undefinedBritish pianist Stephen  Gutman has performed in the Royal Festival Hall, the Wigmore Hall, Carnegie Weill Hall in New York, Ueno Bunka Keikan in Tokyo, and throughout Europe

Join pianist Stephen Gutman and violinist Hilary Sturt to explore the wonderful duo Sonata repertoire with piano on this varied chamber music course.

Resident: £572 Non-Resident: £435 (25% off for under 27s) Code: 25/311

Booking for Members opens at 9am on Thursday 12th September 2024

Booking for Non-Members opens at 9am on Thursday 3rd October 2024

For details on how to become a Member to take advantage of early booking, see here.

What is the course about?

Join pianist Stephen Gutman and violinist Hilary Sturt to explore the wonderful repertoire of duo Sonatas with piano on this varied chamber music course for pianists, violinists, clarinetists, violists and cellists. Participants will be asked to bring along three or more Sonata movements to work on, at least two of which should be from works by Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Brahms or Poulenc. There will also be an opportunity for everyone who wants it to play in Trios with piano. Drawing on their extensive professional experience, the tutors will offer specialist coaching. Pre-formed duos are welcome to apply to work on their Sonatas. Tutors will mix and match other participants according to repertoire and standards and match everyone for the trio sessions. Participants should be capable of tackling a Sonata movement by Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Brahms or Poulenc with some facility. In consultation with Stephen, everyone will be able to choose their repertoire at least six weeks in advance to give them time to prepare their parts. We ask for at least Grade 8 standard for this selective course.

At the end of the course, there will be an informal celebration for all the students to play together.

Tutor website: www.stephengutman.co.uk

What will we cover?

Through working on chamber music in small groups with piano (including Duos with violin, viola, cello and/or clarinet), we will discover ways to achieve good ensemble, explore texture, intonation, articulation, balance, stylistic interpretation and pedalling issues, and develop awareness of harmonic structure.

What will we accomplish? 

By the end of this course, you will have gained greater knowledge of the repertoire, deeper insights into the music you have played and experienced the joy of playing chamber music.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

Skliful. Participants should be capable of tackling a Sonata movement by Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert or Brahms with some facility. We ask for at least grade 8 standard. 

How will the course be taught and will any preparation be required?

Participants will be put in touch with Stephen to discuss their repertoire at least six weeks in advance. Once their repertoire has been chosen, they are asked to prepare their works sufficiently to play to a level of some fluency. The majority of sessions will be on duo Sonatas. Tutoring will be provided in the sessions, carefully tailored to the needs of the players. There will also be an opportunity to play trios with piano and piano 4 and/or 6 hands. There will be a non-compulsory informal concert at the end of the course.

Will music be provided in advance of the course?

Players are asked to bring their own scores for the works discussed in advance with Stephen. Stephen can help with sourcing materials. Any extra music will be provided by the tutors