There are courses and summer schools for pianists of all levels, from single days and “taster” courses to piano weekends and whole weeks of piano goodness in the company of some of the finest pianists and teachers from around the world. Courses are a great way to connect with other pianists and like-minded people and are brilliant for improving skills such as technique and performance, and inspiring productive practising. Here are some of the best courses in the UK and Europe, many of which have been warmly endorsed by pianist friends and colleagues.
COURSES IN THE UK
Mountain Music. An exciting and unique series of small-scale music courses held near Betws y Coed, in the heart of Snowdonia National Park in Wales. Courses for pianists and violinists, with pianist Richard Ormrod and violinist Mary Hofman. Further information
Oxford Piano Weekends. Designed for advanced amateur pianists, students, piano teachers and professional pianists wanting an opportunity to dive into intensive study of their chosen repertoire. Learning is in masterclass format for a maximum of eight pianists and is ideal for anyone who wants to free their playing from tension and performance nerves, all within a friendly, homely and supportive environment. Tutor: Charlotte Tomlinson. Further information
Benslow Music. Residential and day music courses for students of alllevels at a beautiful purpose-built campus in Hitchin, Hertfordshire. Tutors include Nigel Clayton, Timothy Barratt, Caroline Clemmow and Heli Ignatius-Fleet. Further information
Chetham’s International Summer School for Pianists. Ever popular ‘friendliest piano summer school in the world’, Chetham’s International Piano Summer School brings world class and legendary musicians to a vibrant, supportive community in central Manchester. Further information
Finchcocks Piano Courses for pianists and piano teachers throughout the year to suit all abilities in a beautiful stately home setting in the Kent countryside. Tutors include Graham Fitch, Penelope Roskell, Steven Devine, Daniel Grimwood and Charlotte Tomlinson. Further information
Jackdaws Music Trust. Popular weekend courses throughout the year for pianists, singers and other instrumentalists. Friendly supportive atmosphere. Courses to suit intermediate to advanced students, plus courses on jazz, accompanying and duets. Further information
London Piano Meetup Group. Co-founded in 2013 by Frances Wilson (AKA The Cross-Eyed Pianist), the LPMG hosts regular informal performance platforms and social events for adult pianists in London, as well as one-day courses/workshops with visiting tutors, including the very popular Diploma Day with Graham Fitch and Frances Wilson. The group is run via an email mailing list (contact londonpianomeetup@gmail.com) and Facebook group
Lot Music. Relaunched for 2022 as “Not in the Lot Music”, this popular summer course for pianists has relocated to the UK. The course is aimed at those who would like to join a group with a common musical interest in a convivial relaxed atmosphere. Ability level: Grade 8+. Further information
Pianissimi A three-day intensive piano course for advanced adult pianists (Grade 7 to post-diploma). The aim of the course is to meet other pianists, receive excellent tuition and be immersed in music. Tutors include Penelope Roskell and Warren Mailley-Smith. Further information
Pro Corda. Adult courses designed to serve both the keen amateur musician who has little time in a hectic lifestyle to further skills and indulge their musical passion and excitement, along with those who have never had the chance to develop musical skills but have always longed to do so. The unique setting of Leiston Abbey is the perfect place to enjoy music along with great food and wine, while getting to know other like-minded people in a warm and sociable environment. Further information
Summer School for Pianists. This popular and long-standing summer school is now based at Stowe School in Buckinghamshire. All-Steinway facilities with stunning architecture set in National Trust gardens. Friendly, supportive atmosphere, tutor recitals and many optional music activities, plus opportunities for accompanying. Faculty includes Karl Lutchmayer, Graham Fitch, Ann Martin Davis and Christine Stevenson. Further information
COURSES IN EUROPE
Piano with James Lisney. Popular courses for advanced amateur pianists at Canel, an attractive 16th-century farmhouse in the beautiful Lot-et-Garonne region of SW France, and at The Castle, a picturesque boutique hotel in Castletownshend, West Cork, Ireland. Further information
Piano at Le Maillard. Residential piano courses led by Helen Leek and Ann Martin-Davis at their home ‘Le Maillard’ in Édon, in the beautiful Charente region of SW France, and one-day courses at their central London studio. The residential courses are aimed at adult returners – pianists who played as children and have come back to the piano as adults – and piano professionals. Further information
Music Holiday Italy. Unique 1-to-1 coaching weeks cater for beginners through to diploma level. Just you and your tutor, 4 hours intensive coaching each day and plenty of time to practise, relax, or discover the cultural treasures and scenic wonders of the Sibillini national park. With no distractions and none of the pressure of performing in front of fellow pianists, this is an immensely effective way to learn a lot in a short time. Courses throughout the summer, with en suite accommodation and gourmet meals. Further information
The Cross-Eyed Pianist 