Junior Course 'drop in' practice workshop
2026-08-15 09:30 - 10:15 (Europe/London) | G06
The daily ‘drop -in’ class for all Junior Course pianists. A great way to set up the day with tips on every aspect of piano playing from a member of the faculty. Come along with a bar, or a small section for lots of advice and help to take you into your practice room.

Scales and exercises 'drop in' workshop
2026-08-15 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
2026-08-15 11:30 - 13:00 | G06
Adult amateur pianists are warmly welcomed to play in a friendly, encouraging atmosphere with Kathryn Page. Whether it’s a single phrase or a complete work, this session helps ease performance nerves. Countless participants who once lacked confidence now return annually, with some going on to record in Stoller Hall and pursue diplomas.

Teaching session 2
2026-08-15 11:30 - 13:00
As individual lessons continue apace, take full advantage of the ‘open door’ policy on the summer school. An amazing faculty of over 70 will be working throughout the course – an incredible opportunity to learn from the leading musicians of today.

Lunchtime Recital - Chetham’s School of Music
2026-08-15 13:45 - 14:30 | Stoller Hall
The daily lunchtime recital in the Stoller Hall.
Today we welcome pianists who are currently studying at Chetham’s School of Music.
Tickets available through the Stoller Hall. Free to all summer school participants and observers.

The Art of Four Hands workshop
2026-08-15 14:45 - 15:30 | G06
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.

Marie, Margaret, Caroline and Douglas performing a world premiere in 2025.

Teaching session 3
2026-08-15 14:45 - 17:00
In this third teaching session relish the opportunity to ‘sit in’ on as many lessons as you can – observing some of the world’s leading piano teachers in action!

Junior Course 'drop in' performance class
2026-08-15 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
2026-08-15 16:15 - 17:00 | G06
An exciting addition to the course – a daily opportunity to perform and hear other pianists on the course in a very informal performance session, hosted by a member of the faculty. All welcome.

Lecture - with Murray Mclachlan
2026-08-15 17:15 - 18:00 | Stoller Hall
Today we welcome Murray Mclachlan for the daily lecture.
Full details will be announced soon.

Late Night Participant recitals
2026-08-15 22:00 - 23:00
Late night recitals by participants on the course – inspiration and incredibly varied repertoire guaranteed!

Late Night Jazz Room
2026-08-15 22:00 - 23:30 | G04
An exciting chance for participants to explore jazz and improvisation in a relaxed, welcoming setting, featuring a magnificent grand piano generously provided by Forsyth Music Shop.
Sit back with a drink and enjoy the sounds, or step up and share your music with fellow participants.

Early Morning Warm Ups with Murray
2026-08-16 08:15 - 08:30 | Oglesby Atrium
Closing stretch fatigue? Start the day with Murray’s invigorating warm-up and carry fresh momentum into the final sessions of part one.
early morning warmups

Junior Piano Group Class
2026-08-16 08:45 - 09:30 | Oglesby Atrium
The final group class for all Junior Course pianists. A chance to explore what has been discovered through the lessons, workshops and recitals. Tomorrow all Junior pianists will get a chance to perform to friends and family in the Hall and receive a certificate of participation.
Junior pianists relaxing listening to music.

Drop in practice workshop
2026-08-16 08:45 - 09:30 | G06
The final ‘drop -in’ morning class on part one – come along for helpful tips on different approaches to practise. Don’t miss this chance to get advice on any aspect of piano playing.

Teaching session 1
2026-08-16 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
2026-08-16 08:45 - 17:00 | Gym
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”

Don’t miss the opportunity to work with James Crow in either group classes or individual session. It is possible to book several sessions of groups and/or individual lessons. Book early to avoid disappointment.

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

Stoller Hall Professional Film Recording
2026-08-16 09:00 - 12:00
With glorious acoustics, a beautifully tuned Model D Steinway awaits your touch, while premium recording technology ensures the perfect setting for your music With the outstanding Mill Media in the award winning Stoller Hall. Please book early as spaces are limited.

Junior Course 'drop in' practice workshop
2026-08-16 09:30 - 10:15 | G06
A great way to set up the day with tips on every aspect of piano practising from a member of the faculty. Drop in for 5 minutes or the whole workshop and learn from listening to everyone. Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity!

Scales and exercises 'drop in' workshop
2026-08-16 10:15 - 11:00 | G06
Come along for the final class on part one to fuel your progress with a daily workshop devoted to scales and exercises—vital tools for fluency and technical mastery.
Drop in for 5 minutes or come for the whole class – everyone welcome!

Adult Amateur Workshop
2026-08-16 11:30 - 13:00 | G06
A chance for all adult amateur pianists to come and play in a supportive atmosphere, with Susan Bettaney. Come and play a bar, a phrase or a complete piece – on a wonderful Grand piano kindly donated by Forsyth Music Shop. Get help with performance nerves – many participants who thought they would never have the courage to play come back year after year, including some making a recording in Stoller Hall and taking performance diplomas!

Teaching session 2
2026-08-16 11:30 - 13:00
As individual lessons continue apace, take full advantage of the ‘open door’ policy on the summer school.

Lunchtime Recital - Yuanfan Yang
2026-08-16 13:45 - 14:30 | Stoller Hall
The final lunchtime recital on part one.
We are thrilled to welcome back Yuanfan Yang on the faculty and to perform a solo recital.
“…exceptionally fine for a pianist of any age…brilliantly
executed, beautifully organised, breathless in its
excitement and deeply affecting in its sentiments”.
— International Piano Magazine
Yuanfan Yang is establishing himself as one of today’s most interesting and distinctive voices, as an award-winning multi-faceted pianist, composer, and improviser. His interpretations of Schumann and Liszt ‘rivalled those of the young Ashkenazy’ (International Piano Magazine), and his own compositions have been praised for their ‘soulful poignancy’ in The Observer.

Tickets available through the Stoller Hall. Free to all summer school participants and observers.

The Art of Four Hands workshop
2026-08-16 14:45 - 15:30 | G06
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.
Kathryn Stott and Matthew McLachlan, 2025

Teaching session 3
2026-08-16 14:45 - 17:00
The final session for individual lessons. Teachers on all courses will be working throughout the school.

Junior Course 'drop in' performance class
2026-08-16 15:30 - 16:15 | G06
The final performance class on part one! Don’t miss this opportunity to perform in front of friends on the Junior Course. Pop in anytime you are free.

'Drop in' performance class
2026-08-16 16:15 - 17:00 | G06
The final opportunity on part one to perform in this informal setting, to an audience of supportive participants.

Participant recitals
2026-08-16 17:00 - 18:00
All participants have the opportunity to perform on one of the concert grand pianos in the recital rooms. Steinway, Schimmel, Bösendorfer, Yamaha and Bechstein are some of the models available.
Make sure to sign up when applying online.

Carole Nash Recital Hall

Cabaret
2026-08-16 22:00 | Oglesby Atrium
The traditional end to the final night on the summer school. Always very popular with faculty and participants alike. You might see Noriko Ogawa playing the violin as a nun, or Peter Donohoe playing Chopin in a pink dressing gown and using an orange instead of his fingers! Always amusing and a late night license adds to the fun!! All held around the bar in the Atrium.

Final morning participant recitals
2026-08-17 09:00 - 11:15
As CIPSS part 1 draws to a close, we look forward to participant recitals throughout the school for over 2 hours. Friends and family welcome to come in and support.
