• Course Dates
    March 5, 2027 6:30 pm –
    March 7, 2027 4:00 pm
  • Observer Pass
    March 6, 2027
    11:00 am - 1:00 pm

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Level: Advanced
Fee: £375

Creative Practising

How to Keep Your Piano Practice Fresh

with William Howard

William’s weekend course offers a relaxed and supportive environment in which to explore new ways to engage with the music we love and to develop our musical imaginations. He will offer advice on interpretation and technique, giving particular attention to how we practise and how we can learn to improve the way we listen to ourselves.

Participants can bring any repertoire to the course, including work in progress, but everyone is encouraged to bring at least one piece, however short, that they feel they can play with confidence.


During the weekend there will be opportunities for group discussion and for sharing ideas, suggestions and enthusiasms!

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

  • 1. To feel nurtured and inspired by 48 hours of deep immersion in music in the company of others who share the same passion.
  • To go home even more engaged with the pieces they are learning and with a more creative approach to practising.
  • To find greater freedom at the keyboard through awareness of tension and developing the means to avoid it

I don’t know if I have a teaching style. I try to adapt my teaching to pupils’ individual needs, which vary in every possible way. I love teaching alongside performing and learn a lot myself from exploring music with others. With adult amateur musicians especially there is always a deep love of music and strong motivation to tap into which makes every lesson a shared musical experience. I hope some of my enthusiasm is transmitted to those I teach.

Grandchildren are not exactly a hobby, but they are an enduring pleasure when I am not working. Otherwise…hiking, gardening, tennis, botany.

Some course feedback:

The studio is a wonderful place to be, and we were very lucky to be able to spend time outdoors in the beautiful surroundings

I always feel much healthier after a spell at Jackdaws!

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

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: 07880 091066

Address:
Jackdaws Music Education Trust, Great Elm, Frome, 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 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.