Insightful Pianism | Benslow Music

About Insightful Pianism

Gain fresh ideas, new perspectives and helpful tips to improve your playing, passion and confidence in this inspiring course led by pianist Heli Ignatius-Fleet.

What is the course about?

Our Insightful Pianism course gives you fresh ideas and new insights to transform your piano playing. You’ll be invited to try out new methods and approaches in a friendly and supportive atmosphere and leave feeling inspired, with a renewed sense of joy, passion and motivation for your instrument. Come together with other pianists and gain insights into all aspects of the piano’s musicality. We’ll work together in a holistic and in-depth way to explore the musical intentions of your chosen pieces and how to bring them to life.

What will you learn?

By the end of the course you will:

Feel confident and capable to tackle new challenges with your piano playing
Apply instrumental techniques and develop your musicianship skills to elevate your playing and open up interpretive possibilities
Gain performance experience in a supportive group setting
Meet and play with other talented pianists, learning and sharing with one another in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere
Take away new methods for rehearsal and playing styles to try in future Listen and respond with sensitivity and musical understanding.

How will the course be taught?

You’ll work with tutor Heli Ignatius-Fleet and other musicians in both individual and small group coaching sessions. The course encourages positive discussion arising from the playing, with an open-minded approach designed to foster collaboration and new ideas. We’ll be working through a range of set repertoire as well as your own choice of music, with a chance to see how different pianists approach the same work.

Who is the course for?

This course is designed for piano players who are looking to develop their playing styles and prepare for showcases or performances.

Will music be provided and do you need to prepare or bring anything?

deally you should prepare a programme of three to five pieces consisting of 2-3 from the list below and one or two of your own choices. The Haydn is perhaps the most approachable item; it is fine to bring pieces at various stages of preparation!

BACH Prelude and Fugue in D minor, book I of the 48

HAYDN Sonata in F major, Hob.XVI 23: Adagio

BRAHMS Op.118: 1 or 3

LISZT/SCHUBERT Auf dem Wasser zu singen

SCHUMANN Fanatsiestücke Op.12, No. 4: Grillen

PALMGREN Night in May Op.27, No. 4

Technical project: Chopin Etude in F minor, Op.10 No 9

This regular feature of the course is a workshop for all participants, working on passages or the whole piece.

You will need to bring your own scores. We have an extensive library at Benslow Music which is available to members, and non-members when attending a course, to help you source scores if needed.