- Course Dates
September 5, 2025 6:30 pm –
September 7, 2025 4:00 pm - Observer Pass
September 6, 2025
11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Level: All
Fee: £350
Piano Pathways: A Weekend for Every Player
with Philip Fowke
Level: All
A welcoming, enriching retreat for adult pianists who love the piano—whether you’re returning to the keys after years away, recently started your journey, or have been playing for decades. Over the course of a weekend, you’ll explore your unique musical path in a relaxed, supportive environment filled with music, learning, and inspiration.
This course is designed specifically for adult amateurs of all levels. You’ll have the opportunity to participate in tailored workshops, masterclasses, and one-to-one lessons with experienced and encouraging teachers who understand the adult learner’s journey. Whether you’re interested in technique, interpretation, improvisation, sight-reading, or just rekindling your joy at the piano, there’s something here for you.
In addition to structured sessions, you’ll enjoy open practice time, group discussions, informal performance opportunities, and connections with fellow pianists who share your passion. We celebrate all musical styles and encourage you to bring pieces that speak to you—whether it’s classical, jazz, pop, or something in between.
Set in a peaceful, inspiring location, Piano Pathways is more than a course—it’s a creative retreat, a musical recharge, and a chance to rediscover what playing means to you. No grades, no pressure—just a space to grow, explore, and enjoy.
Whether your goal is to polish a favourite piece, gain confidence, or simply immerse yourself in music for a weekend, this course offers the space, support, and spark you need. Join Philip at Jackdaws and take the next step on your piano path.
A £70 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.
Venue: Jackdaws Music Education Trust
Venue Phone: 07880 091066
Address: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 07880 091066 / 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.