If you are a late starter, and have reached no more than early intermediate level (no higher than Grades 4- 5), you are very welcome to this course. We will be focusing on how to play the piano for enjoyment, with physical ease and deep, musical fluency, by ear and improvising (Yes! Everyone can do it!) as well as playing from notation.
STANDARD: BEGINNER, LEARNER, IMPROVER
Resident: £572 Non-Resident: £435 (25% off for under 27s) Code: 24/345
Booking for Members opens at 11am on Wednesday 28 February 2024
Non-Member and online booking opens at 11am on Wednesday 20 March 2024
For details on how to become a Member to take advantage of early booking, see here.
What is the course about?
Aimed at helping everyone achieve their own personal goals, in a consistently supportive atmosphere, this course will help you play the repertoire of your choice (classical, light, pop, jazz or show time), focusing on effective practice strategies, musical style and interpretation, and practical psychology for performance. You will also learn how to play the piano spontaneously - improvising and accompanying songs (Yes! Everyone can do it!). There will be time for solo, duet and trio work, together with (optional) performance opportunities within the safe and appreciative atmosphere of the group. The course leader, pianist and psychologist Lucinda Mackworth-Young, is one of the UK’s most experienced teachers of late starters, and the course is suitable for beginners, re-starters and more experienced players up to Grades 4-5.
Tutor website: www.lucinda-mackworth-young.co.uk
What will we cover?
Keying in to the particular interests of course participants, we will cover:
Effective practice strategies and interpretative ideas for deeply secure, tension-free and musical performances.
Practical psychology for overcoming performance anxiety.
Playing by ear and improvising.
Informal performances amongst ourselves (optional) of solos, duets and trios.
What will we accomplish? By the end of this course you will be able to…
Play your chosen piece(s) with greater skill, musicality and confidence.
Be able to play something successfully on the piano by ear without notation – by ear or improvising.
Play a duet, trio and/or solo in the safe setting of our group.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
Standard: Beginner, Learner, Improver.
You need to come with one or two pieces that you have prepared, and would like to consider performing. These can be from beginner’s tutor books up to and including Grade 5 repertoire.
How will the course be taught, and will any preparation be required?
The course will mainly be taught in the group, where a mutually supportive atmosphere will be generated. There will also be opportunities for solo, duet and trio coaching. Practice facilities will be available.
Will music be provided in advance of the course?
No. Lots of suitable music will be provided at the weekend.
Is there anything I need to bring?
Your chosen solos, comfortable clothing and shoes you can easily pedal in.
What previous participants said about this course…
“The course was truly excellent: Informative, varied and well-structured.”
“Lucinda is very knowledgeable, has a clear love of her subject and her method of teaching is refreshing and inclusive for everyone.”
“The balance between group and individual work was very well-struck and the individual attention we each received really made the difference.”
“Our small group worked really well – and it was just right for splitting into duets and trios.”
“Such a lovely experience! Confidence boosting! Lots of good tips!”
“One of the best courses I have attended at Benslow -really worth it!”