Piano workshop 5
Time: 13:45 - 15:45
Location: Keeley Street
Choose a start date
- Course Code: ME236B
- Dates: 16/01/25 - 27/03/25
- Time: 13:45 - 15:45
- Taught: Thu, Daytime
- Duration: 11 sessions (over 11 weeks)
- Location: Keeley Street
- Tutor: Lewis Kesterton
Course Code: ME236B
Choose a start date
Duration: 11 sessions (over 11 weeks)
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
Play a wider repertoire and improve your technique. Emphasis is given to developing technical skills, understanding of the structure of pieces, developing ability to shape phrases and extending dynamic range.
*There may be other classes at this same level taught by different tutors: please check the drop-down menu for other course dates/times
**If you are unsure which course is best for you, please contact the music department (music@citylit.ac.uk) where our teachers will help you select a class at the right level.
What will we cover?
Repertoire will be chosen by the tutor and include pieces by two/three different composers and a selection of studies at a standard approaching grade 5 (increasing in complexity with tutor guidance)
- Technical problems, style and performance skills will be discussed
- There will some sight reading pieces
- There may be opportunity to play duets.
- Scales: all major scales starting on white keys plus Bflat and Eflat majors and A, B, C, D, E, F and G minors (harmonic and melodic, three Octaves, hands together)
- Arpeggios in the same keys (two Octaves, hands together).
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
- Extend your range of techniques
- Demonstrate increased dynamic range
- Use the sustain pedal with confidence.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
For this workshop you must be ready to study repertoire at grade 5 standard and the ability to learn repertoire independently is essential.
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?
- All courses use Google Classroom to share materials and messages, including any homework tasks.
- Classes are taught through tutor explanation and demonstration, and playing/listening workshop style.
- Sessions may also include aural skills, musicianship and theoretical study where applicable.
- 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 6’, or you may repeat the course to gain more experience at the same level.
Please note: we may 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.
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.