• Course Dates
    January 30, 2026 6:30 pm –
    February 1, 2026 4:00 pm
  • Observer Pass
    January 31, 2026
    11:00 am - 1:00 pm

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Level: All
Fee: £360

The Pianist’s Technical Toolbox

with Alisdair Hogarth

Alisdair will focus on addressing specific technical issues in pieces of any level, with a flexibility to meet the needs of each individual whilst providing relevant insights for the whole group.

There will be guidance on how to practice specific technical issues through exercises, creating a confidence to continue to deal with the myriad of technical problems encountered in piano playing: thirds, sixths, trills, octaves, scales, repeated notes etc. Bring any repertoire from Three Blind Mice to Chopin Etudes!

Some course feedback:

The course was structured well, with enough flexibility to meet the needs of each individual whilst providing relevant insights for the whole group. Alisdair was an enthusiastic and motivating tutor with a wealth of technical and performance advice, and an ability to get to the root of technical problems and find solutions very quickly. I noticed tangible improvements in my playing during the short duration of the course, and would definitely consider attending a similar course if one arises in the future.

Alisdair was an inspiring musician whose enthusiasm for his music was a joy to experience.

I have to say, I thought the weekend was superb! Alisdair was a fantastic tutor, both extremely knowledgeable, and entirely approachable and down to earth.

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.