3-day Upper Intermediate course with Florian Mitrea

Upper intermediate players have a treat in store with three days’ learning from the wonderful Florian Mitrea.

Immerse yourself in piano heaven packed full of piano lessons, classes and concerts. But first, start your day with an interactive presentation involving slides, demonstrations, and exercises to set your theme for the day.

During your stay, Florian will cover the following topics in his interactive workshops:

• Learning to learn – finding the most efficient way to use our limited practise time with maximum effect
• Flash-fix surgery – bring the most nagging passage that simply refuses to get any better, and learn some useful practise tips and techniques directly related to each individual case in this quick-paced workshop. With the tutor sat at the piano and demonstrating practising your pieces, learn how to turn those corners once and for all.
• Putting it all together – we will be discussing that mysterious process by which all the preparation we have done, comes together on the day. We will analyse what types of preparation there are and how to balance them for each learning stage.

There will also be time for private practice on one of our beautiful grand pianos. And for those who would like, our tutor will give three one-to-one lessons on our new Steinway to provide individual pointers and tips.

On the Saturday night, Florian will perform a private salon concert for retreat guests, which is an opportunity to relax and be inspired with a glass of wine in the magical setting of the main hall of Finchcocks!

We have one grand piano available for every guest in our vaulted cellars, including our new Steinway. Piano conversation will flow freely over coffee and home made biscuits and cakes in between bouts of practice!

During the course of their stay guests will:

• Enjoy access to play on our 9 grand pianos anytime between 7am and 8pm. (There are enough pianos to go round that everyone can play a piano at any given time.)
• Enjoy a one-to-one lesson with our tutor.
• Experience a private recital for retreat guests in the main hall of the family home, performed by our tutor.
• Join and socialise with a group 8 fellow piano enthusiasts during lunch and dinner.
• Dine in style with lunches and three course dinners prepared by our fabulous chef.
• Experience the Finchcocks bubble, hailed as a “paradise for pianists” by BBC Music Magazine and stay in a grade 1 listed country manor.
• Be able to explore the Kentish countryside and local attractions should they wish a trip out.

Plus ones are very welcome on our courses, with a room surcharge dependant on whether they are a playing or non-playing guest. Please ask for further details.

Starting at 10am on the Friday, this extended stay gives upper intermediate pianists chance to really absorb and embed new tips and strategies into their playing. If it sounds of interest, please drop Jenny a line using the form below, or give her a ring on 01580 428080.