MUSIC AT CASTELFRANC, directed by Paul Roberts, is a piano summer school with a difference. It offers the best qualities of conservatoire teaching and learning in a non-competitive context, music making in idyllic surroundings, intensive study in a relaxed environment. Music at Castelfranc offers accommodation in the spectacular Château Castelfranc, owned by the British charity the Dandelion Trust (click here).

Music at Castelfranc seeks to heal the mind and nourish the imagination, creating conditions in which the pleasures of music-making can be rediscovered, while reinforcing the habits of careful preparation, both technical and imaginative. The music and the setting, the teachers and the participants, the hospitality, wine and good home-cooking, combine to make each eight-day course an education in art and humanity.

Music at Castelfranc welcomes music-making at all levels. The courses are open to amateurs of all ages and conservatoire students with an eye to a career in music. Up to 12 advanced students can be accommodated on each course, and around 8 amateurs at all levels of proficiency, excepting complete beginners. It is this mix of amateur and aspiring professional, and the wide mix of ages, that make the working and social ambience of Castelfranc so stimulating.

There is no upper age limit; we usually set a lower age limit of 16. Observers and non-playing partners are welcome: the teaching and learning is conducted through open workshops, with a varied calendar of concerts and events in the evenings.

Advanced piano classes

Classes for Intermediate players and Amateurs

All teaching is in open workshops, with particular emphasis on the psychology of performance and on communicating music without fear.

Two concert grand pianos and several uprights, plus digital keyboards, give ample opportunity for practising.

For further details see Courses, Repertoire, Tutors

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: Please also consult the Frequently Asked Questions page, click here, where a considerable amount of information can be found not covered elsewhere on the site.