Short course
The Pianists’ Workshop: Interpretation
Course status:
Applications being accepted
Dates and time:
14/04/2027 - 16/06/202716:30 - 18:30
Study format:
In-person weekly
Level:
All levels
Fees:
£315.00
This practical class is an opportunity to explore the piano's vast repertoire and to improve both your interpretation and technique. The format of the class is a lively mixture of talks and workshops, in which all students have regular opportunities to play in a relaxed, friendly and very supportive atmosphere.
In the workshop sessions advice will be given on interpretation appropriate to each composer. On the technical side, students will be helped with the selection of fingerings, the identification and resolution of technical problems and the choice of appropriate technical exercises. The emphasis of this aspect of the course is to give students the knowledge and experience to make best use of their practice time.
In the talks this term we will be looking at the different interpretative requirements of repertoire from different musical eras. We will profile the pianists Andras Schiff – noted for his interpretation of Bach – and Artur Rubinstein – one of the most celebrated Chopin interpreters of all time.
This class is open to players of all levels.
Book this course
Book your place online using the button below.
Course starts Wednesday 14 April 2027
This is an in-person course which requires your attendance at the weekly meetings in Oxford on Wednesdays, 4.30-6.30pm.
Week 1: Repertoire workshop – Special topic: Interpreting the music of different eras – Baroque and Classical repertoire.
Week 2: Repertoire workshop.
Week 3: Repertoire workshop – Special topic: Pianist profile: Andras Schiff
Week 4: Repertoire workshop.
Week 5: Repertoire workshop – Special topic: How the composer helps us.
Week 6: Repertoire workshop.
Week 7: Repertoire workshop – Special topic: Interpreting the music of different eras – Romantic and Modern repertoire.
Week 8: Repertoire workshop.
Week 9: Repertoire workshop – Special topic: Pianist profile: Artur Rubinstein
Week 10: Performance week.
Course aims
Course aims: To improve the students’ interpretation of piano repertoire from different periods and styles.
Course objectives:
- To give students the ability to prepare a piece of piano music for performance from the initial choice of the piece through the technical preparation to the final interpretation.
- To equip students to evaluate the interpretations of other pianists.
Learning outcomes
By the end of this course students will be expected to:
- appreciate the issues involved in interpreting the piano music of different periods;
- prepare a piece of piano music for performance, from the initial choice of the piece through the technical preparation to the final interpretation;
- understand how a composers’ markings give not only interpretative but also technical assistance.
Level and demands
This class is open to players of all levels, including beginners.
The Department’s Weekly Classes are taught at first year undergraduate level.
Teaching methods
A mixture of lecture and workshop. The tutor will outline each topic with live demonstrations from the keyboard. Students will play pieces or extracts from pieces to the class and work on these with the tutor. In all classes the score of the music being worked on will be projected on to one screen and live video from a webcam over the piano keyboard will be projected on to another.
Assessment methods
This course is not accredited, so there are no assessments or coursework.
Mr Jonathan Darnborough
Jonathan Darnborough is Director of Studies in Music and Departmental Lecturer in Music at Oxford University Department for Continuing Education. He is a composer and pianist and has worked in continuing education throughout his career.
Digital badge
Upon successful completion of this course, you will be issued with an official digital badge from the Department for Continuing Education, University of Oxford. In order to be issued with your badge, you will need to have attended at least 80% of the course.
After the course, you will receive an email with a link and instructions on how to download your digital badge. You will be able to add this badge to your email signature and share it on social media if you choose to do so.
Fees
| Description | Costs |
|---|---|
| Course fee | £315.00 |
Funding
If you are in receipt of a UK state benefit, or are a care-leaver in the UK, you may be eligible for a reduction of 50% of tuition fees. Please see the below link for full details:
Concessionary fees for short courses
Recommended reading
Recommended reading is optional and you are not required to purchase these books to study this course.
Library facilities
All weekly class students may become borrowing members of the Rewley House Library, part of the Bodleian Libraries, for the duration of their course. Prospective students whose courses have not yet started are also welcome to use the Library for reference.
- More information about the Library can be found on the Bodleian Libraries website.
- This guide for Weekly Class students also provides further information.
Preparatory reading
- The Piano (New Grove Series) / Belt, Ripin, Bradshaw & Winter
- The Yehudi Menuhin Guide to the Piano / Kentner, L
Module code: O26P509MSW
How to enrol
Please use the ‘Book now’ button on this page.