Chetham’s International Piano Summer School

Junior Piano Group Class
2026-08-18 08:45 - 09:30 (Europe/London) | Oglesby Atrium
The daily morning group class – singing, movement and more before all the individual lessons begin.

Teaching session 1
2026-08-18 08:45 - 11:00
The inspirational faculty are busy giving daily individual lessons on all courses. The course has an open door policy to all lessons – not to be missed.

Alexander Technique Group and Individual Classes
2026-08-18 08:45 - 17:00 | Gym
Learning the Alexander Technique gives you a fascinating tool for noticing when the tension is creeping up on you, so you can notice your reactions building and let go of the tension. It means you’re calmer and more confident in everything you do. That’s why actors and musicians use it for stage-fright, golfers use it to improve performance, and you can use it to reduce stress and anxiety. Book either a group, an individual, or both!

Junior Course 'drop in' practice workshop
2026-08-18 09:30 - 10:15, 2026-08-19 09:30 - 10:15 | G06
Come along with a bar, or a small section for lots of advice and help to take you into your practice room. Stay for 5 minutes or the whole class – so much can be discovered by listening to everyone.

Scales and exercises 'drop in' workshop
2026-08-18 10:15 - 11:00 | G06
New for 2026 a daily class focusing on scales and exercises. These drop in classes are suitable for all levels of pianists.
Discover how daily scale practice unlocks ease and speed, while technical exercises strengthen your playing from the ground up.

Adult Amateur Workshop
2026-08-18 11:30 - 13:00 | G06
The daily group workshop, today hosted by Kathryn Page. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to perform on the beautiful grand piano in front of your new piano family.

Teaching session 2
2026-08-18 11:30 - 13:00
Individual lessons continue apace. With so many wonderful teachers and course options everyone will be kept very busy!. The piano summer school has an ‘open door’ policy – so do go and listen to other lessons. You might decide you want to learn jazz!

Gala Faculty Recital
2026-08-18 13:45 - 14:30 | Stoller Hall
The now traditional Gala Recital featuring outstanding members of the faculty. An exciting and varied programme guaranteed.
Free for all summer school participants. Tickets available for the public from the Stoller Hall.

The Art of Four Hands workshop
2026-08-18 14:45 - 15:30 | G06
New for 2026!
A new daily workshop dedicated to the art of piano duo playing – both duets and 2 pianos.
Bring your duo ready to perform, or simply enjoy the thrill of sightreading together in a supportive atmosphere. Everyone welcome – there will always be someone ready to join you at the piano.
Do drop in and explore the wonderfully rich duo repertoire.

Teaching session 3
2026-08-18 14:45 - 17:00
The third teaching session of the day. As teaching carries on in full swing, don’t forget the summer school’s ‘open door’ policy: a unique invitation to explore, listen, and learn from sessions beyond your own.

Junior Course 'drop in' performance class
2026-08-18 15:30 - 16:15 | G06
Every day Junior Course pianists can enjoy performing on an outstanding grand piano in front of a small and supportive audience, hosted by a member of the faculty.

'Drop in' performance class
2026-08-18 16:15 - 17:00 | G06
Join us in a welcoming space where pianists of all levels can play on a wonderful Grand piano in front of a small, supportive audience. Guided by a faculty member, this workshop offers the chance to build confidence, ease performance nerves, and celebrate the joy of playing. Everyone welcome.

Margaret Fingerhut Recital
2026-08-18 17:15 - 18:00 | Stoller Hall
“One of the most radiantly musical of pianists, she plays with such alluring sensitivity & effortless command that one cannot help but be won over” – International Piano
Described by Gramophone magazine as a pianist of “consummate skill and thrilling conviction”, Margaret Fingerhut has a distinguished career which has taken her all over the world. She is particularly known for her innovative recital programmes in which she explores the highways and byways of the piano repertoire. As a concerto soloist she has appeared with the London Symphony Orchestra, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Philharmonia Orchestra, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, BBC Philharmonic, BBC National Orchestra of Wales, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra and the London Mozart Players, in major venues such as the Royal Festival Hall, Royal Albert Hall and the Barbican. She is often heard on BBC Radio 3 and Classic FM and many radio stations worldwide.

Alexander Kobrin Recital
2026-08-18 19:00 - 20:00 | Stoller Hall
“He surrendered neither the smoothness nor the dynamic fluidity that the modern piano allows, and he gave his sense of fantasy free rein, creating an almost confessional spirit .” — The New York Times
Distinguished pianist Alexander Kobrin, has received wide acclaim for his emotional, technically inspired performances, placing him at the forefront of today’s performing artists.
Mr. Kobrin is an active guest soloist with the world’s leading orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, Tokyo Philharmonic, Orchestra Verdi, Russian National Orchestra, English Chamber Orchestra, Orchestre de la Suisse Romande, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, Dallas Symphony, Berliner Symphony, Swedish Radio Symphony, Warsaw Philharmonic, and the BBC Symphony Orchestra.
He has collaborated with such conductors as Mikhail Pletnev, Mikhail Jurovsky, Sir Mark Elder, Vassiliy Sinaisky, James Conlon, Claus Peter Flor, Vassiliy Petrenko and Bramwell Tovey.
We welcome Alexander to perform in Stoller Hall for the first time.
Free for all summer school participants. Tickets available for the public from the Stoller Hall.

Steven Osborne Recital
2026-08-18 20:30 - 21:30 | Stoller Hall
Winner of the Royal Philharmonic Society’s Instrumentalist of the Year in 2013, pianist Steven Osborne is one of Britain’s most treasured musicians. Celebrated for his insightful interpretations, his musicality and technique, Osborne is much sought after as soloist, chamber musician and recitalist. His residencies at London’s Wigmore Hall, Antwerp’s deSingel, the Bath International Music Festival, the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and, this season, at the Royal Scottish National Orchestra are a testament to the respect with which he is held.
Described by The Observer as “always a player in absolute service to the composer”, Steven Osborne recently released a much praised recording of Beethoven’s last three piano sonatas for Hyperion. During the Beethoven anniversary year, Osborne will present his illuminating take on these late works across the UK, the Far East, and North America as well as part of his RSNO residency for which he’ll also play Beethoven’s Fourth Piano Concerto and Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 27. Other orchestral highlights during the new season include more Beethoven and Mozart with the Finnish Radio Symphony and BBC National Orchestra of Wales, as well as Ravel with the BBC Philharmonic and Brahms with the Antwerp Symphony Orchestra.
Steven Osborne

Late Night Jazz Room
2026-08-18 22:00 | G04
Every evening a chance for participants to play some jazz and improvisation in this lovely space on a superb grand piano kindly donated by Forsyth Music Shop.
Enjoy listening with a drink, or enjoy playing to fellow participants.

Late Night Participant Recitals
2026-08-18 22:00 - 23:00
A wonderful opportunity to listen to fellow participants performing recitals around the school. There may be up to 6 recitals taking place at the same time.

Early Morning Warm Ups with Murray
2026-08-19 08:15 - 08:30 | Oglesby Atrium
Murray McLachlan’s new sessions for all on the course continues apace!
A new early morning series of 15 minute group sessions in the Atrium led by founder and artistic director Murray McLachlan. Open to everyone on the course,the sessions will include a variety of ‘bite size’ projects, concepts and exercises relating to piano well-being and mindset as well as glimpses of repertoire. Embrace the unfamiliar! Look at well-loved music from different perspectives! Above all, start your CIPSS day in style with a real sense of positivity, energy and optimistic purpose.

Drop in practice workshop
2026-08-19 08:45 - 09:30 | G06
Come along for help with any aspect of playing from a member of the summer school faculty.

Junior Piano Group Class
2026-08-19 08:45 - 09:30 | Oglesby Atrium
Young participants on the Junior Course meet up for the daily classes in movement, aural and rhythmic development. Fun guaranteed!

Teaching session 1
2026-08-19 08:45 - 11:00
As all members of the faculty teach throughout the school, don’t miss the opportunity to listen to the amazing lessons.

Alexander Technique Group and Individual Classes
2026-08-19 08:45 - 17:00 | Gym
The final day for Alexander Technique lessons with the inspirational James Crow.
The main principles of the Alexander technique are:
“how you move, sit and stand affects how well you function”
“the relationship of the head, neck and spine is fundamental to your ability to function optimally”
“becoming more mindful of the way you go about your daily activities is necessary to make changes and gain benefit”
“the mind and body work together intimately as one, each constantly influencing the other”
Book early to avoid disappointment.

https://pianosummerschool.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Alexander-delights-from-young-pianist.mp4

Stoller Hall professional film recording
2026-08-19 09:00 - 12:00 | Stoller Hall
An amazing opportunity to make a professional film recording with Mill Media in the award winning Stoller Hall. Stunning acoustics, a fabulous Model D Steinway is tuned and ready for you to play and top of the range recording equipment provide the perfect conditions.
A greatly reduced price, negotiated for the summer school, has been arranged – not to be missed. Please tick the choice on the application form. Spaces limited.

Scales and exercises 'drop in' workshop
2026-08-19 10:15 - 11:00 | G06
New for 2026 a daily class focusing on scales and exercises.
Join a daily workshop where scales and exercises become exciting tools for progress, unlocking speed, strength, and expressive freedom. Learn how to make exercises out of your repertoire and to always find new ways to practise.
Drop in for 5 minutes or come for the whole class – everyone welcome!

Adult Amateur Workshop
2026-08-19 11:30 - 13:00 | G06
The daily group workshop, today hosted by Philip Fowke! Don’t miss out on the opportunity to perform on the beautiful grand piano in front of your new piano family.

Teaching session 2
2026-08-19 11:30 - 13:00
Alongside your own lessons, make the most of our ‘open door’ approach—wander into workshops, hear fellow pianists, and enjoy the vibrant community spirit of the summer school.

Paul Lewis

Lunchtime Recital
2026-08-19 13:45 - 14:30 | Stoller Hall
The daily lunchtime recital in the Stoller Hall.
Details of the recital will be announced shortly

The Art of Four Hands workshop
2026-08-19 14:45 - 15:30 | G06
New for 2026!
A new daily workshop dedicated to the art of piano duo playing – both duets and 2 pianos.
Diabelli, Mozart, Schubert, Grieg, Dvorak, Brahms, Ravel, Debussy, Faure, Rachmaninov – so many composers wrote a huge amount for both piano duet and 2 pianos. These new workshops are a chance to come along with a prepared duo, or simply to enjoy sightreading through some of this amazing repertoire.
There will be something for everyone – do bring your own music to share with us and have fun exploring the box of music too.
Kathryn Stott and Matthew McLachlan

Teaching session 3
2026-08-19 14:45 - 17:00
The final session for individual lessons. Teachers on all courses will be working throughout the school. Participants are warmly encouraged to take full advantage of the summer school’s ‘open door’ policy
