EPTA UK Annual Conference 2025 – Birmingham

Join us in the heart of Birmingham on Saturday 6th September for the 2025 EPTA UK Annual Conference – a dynamic day of inspiration, practical ideas, and thought-provoking discussion centred on inclusive, effective piano teaching for learners at all levels.

With a focus on personalising piano pedagogy, this year’s theme, ‘Unlocking Potential: Tailoring Teaching to Meet the Needs of Every Student’, brings together leading figures from the UK and beyond to share their expertise on healthy technique, neurodiversity, beginners’ approaches, performance, and more.

Whether you’re a long-standing EPTA UK member or new to our network, this event is open to all piano teachers and enthusiasts. Come along to learn, connect and be inspired – whatever your background or stage of career.

• Theme: “Unlocking Potential: Tailoring Teaching to Meet the Needs of Every Student.”
• Location: Birmingham Conservatoire
• Date of event: Saturday 6th September 2025
• Audience: EPTA members and non members welcome

 

Programme Highlights

Morning Sessions:

• Penelope Roskell – From Elementary to Intermediate: Healthy Techniques for a Smooth Transition. Renowned author of The Complete Pianist, Penelope shares key strategies for developing technical fluency and artistry in students progressing through the early grades.

• Yvette French & Dr Anne Margaret Smith – In Tune with You: Tailored Teaching. A collaborative session exploring inclusive and multisensory approaches that support neurodiverse learners through accessible, imaginative piano education.

• Katharine Lam – an engaging session from acclaimed performer and pedagogue Katharine Lam, drawing on her diverse experience as soloist, educator, and adjudicator.

• Katherine Fisher – Teaching Beginners. Co-author of Piano Safari, Katherine presents creative and structured strategies for laying strong foundations in early piano learning.

Afternoon Sessions:

• Recital: EPTA Competition Winners – showcase of outstanding young pianists, celebrating the next generation of talent emerging from the EPTA UK Piano Competition.

• Andrew Eales – Unlocking Potential: ADHD Learners. With insight from his collaboration with mental health practitioner Louise Eales, Andrew explores how to nurture focus and motivation in students with ADHD.

• Dr Sally Cathcart & Dr Christopher Fisher – Piano Teaching A to Z. Two highly respected educators share fresh insights from their work co-editing the forthcoming Oxford Handbook of Piano Pedagogy.

• Victoria Proudler – presents an overview of her experiences as an examiner and teacher. and how appropriate repertoire and resources can prepare students for success. Including excerpts from her award-winning series Piano Grades are Go! Books published by EVC Music.

• Dr Kris Worsley – PTC (Piano Teachers’ Course). Kris offers a glimpse into performance practice and historical interpretation, drawing on his specialist knowledge of Beethoven and 18th–19th century repertoire.

Why Attend?

• Gain practical tools for inclusive and effective teaching
• Connect with fellow piano teachers from across the UK
• Explore the latest in pedagogy, publications, and performance
• Be inspired by expert speakers and rising young pianists

Booking Information

Tickets are available now – early booking is recommended to take advantage of our discounted rate.

• Early Bird Ticket (Member) £50
• Early Bird Ticket (Non-member) £60
• Standard Ticket (Member) £60
• Standard Ticket (Non-member) £70
• Full Time Student Ticket £25

Early Bird Discounts Apply until 12 midnight on Thursday, 31 July 2025

Purchase your ticket here – https://epta-uk.org/product/epta-uk-conference-2025/

 

We appreciate a day like this may involve pre-planning transport and accommodation. Therefore, we have provided a draft timetable of the day. Please see below for details.

The conference consists of a series of short (30-60min) lectures and recitals. We look forward to welcoming you to Birmingham for a day of learning, connection, and musical inspiration.

Timings	Performer/Speaker Details
9.55 -10.30am	Penelope Roskell: ‘From elementary to intermediate: healthy techniques for a smooth transition’
10.30 – 11am	Yvette French & Dr Anne Margaret Smith – In Tune With You: tailored teaching
11 – 11.20am	TEA BREAK: 20mins
11.20 – 11.50am	Katherine Lam
11.55 – 12.50pm	Teaching Beginners: Katherine Fisher
12.50 – 1.45pm	LUNCH: 55mins
1.45 – 2.45pm	RECITALS 3 x 18mins Competition Winners: Conrad Van Wyk (Bristol); Sean De Senna Fernandes Godden (Leeds); Ethan Ng (London)
2.45 – 3.15pm	Andrew Eales – ‘Unlocking Potential: ADHD learners’
3.15 – 3.35pm	TEA BREAK: 20mins
3.35 – 4.05pm	Piano Teaching A to Z: Sally Cathcart & Christopher Fisher
4.10 – 4.40pm	Victoria Proudler – EVC Publications
4.45 – 5.15pm	Kris Worsley – PTC
5.15 – 6.00pm	Closing address & last visit to shop