January 2024 by Sylvia Liu Qinghua
I had an absolute blast at the Finchcocks' piano retreat. Stunning grounds, delicious food and sweet treats aside, the community and the enthusiasm around the piano left me really inspired. My lessons with Florian were very inspiring and fun, and the private recital was an absolutely highlight. I can already dream about returning!
November 2023 by Chez Gawen
Outstanding Piano weekend at Finchcocks! Great course & piano immersion in a very very special venue. Never been anywhere quite like it and got to play 9 amazing grand pianos, all tuned before each course! Piano respect! Our tutor David Hall was truly inspiring - He simply oozed music from every pore in his body!! He quickly established all the individual wishes of the group and delivered a whole wide range of individual support that we all were able to learn from. I?m a teacher and his teaching delivery was exceptional & great fun!Delicious food, fabulous accommodation - a total treat- needless to say I am going back????
November 2023 by Kerry Cracknell
A really fabulous weekend on the beginners? piano course at Finchcocks. I learned a lot, met some wonderful people (with whom I will definitely keep in touch) and went away inspired to take my piano playing to new heights! The tuition was excellent - all of us are at different stages in our journey but Dave tailored the lessons so that we all came away with lots of useful practice tips and a better grasp of music theory to help us in our playing. I think everyone on the course gained in confidence and ability, and it was such a wonderful experience to play all the beautiful grand pianos! Overall - a truly marvellous and very memorable experience. Thank you to all at Finchcocks!
November 2023 by charlotte maude
This was such a special weekend. Finchcocks is the perfect place to really inspire you to learn more piano. Really luxurious surroundings but with a really relaxed and homely atmosphere, combined with delicious food and a bedroom (and bathroom) to die for! The Jazz Beginners course was a great way to introduce us to the world of jazz piano. Given it was meant to be a beginners course, there were times when I (and the majority of the other students) felt a bit lost, so I would have preferred a bit longer on the true basics, but it was really enjoyable and has definitely inspired me to take this further.
November 2023 by Philippa Wood
Absolutely fantastic weekend of piano tuition from Florian who is an inspiring teacher both in the setting of a masterclass and the private individual lesson .Florian identifies the problems you are having with playing a particular piece and then gives ideas as to how you can fix the issue . It's all incredibly useful and of course he is very encouraging too . We also had a magnificent recital from Florian on the Saturday evening .Finchcocks is an absolute delight to stay at and the family are extremely welcoming . A real treat to stay in such a glorious place and surroundings whilst at the same time get to play some amazing pianos .We were fed and watered very well and I highly recommend the course it was a fabulous and productive weekend . I will be returning !
November 2023 by Elizabeth Naish
I have just returned from a weekend at Finchcocks. From what I had gleaned from the website, I expected it to be good, but have to say that it exceeded all expectations. Every aspect of the weekend was 5star!The course led by Florian Mitrea was truly inspiring and the opportunity to learn from him and enjoy his recital on Saturday evening was such a privilege and joy.The house itself is beautifully furnished and we were incredibly well looked after. Each meal was delicious and the staff went out of their way to make guests feel welcome.I will definitely be back. Many thanks.
November 2023 by Janet Brooks
A wonderful weekend and Harriet makes everyone feel so welcome. Beautiful rooms and delicious food. Florian is such a good teacher, so encouraging, inspiring and gave a marvellous concert on Saturday evening. I really enjoyed myself. Thank you.
September 2023 by Tim Olig
If you have never been to Finchcock's, but have been contemplating doing so, treat yourself to one of these amazing courses.I have been a few times and am never disappointed - my only challenge is my own energy level to enjoy everything at the highest level - if you love piano you have to figure out how to balance joy, excitement, comradery and not exhaust yourself too much to take some walks around the beautiful property.The incredible "staff" (family) make you feel so welcome that you can't help but absorb the magic of the place.
August 2023 by Jo Williams
I have just returned from a five day summer course , it was truly wonderful. Fabulous tuition , amazing food and such a treat to stay at beautiful Finchcocks and thank you for letting us use the heated swimming pool as well. I?ll see you all again very soon !
July 2023 by Lisa Mustermann
Unfortunately, I cannot confirm the positive reviews, as I had a rather dodgy experience. I inquired about an 'upper intermediate piano course' in November two weeks ago and got the information that there was still one place available. So I told them all my details and started travel preparations. In the meantime the course director went on holiday for two weeks. Upon her arrival she told me that I cannot participate because my pieces are supposedly too advanced, which I find a rather dodgy reason. I guess someone elso took the place in the meantime. It's also not okay to reject people after two weeks, after they have applied for holidays and started travel preparations....
June 2023 by Shadow Tours
Extraordinary weekend piano course with the excellent David Hall. They make you feel like a guest at a house party rather than an educational institution if you see what I mean. Very good tuition tailored to the individuals and plenty of tome to focus on the piano. The owners should be very proud of what they have achieved at Finchcocks. I certainly appreciated every minute I was there.
June 2023 by Deggsie ?Deggs? Degs
Such a fantastic weekend at Finchcocks with David Hall. The surroundings are idyllic and the piano course was immersive. The music, food, drinks and perfect boiled eggs for breakfast made this. Very memorable weekendthe owners have done a wonderful job with the restoration of the house and they rightfully deserve praise for putting on such great music courses.
May 2023 by Chalice1017
Quite simply the best place a pianist can go. A beautiful house with great rooms in a beautiful setting and no less than 9 high quality grand pianos to play with. Tuition given on the courses is high-level and invaluable for pianists of all levels. The courses are pricey but they do reflect the experience with tuition, stay, excellent food and wine all included. If you?re considering it - just do it!
May 2023 by p T
Our weekend at Finchcocks was a delightful experience. Paradise for pianists, gorgeous food and surroundings. We were very well looked after and have made wonderful memories. Thank you Jaz, Jenny and Natalia.
April 2023 by Suzanne Webber
I received very helpful and insightful advice from Graham Fitch and learned much from listening to others play and to the advice they received. Food excellent. Grounds magnificent. Fellow participants very friendly and interesting people. A very happy experience. The stairs are a bit of a challenge.