Piano

For groups of up to a dozen pianists, Harry draws on all the different approaches to the keyboard he’s utilised over the years and shows anyone from those who have never improvised before up to seasoned extemporisers what it’s all about. Many students are excited by the idea of improvising but when confronted with putting away the music find the reality slightly daunting. Harry’s approach is to de-mystify the process for beginners by breaking things down into manageable ideas and for those a little more advanced to unlock doors and send them in entirely new directions. It is an harmonic and aural approach that does not conflict with the students’ classical tuition but rather enhances their all-round musicianship! A ninety minute workshop in the afternoon is followed by an evening concert where Harry performs his extraordinary cabaret and ends by accompanying the students in live performance. From 11-18 years, and grade III and above.

“Harry is a piano player who defies classification. Possessed of a prodigious technique that almost brings a new meaning to the term virtuoso and of a repertoire that apparently embraces almost everything, he weaves pieces and styles together with magical facility.”
Jasper R Dimond, West Sussex Times

Workshops up close

Portsmouth Grammar School, Hampshire

“Harry spent an afternoon with pupils from our school along with local secondary schools demystifying the art of improvisation. In an action-packed hour and a quarter he demonstrated his art and also showed the pupils tangible ways to release the improviser within them; it was great to see students developing the confidence to try the techniques demonstrated“
Gareth Hemmings, Director of Music, Portsmouth Grammar School

Leighton Park School, Berkshire

“Wow! Thank you so much for tonight’s absolutely brilliant event. The students and parents were buzzing with excitement as they left the building. It was awe inspiring and inspirational!! Harry, you are welcome back whenever you like!”
Rosemary Scales, Head of Music, Leighton Park School, Reading, Berkshire

Taunton School, Somerset

“It was fabulous to have you do the workshop, the students got so much from it. Then the evening, what can I say, I loved it and so did everyone else!”
Mark Cracknell, Director of Music, Taunton School

Dean Close School, Gloucestershire

“The pupils were utterly inspired, two pupils who were considering quitting have since decided to carry on thanks to you.”
Tim McVittie, Head of Music, Dean Close School, Cheltenham

Millfield School, Somerset

“Harry the Piano, a true virtuoso and sublimely relaxed improviser, treated our students to a crash-course workshop in improvisation before wowing a 350 strong sold-out Johnson Hall audience with performances that will live long in the memories of all who attended.”
Matthew Cook, Director of Music, Millfield School, Somerset.

Educational philosophy – Ardingly College, W Sussex, Somerset

“I know for all pupils involved that it was an experience they will never forget.”
Richard Stafford, Head of Music, Ardingly College, W Sussex