Based on Graham Fitch’s highly acclaimed eBook Series and blog, this one-day course will introduce highly effective strategies and approaches which will assist you and your students in getting the most out of time spent practising the piano.
The course will be delivered in an interactive format with introductory presentations followed by breakout sessions where you will each have your own private digital piano with headphones to test out a particular practice skill. There will be plenty of opportunity for feedback with question and answer sessions forming the backbone of the day. The following topics will be covered:
Introduction: An overview of the practice tools
Using the feedback loop: How to plan and focus your practice session for maximum benefit in every area.
Slow practice: How to use ultra-slow speeds for learning notes, correcting errors and finessing sound, and when not to use it!
Gaining speed: We explore two methods of taking a piece from the slow stages to performance speed, developing fluency and accuracy as well as ease and grace.
Repetition in practice: We form habits by repetition, but only perfect practice makes perfect. In this session we learn how to manage repetition in our practice mindfully and creatively to achieve tangible, lasting results.
Preparatory materials for breakout sessions will be provided in advance and all participants will receive handouts and complimentary online access to Graham’s video lecture series on the Practice Tools (valued at £20). Please note that participants will not be required to play in front of others, unless they wish to.
You will leave with tangible tools and skills that will immediately deliver results in your own practice and teaching!
Course details:
Participants: maximum 15 places
Participant profile: Piano teachers and intermediate pianists (+/- Grade 5 upwards)
Includes: preparatory materials, tea / coffee, lunch, online resources
This event has been made possible with the support of Casio and will include a brief presentation by Chris Stanbury from Casio on the Grand Hybrid and benefits of the Casio Teacher Network.
