What age were you when you decided you wanted to be a pianist? I began lessons after my primary teacher heard me play ‘The Bear Jumped Over the Mountain’ from my reading book, aged 8, on a tiny Casio Keyboard. Formal lessons quickly ensued with music soon encompassing all aspects of daily life. Growing up...
How did you first discover the piano? I grew up in a vicarage with an upright piano in the front room and a church organ just next door. I heard lots of music growing up though my parents don’t really play. When I was four, I started having ten-minute piano lessons with Mrs Cole –...
Last weekend we were treated to our first composer-specific course; focusing on the works of Chopin and led by Warren Mailley-Smith. Warren is the first British pianist to publicly perform Chopin’s complete works for solo piano entirely from memory, at a series of 11 concerts in London in 2016. He is currently recording the complete...
Our participants and tutors share their Top 10 Reasons why Finchcocks should be your course of choice this year… 1. World class tutors Our tutors are all professional musicians and teachers, in demand across the UK and abroad. Our esteemed list of tutors includes: Graham Fitch, Melanie Spanswick and David Hall. “David Hall is...
Battling through Storm Eric we arrived, somewhat bedraggled, at Finchcocks – a Grade 1 listed Georgian Manor house, now known for its weekend piano courses. After a warm (champagne fuelled) welcome, we explore the impressive collection of grand pianos, and then crack on with some duets- a real ice-breaker to begin the course, with lots...
