SHOPPING FOR MUSIC FESTIVALS - 6 tips
Just a few days ago I got back from the second of two piano festivals abroad, one in beautiful Rugby in middle England, the other one in Bavaria.
Rugby School is a stunningly appointed All Steinway school and summer home for PIANO WEEK. What a pleasure to work with their students coming to Rugby from all over the globe. It truly felt like family and I can’t wait to return in 2024!
The festival in Bavaria was just a little smaller. It took place in two cities offering a nice variety of spaces and instruments.
My colleague Julia Kuhn and I hand selected the participants, which made for a lovely and focused work atmosphere, and the venues were absolutely perfect.
The feedback after both events was enthusiastic throughout, a great success for both festivals!
How does one find that perfect festival, that unforgettable experience, and the ideal fit?
Let me share with you six tips on what to look for in a festival.
6 things to consider when shopping for a music festival
Teachers
Since festivals are all about learning, this is an obvious one. The faculty makes for the overall mood and feel of a festival, it elevates the profile of a course, and serves as the main attraction for students shopping for a good fit. It is easy to get an impression about the faculty on the internet.
Students
The playing level of the participants is another huge aspect of a festival no matter what age range the target student. If the level is not a good match it can be either a nerve racking or an under-challenging experience, so this one is huge, too. Websites of festivals often feature student performances.
Size and contact time
The size of a festival does not necessarily speak for its value. Individual contact time is a big factor. The number of coachings a student gets matters, so does the exposure to musical experiences beyond the lesson. I suggest contacting the festival for a sample schedule.
Location and venue
Another main draw of a festival is its location and its performance venues. Pianists attend festivals to learn and to perform. Great halls equipped with pristine instruments make for a huge asset for a festival. So does the location.
Food
Pianists practice many hours each day, and they love food. Meals can be a the great opportunity for socializing and for having fun. No wonder that most festivals feature an abundance of food offerings. Since most musicians love talking about food, this one is best researched by word of mouth.
Money
Fees vary greatly amongst festivals from zero tuition all the way to fees comparable to the cost of an expensive holiday, but the price of a festival experience is no guarantee for its quality. More expensive does definitely not equal better.
Before making that final decision it is nice to go through these points with someone who knows the world of festivals. Piano teachers can be a fantastic help, and I would recommend asking them for advice. They often have additional tips, and many attended a few festivals themselves when they were students.
Piano festivals are such a fun and inspiring time for both students and faculty.
Being part of a festival is as easy as attending a festival concert or watching a masterclass. You might walk away inspired and come back for more!