Founded in 1998 Lot Music is a piano summer school, with an international following, for adult amateur pianists. Having hosted Lot Music for many happy years in France, we re-launched in the UK in 2022 as “Not The Lot”, Lot Music. We have found another exceptional venue in East Sussex and will be returning there for our fourth season in 2025.

The ethos is to create a relaxed ambiance giving pianists a chance to join a like-minded group, to be taught by exceptional high profile teachers and to gain confidence in performing. The course is complimented by the wonderful setting in which to relax.

Overview cont.

Fair Oak Farm near Mayfield East Sussex is our new ‘home’ with exclusive use of the 11 acre estate. It offers exceptional and characterful accommodation in the period farmhouse, converted outbuildings and eco shepherd huts and eco tree houses, and the Oast house. Everyone will be accommodated on one site. The course includes full board with superb food provided by Stuart Mathieson, made with fresh seasonal produce.

The venue is easily accessible by train, approx. 1 hour from London. Please see the travel info page for more information. East Sussex abounds with interesting, world famous historic houses and gardens to visit, and also offers interesting walks and cycle routes in an area of outstanding natural beauty. Why not take a few extra days either side of the piano course to explore further?

Course Overview

Our two resident tutors offer inspiration & confidence to those less familiar with playing to others, as well as responding to the needs of the advanced players. Advanced players can be offered a platform to give one of the evening or lunchtime recitals. The course is for a maximum of thirteen pianists in order to give each person individual attention. It best suits pianists at a level equivalent to ABRSM grade V111 or higher. It is aimed at adult pianists and would suit piano teachers, amateurs, or anyone with a passion for playing the piano.

Tuition will be a combination of masterclasses and private lessons. The choice of repertoire is free. In the main teaching room there are two pianos allowing for concerto or two piano works. A second teaching room has a grand piano for the private lessons. The course welcomes pianists’ partners who can observe the masterclasses, explore the local area or just soak up the magic of Fair Oak farm.

Daily Programme – Morning

Early morning practice sessions available.

Buffet breakfast followed by a morning master-class (x6). The private lessons will also take place each morning in the second teaching studio. The tutors will alternate giving private lessons or leading the masterclass sessions.

Each participant can expect three hours of tuition during the week as follows: two 45 minute master-class sessions and two 45 minute private lessons, and will work with both tutors. Having two tutors will give the week more diversity, wider exposure to superb teaching, and a huge breadth of repertoire and recitals.

Buffet lunch.

Daily Programme – Afternoon

Practice sessions available.

2 grand pianos and 6 uprights in 6 separate venues.

Daily Programme – Evening

Each tutor will give one early evening recital during the week.

As a core part of the course the remaining evenings are available for participants’ recitals. Depending on the uptake, extra recital sessions can be arranged.

There is a participants’ concert for all on the last evening.

We will gather on the farmhouse terrace area after the recitals for aperitifs followed by 3 course dinner.Chef Stuart Mathieson is renowned for his freshly prepared and varied imaginative menus. Vegetarians, vegans and gluten free can be catered for.

Course ends: After breakfast on last day.

Lot Music is renowned for its spontaneous after dinner “jam” sessions.

Course fees include full board, aperitif, wine with dinner, masterclass tuition, private lessons, participant recital opportunities and tutor concerts.

TRAVEL IS NOT INCLUDED.