This week we hosted the annual Suter Piano Festival, named after beloved piano teacher Kathryn Suter. This event not only pays homage to her legacy but also provides a platform for students to showcase their piano skills.
A Platform for All
One of the distinctive features of the Suter Piano Festival is inclusivity. Every student pianist in the school is encouraged to contribute a piece, creating an environment that fosters a love for music at all levels. For early-grade pianists, the festival offers a relaxed ‘no-pressure’ setting where students can perform for each other, sharing their passion for music.
Masterclasses
Mini-masterclasses were available for students playing at Grade 7 and above to elevate their learning experience.
This year we welcomed Alexander Boyd to conduct the masterclasses. Boyd is a highly acclaimed pianist and composer, known for his sensitive and masterful interpretations, who made his concerto debut at 11 and has since performed at prestigious venues worldwide, premiered new compositions, recorded extensively and is a dedicated tutor at the Guildhall School and Birmingham University.
Each student had the opportunity to perform a short piece for Alexander, who then provided feedback. His expertise allowed these students to delve into the intricacies of their pieces, receiving personalised feedback that will undoubtedly shape their musical journey.