Piano: workshop 4
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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: 16 Sep 2025End Date: 25 Nov 2025Tue (Daytime): 13:30 - 15:30In PersonLocation: Keeley StreetDuration: 11 sessions (over -11 weeks)Course Code: ME225ATutors: Ana Claudia MagalhaesFull fee £299.00 Senior fee £239.00 Concession £209.00
- Start Date: 29 Apr 2025End Date: 08 Jul 2025This course has startedTue (Daytime): 13:30 - 15:30In PersonLocation: Keeley StreetDuration: 11 sessions (over -11 weeks)Course Code: ME225CTutors: Ana Claudia MagalhaesFull fee £279.00 Senior fee £223.00 Concession £195.00
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What is the course about?
Acquire a more solid technique and gain confidence across a wider repertoire in this workshop class with regular individual feedback. Emphasis is given to improving legato playing and quality of ‘singing tone’ as well as coordination and balance between the hands.
What will we cover?
- Repertoire will include pieces by two/three different composers and a selection of studies approaching grade 4 standard.
- Technical problems, style and performance skills will be discussed
- There will some sight reading pieces
- There may be the opportunity to play duets and two piano repertoire.
- Scales: C, G, F, D, A, E and B majors and A, E, D, B, C and F minors (harmonic and melodic, 2 octaves hands together).
- Arpeggios in the same keys (1 octave hands together, 2 octaves hands separately).
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Recognise and play perfect, imperfect and interrupted cadences
- Recognise and understand modulation
- Make decisions about the shaping of phrases
- Perform ornaments clearly and smoothly
- Co-ordinate pedalling smoothly with playing.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
For this workshop you must be ready to study repertoire approaching grade 4 standard.
The ability to learn repertoire independently is essential.
You will also need to be comfortable playing in front of others on a regular basis.
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?
Classes are taught through tutor explanation and demonstration, and playing/listening workshop style on an acoustic piano. Sessions will also include aural skills and theoretical study
A regular practice routine is essential to progress on this course.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Students should have access to a piano (acoustic or digital) for practice between classes and budget approximately £15 per term for scores. Music may be purchased new or second-hand. Suitable scores may also be available from IMSLP
To see the repertoire and any required music books you will need to bring to this course please refer to our list as follows: City lit piano repertoire books [external website].
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
This course comprises of three terms spread across the academic year, after which you may continue to ‘Piano workshop 5’, or you may repeat the course to gain more experience at the same level.
Please note: we have multiple courses at different times throughout the week.
You may wish to support your learning through a focus on reading, writing and hearing music and musical patterns. For more details about musicianship and music theory please visit our blog: Musicianship and music theory at City lit which lists our full sequence of musicianship and music theory classes.
Ana Claudia Magalhaes is from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. She has a degree in Music (main instrument Piano) at the School of Music of Federal University of Rio de Janeiro. She also attended for many years, the piano class of Gloria Maria da Fonseca Costa, a former pupil of Alexander Siloti. Gloria Maria was a major influence and inspiration in Ana's piano studies. Ana came to London in 1996, where she took the Post Graduate and MA degree in Music Teaching at the Professional Practice at the University of Reading. She has a passion for teaching, individually and in groups, from beginners to advanced, children and adults and she enjoys adapting her teaching according to the main needs of her students/classes. Although her main Musical Education was Classical, Ana has also developed the ability to improvise and play by ear since her teens when playing in bands with her youth friends and she thinks this freedom was very important for her formation as a musician. Ana plays solo but she also enjoys mainly playing chamber music, accompanied by other people. She has combined teaching and performing since she lived in Brazil.
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.