Presentations, Performance Workshops and Live Discussion
Join internationally renowned pianist and teacher Graham Fitch for a full day of musical exploration, combining two engaging presentations, a live performance workshop and an interactive Q&A session.
Whether attending in person or online, you’ll gain insight into interpretation, technique, practice and performance through a unique opportunity to observe Graham working with a range of pianists and repertoire in real time.
The day is designed for intermediate and advanced pianists, teachers and enthusiastic amateurs who wish to deepen their understanding of music-making and learn from the experience of others.
What You’ll Experience
Presentation 1 (11:30 – 12:15) – Those Pesky Ornaments
Trills, mordents, turns and embellishments can leave even experienced pianists uncertain about what the composer intended. In this presentation, Graham Fitch demystifies ornamentation by exploring the principles that underpin it across Baroque, Classical and Romantic repertoire. By understanding not only how ornaments are played, but why they are played that way, you’ll be able to approach decorated passages with greater confidence, stylistic awareness and musical insight.
Presentation 2 (12:30 – 13:15) – The Art of Phrase Shaping
What makes one performance sound merely accurate while another seems to sing? In this presentation, Graham Fitch explores the ingredients of effective phrase shaping, revealing how touch, voicing, tonal layering, timing and pedalling work together to create direction, colour and shape in the music. Through demonstrations and repertoire examples, you’ll discover how these ideas can bring greater depth and variety to your playing while helping musical lines feel more natural, connected and alive.
Live Performance Workshop (14:00 – approx. 16:15)
Observe Graham coaching pianists on a variety of repertoire, musical questions and technical challenges. Discover how interpretative ideas are developed, practice strategies refined and musical problems solved in real time.
Audience Q&A and Practice Clinic (Approx. 16:15 – 17:00)
An opportunity to ask Graham your questions on interpretation, technique, practising, performance and repertoire.
Ticket Options
In-Person Observer Ticket
Experience the day live at the 1901 Arts Club in London, home to a superb Steinway Model C grand piano. Stay afterwards for informal drinks and conversation with Graham and fellow pianists.
Observer tickets cost £45 and can be purchased here.
Online Ticket
Join from anywhere in the world via livestream. You’ll be able to watch all presentations, workshops and discussions and will also receive access to the recordings afterwards.
Online tickets cost £40 (£24 for Online Academy subscribers) and can be purchased here.
Performer Tickets
All performance spaces for this event are now sold out but you can still register for our waiting list here.
Please see our FAQ below for further information or click here to contact us if you have any other questions.
About the Performance Workshops
These sessions are Graham’s take on the masterclass format, with the emphasis firmly on learning, exploration and artistic development rather than polished concert performances. Participants are welcome to bring:
- New repertoire
- Works in progress
- Specific technical or musical questions
- Performance-related challenges
Graham’s approach is highly individual and tailored to each pianist, providing the insights, ideas and practical guidance needed to help move your playing forward, whatever your level or stage of development.
About the Day
Alongside the afternoon performance workshops, the day will also feature presentations, discussion and a live Q&A session with Graham.
Topics and scheduling will be confirmed shortly, but the day is intended to provide a rich and inspiring mixture of practical ideas, musical insights and collaborative discussion for pianists passionate about developing their playing.
Workshop Details
📅 Saturday 4th July
📍 1901 Arts Club, Waterloo (Central London)
⏰ 11:00am arrival for 11:30 start
🍷 Informal drinks afterwards from 17:00 onwards (cash bar)
Frequently asked questions
- What level of playing does this event cater for? The course will be suitable for intermediate to advanced pianists e.g. ABRSM / Trinity Grade 4 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.
- 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.
- Is the venue accessible for wheelchair users? We regret that 1901 Arts Club is not a fully accessible building. There are two steps up from pavement level to our ground floor Salon (where performances take place), but access to upper floors (bar/lounge, meeting room and terrace) is by stairs only. There is a unisex toilet on the ground floor level with sturdy handrail and raised toilet basin, but the cubicle is not large enough for a wheelchair.
- What is the cancellation policy? Please see terms and conditions regarding our cancellation policy.
- Are accommodation and meals included? Accommodation and meals are not included therefore participants will need to make their own arrangements.
- 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.
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