Sold Out Polishing Your Piano Technique with Melanie Spanswick

Level: All abilities
Fee: £310

Pianists often complain of tension, pain and discomfort when they play, which probably stems from moving around the instrument in a less than ideal manner. This can result in various technical issues. During this course the reasons for tension will be examined, followed by copious useful ways of alleviating it by focusing on freedom and relaxation at the keyboard.

Each course member will be given ample opportunity to hone and improve their technique; working at rotational wrist motion, whilst honing finger agility and developing completely free arm movement, encouraging the use of arm weight, with the aim of producing a warm, pleasing tone. Scales, arpeggios, chords, octaves, double note passages and much more, will be evaluated and discussed. We will also work on aspects within each participant’s chosen repertoire.

Course members are advised to bring two or three contrasting pieces to the workshops, although these do not have to be performance ready.

Course Information
Courses take place at Jackdaws in Great Elm, 3 miles outside Frome in Somerset. If you require B&B, we will book it on your behalf. Accommodation fees are payable in addition to the course fee.

A £50 deposit is required to secure your place on this course.

The Course Fee includes all meals, refreshments and tuition at Jackdaws, except breakfast, which is included in the separate B&B fee.

Lunch and dinner will be prepared on site by our dedicated Cooks and served in accordance with appropriate social distancing measures. 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.

Jack“IN”Daws
In the event that a course is unable to take place in person as advertised because of Covid-19 restrictions nationally or locally we may, where feasible/desired, provide alternative provision to allow this course to run online at a reduced rate. You will receive guidance on participating, alternative timetables and assistance in getting set up. You will also have the option to withdraw your place and receive a full refund, or transfer it to another course within the same season.

Please visit our Covid-19 Secure page for more information.

By booking onto a Jackdaws course you agree to abide by our Covid-19 risk mitigation measures, Terms and Conditions, and understand the Privacy Policy regarding our handling of your data.

Visit our General Course Information pages for more information.