Piano Sanctuary Retreats
Course Intro
Piano Sanctuary Retreats offer adult piano learners of all ages and abilities the unique opportunity to study, relax and socialise over memorable weekend residential courses held at Leiston Abbey in Suffolk.
“I am a busy working professional with my own business, and a mum. I have always loved playing the piano and love the challenge even though I have technical limitations. A Piano Sanctuary retreat is my annual treat to myself! – a space where I get to concentrate totally on something I love, and to enjoy like-minded company and the music-making of others”– Piano Sanctuary retreat participant
Piano Sanctuary hosts retreats for adult piano learners of all ages and abilities. There are no entry requirements or auditions: whether you are coming to the piano for the first time, or returning after several or many years, you will be encouraged and guided at your own pace. We understand that adult learners want to make progress and can feel stifled by a traditional ‘score-based’ approach using music often devised for children. Our method introduces creative elements, and even improvisation, to enable you to make fast-track progress towards enjoyable playing.
What happens on the courses?
Piano Sanctuary retreats are hosted at the Pro Corda music school within the evocative grounds of the 14th century Leiston Abbey, set in the heart of the Suffolk countryside. All participants enjoy a mixed daily schedule of individual and group piano tuition, enhanced opportunities including postural coaching and yoga, and the opportunity to perform in concerts. Up to 6 hours of tuition are available each day (3 hours on Friday), and a further 2 hours per day on Saturday and Sunday of enhanced opportunities.
Piano Sanctuary is also about having a great time socially. We always run a ‘Champagne and Jazz’ evening, and other themed nights too. The full board package caters for all dietary needs with delicious food prepared by Leiston Abbey’s chefs using locally sourced ingredients.
Important Information
Age range: Adults
Entry requirement: Open to all abilities.
Course length: Fri (3pm) – Sun (4pm)
Cost: £550 including all tuition and full board accommodation.
Location: Leiston Abbey, Suffolk
The next course will take place:
Piano Sanctuary Retreat Weekend – With Victor Lim and Gretel Dowdeswell
Piano Sanctuary Retreat Weekend – With Annabel Thwaite and Gretel Dowdeswell
Piano Sanctuary Retreat Weekend – With Helen Reid and Gretel Dowdeswell
Course Tutor: Annabel Thwaite
Annabel is a multi-award winner and recognised as one of the most versatile and charismatic pianists playing today.
As a soloist and chamber musician, she has performed in major concert halls and toured throughout the world, collaborating with artists such as Sir Bryn Terfel, Roberto Alagna and chamber music with the Danish Ensemble Midtvest at Carnegie Hall, New York.
Course Tutor: Victor Lim
Described as a pianist with ‘with great possibilities of nuance and perfect flexibility’ (Revista Arta), South Korean-British pianist Victor Lim has performed around the world in the UK, France, Germany, Austria, Norway, Denmark, Romania, China, Singapore and South Korea. Victor is a City Music Foundation Artist, Making Music UK’s Philip and Dorothy Green Young Artist and the winner of the 2021 RNCM Gold Medal.
An internationally sought-after teacher, Victor has been the Head of Keyboard Studies at Rossall School since 2022 where he is also the Director of International Piano Academy for gifted young pianists. He also holds teaching positions at the University of Manchester and the Royal Northern College of Music, and is a regular member of the faculty at International Young Musicians Academy and Pro Corda.
Course Location: Leiston Abbey
We are delighted to announce that Pro Corda’s courses are returning home to our magical Leiston Abbey site.
In the heart of the Suffolk countryside with easy access to the Heritage Coast, participants on the course will be able to enjoy a vast array of social and fun activities – organised to complement and warmly welcome every individual.
Please note that places are currently limited to a maximum of 27 students per course, so we recommend booking early to secure your place.
Want to know more?
Get in touch:
01728 831354
(9am-5pm, Monday-Friday)
hello@pianosanctuary.co.uk
