PLAYTHROUGH @ THE RED HEDGEHOG

Pianists of all ages,
at various stages of learning the piano,
play a wide range of repertoire to one another (from classical to jazz and everything in between) on a beautiful Bechstein grand piano.

- get used to playing in front of other people

in a relaxed and supportive environment

- reduce nerves by playing regularly
- run through your exam pieces
- be inspired to try out new repertoire

- socialise with other pianists in the
coffee break and for our adult pianists,
enjoy a chat in the pub afterwards!

No coaching and 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'!

On occasion we programme

PIANO WORKSHOPS
and
MASTERCLASSES

with leading piano tutors
and concert pianists,

Make sure you’re on our mailing list!

A piece does not have to be ‘perfect’…

Feel free to bring a new piece which you have only just begun practising. If you’ve only worked on a section of it so far, just play that - but make full use of your time by getting up more than once, to practise playing In front of people.

For all playing levels, you are not expected to
bring a NEW piece every time you play, or even
a DIFFERENT piece, whether old or new.

As audience, it is satisfying to listen to a
piece at different stages of preparation and
hear how much tidier and more musical
it is becoming at each performance.

It is less interesting to hear a pianist
‘sight-reading’ a piece without having done
much practice or having worked on much
of the musical detail.

Of course a piano meetup is an opportunity
to play whatever you like and if you enjoy bringing new repertoire to read through, we will certainly relish hearing it, especially if it is by a relatively less well-known composer.

Our events are relaxed and supportive; a
'safe space' in which to gain experience
playing in front of others.

A meetup gives you the chance to practise performing in front of others repeatedly.

After all, when you practise your pieces
at home you repeat… and repeat…

Little by little,,you will learn to play
accurately under pressure
(even half a page at a time will help)
- and your confidence will build!

For meetups at all levels, it is worth bearing in mind that rather than focusing solely on repertoire that is more technically demanding, so-called ‘easier’ pieces, when played in tempo, with nice phrasing, good tone and musical detail - can equally impress if not enchant an audience.

Playing pieces well within your technical compass is also a good way to control your nerves and play calmly, with focus. Eventually you will find yourself being able to play pretty much as you do on your own,piano at home!

Please call Clare on
07892 120050
or email
pianomeetups@theredhedgehog.co.uk

LEVEL
repertoire at roughly grades 1-6

EXAM PLAYTHROUGH
10/15/20 minute slots
Pianists preparing for an exam
between grades 1-6 may apply
to perform a full run-through
of their exam material
(on one or more occasions)

STANDARD
6 minutes
in which to perform one long
piece or 2 or 3 shorter ones

OVER 18

LEVEL
roughly grades 6/7
to diploma & beyond

STANDARD
6 minutes

EXTENDED
10/15/20 minute slots
for pianists wishing to perform
longer works or whole sonatas

EXAM PREPARATION
30 / 45 minute slots
Pianists preparing for advanced grade
exams or diplomas and beyond may
apply separately to perform a full
run-through of their programme
(on one occasion only)

LEVEL
any

EXAM PREPARATION
10/15/20 minute slots
Pianists preparing for exam grades
may apply to perform a full run-through
of their exam material
(on one or more occasions)

STANDARD
6 minutes
in which to perform either one
longer piece or 2 or 3 shorter ones

GENRES
classical | jazz | exam pieces

Children under 12 must
be accompanied by a
responsible adult