The Players' Group
2024 - 2025
Building our Community of Practice
‘Communities of practice are groups of people who share a concern or a passion for something they do and learn how to do it better as they interact regularly’
The Oxford Piano Group (TOPG as its affectionately known) has been in existence since 2009 - that's 15 years! Over that time the community of practice that has built up amongst its members has been significant and heartwarming. During my year of travels as a Churchill Fellow back in 2005 I was struck again and again by the sense of community I found amongst the musicians I met, a sense that both motivated and inspired them in equal measure. TOPG was born four years later in an effort to replicate that same feeling of community and it has been truly wonderful to witness its growth and impact.
So the 2024-2025 season will focus on deepening our work together in this community of practice. The year will focus on choosing and learning a piece or group of pieces with fellow members of The Oxford Piano Group, this might involve working in groups two, three or even four. You’ll be guided through the process with sessions on productive practice, workshops to help with technique and interpretation and the year will culminate with a performance to family and friends on Sunday June 22nd.
So the 2024-2025 season will focus on deepening our work together in this community of practice. The year will focus on choosing and learning a piece or group of pieces with fellow members of The Oxford Piano Group, this might involve working in groups two, three or even four. You’ll be guided through the process with sessions on productive practice, workshops to help with technique and interpretation and the year will culminate with a performance to family and friends on Sunday June 22nd.
Autumn Series 2024
Productive Practice
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 21
An informal, online meeting to start the season
Discussing the year ahead and ideas for repertoire
This will be an online session via zoom. 10am - 11.00am
SATURDAY OCTOBER 5
Getting started
Establishing groups and repertoire for the year ahead. Getting started through analysis and listening
This will be an online session via zoom. 9.45am-12.30pm
SATURDAY NOVEMBER 16
Exploring productive practice habits
Each member of the group will have the opportunity to share and discuss their progress so far
and explore productive practice habits
This will be a live session at the JdP. 10am-4pm
SATURDAY DECEMBER 14
Working with your groups
During this online session each group will be put into a breakout room and will work together to solve problems
This will be an online session via zoom. 9.45am-12.30pm
An informal, online meeting to start the season
Discussing the year ahead and ideas for repertoire
This will be an online session via zoom. 10am - 11.00am
SATURDAY OCTOBER 5
Getting started
Establishing groups and repertoire for the year ahead. Getting started through analysis and listening
This will be an online session via zoom. 9.45am-12.30pm
SATURDAY NOVEMBER 16
Exploring productive practice habits
Each member of the group will have the opportunity to share and discuss their progress so far
and explore productive practice habits
This will be a live session at the JdP. 10am-4pm
SATURDAY DECEMBER 14
Working with your groups
During this online session each group will be put into a breakout room and will work together to solve problems
This will be an online session via zoom. 9.45am-12.30pm
Spring Series 2025
Creative Practice
Creative Practice
SATURDAY JANUARY 18
with guest (tbc)
This will be an online session via zoom. 9.45am-12.30pm
SUNDAY FEBRUARY 16
Creating your vision
Working together each group will be encouraged to create an overall sense of purpose and vision to their performance
This will be a live session at the JdP
SATURDAY MARCH 15/22 (tbc)
Working with your groups
During this online session each group will be put into a breakout room and will work together to solve problems
This will be an online session via zoom. 9.45am-12.30pm
with guest (tbc)
This will be an online session via zoom. 9.45am-12.30pm
SUNDAY FEBRUARY 16
Creating your vision
Working together each group will be encouraged to create an overall sense of purpose and vision to their performance
This will be a live session at the JdP
SATURDAY MARCH 15/22 (tbc)
Working with your groups
During this online session each group will be put into a breakout room and will work together to solve problems
This will be an online session via zoom. 9.45am-12.30pm
Summer Series 2025
Exploring Performance
SATURDAY APRIL 12 (optional)
Playing workshops
Optional residential day with workshops on performance pieces from PTC tutors.
I am currently exploring the idea of organising a live Gamelan workshop for part of the day.
Live at the Purcell School, Bushey
SUNDAY APRIL 13
Performance workshops
A performance workshop day with a complete run-through of June
concert.
Live at the Purcell School, Bushey
SATURDAY MAY 17 (tbc)
Working with your groups
A final chance to put the finishing touches to performances and confirm programme notes
This will be an online session. 9.45am-12.30pm
SUNDAY JUNE 22
2pm-4.30pm
Opportunity for rehearsals
6pm-8pm
Evening recital to family and friends.
Live at the JdP
Playing workshops
Optional residential day with workshops on performance pieces from PTC tutors.
I am currently exploring the idea of organising a live Gamelan workshop for part of the day.
Live at the Purcell School, Bushey
SUNDAY APRIL 13
Performance workshops
A performance workshop day with a complete run-through of June
concert.
Live at the Purcell School, Bushey
SATURDAY MAY 17 (tbc)
Working with your groups
A final chance to put the finishing touches to performances and confirm programme notes
This will be an online session. 9.45am-12.30pm
SUNDAY JUNE 22
2pm-4.30pm
Opportunity for rehearsals
6pm-8pm
Evening recital to family and friends.
Live at the JdP
Fees for 2024 - 2025 season
Autumn Series - £112
Spring Series - £120
Summer Series - £130
* The 2-day residential at the Purcell School will be an additional and separate cost.
The Oxford Piano Group, Players' Group is currently full
If you are interested in coming as an observer please email [email protected]