Learning in Retirement

As well as online courses, Piano Sanctuary offer idyllic weekend retreats at Leiston Abbey In Suffolk. Image ©Gavin Dixon

Retirement is the perfect time to consider learning a new skill, whether purely for pleasure or with an anticipated qualification in mind. You are never too old to learn, and retirement is a good time to start doing something you have always wanted to do but perhaps never really had the time whilst working. Now more than ever, having to stay at home due to the pandemic, now could be the time to start thinking about learning a new skill or hobby.

Whatever you choose to do, it’s a great way to keep the mind active and at the same time gives you the opportunity to socialise and meet new people who have similar interests to yourself, even if only on-line at present.

There are many organisations and establishments available to assist you in choosing, whether part-time, weekend or distance learning courses. Here is an example.

A SANCTUARY FOR ADULT PIANO LEARNERS OF ALL ABILITIES

Andrew Quartermain, Chief Executive of Pro Corda and Piano Sanctuary founder, explains what’s inspired him to take a new approach for adults keen to start playing or return to the piano.

Piano Sanctuary is an entirely new approach for adult learners. The thing that puts so many adults off from either starting or coming back to piano lessons is so often, well, the idea of lessons! Sometimes people have mixed memories of that strict piano teacher as a child. Sometimes they’re put off by the thought of having to learn tutor music largely written for children.

Based on years of experience running Piano weekends for adults, most of whom recently retired, and making use of my practical experience as a concert pianist and international teacher, I realised that there was a need out there for a new approach. To my mind, this approach could follow what happened with gyms back in the late 80s. Having been perceived as elite places for the ultra- athletic, suddenly they became about people’s everyday lives and lifestyles. Piano Sanctuary is exactly that – and hopefully with a lot of fun along the way. It recognises that piano isn’t just a skill to be developed, it’s about a deep love of piano music, and it’s about lifestyle. And during these stressful times it really is about a sanctuary too.

Piano Sanctuary offers bespoke compact online courses for all levels (including beginners.) They use creative techniques that can be grasped immediately to fast-track immediate progress. There are also the idyllic Retreat weekends at Piano Sanctuary’s home at Leiston Abbey on the Suffolk coast – part music course/ part weekend break in the country with great food and wine!

There have already been so many success stories, and we also have a superb video where you can see and hear Piano Sanctuary students sharing their experiences, so do find out more at our website and get in touch if you like what you see! www.pianosanctuary.co.uk n

Piano Sanctuary offers rewarding, fast-track progress for adult piano players of all levels, including beginners. Image ©Gavin Dixon