Piano: the Schubert impromptus and moments musicaux project

City Lit's acclaimed piano repertoire project returns for 2026-27! This year we will be preparing works by three composers with a focus on historical performance practice. For part 3, we will be playing the completeSchubert Impromptus and Moments Musicaux. Throughout the year, there will be opportunities for participants to visit, learn about and play their works on a variety of period pianos, an experience which will undoubte...

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Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.

  • Start Date: 22 Apr 2027
    End Date: 01 Jul 2027
    Thu (Daytime): 10:00 - 13:00
    In Person
    Location: Keeley Street
    Duration: 10 sessions (over 11 weeks)
    Course Code: ME256C
    Tutors:  Lewis Kesterton
    Full fee £399.00 Senior fee £399.00 Concession £279.00

Any questions? music@citylit.ac.uk or call 020 4582 0412

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Book your place
In stock
SKU
251249
Full fee £399.00 Senior fee £399.00 Concession £279.00

What is the course about?

This course is split into three ten-week parts across the academic year:

  • Part 1:Fryderyk Chopin - Preludes Op.28
  • Part 2:Ludwig Van Beethoven - Selected Sonatas
  • Part 3:Franz Schubert - Complete Impromptus & Moments Musicaux

Acquire a deeper understanding of the stylistic interpretation and performance of Romantic and 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 three will cover the complete Schubert Impromptus and Moments Musicauxwhich will be divided between students:

Four Impromptus D.899:

  1. Allegro molto moderato (C minor)
  2. Allegro (E-flat major)
  3. Andante (G-flat major)
  4. Allegretto (A-flat major)

Four Impromptus D.935:

  1. Allegro moderato (Fminor)
  2. Allegretto (A♭major)
  3. Theme and 5 variations(B♭major)
  4. Allegro scherzando (Fminor)

Six Moments musicaux D.780

  1. Moderato (Cmajor)
  2. Andantino (A♭major)
  3. Allegro moderato (Fminor)
  4. Moderato (C♯minor)
  5. Allegro vivace (Fminor)
  6. Allegretto (A♭major)

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 encouraged to participate in classes 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 editions for this course areHenle VerlagandBärenreiter.

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 Tutor Website

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. He has also studied the Taubman Approach with Robert Durso, student of Dorothy Taubman. Lewis often performs around the capital as a soloist, chamber musician and accompanist, and is in high demand as a teacher. 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 solo and ensemble 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.