The Pianists' Workshop: Interpretation

Overview

This practical class is an opportunity to explore the piano's vast repertoire and to improve both your interpretation and technique. The format of the class is a lively mixture of talks and workshops, in which all students have regular opportunities to play in a relaxed, friendly and very supportive atmosphere.

In the workshop sessions advice will be given on interpretation appropriate to each composer. On the technical side, students will be helped with the selection of fingerings, the identification and resolution of technical problems and the choice of appropriate technical exercises. The emphasis of this aspect of the course is to give students the knowledge and experience to make best use of their practice time.

In the talks this term we will be looking at the development of the modern piano and its impact on Beethoven's piano writing. We will profile the pianists Paul Lewis - noted for his interpretation of Beethoven - and the legendary Vladimir Horowitz, as well as looking at the extraordinary piano music of Alexander Scriabin.

This class is open to players of all levels, including beginners, and students may join the class in any term.

Programme details

Course starts: 21 Jan 2026

Week 1: Repertoire workshop - Special topic: Interpreting Baroque repertoire.

Week 2: Repertoire workshop.

Week 3: Repertoire workshop - Special topic: Interpreting Classical repertoire.

Week 4: Repertoire workshop.

Week 5: Repertoire workshop - Special topic: Interpreting Romantic repertoire.

Week 6: Repertoire workshop.

Week 7: Repertoire workshop - Special topic: Interpreting Modern repertoire.

Week 8: Repertoire workshop.

Week 9: Repertoire workshop - Special topic: How the composer helps us.

Week 10: Performance week.

Digital Certification

Digital badge

Upon successful completion of this course, you will be issued with an official digital badge from the Department for Continuing Education, University of Oxford. After the course, you will receive an email with a link and instructions on how to download your digital badge. You will be able to add your badge to your email signature and share it on social media if you choose to do so. In order to be issued with your badge, you will need to have attended at least 80% of the course.

Fees

Description Costs
Course Fee £300.00

Funding

If you are in receipt of a UK state benefit, you are a full-time student in the UK or a student on a low income, you may be eligible for a reduction of 50% of tuition fees. Please see the below link for full details:

Concessionary fees for short courses

 

Tutor

Mr Jonathan Darnborough

Jonathan Darnborough is Director of Studies in Music and Departmental Lecturer in Music at Oxford University Department for Continuing Education.  He is a composer and pianist and has worked in continuing education throughout his career.

Course aims

  • To improve the students’ interpretation of piano repertoire from different periods and styles
  • To give students the ability to prepare a piece of piano music for performance from the initial choice of the piece through the technical preparation to the final interpretation
  • To make the students aware of a broader range of piano repertoire

Teaching methods

A mixture of lecture and workshop. The tutor will outline each topic with live demonstrations from the keyboard. Students will play pieces or extracts from pieces to the class and work on these with the tutor. In all classes the score of the music being worked on will be projected on to one screen and live video from a webcam over the piano keyboard will be projected on to another.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this course students will be expected to:

  • be aware of a broader range of piano repertoire;
  • appreciate the issues involved in interpreting the piano music of different periods;
  • prepare a piece of piano music for performance, from the initial choice of the piece through the technical preparation to the final interpretation;
  • understand how a composers' markings give not only interpretative but also technical assistance.

Assessment methods

This course is non-accredited, so there are no assessments.

Application

Please use the 'Book now' button on this page. Alternatively, please complete an Enrolment form for short courses | Oxford University Department for Continuing Education

Level and demands

This class is open to players of all levels, including beginners.

The Department's Weekly Classes are taught at first year undergraduate level.