Chetham's International Summer School and Festival has added a special course this year for "enthusiastic adult amateurs for whom performances are preferable in small relaxed venues ....."

Details are here

Thanks for that.. might be brave enough to give it a try.
I can travel in daily for that.
Will have a word with my teacher next week.

I did Chethams Summer School for the first time last year! Totally fantastic!!

Alas, will have the Mum visiting from NZ. Don't think she'd be best pleased if I swanned off...
Next year!!!

It looks fascinating, but as the entry requirement is at least Grade 6 distinction, it won't be this year.......

I assumed(rightly or wrongly, possibly both) from all your previous posts, that you were way above grade 6. Grade 6 isn't that difficult I fudged through it and grade 5 theory and went on and passed grade 8 . My brother passed grade 7 piano, and he can't even sight read a grade 1 piece without making a "hack" of it.

I saw the add in this month's issue of Pianist Magazine, I may give it a try, but a bit pricy at about £500 as I will have to reside for the week. Not practical to drive every day from Shropshire.

Sorry to disappoint, Roger, but while I'm about to take my LTCL as a singer, I only re-started the piano last Summer, after 25 years of not even touching the keyboard (and not having got on terribly well with the instrument or my teacher back then). I'm planning to take Grade 5 piano this Summer. But if that goes OK, who knows - next year I may be nearer the standard required!

that looks good fun! wish i could go!

It looks like the Grade 6 Distinction entry requirement is for the main course... perhaps for the adult amateur course (more informal and relaxed), they'd accept someone of a slightly lower standard?

I was planning on emailing to ask ... will post if I find out (unless someone else gets roud to it first).

But you're grade 8 standard anyway, sbhoa

The jury is still out on that one....

Hi All

I often log on to the Forums but only posted once before.

Just to say l attended Chethams last year - I've got Grade 7 Piano and Theory (Merit). I emailed Chethams last year before applying and they were fine with this as l was worried l hadn't got a Distinction.

I have to say it was one of the best weeks ever for me - l can't put it into words, it was fantastic!
It boosted my confidence and l am now working towards my Grade 8. I was on a permanent high for weeks after!. I met some fantastic people and made several good friends who are roughly the same ability as me and it's nice to be able to share your enthusiasm with like minded people.

It is costly but well worth it for everything you get and there are some very good masterclasses, concerts, lectures etc.

My form and deposit have been accepted for this year and l have just paid the balance this year as l'm hoping to do the Adult Course.

Hope this is of help to anyone who is interested in going!.

I'm thinking of doing the Adult Amateur Course too, the standard last year was rather intimidating wasn't it?

I wonder if we met at all?

Hello Yamaha

The standard was very high - there was some fantastic pianists there last year though. Did you play in any concerts/ masterclasses? - I was'nt brave enough!!

We may of met in the dinner queue at some point, they were long at times!!

No I didnt play in any concerts, I too was not brave enough!!! I hope to this year though in the (hopefully) less intimidating atmosphere of the Adult Course

I too hope to perhaps play in a concert on Adult Course.

Look forward to meeting you in the summer!

i met someone on a piano course last august - about two weeks before chethams - and this person went on chethams.

Yeah crazy guy, Johann - 2 courses in one month!

yep. and i think in between the 2 courses he was at the edinburgh festival! i think

haha woo just realises on the left it says im a prodigy...just about right i'd say haha no ...still....should be a maestro really.

And after Maestro would come presumably Dr. Schreider?

Just got my details for Emanuel competition. Kerem Hasan is also playing (Scarlatti/Liszt)! There are lots of music college students and even adult teachers/amateurs so it should be v. interesting!

haha! AMATEURS!! - dont get ahead of yourself there hehe just kidding ur great!
what date is it?

Sat 22nd April - I am on at 3.30pm so will be catching train!

sounds kool. Email me where it is and i might make an appearance.

For those of you who don't feel up to Chetham's and would like a more informal approach, how about coming to the Malvern Hills Piano Holiday? I have been for two years running and have really enjoyed it. All abilities are welcome - from pre grade 1 to diploma level. I haven't seen this year's programme yet, but the two main tutors are Philip Martin and Stephen Watkins. The programme includes individual lessons, master classes, lectures, excursions and the evening meal takes place in a different local hostelry each day. Accommodation, if required, is at Malvern College, and is of a good standard. Price is around £450 residential and there are no extras to pay for.

Stephen is in the process of constructing a website, but if anyone is interested, PM me and I will give you a phone contact number to get the information and booking form.

Somebody should start a "piano weekend", I can't afford to take a week off work...

Stephen Watkins is planning to do some weekends as well as Piano Holiday. You can also do weekends at Benslow Music Trust.

Ah great, thanks.

Had a look at this..... One thing, your price is a bit out. I'ts £440 PLUS B&B if you need accomodation.
If anyone wants to take a look the site is here.

Unfortunately the dates are not good for me. Last night is 28th July and the Stalybridge Adult Learners concert is the 29th. Maybe another year it won't clash as Stalybridge is a week later than I intended this year because of a wedding at the church.