- Help! I haven’t taken any (British) music grades and am unsure what level I am.
Music isn’t all about grades, it just gives us a rough idea. You can check out roughly what level you fit into by reading this blog. - There’s a waiting list for the course I’m interested in. How do I sign up?
Simply email here and ask to be added! - Are the prices listed just for accommodation?
No! Prices listed here are all-inclusive of accommodation, tuition, food and wine. There is nothing else to pay once here. - Can I bring a non-playing plus-one?
Yes, non-playing plus-ones are very welcome. The supplement to cover accommodation, food, wine and the Saturday evening recital is 50% of your chosen room. For some ideas to keep them occupied, check out this blog piece! - Can I bring my child?
No, we’re adults only (18+) here at Finchcocks. - I don’t have a British bank account. How can I pay for a course?
We now use Wise (formerly known as Transferwise) for international transactions. It is far cheaper and quicker to transfer funds internationally than doing by bank transfer. Alternatively, should be able to pay by credit card via your invoice. - What is supplied in the rooms?
Bottled water, towels, shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, hairdryer, a few hangers, and of course WiFi! A dressing gown is provided in rooms with a private bathroom opposite or adjacnt (rather than ensuite). - Is there anything I should bring?
We hope we provide everything needed for a happy stay. However, some guests like to bring slippers to feel even more relaxed! - How much music should I prepare?
This is quite hard to answer! it depends on your repertoire, its difficulty and length.- A weekend: A challenging piece and another to ease you in.
- A 3-day course: A challenging piece and another to ease you in.
- A 5-day course: A couple of challenging pieces and a couple of easiers one for when you need a break!
If you want to try something different during your stay, we have a music library from which you are welcome to borrow anything you like.
- Can I check in early?
Standard check-in is from 6pm. You can upgrade to an early check-in at 1pm. Details here. - Do you offer extra nights’ stay either side of the course?
We’re unfortunately not set up to offer extra nights’ stay, however there are some places nearby you could try:In Goudhurst village (the closest village a couple of miles away):- The Winemaker’s Pub
- The Star and Eagle
- … or of course Airbnb!
- A 25-minute drive away is also the new Premier Inn in Tunbridge Wells centre.
- Can I get to Finchcocks by public transport?
- By train: If you are coming by train, the best bet is to travel to Tonbridge and then jump in a taxi. There are plenty of taxis on standby there and you shouldn’t have a problem securing one without booking (unless you’d like to for peace of mind). The fare is around £40.We have a complimentary taxi booked for the Sunday at 3:30pm for those who need to return to Tonbridge station. Your course host should check who needs this during your stay. However, please also mention it to them upon arrival. It is paid for by Finchcocks and cancelled by Finchcocks if not needed.
- From Eurostar: If taking the Eurostar, you’ll arrive in at London St Pancras. From there, you will need to get to London Bridge either by Thameslink overground train or on the Northern line underground. You can then travel to Tonbridge station where plenty of taxis are usually available.
- From Gatwick: The best airport to fly into is London Gatwick. From there you can either rent a taxi to your accommodation, or take a train into London and then to Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells or Paddock Wood, depending on where you choose to stay the night before.
- Can I charge my electric car on site?
Yes, an electric charger is available in our car park for course guests. - Can I come as a day student?
We find guests get a lot more out of an immersive experience, staying on site for the duration of a course – regardless of how close they live to us! Obviously if you need to pop out or go home in-between, you are very welcome to, but course prices reflect the residential experience. - What time does the course start?
Depending on whether you have booked a weekend, 3- or 5-day course your check-in arrival will vary.- Standard weekend check-in: Friday 6pm
- Upgraded early weekend check-in: Friday 1pm
- 3-day course: Friday 10am
- 5-day course: (Usually) Monday 9:30am/ 10am depending
- What’s the structure of a course look like?
Take a peek at past programmes to give you an idea of what to expect! - How is contact time delivered?
Our guests receive tuition via:- One-to-one lessons (30-40 minutes each on a weekend course, 45 minutes on a 3-day course and two 30 minutes on a 5-day course)
- Interactive workshops
- Performance classes
- What dietary requirements do you cater for?
If you are vegetarian, vegan or have an allergy, please let us know upon booking and we will do our best to accommodate. - How accessible is Finchcocks?
Finchcocks is a grade-1 listed building and, as such, has some steps and stairs to negotiate! If you find stairs a challenge, we recommend early booking of our self-contained cottage the Old Dairy. We will do our best to make your stay as comfortable as possible. Please let us know what you need upon booking. - Can I use the outdoor pool?
Unless specified, our outdoor pool is open for an early pre-breakfast swim and two allocated afternoon swim sessions on our 5-day summer schools only. - Do we need to “dress” for dinner?
Above all, we want our guests to be comfortable. Some guests like to make an occasion for the Saturday evening tutor recital, but otherwise we’re quite informal! - What time does the course end?
Depending on whether you have booked a weekend, 3- or 5-day course your check-in arrival will vary.- Weekend and 3-day courses: Sunday 3:30pm
- 5-day course: (Usually) Friday 3:30pm
- What is your cancellation policy?
You can find our cancellation and transfer policy here. - Do you offer gift vouchers?
We do! We can make them out for a chosen amount or a particular course. More details here. - Can I stay at Finchcocks outside of a course?
Finchcocks is a private home and opens only for our scheduled residential courses.
If we haven’t answered your question, do drop us a line below and Jenny our Programme Director will get back to you!