• Course Dates
    September 4, 2026 6:30 pm –
    September 6, 2026 4:00 pm
  • Observer Pass
    September 5, 2026
    11:00 am - 1:00 pm

Jackdaws Tutor Elena Riu

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The Embodied Pianist

with Elena Riu

Would you like to acquire embodiment tools to better understand how to make both your practice and performance more effective?

We will look at how to economise effort and apply yoga and embodiment principles, breathing techniques to assuage PRS and focussing.

This course applies principles of yoga and mindfulness to piano playing and we will use Yoga Nidra daily to explore and allow you access to your creativity in more depth.

Expect to do some movement, please bring a mat or blanket, if you have one.

Explore how the role of the physical self relates to musical self as a pianist – including aspects such as energy, breathing and visualisation. Elena’s approach will aim to increase awareness of the role of mind, body and wellbeing as a way to improve performance skills. Elena will introduce various techniques to encourage participants to focus, release and tune in to their own self.

We asked our course leaders to answer a few questions about their course and teaching:

  1. More ease in their piano playing
  2. More confidence
  3. Enhanced musicality and better dynamic range
  4. Better body-mind awareness
  5. Less Performance-Related Anxiety

“I love working with amateur pianists because they are often more enthusiastic, dedicated and knowledgeable than professional musicians! Their love of music transcend success and money.”

“My teaching style is friendly and concentrates a lot on sound production and relaxation.”

“My hobby outside of music is writing and illustrating.”

Some course feedback:

I can’t imagine there could be a more supportive and encouraging environment for learning

Elena’s teaching is insightful and sensitive.

It was very inspiring. I learned a lot too from listening to others and hearing Elena work with them. I really appreciated her flexibility and the way she supported everyone as individuals in all ways.

Read more about what participants say about Jackdaws Courses.

A £100 deposit is required to secure your place on this course. The balance of fees, including accommodation, is due 3 weeks before the course start date.

You can also buy an Observer Pass for this course. The Observer Pass entitles you to attend on SATURDAY from 11am–1pm as an observer only and costs £10. This can be redeemed against a subsequent course booking. Places are limited. More info and terms and conditions here.

Details Price Qty
Attendee - Deposit £100.00 GBP  
Observer Pass £10.00 GBP  

Venue:  

Venue Phone: 01373 812383

Address:
Jackdaws Music Education Trust, Great Elm, Frome, Somerset, BA11 3NY, United Kingdom

Description:

Course Information

Is this Course right for me?

The answer is probably yes as we welcome musicians of all abilities and backgrounds on our courses but if you would like to find out more before you book please read about our course levels, or email or call our office manager Karolyn on 01373 812 383 / music@jackdaws.org and she will be able to offer further guidance.

If you are still unsure then maybe consider one of our “Try before you buy” Observer Passes which enable you to come and see one session in action.

Full Observer places may also be bookable for a whole weekend subject to availability. Call / email the office for more information.

Please see our General Course Information pages for further details and schedule information.

Our Courses are for adult musicians (except where stated) and take place at Jackdaws in Great Elm, near Frome in Somerset. The Course Fee includes all tuition, meals and refreshments at Jackdaws. Courses take place in the main studio, with Steinway piano, and generally follow a masterclass format. There are several practice rooms here, too.

Repertoire

For Voice, Piano & Wind courses; participants are usually requested to prepare 2 – 3 pieces in advance. We will ask you to provide a repertoire list for the tutor (& accompanist) ahead of the course.

For Ensemble courses; direction will be given by the course leaders.

Accommodation

If you require B&B, we can arrange that for you; accommodation fees are payable in addition to the course fee.

Meals and Refreshments

Lunch, Supper and morning/afternoon refreshments will be prepared on site by our dedicated Cooks.  If you are vegetarian/vegan, or have a food allergy, you must let us know in advance, so that our cooks can plan the meals for the weekend accordingly. We are ‘allergy aware’, but we rely on participants letting us know if they have specific food allergies. Please also let us know if you carry any emergency medication.

By booking onto a Jackdaws course you agree to abide by our Terms and Conditions and understand the Privacy Policy regarding our handling of your data.