Finchcocks has been described by the BBC Music Magazine as “Paradise for Pianists”, and with good reason…
The Grade 1 listed Manor House, built in 1725 and set in the beauty of the Kent countryside, is home to an enviable collection of superb instruments including a Steinway Model B, Bosendorfer Model 200, Bechstein Model A, Bluthner Model 10, grands from Yamaha, Kohler and Campbell, Grotrian Steinweg, Kawai, a new silent baby Yamaha and an 1893 Broadwood.
These superb instruments wait to be discovered by those who attend the various weekend residential courses which run at Finchcocks throughout the year, led by a starry list of great teachers, and with a reputation for offering a relaxed but focussed atmosphere in a luxury setting.
I am thrilled to have been asked, for the first time, to lead one of these courses, running from 24-26 January 2025, and with a theme of renewing our practice for the start of the coming year.
Read on for full details, and a beautiful video that explores Finchcocks itself…
The Course
Introducing the course, Finchcocks say,
“We’re really excited to be welcoming piano educator Andrew Eales to lead his first course at Finchcocks and start 2025 off with an interactive dive into his highly acclaimed practice guide How to Practise Music…
On this mixed ability weekend course, Andrew will help freshen up stale practice sessions and give some inspiration for your year ahead with the following interactive workshops…”
Those workshops include sessions on Developing an Active Repertoire and Strategies for Practice. There will be plenty of time and opportunities to try these ideas out in private practice sessions and interactive workshops during the course.
Participants will have the opportunity to:
- play in and observe two performance masterclasses.
- receive a one-to-one lesson with Andrew.
- play on Finchcocks’ nine grand pianos.
- socialise with a group of eight fellow piano enthusiasts.
- dine in style with lunches and three-course dinners prepared by the fabulous chef.
I will also be giving a short recital-talk on Embellishing Classical Repertoire in the main hall of the family home:
“This is a chance for guests can sit back and relax with a glass of wine: After a full day’s concentration, nothing beats hearing the course tutor inspiring guests with some current repertoire on the family Bosendorfer!”
I am truly excited to have the opportunity to finally visit Finchcocks, play their array of superb instruments, and experience the famous “Finchcocks bubble” that I have heard about.
And on that note, here is a promotional video which beautifully illustrates just what a magical and treasured setting this course will be taking place in:
As you may have deduced, places on this exclusive and intimate course are strictly limited, so early booking is advised. You can find out more, and place your booking, on the Finchcocks website:
It would be great to meet you on this course. In the meantime of course, you can access all my regular activities and writing here on Pianodao.
