Piano: return to playing

About this course

Participants work on a chosen piano piece during supervised practice sessions, receiving individual coaching and advice on suitable repertoire. Group activities revisit music notation, listening skills and piano technique, including selected dexterity exercises such as Hanon and Czerny. Teaching combines tutor presentation, handouts, class discussion, practical illustration and workshop-style coaching in front of the group. Participants may also comment on performances and discuss musical styles and textures.

What you'll learn

• Apply more effective practice methods to a selected piano piece.
• Refresh knowledge of written music notation.
• Develop a sharper awareness of aural and listening details.
• Use selected technical exercises to work on piano dexterity.
• Identify current playing level and set appropriate future practice goals.

Is this course right for you?

The course is intended for pianists at approximately Grade 3 to 5 who are returning after a substantial break and have had regular tuition in the past. Participation includes individual coaching in front of the class, discussion, attentive listening and commenting on performances. Learners need to follow written and spoken English instructions, take notes and prepare part of a piece.

• Designed for pianists who are unsure of their current standard after time away from playing.
• Participants should be ready to play part of a prepared piece during class.
• The course involves workshop participation and discussion with other learners.
• Written and spoken English is needed for instructions, class discussions and note-taking.

Before you go

• Prepare a piece, or an extract, that has been started or is being relearned for work in the first session.
• A notebook and pencil are useful.
• A resources booklet can be downloaded in advance for possible repertoire.
• Regular practice is recommended, with 30 minutes daily suggested.
• Google Classroom is used to share materials and submit homework tasks.