Its our 1st Birthday! We hear from our participants about what made their experience of Finchcocks special this year…
1. Inspiring 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 an excellent tutor and an inspirational presence” Philippa – Intermediate course
2. CHOPIN CHOPIN CHOPIN
We held our first themed courses this Spring, including: Rachmaninoff, Chopin and the Romantics. Next up: Theory, Jazz and check out our five-day summer courses for 2020.
3. Arrival of the Steinway
A very special edition to our piano collection. The Steinway (model b) has been a particular favourite to play on, and is situated in our beautiful new recital room.
4. The FOOD
Often locally sourced and cooked by our in-house chef’s, participants frequently express this as a highlight – and in particular the effort made to cater to all dietary requirements.
5. New friends
Meeting others who share a mutual love for piano and the repertoire, can be very inspiring. Many of our participants make friends for life!
“After the course we formed a WhatsApp group called the Finchcock Maestros and have been sharing photos and comments!” Gayle – Intermediate course
6. Saturday night recitals
During the course, our tutor performs a recital for our participants – a very popular feature of the weekends. Highlights this year include; Graham’s lecture recital on the Brahms Intermezzo and Warren’s Fantasy Impromptu.
“The highlight for me was the concert in the main hall on Saturday evening.” Ben – Lower Intermediate Course
7. Dinner at the Small Holding
This summer, our trips out included to the award winning restaurant The Small Holding– famous for its use of homegrown ingredients from their farm and impressive vegetable garden.
8. Trip out to the Burnett Collection
The period instrument collection in Tunbridge Wells, owned by Katrina & Richard Burnett. This was much-loved by our participants, who were able to match their pieces to instruments from the time period, including Beethoven & Chopin’s pianos!!
9. An Evening with Gershwin and the Planets
In September, we held a special concert sponsored by John Broadwood & Sons, featuring the intriguing piano duet version of the The Planets- celebrating the 100th anniversary of its first public performance.
10. A grand piano each!
From the traditional Yamaha grand to the Bosendorfer, Finchcocks houses nine different grand pianos.
“The pianos are irresistible to play” Anna – Lower Intermediate course
