Testimonials

Every year there are participants on the course from about 20 different countries, including Australia, USA, Canada, Venezuela, Iceland, Singapore, China etc.
Here are just a few of the many comments received about the course.

From 2024 Course 

From the bottom of my heart thank you so much for an incredible summer school. It was my first time with you so I wasn't too sure what to expect but you delivered well beyond even my wildest hopes. It's hard to know where to begin so I'll be brief; everything from solitary practice, group performances and the amazing lunch and evening recitals - I was utterly blown away by the immersion in music and piano. Plus, all the excellent teachers and, of course, my fellow students. A real delight - thank you so much.

Dom - 1st time on the course
From 2023 Course “I just wanted to say thank you to you, Murray, and everyone else involved, for organising such a wonderful summer school. Being a relatively recent learner and an intermediate player, I wasn't quite sure how I was going to fit into it all, but everyone - faculty and other participants alike - have been so incredibly warm, encouraging and generous. I feel really inspired by the entire experience! I really think you've created something very unique here, so thank you for all the hard work in putting this together! I look forward to joining again next year!“
Esther
1st time on this course
Just a quick note to thank you for the fantastic two weeks at Chets this year. The whole experience seems to get better and better year on year. I had some fantastic lessons - hugely inspiring as well as educational and very much appreciated. I don’t know if they appreciate how much it means to us amateurs to be taken seriously and taught in the same way as their conservatoire students but I am always amazed at the time they give and the generosity of their teaching and feel very privileged to be a part of it. Hopefully in some small way we can pass this on to anyone we teach or come into contact with on other musical projects. We are all already busy planning and looking forward to next year and the 10th January when booking opens. It gives us all a sense of purpose with something to works towards and keeps us going through the winter months.
Cathy - regular reurning adult amateur
“I’m writing to express our gratitude towards the whole faculty of the Piano Summer School, and the kind and warm accommodation we received over the whole course. The summer school was an eye opening experience where the girls got to meet so many young and inspired musicians, as well as experienced and knowledgeable mentors. Those days have left a vivid print on their young minds.
Also, they were so fulfilled that they got the chance to perform for others, which as their mother, I didn’t think they were ready for it. But they did it, without fright or nervousness. They learned so much more in the summer school than I expected.“
Vivian
mother of girls age 5 and 7
A brief note to thank you once again for such an amazing time on the Summer School last week. It was my first experience of your wonderful course and I am quite bereft this week without it!! The fabulous activities on offer, informative teaching and absolutely incredible recitals were beyond anything I had imagined and I feel refreshed and inspired as the new academic year approaches.
Hayley - 1st time on the course
Ernie thoroughly enjoyed the first week of the summer school. Thank you very much for the opportunity. It was a great experience for him and lovely to watch him develop and learn from so many other talented musicians over the week. The early sessions with Emma and Ruth at the beginning of the day were very enjoyable, as were the performances during the day. He was particularly inspired byJohn Lenehan’s performance, and then by observing a couple of improvisation lessons with Douglas Finch. A student called Torin very kindly let Ernie observe and join in with some of his lesson which was a real highlight for him. The advice audition, and the feedback we received from this was really useful, so we are now thinking hard about what the best direction will be for him next September.
Linda - mother of junior pianist
“As a complete beginner with only one year learning playing piano I'm very glad that I decided to come to your summer school. I learned a lot!! Very good teachers and friendly all of them. Concerts where great! Being at the summer school was live experience I wouldn't have missed.“
Jon from Iceland
1st time on this course
“Just a wee message of thanks from Cameron and myself for the amazing time we both had at Chethams. What an excellent experience it was. Cameron absolutely loved his time there. He had such dedicated teachers. Juan, Marta and Adam … each one bringing out the best in Cameron and sharing their love of music and teaching.“
Margaret
mother of 15 year old
“Many many thanks for organising with your entire team another wonderful course. It is the only week in the year I manage to disconnect completely from phone calls, emails and memos from my consuming job as an anaesthesia consultant and also the week my wife says I look the happiest. And this entirely the merit of Chetham's , so thank you. I am already looking forward to next year!“
Peter
adult

From 2021 Course

“And a HUGE thank you to you and Murray for an utterly amazing week. I feel so privileged to have been allowed to learn from 3 such utterly fantastic teachers, and as always the whole Chets experience was outstanding (not forgetting the practice clinic, I’ll bring that trill back next year!!). I can’t wait for the next time. Thank you, thank you!“
Malcolm
“I can't praise my teacher enough. He was everything I could ask for on a Summer School - positive, warm-hearted, enthusiastic and really seemed committed to giving detailed and tailored advice - both in lessons and workshops. Hope he is able to teach on future courses as I will be trying to bag him again! “
Julia
“We just wanted to say thank you so much for the course this week. Tom absolutely loved it and just said, 'I'm missing the piano course already'. He learned so much and had great fun. He is already looking forward to next year!“
Tracey
“I cannot thank you enough for a fabulous two weeks in Chetham's Summer School! From playing for Paul to performing live regularly again and hearing live music, I had an incredibly inspiring two weeks ahead of my masters!“
Luke

From 2020 Course

“First of all I should like to say a huge thank you for all your work in making the 20th Summer School such an enormous triumph. The volume of work that has gone into making it such a success is mind-boggling - the library of resources, the workshops, the concerts - I just cannot imagine how you have managed to pull it all off so very successfully. Your hearts must have sunk to unplumbed depths when lock-down was announced and it became clear that Summer School in its usual format could not go ahead but you have been magnificent and I congratulate you and your team on your triumph, Thank you so much.“
Alison
“Elijah and I would like to say a huge thank you to you both for all that you did to run the amazing Junior Piano School. Every aspect of it was first class; from the excellent information about the event beforehand, the slick runnings of the programme, all the tutorials, lectures resources and recitals and of course the Zoom lessons and group sessions. As it was our first time at the Summer School we weren’t sure what to expect and especially with it being online but it was so alive and real and energetically we felt very much a part of it.
On the Saturday night after watching your welcoming video and whilst watching Dina Parakhina’s recital, Elijah said ‘I feel really connected and happy’ and that feeling stayed with him all week’. What an amazing achievement for you both to have run the Summer School at this time and that a young boy could feel so attuned to it is a testament to that!“
Elijah
1st time on this course
“Well that was an amazing week. I take my hat off to you for orchestrating an extraordinary event. I can only begin to imagine the work that went into it - timetabling lessons around the world involving timeframes spanning from Japan to Vancouver!
And then arranging individual emails for each participant - and faculty member- on a daily basis. Hats off to you both and to Lesley; just amazing.“
Jonathan S
“I wanted to give you my thanks for both organising such a wonderful and inspiring event which never ceases to bring me joy.It amazes how in such a short amount one can learn so much and be motivated to improve, especially this year's young pianist course!I hope the next two weeks of the course go well and that you will continue this course for many years to come.“
Ashley
“I know it has been said many times by many people during the week, but I have to say it again. Thank you, it has just been incredible - in the face of the greatest adversity an event like CIPSS could face, you brought together something immersive, rich, inclusive and rewarding. Nothing can be as good as being there in person, but it is astonishing how much of the atmosphere you managed to capture. I gained so much from it, and I want to say a special thank you to Murray (the “Doc”), for your excellent prescription which I think is already bearing fruit. I hope I have the privilege of gaining from your wisdom again next year. I must say also, your bedside manner is one that some of my colleagues would do well to emulate!! Kathryn, I hope you weren’t up personally at 0530 every day sending us our emails?“
Malcolm M
“Hello, this is Flora. Thank you very much for the junior online piano course, I really, really enjoyed it. I've learnt lots of new techniques and skills to incorporate into my playing and practise. I would love to do the course next year. I hope you have a great summer. Thank you again.“
Flora
1st time on this course
“So many thanks for such a stimulating and enjoyable week. It has been a great escape from the day job and the trials of lockdown etc, and so lovely to have time to explore such wonderful music and to 'meet' so many keen pianists. The whole atmosphere has been so positive and encouraging - far away from early childhood piano lesson experience (both in years and approach!) As a Zoom course, it has also been v instructive and inspirational to me as an educator. I just hope our uni sessions will be as engaging and interesting!
Finally, I think and hope that Jonathan's teaching has started me off on a journey of exploration ... with more focus and with more motivation to get up early to practice .... EVERY day!!“
Rhoda
I can only say hundreds of THANK YOU to you both, and to your wonderful young pianists, Callum, Matthew, and Rose. It was another most amazing Chetham's International Piano Summer School. All my friends around me were telling me how 'addictive' it was, how they cannot wait for next year, how much they are looking forward to taking lessons and getting together again. Teaching-wise, it was wonderful. Every single person was lovely, and we all got on well. I had a huge workshop also. Lots took part and lots of them played.
Noriko - Faculty
Thank you SO much for having us both at your wonderful piano festival! We had such a great group of students- everyone was so enthusiastic and eager to learn, from 7-year olds to adult amateurs. It was so inspiring to see the sparkle in their eyes! We both loved all the recitals. Thank you!
Katya and Nikita - Faculty

From 2019 Course

“Thank you so much for the absolutely amazing two weeks I had at the summer school, it was incredible to meet all the lovely people there and learn from them as well as just getting to know other young musicians.“
Alexander W
“I just had to write to say an enormous thank you. Shevaun has always said how wonderful Chetham's Summer School is but until I experienced it for myself as an observer I could not comprehend what a remarkable occasion you organise and my goodness, what a herculean task it must be. It has been the most wonderful and extraordinary privilege to witness and participate in your Summer School - I was hooked within the first hour yesterday. I felt surrounded by such energy, enthusiasm and support and I shall never forget my first experience of "Chet's"!“
Alison D
“Thank you for another brilliant summer school! Again, I so enjoyed this year's "immersion" with the whole mix of lessons, workshops and recitals, and especially the camerarderie of friends old and new. I have put 10th January firmly in my diary to book for next year :).“
Sally C
“I'd just like to say a huge thank you for encouraging me to come on the teachers course. I had a fantastic time and felt completely energized by the whole experience. I'd recommend it to anyone! I also felt completely at home at Chets and the warmth and passion for piano of everyone involved is amazing.“
Jonathan
1st time on this course
“Many thanks to you, Murray, and the team for such an excellent Summer School. This was my first time and I enjoyed it enormously, besides learning a lot.“
Robin B
Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire (W.B Yeats). Attending Chetham’s International Summer school for pianists ignites something joyful in my soul, year after year. I shall be returning.
Marie

From previous years

“Let me say once again what a truly enjoyable and fulfilling time I had in my first experience of the Chet's summer program. Intense, meaningful days of teaching, yet it all flew by so pleasantly. You and Kathryn have been so patient, good-natured and supportive at all times. Loved the interactions with the teachers course attendees. Loved performing in concert in those ideal circumstances. Thanks for everything!“
William Westney
Faculty member
“Thank you so so much for a truly wonderful week! The tuition, the tutor performances, the participant performing opportunities, the company, the food and drink, all the amazing staff, and all the encouragement and support!“
Veronica
1st time on this course
“The things I have learned and the connections I have gained from the Summer school have been literally life-changing for me in terms of the musician and teacher I have become. I now have fantastic opportunities thanks to the standard of my playing, and this is to the greatest extent thanks to the Summer school. I have so much gratitude for all the Summer School has done for me and for the experiences I have had.“
Jonathan
“A huge thank you to you, and to all involved with the Summer Piano School. Although my mother and I were there for just one day we came away inspired, encouraged and excited about playing the piano again. My lesson with Professor Claudius Tanski was just fabulous. He restored my confidence, and gave me an abundance of ideas of how to improve and how to practise. Actually it was life-changing. We also really enjoyed the workshops in the afternoon. The organisation of the whole was equally awe-inspiring.“
Annabel
1st time on this course
“The words 'thank you' are totally inadequate to express what I feel. My teachers were all amazing, and I count myself blessed to have had such an opportunity. That I felt that they all took me seriously, despite being an amateur, was a tribute to their genuine love of what they were doing, and I was so, so grateful. I can't believe I have learned and experienced so much in 1 week. When we first spoke on the phone, you promised me a 'great big musical hug' - and that was it in a nutshell!“
Malcolm M
1st time on this course
“Just a quick note to thank you, and indeed all the team, for a fantastic week at the Summer School. I have to say I was quite apprehensive but really enjoyed it all - and have learnt just so much. A lot to think about and to let sink in! You all worked incredibly hard to give us such a great experience: it is much appreciated.“
Janie E
1st time on this course
“I just wanted to thank you, Murray and all the other summer school staff for an amazing week! The concerts were wonderful as ever, and the new hall really enhanced the atmosphere… And my tutors (Carlo and Ashley) were both excellent.“
Mark H
“I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate having this fantastic resource. Every year I soak up new knowledge and inspiration. It was wonderful to hear the concertos, I had never been at a live concerto performance before.“
Deidre K
“The piano summer school is one of the highlights of my year - brought about not only by excellent organisation but by the trust and friendliness you seem to inspire in others. I would like to express my sincere thanks to you both for making it so. I look forward to seeing you next August.“
Milton T
“Thank you very much for this socially and academically life changing organization.“
Tijen A
“I would like to thank you for organising such a wonderful and a unique summer school, I thoroughly enjoyed myself. They have really provided me with more energies and a new insight to the pieces and piano practice in general. I have learnt a lot musically and about life, and I have lots of lessons and some wonderful experiences to take back home! Even though I was really far away from my home, I always felt like home here, at Chethams. I loved everything - the place, the food, the wonderful faculty, the concerts, people, cabaret, etc. - everything! Although this year's summer school has ended, I am already looking forward to the next summer school! I hope that the speed at which these 12 days flew past, the coming 12 months also fly past!“
Tavan
“My son has just been to the 2nd week of your Summer school and has had an absolutely wonderful time. After about 2 days there he sent me a text asking if he can go again next year! He sent one yesterday saying if necessary he would pay for it himself and today saying he didn't want to leave! I think you can safely say it has been a huge success. He's even gone straight to the piano and carried on practising. He says he's enjoyed doing lots of practice. He also said everyone was really nice. He has been on lots of music related tours, etc. but I have never heard him so excited and enthusiastic as he has been about the past week.“
Janet C
“I would like the thank you and Chetham school for the fantastic enriching experience at the course. Everything was just outstanding!“
Datia B
“...in a world with so many negative and distructive forces it is wonderful that the Chetham's International Summer School for Pianists promotes the humanity of musical education and harmonious cooperation for a better world.“
Hans H
“This last week has been incredible - I hoped I would enjoy it but all my expectations were surpassed, it was such a special time.“
Lee H
“Thanks again for yet another uplifting and life enhancing experience. I pinch myself occasionally, as I have been playing since childhood, and have made more progress in the last 6 years than the previous 40+ ..a very special musical sanctuary.“
Marie M
“I'd read that the atmosphere was really friendly and it's true. Staff, Faculty, Participants, Observers alike were all open and friendly and there was a huge spirit of sharing. I have learned so much in a short space of time. Plenty to keep me going for the next year until I return.“
Deidre K
“The festival was an amazing experience - thank you so much indeed. I appreciate your enormous energy in orgainsing this remarkable event.“
Daisy H
“Thank you so much for such a wonderful week. It was truly inspirational and exciting.“
Anne S
“It was my first experience at a piano summer school but I could not have hoped for anything better than what I got. Everything was so smooth and so well organised, I was really impressed. Most of all it was all about the friendly and positive atmosphere. The Faculty was outstanding and I am already looking forward to working again with them next year.“
Simone M
“Having safely returned to Hong Kong, we would like to take this opportunity to express our heartfelt thanks to Chetham's and all the staff members for your hospitality during our stay in Manchester! We appreciate for all your wonderful arrangements, it is definitely a life long treasure for us!“
Yoko