Saturday 24th September 2022
Our first London Piano Course in our new studios in central London took place on the 24th September. This full day course featured two presentations, a performance workshop and a Q&A session. The event combined in-person and online participation and was also recorded so that participants can also watch after the event.
Sessions & format
Presentation: How to Learn a New Piece – Building firm foundations in the note learning stage pays dividends later, especially if we plan to perform the piece. In this presentation, Graham will use examples from the repertoire to illustrate how best to start the learning process. This will include deep learning and memorisation techniques, which will enhance your appreciation and enjoyment of the craft of practising. As with all the activities during the day, there will be plenty of opportunities for Q&A.
Presentation: Aspects of Style – Am I allowed to use the pedal in Baroque music? How do I manage all those pesky ornaments and what do all those short slurs mean in Mozart? What is rubato and are there any rules for how it should be done? In this session, Graham Fitch answers these questions and discusses style and interpretation using examples from the Baroque, Classical and Romantic periods.
Performance & Practising Workshops – The afternoon sessions feature a performance workshop and a practice Q&A session. The performance workshop is Graham’s take on a masterclass giving in-person participants the chance to play a piece (or part thereof) and then work with Graham directly on general feedback or specific areas. This will be followed by a session in which Graham will address practising-related questions submitted in advance by all participants, including our online audience.
Recording excerpt
This video features excerpts from the recordings for the above sessions, including a demonstration of a practice tool for learning new pieces, how to add expression and colour to a work by Scarlatti and working on two tricky spots in two sonata’s by Beethoven during the performance workshops:
Ticket options & prices
Online Tickets – If you missed this event you can still purchase access to recordings of the full day or one of the individual sessions. Tickets for the full day cost £80 (£48 for Online Academy subscribers) and can be purchased here or individually via the following links:
- Presentation 1: How to Learn a New Piece
- Presentation 2: Aspects of Style in the Baroque, Classical and Romantic Periods
- Afternoon sessions: Performance & Practising Workshops
Please see our FAQ below for further information or click here to contact us if you have any other questions.
Next event: Baroque Day (22nd October 2022)
Our second London Piano Course takes place on Saturday 22nd October with a similar format to our first event which took place in September, but with a focus on Baroque music. In this day of workshops and presentations, Graham Fitch shows how repertoire from this period can be played stylistically and expressively on the piano. Click here to find out more and for ticket options.
Frequently asked questions
- What level of playing does this course cater for? The course will be suitable for intermediate to advanced pianists e.g. ABRSM / Trinity Grade 5 and upwards.
- Can I perform remotely / online in one of the workshops? These specific events are only open to in-person performers, but we do run separate online performance workshops which you would be most welcome to participate in.
- Is the venue accessible for wheelchair users? Unfortunately due to the layout of the building, the venue is not accessible for wheelchair users as there are two flights of stairs and no lift access.
- What is the cancellation policy? Please see terms and conditions regarding our cancellation policy.
- Is accommodation included? Accommodation and meals (other than refreshments and a light lunch on each of the days) is not included and participants will need to make their own arrangements.
- Do you cater for any specific dietary requirements? Yes, you can tell us about any dietary requirements that you have on our booking form. We will do our best to accommodate you but we can’t guarantee that our food or drink are allergen free.
- Are there any discounts for Online Academy subscribers for in-person tickets? Due to the costs of hosting an event of this nature in central London and the limited places available, we regret we’re unable to offer discounts to Online Academy subscribers for in-person tickets. We will however give Online Academy subscribers an exclusive window to take advantage of discounted early-bird tickets.
- I would love to participate but I’m nervous about playing in front of others! Most players attending a piano course will feel nervous playing in front of the group. Graham’s approach is to recognise and respect this, creating a safe and non-judgmental space for everyone.
Terms & conditions
Our terms and conditions for bookings for in-person tickets as of 01/08/2022 are as follows:
- Fees for in-person tickets are payable upfront in full at the time of booking
- You will receive a refund of 50% if you need to cancel any time up until two weeks of the event start date (for any reason)
- The event will be streamed live and recorded for the benefit of participants and an online audience. Therefore by participating in-person, you consent to our recording of the event and usage of the recordings for this purpose.
- In the event of a cancellation, you will be provided with digital access to the event and the recordings thereof
- If the event cannot be run as originally planned, we will give you the option to rebook for another date or a full refund
- We recommend that you take out suitable insurance including cancellation protection, particularly if substantial travel expenses are likely to be incurred
- You are responsible for informing us of any particular dietary requirements, allergies and intolerances. Our catering team will do their best to accommodate such requests but we can’t guarantee that our food or drink are allergen free.
- Please ensure you have any medication with you and alert a member of the team in the event of an allergic reaction.