By our Programme Director Jenny Maslin
Having signed up for a retreat recently myself, I’m reminded of the less obvious benefits that quietly accompany attending a music course…
Because booking on is not just about the window of time you block out in your diary!
1. A goal to work towards
As adult learners, we don’t always want to follow the traditional exam route – and might not be ready for or interested in public performances. By signing up for a course, a performance goal is now also in the diary to motivate the practice regime!
2. A renewed commitment to your instrument
Ever shied away from describing yourself as a “pianist” because you don’t see yourself playing at the level you’d like to? You play the piano. You practise it… and you go on courses to improve your art and skills. Attending a course helps cement your commitment to your instrument and identity as a “pianist”! It’s your thing.
3. An environment to inspire and encourage each other
Before a course, the experience can feel quite abstract. You don’t know the rest of the group. You’re even a little nervous of meeting and playing to them. But once there, you discover a group of people equally passionate about playing – to learn with and from – and who want you to succeed too!
4. Inspiration that long outlasts the course and feeds into future practice
Piano playing can be quite a solitary pursuit. A course can stir up a stagnant practice regime, lifting you out of a rut. It can provide a new perspective to continue with – and plenty more tools to add to your practice toolbox!
5. Musical friendships!
The fifth and longlasting unexpected benefit is seeing WhatsApp groups spring up during and after courses, and participants warmly recognising each other on future courses. People sometimes even end up re-booking together – or setting up their own mini piano club of two or three following a piano course. Finding friendship in a shared passion is an extra bonus, not to be underestimated, especially when you need a pep talk or want to go piano shopping with someone who “gets it”!
