Jazz up your July with 50% off the Jazz Piano Course at Finchcocks

• Newly opened Finchcocks to hold a jazz improvisation course, 6-8^th July
• Run by internationally accredited jazz pianist, Dr Mark Polishook, and suitable for all abilities
• Luxury accommodation and food provided
• Exclusive Pianist Magazine reader discount: 50% off using the code: JAZZ50

Summer is a great time to try new things. So whether you’re a piano teacher used to playing classical music or a jazz enthusiast with no improvisation experience – we may have just the ticket…

Finchcocks, the historic Georgian manor turned piano school in Kent, is hosting a jazz improvisation course on the weekend of the 6^th- 8^th July – and is offering Pianist Magazine subscribers a staggering 50% off.

The course is being run by Dr Mark Polishook, who hails from NYC and knows the international jazz scene like no-one else. Mark will be passing on years of wisdom and experience to an intimate group of eight students over the course of the July weekend.

Commenting on the upcoming jazz piano course, Dr Mark Polishook, said:

“My inspiration as a teacher comes from the idea of passing on the wisdom of the great players of the past to today’s aspiring jazz pianists, and doing so in a way that is engaging, accessible and inspiring.”

Frances Wilson, piano teacher and co-founder of the London Piano MeetUp Group spoke extremely highly of Mark’s teaching methods:

“Mark’s approach is a journey of discovery... He gives the classical pianist freedom to let go of ingrained preconceptions – to be thankful for wrong notes as the impetus for improvisation–and to banish the rational voice which might say 'you can’t do that!'"

Finchcocks Piano Course is featured in our pick of the top 10 best music festivals and workshops to attend around the UK this summer. Click here to see more UK events near you.

The jazz course at Finchcocks begins on Friday evening, where guests will have a chance to settle in and meet each other over a sociable dinner cooked by Finchcocks’ private chef. On Saturday, Mark will lead a series of group workshops covering the fundamentals of jazz piano, from practising the arts of pre-hearing and post-hearing and playing and responding, to mastering the different musical and mental skills involved in improvisation. The world-class tuition takes place in the historic cellar, which the new owners, Neil and Harriet Nichols, have transformed into an atmospheric recital room surrounded by vaulted practice rooms, each containing a grand piano.

In addition to group workshops, guests will also have one-on-one time with Mark, as well as plenty of time for private practice on one of Finchcocks’ beautiful grand pianos. In the evening, guests will be treated to a spectacular improvised performance, before returning to the Coach House for dinner.

All food is provided by Finchcocks’ talented chef, and guests will be put up in the stunning, recently renovated Grade II listed Coach House, which is brimming with quirky, period features.

Sunday will be a chance for guests to reflect on their learning, and perform to the other guests if they so wish. Finchcocks is surrounded by beautiful parkland and gardens, which guests are free to wander and explore.

Neil Nichols, owner of Finchcocks Piano School, said:

“We have had a great year since we re-opened Finchcocks’ doors as a piano school, running a series of successful weekend piano courses for adults of all abilities. A lot of pianists have grown up with the system of exams, which has a strong focus on classical and romantic composers. For many, the world of jazz and improvisation is therefore as mysterious as it is intriguing. We’re extremely excited to be offering such a comprehensive jazz improvisation course at Finchcocks, led by a master of the musical genre.”

The jazz improvisation course at Finchcocks includes 2 nights of accommodation, luxury food and drink, plus world-class piano tuition.

With an exclusive 50% off deal for Pianist Magazine subscribers, prices start from just £237.50, down from £475.

For booking enquiries, or if you have any questions about the course or upcoming courses, please contact Emma on 01580 428080 or [email protected]. For more information on Finchcocks, visit www.finchcocks.com. To receive your exclusive Pianist discount, simply quote the discount code - JAZZ50 - when booking.