Date/Time
Date(s) - August 30, 2026
9:30 am - 5:30 pm
We are delighted to announce that we will be returning to the Birmingham Conservatoire on Sunday 30th August for our Annual Conference 2026.
This year’s theme ‘Beyond the Notes’ will explore creative approaches to piano teaching and performance, with a particular focus on broadening musical understanding beyond the written score. Beyond the Notes is where the real magic of music happens. The notes on the page matter – but music truly comes alive through interpretation, imagination, dynamics, phrasing and personal artistic conviction. The EPTA Conference 2026 will examine all of this and more through an inspiring programme of talks and workshops. Topics include improvisation, sight-reading, interpretation, rhythm, playing without notation, Kodály, and “sound before symbol”.
The day aims to offer fresh ideas, enhance teaching practice, and support ongoing professional development. You will also have the opportunity to attend a special recital by three winners of the EPTA UK Piano Competition 2026.
Conference Programme
|
Performer/Speaker Details
|
Lucinda Mackworth-Young – ‘No Music! No Problem! A Guide for both Teachers and Pupils’
|
|
|
|
|
10 -10.30am (includes welcome)
|
|
|
10.30-11am
|
Robin Harrison – Improvisation for Exams
|
|
11 – 11.25am
|
TEA BREAK: 25mins
|
|
11.25 – 11.55
|
LCME – ‘New Piano Syllabus 2026’
|
|
11.55 – 12.35pm
|
Roger Hamilton – ‘Looking forward to the piano’
|
|
12.35 – 1.05pm
|
Paul Harris – ‘I Got Rhythm!’
|
|
1.05 -2.00pm
|
LUNCH: 55mins
|
|
2.00pm
|
RECITALS 3 x 15mins Competition Winners 1) TIANTIAN 2) SHENGROU MEI 3) Christopher Hawkins
|
|
2.50 – 3.35pm
|
Poco Studio – Alethia Ngo – ‘Teaching Kodaly’ and Ying Ying Ng – ‘Sight-Reading for Beginners’
|
|
3.35 – 4.00pm
|
TEA BREAK: 25mins
|
|
4.00 – 4.40pm
|
Greta Gasser – ‘The Young Professional’
|
|
4.40 – 5.10pm
|
Penelope Roskell ‘The Heart Of The Matter’
|
|
5.10- 6.00pm
|
Closing Address & Last Visit To Shop
|
The event is open to both EPTA members and non-members, as well as students, and aims to provide an inclusive and welcoming environment for all attendees. Alongside the educational sessions, there will be opportunities to connect with colleagues, explore resources, and engage with exhibitors.
Ticket prices are as followed:
- Early Bird Member: £60
- Early Bird Non-Member: £70
- Standard Member: £70
- Standard Non-Member: £80
- Student: £30
Tickets
Click here to book your ticket.
Additional Information
We are also pleased to confirm that the Hotel and Conference Centre, Aston University has kindly offered us an exclusive bedroom rate for conference attendees.
All information, including details on how to book your discounted room, is available to download here.