam Wedgwood to Finchcocks to lead a course for our Intermediate players! An inspiration for teachers and pupils alike, Pam Wedgwood has been a staple diet for young musicians throughout the world for almost twenty years. Composer of...

24557|https://www.finchcocks.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Dave-at-the-Bosendorfer-1024x683.jpg|large A weekend dedicated to sight-reading which, for the busy or practice-challenged pianist, requires no preparation at all! Why 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...

Playing from memory can be liberating, but it also has its potential pitfalls. Whether you want to strengthen your ability and confidence to perform from memory, or learn your pieces on a deeper level but end up playing from the score, this course will provide you with a number of tried and tested ideas, strategies and methods that will...

We know advanced pianists will be absolutely delighted to have the opportunity to spend five days learning from and being inspired by the inimitable Florian Mitrea. Below, he describes his plan for the Finchcocks 2024 summer school course for advanced pianists (beyond grade 8, preparing for - or at - diploma standard, or higher). Our...

Our 5-day summer schools are a well established highlight of the Finchcocks calendar. To ensure a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere, priority is given to those who have attended at least one weekend Finchcocks course previously. This 5-day piano retreat for intermediate players offers pianists grades around grades 4 to 6, the chance to fully emerse...

Fancy a UK based, luxury weekend away in a grade 1 listed country manor, surrounded by 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...

One of the great musical dynasties, the Bach family arguably produced some of the finest musicians ever.  Although the name Bach for most people refers to Johann Sebastian, there were many others in the family line, including three of his sons who developed and changed musical style. We are delighted to be offering a second...

Explore the music of four piano greats with a 5-day course dedicated to Beethoven, Chopin, Liszt and Debussy. Do you love playing Chopin, but lack confidence to play Beethoven? Would you love the challenge of learning a Liszt piece when you usually stick to "impressionist" repertoire? Spanning almost a 100 years from the birth of...

Back by very popular demand, this will be our sixth Chopin weekend here at Finchcocks, this time with incredibly knowledgeable and talented virtuoso UK concert pianist Daniel Grimwood. Chopin’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...

We've had a lot of interest from Beginner pianists who weren't quite ready for a Lower Intermediate course, but who are very keen to come on a course at Finchcocks! This course is just for those very pianists. If you're a beginner, perhaps 6-9 months into learning, through to grade 2, this weekend is the...

Fancy a UK based, luxury weekend away in a grade 1 listed country manor, surrounded by grand pianos? Join us for our extended, 3-day piano retreat! Our piano retreat is designed for anyone who just wants to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It would suit those who want a bit of time...

Come, emerse yourself in the sound world of one of the most significant composers of Western classical music! On this Advanced - Diploma+ ability three-day course dedicated to the music of Beethoven, Graham Fitch will guide you in exploring the physical, emotional and intellectual challenges of the great composer's music, paying particular attention to the...

This thought-provoking course focuses on the strategies that root your musical performances in more confident foundations. We explore and apply a diverse range of psychology-related ideas including ’the flow’; and...