• Course Dates
    July 17, 2026 6:30 pm –
    July 19, 2026 4:00 pm
  • Observer Pass
    July 18, 2026
    11:00 am - 1:00 pm

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Level: Intermediate
Fee: £360

Shorter Intermediate Piano Summer School

with Mark Tanner

A two-day course aimed at the adult intermediate pianist – very much along the lines of Mark Tanner’s immensely popular three-day intermediate and advanced Piano Summer School courses at Jackdaws, with opportunities to receive tuition in a warm and friendly small group setting.

The course offers a clear focus, whether the intention is to take an exam, build performance confidence, or simply add a further dimension to your enjoyment of learning. In addition to the one-to-one sessions, where you can play and receive valuable help with learning your pieces, Mark always includes ‘workshop’ style sessions to discuss shared concerns and topics of interest, such as how to choose appropriate repertoire and utilise your practice time, gear up for an exam/performance event etc. An opportunity to play a short, simple piece (or even half a page!) with Mark’s partner Gillian on flute is another element of the course frequently highlighted in feedback.

Perhaps the greatest value will come from discussing and sharing approaches, ideas or even insecurities with people at a similar stage. The Jackdaws environment is absolutely ideal for enjoying a relaxing couple of days among likeminded pianists; the food and convivial surroundings set the tone for courses, and the Jackdaws Steinway grand is a splendid instrument. You’ll come away enthused and itching to try out new ideas. Irrespective of your particular ambitions, the course is all about encouragement, taking you calmly from where you currently are to the next logical stage.

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

  1. Empowerment, self-belief and confidence – how to practise in ways that will pay maximum dividends and build up these indispensable qualities.
  2. A shared, ‘easy’ learning experience! Learning in a small group allows the various techniques and approaches to sink in at a more comfortable rate than in a conventional one-to-one situation. Many participants have said that seeing others overcome similar issues and challenges gives better context, perspective and reassurance to their own learning.
  3. A chance to feel listened to, indulged and good about yourself. Many pianists don’t get this immersive experience in their everyday lives – partners and families don’t necessarily share a passion for music, let alone understand the complexities, challenges and ambitions associated with learning to play.

“I love working with amateur pianists at Jackdaws because I’ve seen enlightenment, fulfilment and excitement on the faces of so many course participants over the past 20 years or so. The amateur learner often brings with them a more grounded, enjoyment-centred approach, that is immediately infectious and inspiring, both to their fellow pianists and to me”.

“My hobby outside of music is that I’m a keen magician, and for as long as I can remember I’ve enjoyed honing my sleight of hand skills as well as academic/theoretical knowledge of this age-old craft. I’m a Member of the Magic Circle, having recently passed quite a gruelling exam performing a mentalism set in front of 60 distinguished magicians at the Magic Circle HQ in London. Operating outside of one’s comfort zone is definitely a good thing to do, perhaps not on a daily basis, but regularly enough to keep your feet on the ground; that way, you’re always finding out interesting things about yourself, some of which can feed into your more established skill-set.”

Some course feedback:

I was initially very nervous and anxious about playing to the other participants but immediately felt at ease and gained a great deal of inspiration and enthusiasm from the entire course.

I gained a great deal of inspiration and enthusiasm from the entire course.

great insights into pieces, technique and practice strategies…

good format, friendly, time to practise and relax.

I got a great deal out of watching / listening to others play as well as from the experience of playing in front of so many discerning pianists.

I have booked to come back next year, and on other courses in the mean time!

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.