Piano: the complete Mozart sonatas part one
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- Start Date: 25 Sep 2025End Date: 12 Feb 2026Thu (Daytime): 10:00 - 13:00In PersonLocation: Keeley StreetDuration: 15 sessions (over -21 weeks)Course Code: ME256ATutors: Lewis KestertonFull fee £499.00 Senior fee £499.00 Concession £349.00
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What is the course about?
Acquire a deeper understanding of the stylistic interpretation and performance of classical keyboard repertoire. Emphasis will be placed on improving and fostering healthy technique, in addition to specific pianistic studies, tone production, pedalling technique and rhythm/pulse co-ordination. A regular practice routine is essential for progress at this level. For more information, or to discuss your suitability for this course, please contact Lewis Kesterton, Head of Piano and project tutor.
What will we cover?
Part one will cover the following Sonatas:
- No.1 in C Major, K.279
- No.2 in F Major, K.280
- No.3 in B-flat Major, K.281
- No.4 in E-flat Major, K.282
- No.5 in G Major, K.283
- No.6 in D Major, K.284
- No.7 in C Major, K.309
- No.8 in A Minor, K.310
- No.9 in D Major, K.311
Issues we will cover will include:
- further understanding of musical forms and structures
- advanced technical skills
- interpretive skills
- memorisation techniques
- preparing for a recording
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Show improved stylistic awareness pertaining to keyboard music from the classical period
- Demonstrate your technique to cope with advanced repertoire
- Demonstrate an improved, stylistically appropriate tone quality
- Display a subtle pedalling technique
- Make independent decisions in regard to pedalling, ornaments and articulation
- Produce layered textures of balanced multiple voices.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
You will have a playing standard of grade 8 or above. You need to be able to follow written and verbal instructions in English and engage in class discussions.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
- Each member will be individually coached in a workshop format.
- Class members are invited to participate in performances through attentive listening, practical illustration and peer feedback.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Students should have access to a piano (preferably acoustic) for practice between classes and budget approximately £15 per term for scores. Music may be purchased new or second-hand, but must be of a good quality, suitable edition. Suitable scores may also be available from IMSLP. The recommended edition for this course is Henle Verlag.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
The piano department at City Lit offers a wide variety of regular and specialist classes. Please take a moment to read about the department on our dedicated page, Piano at City Lit.
Lewis Kesterton is a classical pianist, teacher and writer based in London. He studied at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire with Mark Bebbington and Katharine Lam, at Trinity Laban Conservatoire under the tutelage of Penelope Roskell, at the Royal College of Music with Mengyang Pan and City, University of London with Laura Roberts. Lewis often performs around the capital as a soloist, chamber musician and accompanist, and is in high demand as a teacher. He has enjoyed recitals at prestigious venues such as St. Bride's, the Journalists' Church, Fleet Street and Charlton House. He is currently on the teaching faculty of Morley College and The City Literary Institute, London's two specialist adult colleges, and is also a piano tutor in the Junior department at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. Lewis has a particular interest in working with students overcoming injuries and has a passion for helping nurture innovative 21st-century musicians, and in 2023 was appointed as a Trustee of EPTA UK.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.