A FRIENDLY GROUP OF ADULTS AT VARYING STAGES OF LEARNING THE PIANO

Playthroughs for Amateur Pianists are relaxed, regular performance practice sessions when we play in front of a small group of fellow pianists.

OUR INSTRUMENT

We perform on a beautiful BECHSTEIN B GRAND, which has a lovely tone, is well regulated and easy to play.

HOW LONG CAN I PLAY?

We each play a piece in turn and continue until we run out of time or run out of things to play. Usually there's time for at least two pieces each, sometimes three.

WHAT TYPE OF MUSIC CAN I PLAY?

Classical, pop, jazz, blues, improvisation, show tunes, duets with a partner, exam pieces. Anything, for your own pleasure and progress.

WHAT IS THE LEVEL OF PLAYING ABILITY IN THE GROUP?

Roughly beginners to grade 8 (and beyond).   What is more important than the formal level you are at is that you take the opportunity to prepare as well as possible so that you are able to share the music with your listeners.    It’s the music we want to hear, however complex or simple the piece may be, rather than someone playing loads of notes with lots of fingers very quickly.  If you can do that and also be musical - great.   But if you can play more accessible pieces from the lower grades with musical sensitivity and character - also great!   

USING THE SCORE
Of course!

SIGHTREADING
If by sightreading you mean playing through a piece for the first time ever in your life from the score, without having prepared, it would be lovelier for your listeners if instead you work on the piece and prepare it musically as best you can - then bring it along.  It doesn’t have to be perfect, it just needs to have had some thought and practice put into it so you’ve got something interesting and enjoyable to offer our willing ears.   We’re all very nice, but please don’t abuse our patience!

I'M NERVOUS PLAYING IN FRONT OF PEOPLE - IS THIS GROUP FOR ME?

Yes. Our events are relaxed and supportive; a 'safe place' to you to gain experience playing in front of others and learn how to handle nerves.YOU WILL ...

- gain performing experience

- reduce nerves by playing among friends in a relaxed environment

- meet other learners

- hear new pieces and be inspired to try them yourself

- gain confidence in your technique by repeating pieces either in this or subsequent meetups. You don't need to astonish us with new works each time!

WILL THERE BE ANY COACHING OR ADVICE?

No. Other than expressions of encouragement, we specifically ask everyone to keep their opinions of other's playing to themselves, since one person's 'helpful advice' is another's 'stinging criticism'.

HOW MANY PLAYERS PER SESSION?

12-14.   We go around the group once, then a second time.  Sometimes pianists get to play a third time.

COST

£10 for pianists per meetup.  

Please email us:
pianomeetups@theredhedgehog.co.uk

Or call us
07892 120050