Are you an adult returner or beginner looking to establish good technical foundations for faster progress? Have you encountered gaps in your technical training or issues that are holding you back? Or have you struggled with tension or injury and want to achieve greater freedom in your playing?
Join Penelope Roskell on Sunday 16th March for an interactive workshop on establishing strong technical foundations. In this hands-on session, Penelope will demonstrate several fundamental concepts based on her course for adult beginners and returners. You’ll then have an opportunity to try out exercises designed to help you put these concepts into practice and obtain guidance from Penelope.
Who it’s for?
Adult beginners and returners wishing to establish a healthy technique for rapid progress and expressive music making
More advanced pianists who wish to revisit their technical foundations or address any technical obstacles that might be holding them back
You don’t need to have completed Penelope’s course to benefit from this session. However, if you have already worked through the course then this session will give extra guidance on how to get the most out of the course by applying the concepts to your playing.
What you’ll learn
How to sit at the piano, warm-up and find the optimal position for your hand
Using arm weight to produce a warm, singing sound
Playing chords with ease, comfort and accuracy
The technique behind playing effortless, fluid scales
The secrets of musical phrasing
This video is an excerpt from the workshop recording featuring Penelope working with a participant on one of the concepts that will be featured:
The format
This 90-minute workshop will take a practical, interactive format in which Penelope will demonstrate several activities and exercises. You will then be given an opportunity to try out each of these in private in the comfort of your own home. After each activity you will also have the opportunity to obtain input and assistance from Penelope if you wish to, or ask questions that have arisen.
A healthy piano technique not only avoids injury but also helps to achieve a more beautiful sound, greater artistic freedom and faster progress. Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to learn how to coordinate your body for maximum ease and comfort at the piano and to pave the way for a lifetime of fruitful, expressive and injury-free playing!
Click here or on the "Buy" button below to book your place! Further information on how our interactive events work is also available here.
Frequently asked questions
How do these workshops differ from Penelope’s previous workshops? This workshop covers similar material but in a much more detailed, hands-on manner with new examples and video lessons which are sent out in advance of the session. The live workshop complements the video lessons by giving a set of exercises carefully designed to show you how to apply each of the concepts and tools yourself.
How does this workshop relate toe Penelope’s course? The workshop draws on a selection of core lessons from the course and gives an opportunity to try them out with hands-on guidance. You will learn several fundamental techniques which will be beneficial regardless of whether you pursue the course further. The workshop is an excellent way to get you started in the right direction if you do choose to follow the course. It will also help you ensure you have grasped and effectively applied concepts if you have already done the course (or part thereof).
Can’t join live? If you can’t join us live then you can still sign-up to receive the worksheets and then watch the recording of the sessions and try out the exercises at your convenience afterwards.
How does the interactive element work? Penelope will provide a brief overview and demonstration of each exercise. You will then have the opportunity to try the exercises yourself in breakout sessions using the worksheets which will be sent to you in advance. Penelope will also available to offer advice and give assistance during and after the breakout sessions.
What level is this workshop suitable for? The exercises and examples are aimed at beginner pianists but will also be useful as a refresher for more advanced pianists seeking to identify and address gaps in their technique. The exercises will be very simple in nature as the intention is to help you grasp fundamental concepts rather than testing your proficiency as a pianist!
Is any preparation required? No, we will be using prescribed worksheets and exercises that will be sent to you in advance.
Do I have to play or share my camera? This is entirely voluntary and you will not be expected to work with Penelope unless you want to!
I would love to participate but I’m nervous about playing in front of others! Working with Penelope during this session is entirely optional therefore you do not need to play unless you wish to. The exercises have been designed to demonstrate specific tools and concepts rather than proficiency. It’s entirely natural to feel nervous playing in front of the group and Penelope's approach is to recognise and respect this, creating a safe and non-judgmental space for everyone.
