What’s it like on a Finchcocks Summer School?

Well, we thought we’d share with you some insights and highlights!

The week is dedicated to a balance of daily interactive workshops on a particular topic, performance classes (where participants can play a polished piece for constructive, encouraging feedback or work on a particularly tricky passage in an “open” lesosn), private practice and one-to-one lessons.

Woven into the programme are plenty of coffee and cake breaks – as well as a little leisure! If you’d like to take a peek at the summer’s schedule, you can view it here.

Evenings are spent together, technology-free, for a truly relaxing time – and a break from the outside world. Be it tutor recital or recital-talk, wine tasting or an informal student cabaret evening, they’re a great chance to either experience or discuss more (piano) music!

In their own words, here is a highlight from each of this year’s guests:

• Annmarie – “There’s not one highlight – there are many – Graham Fitch our tutor; our fellow students; and the swimming pool.”
• Helen – “Superb swimming pool. Excellent hammock! Feeling included in the warm & friendly group of people here. Warmth and friendliness of organisers – Jenny and Graham. A wonderful relaxing break.”
• Charles – “MAGICAL – If I had to pick one thing, it would be Graham’s inspirational teaching which has enabled me to think of playing the piano differently.”
• Jackie – “Impossible to pick one highlight! The recital by Graham Songs without words. The student recital.”
• Nigel – “Fabulous food, great company, and brilliant instruction.”
• Robert – “Too many highlights for this size paper! But, Thursday evening piano recital was the best.”
• Elena – “From the moment I arrived, Finchcocks put me at ease. From Jenny’s kindness and attention to detail, to the warm hospitality of everyone who looked after us, to Graham’s remarkable ability to spot tiny sources of tension that transformed the way I play, and the encouragement and genuine support of fellow pianists throughout the week – it was easy to relax, learn and simply enjoy making music.”
• Tian-Yi – “Finchcocks truly lives up to its reputation for being a paradise for pianists. I really enjoyed myself. The highlights of the week were the daily performance workshops, excellent tuition sessions with Graham and the student recital on the final evening of the course. Of course, not forgetting the lovely food and drink, and company!”