Welcome reception and late night jazz.
2026-08-17 21:45 (Europe/London) | Oglesby Atrium
A chance to meet friends, old and new as we celebrate 25 years of CIPSS. Enjoy a complimentary glass of bubbly on us and savour the atmosphere of ‘the friendliest piano summer school’!
Everyone is welcome to enjoy the ‘Jazz Room’ – an intimate space for both playing and listening to participants playing jazz. The space will be available every evening after the last faculty recital. Not to be missed!
A short clip from the incredible Steven Osborne and Nikki Iles who enjoyed lots of fun in the Jazz room in 2025.

https://pianosummerschool.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Jazz-lesson.mp4

Early Morning Warm Ups with Murray
2026-08-18 08:15 - 08:30 | Oglesby Atrium
Begin your CIPSS part 2 with a refreshing concentrated group session!
An 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.
The atrium

Drop in practice workshop
2026-08-18 08:45 - 09:30 | G06
Start the day with a helpful workshop for everyone who needs a little support with practising.
Everyone welcome – come along with a bar, a chord, or any part of a piece that you would like some advice on from a member of the faculty.

Junior Piano Group Class
2026-08-18 08:45 - 09:30 | 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!

Faculty Gala 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.
Belen Navarro and Juan Lago Schubert Andantino Varié über französische Motive op 84 No. 1
Mayumi Lida and Colin Stone Poulenc Prelude Rustique and Finale
Pippa Harrison and James Willshire Judith Bingham From Whale to Worm – World Premiere
Philip Fowke To be announced in the recital.
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.
Chopin – Three Mazurkas Op. 59
Chopin – Barcarolle Op.60
Liszt – Glanes de Woronince
Widor – Kermesse Carillonnante Op.71 No.3
Free to all summer school participants. Tickets available to the public from https://stollerhall.com/

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.
Brahms Ballades op.10

Andante 2. Andante 3. Intermezzo. Allegro 4. Andante con moto

Schumann Kreisleriana
Äußerst bewegt
Sehr innig und nicht zu rasch
Sehr aufgeregt
Sehr langsam
Sehr lebhaft
Sehr langsam
Sehr rasch
Schnell und spielen

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.
Schubert
Four Impromptus D899
Sonata in C minor D958
Allegro Adagio Menuetto. Allegro Allegro
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.

Late Night Recital - Murray McLachlan
2026-08-18 22:00 - 23:00 | Stoller Hall
‘Murray McLachlan is a pianist with a virtuoso technique and a sure sense of line. His timing and phrasing are impeccable, and his tone-full but unforced in the powerful passages, gentle and restrained in the more lyrical- is a perpetual delight’ (BBC MUSIC MAGAZINE)
The second recital of three late night recitals featuring the works of Euan Moseley. Murray is currently recording the complete piano music for Divine Art and these three recitals will complete the cycle.
Ballet Suite
Moods
Street Fun Dance Parade
Waltzette

© Martin Lijinsky

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.
