Impressive line-up of piano tutors at Summer School for Pianists

For one week each year, visitors enjoying the magnificence of Stowe House and its glorious Capability Brown gardens strewn with follies are likely to alight upon an extra, unforeseen delight. Strolling into the State Music Room to enjoy its unparalleled views across the lake, they may find the vista is accompanied by the sound of a pianist at a Steinway grand piano. However, this is not in fact a piece of immersive theatre recreating Queen Victoria’s own piano performance on her visit in 1845, but one of the classes at the annual Summer School for Pianists which has been based at Stowe since 2019. As such, here in the main house, in the chapel, and throughout the All Steinway music school, five groups of 12-13 amateur pianists, guided by their tutors, explore the glories of the piano repertoire.

The magnificent Stowe House

First inaugurated over 40 years ago, and having come to its current location via residencies in Little Benslow Hills, York, Hereford and Walsall, the school prides itself on curating a community atmosphere, where about 70 attendees, ranging from the age of 18 to over 90 come together from across the world each year to celebrate all things pianistic. Indeed, many have been attending for over 20 years and some for more than 30. Karl Lutchmayer, who, along with Christine Stevenson, has been one of the artistic directors for over a decade, likens it to a family that comes together every Christmas, but stays in touch throughout the year and gradually evolves as new members join, inspired by the experiences of their friends. One such student was Ray Eveleigh who, in 2024, achieved international fame for passing his grade 8 piano exam at the age of 88, 67 years after he finished grade 7. Ray joined the course at the suggestion of his sister who had been coming for many years, and it was there that he met Ann Martin-Davis, one of the tutors that year, who became his regular piano teacher.

From left to right: Daniel Hill, artistic director Karl Lutchmayer, Graham Fitch, and artistic director Christine Stevenson

The piano tutors

The course has always prided itself on booking internationally renowned tutors who, although more frequently found teaching at institutions such as the Royal College of Music, have a particular passion for grass-roots music education. As such, they have included such pillars of British music education as Jean Anderson, Andrew Ball, John Barstow, Patricia Carroll, Ruth Harte, Graeme Humphrey, Graham Johnson, James Lisney, Denis Matthews, Simon Nicholls, Bryce Morrison, David Owen Norris, Phyllis Sellick and Frank Wibaut. This year, in addition to Karl and Christine, Graham Fitch (a regular contributor to Pianist magazine), Jill Morton and Daniel Hill will be the tutors. Each tutor has one group for the week (although attendees are encouraged to attend classes beyond their own) and each student receives three masterclass lessons. The masterclass format is central to the course’s community identity; it allows students to learn from each other and, in that way, maximise opportunities for learning and inspiration. As Christine says, ‘frequently we find that students bring repertoire which they have heard others play in previous years’ classes, and so are often able to avoid some of the pitfalls of taking up their new piece.’

Course tutor artistic director Karl Lutchmayer 

In fact, it’s a very busy week for the tutors. In addition to offering 18 hours of masterclasses, they each give a piano recital and, additionally, a lecture. This year, mindful of the Ravel anniversary year, their repertoire includes Gaspard de la Nuit and Valses nobles et sentimentales, as well as works by Scottish women composers, Schumann's Fantasie and Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition, which was orchestrated by Ravel. However, it’s no less busy for the attendees who, in addition to being able to avail themselves of private lessons with the tutors at considerably reduced rates, this year also have the opportunity to take part in an accompanist’s workshop, perform in various concerts (including Platform Platforms where students can offer a thirty-minute recital on the concert grand Steinway), attend a lecture by Paul Harris and take part, in this Satie anniversary year, in a team charity performance of his 18-hour marathon work, Vexations.

Celebrations inside Stowe House

Hard work and good play

Fortunately, relaxation is never far away. Everyone lives on site in the school boarding houses (which, far from the days of Billy Bunter, now all have ensuite facilities) and so can stroll around the grounds whenever they wish, even outside the National Trust opening hours. Meals are taken in the gilded State Dining Room, and there is a bar which, after a hard day’s practice becomes the social hub, and occasionally an opportunity for course members to share their other skills, be they jazz pianists, fine artists or, as last year, a former university lecturer offering younger members of the course a satirical masterclass on pipe-smoking. Finally, to round off an intense and invigorating week, there is always a gala dinner where, dressed to match their surroundings, the community comes together one last time to celebrate their achievements and, inspired by their week, make plans for the year ahead. For students and tutors alike, the week offers a time outside time where, relieved of everyday cares and chores, the piano takes centre stage and even outshines its glorious surroundings.

Regular student Nick Palmer with Christine Stevenson

Further information about Summer School for Pianist