An opportunity to play and perform piano duets in a beautiful setting. Prepared works will be used to explore particular skills of duet playing in lessons, workshops, masterclasses and a final concert. A question and answer session (with Prosecco!) and a pub quiz add extra fun!
ABILITY: CONFIDENT, SKILFUL
Resident: £412 Non-Resident: £302 (25% off for under 27s) Code: 26/211
Members priority booking opens at 9am on Tuesday 17 June
General booking opens at 9am on Friday 11 July.
For details on how to become a Member to take advantage of early booking, see here.
This course runs from 5.30pm on Friday 13 February to 4pm on Sunday 15 February 2026.
What is the course about?
Benslow Music regular Nigel Clayton returns with Imma Setiadi for this popular course. Nigel and Imma will guide participants through some of the diverse and rewarding repertoire written for piano duet, while helping with the particular skills needed to play as a four-hand team. Both pre-formed pairs and individual applicants are welcome, and although this is a piano duet course, there is also scope for work on two pianos.
Entry to the tutor concert on the Friday evening is included within the course fee.
Tutor websites: Nigel Clayton and Imma Setiadi
What will we cover?
Exploring your chosen pieces
Interpretation and musicality
Ways to improve ensemble particularly in piano duet settings
Rehearsal techniques
Repertoire knowledge
The ability to learn music more quickly
Spontaneity in performance and ensemble playing
Piano technique in general (fingering, posture, pedalling, etc)
What will we accomplish? By the end of this course you will be able to…
Gain more insight into your pieces
Acquire more technical security in your piano playing
Perform with more confidence and enjoyment particularly in piano duet settings
Have more ideas about effective rehearsal techniques for piano duet
Improve your quick study skills
Know more about the repertoire available for piano duet
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
Confident, Skilful
How will the course be taught, and will any preparation be required?
Several coaching sessions for each duet group
Masterclass
Workshop on piano duet related topic(s)
Q and A session (Prosecco based...)
Final informal concert
Participants are required to let the tutors know in advance what repertoire they are planning to play. Suggestion for repertoire is available upon registration.
Will music be provided in advance of the course?
Participants are requested to bring music with them. Further sheet music is available in Benslow’s amazing library. IMSLP also has a wide range of parts and scores.
Is there anything I need to bring?
Yourself and your duet partner with plenty of good humour.
Your music.
Writing equipment.
What previous participants said about this course…
“This is the best course I've ever attended at Benslow Music. The quality of tuition was superb, and the air was alive with inspiration. I've never worked so hard in my life, and I'm so looking forward to the same course next year.”
“Nigel and Imma are a fantastic team. The quality of the tuition couldn't be faulted.”
“Nigel and Imma were superb, they gave very helpful feedback, were good fun and very inclusive. I learned a lot!”
“A perfect blend of individual tuition, plenary workshops and performance opportunities.”
“An opportunity to meet like-minded musicians, immerse yourself in music, learn and develop, enjoy a homely atmosphere and have fun.”
“A unique chance to have the best of teaching and experience with others who inevitably share issues in duo/duet playing.”