Interactive Practising Workshop

This two-part online workshop provides an interactive, practical way to learn how to apply Graham Fitch’s practice tools in your daily practising and within the context of pieces that you are learning. The format is an online version of an innovative workshop that we ran in London in 2019 and is a designed as a complement to our previous practice tools presentations.

How it works

The workshop is divided up into a set of topics with an introductory presentation for each followed by a “break-out” session in which you will be able to test out the concepts presented and associated exercises in the privacy of your own home. Graham will be on stand-by to give assistance during these sessions which will then be followed by a group discussion and Q&A.

Here is what some of the participants had to say about the initial pilot event:

"Even though I have attended other workshops on these topics before, I found this more practical format to be incredibly useful and engaging!" 

"I loved the well-constructed sessions with a balanced approach of information provided combined with a chance to try out ideas at my own piano in private."

"I enjoyed the "hands on" format, instantly putting into practice the topic of discussion is very beneficial. I would almost like to have this format all the time!"

Workshop content

The workshop will explore the following topics through practical exercises and examples:

• Using the feedback loop: How to plan and focus your practice session for maximum benefit in every area and to develop your inner "quality control" inspector.
• 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.
• Deep learning and memorisation techniques: Thorough practice habits lead to security in performance. When we practise using deep learning techniques, we develop not only our muscular memory and physical technique but also musicianly skills such aural and analytic awareness.

Worksheets will be sent in advance of the event and recordings of both sessions will be provided shortly afterwards along with relevant resources. Therefore you will also be able to use the resources in your own time after the session.

Who it’s for?

The workshop is aimed at pianists from a late elementary through to advanced level and variations of the exercises will be provided for different levels. You don’t need to have attended one of our previous workshops, but if you have done so then you may find this new session to be a highly beneficial follow-on as it will cover new practice tools with exercises and examples to give you a more hands on experience in applying them.

Set-up and preparation

To participate you will need to be able to position yourself at your keyboard with your microphone muted for the purposes of the break-away sessions. You do not need to have a camera or to share your camera unless you wish to.

Preparatory materials for the breakout sessions will be emailed to you in advance of the course. Please also have the following ready:

• A new piece you would like to embark on
• One or two problem passages from any of your pieces so you can apply the practice tools during the breakout sessions
• A metronome (or metronome app)

Subscriber discounts

Discounted tickets are available to Online Academy subscribers. Please sign-in to your account and the discount will be automatically added at the check-out. If you are not an Online Academy subscriber and would like to find out more about subscription options then please click here for further information.

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Workshop sessions & dates

Part 1 (16 Jan 2021 @ 14:00 GMT)

Part 2 (16 Jan 2021 @ 16:00 GMT)