BEYOND THE KEYS
PIANO RETREAT
An Inspirational Escape for Piano Enthusiasts
For Adult Classical Pianists
BEYOND THE KEYS
(VIP DAY) Monday 9/16
Wendi Kirby Music Center in Downtown Historic Monterey
This Is Not Your Typical Adult Piano Camp....
Join us for an extraordinary retreat designed to inspire your creativity and musicianship, both indoors and out.
Hi! I'm Lisa Spector
Your Juilliard Alum Piano Ninja
I don't believe in practicing endless hours daily at the piano. Instead, we'll be focusing on creating a well-rounded music life.
We'll enjoy sound bath meditations on the beach nearby, perfect posture at the piano instruction by a leading ambassador for the bone health and osteoporosis foundation, beach walks and so much more on the Monterey Peninsula.
Indoors at the Wendy Kirby Music Center in downtown historic Monterey, I'll be leading Masterclasses and Piano Ninja Tricks Demonstrations to help you learn twice as much in half the time when you return home.
“Lisa has a wealth of knowledge and experience to share in her tips and tricks that is sure to be valuable to any serious pianist, amateur or professional.”
Elizabeth B.
“The beauty of Piano Ninja Tricks is that some of the topics wouldn't come up during a one-on-one lesson but are quite helpful to study in a casual, virtual setting with fellow pianists. And, I really loved the session on The Mind Game.”
Eric H.
“With Lisa's positive encouragement, I recently performed my first full public recital in over 25 years, playing music I only dreamed about in my past!”
Jay M.
Are you a dedicated adult Intermediate to Advanced Level Classical Pianist that loves playing Bach, Beethoven, Brahms and the great composers, but…
- You're wanting to meet pianists like you
- You've been desiring to mingle with other like-minded pianists
- You love bringing mind, body and soul into your music
- You're tired of spending all your time at the piano
In the Piano Ninja Tricksters Club, I help dedicated adult classical pianists learn music you love (in the right order) with Piano Ninja Tricks that empower you to play with ease and joy.
During the retreat, I'll be sharing tricks I learned from my studies with (name drop warning) Earl Wild at Juilliard, John Perry while getting my master's degree at U.S.C., and during private lessons with Leon Fleisher.
I'll teach you to start with good habits and avoid the bad habits that cause major time sinks that get you stuck on the same piece of music forever without it ever getting easier!
Whether you’re playing Bach Preludes, Chopin Ballades, or Brahms Intermezzi, you’ll benefit from the Piano Ninja Tricks along with all the unique retreat activities to help you become a well-rounded confident pianist.
Retreat Activities Include...
Opening Night Wine Reception
Happy Hour Piano Talks
Piano Movie Night
Beach Walks
Carmel Art Walk Tour
Masterclasses with Lisa Spector
🎤 Social Hours with Peer Performances
Sound Bath Meditation on the Beach
🎻 Chamber Music Concert at SandBox in Sand City
🎼 Visit to the cutest music store you've ever seen
Taiko Drumming Lesson (to improve rhythm skills)
Monterey Bay Aquarium Visit (the most admired aquarium in the US)
Mingling with Fellow Pianists Who LOVE Talking All Things Piano
Finale Performance by Lisa Spector and Volunteer Retreat Attendees
- Introducing -
Beyond the Keys Piano Retreat!
While I'll be sharing my Piano Ninja Tricks that help you learn twice as much in half the time, this is not a Piano Practice Camp. Think of it more like the rests between the notes in a Beethoven Sonata, essential (but sometimes invisible) to the mastery of the music. You'll enjoy outdoor activities in the breathtaking Monterey Peninsula, inspiring your creativity and sending you home as a more imaginative musician.
REGISTRATION CLOSES IN...
Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds
CLASSIC RETREAT
$1,200
- Two Months Free in the Piano Ninja Tricksters Club ($150 value)
- Master Classes (optional participation)
- Piano Ninja Tricks Demo (retreat participants help decide the topic)
- Chamber music concert at SandBox Sand City
- Supportive Community of Pianists
- All Retreat Activities (listed above)
- Opening night wine and food reception
- Finale concert Sunday afternoon (optional participation)
- Monterey Bay Aquarium visit (ticket included only for Piano Ninja Tricksters)
- Personal Guided Visualization for a piece of music you’re practicing and/or performing ($88 value)
- Private lesson (75 minutes) with Lisa Spector on her Steinway Concert Grand (see VIP package)
- Visit to the gorgeous coastline of Big Sur, CA (transportation provided) (9/16)
- Private Dinner Sunday night in Carmel's historic Doris Day Cypress Inn
- Lunch overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Big Sur (9/16)
- Visit to the stunning Hawthorne Gallery in Big Sur (9/16)
- Meals not included except opening night (restaurants and Trader Joe's in walking distance)
- Housing not included (discounts provided)
GRAND VIP RETREAT
$1,700
- Two Months Free in the Piano Ninja Tricksters Club ($150 value)
- Master Classes (optional participation)
- Piano Ninja Tricks Demo (retreat participants help decide the topic)
- Chamber music concert at SandBox Sand City
- Supportive Community of Pianists
- All Retreat Activities (listed above)
- Opening night wine and food reception
- Finale concert Sunday afternoon (optional participation)
- Monterey Bay Aquarium visit (ticket included only for Piano Ninja Tricksters)
- Personal Guided Visualization for a piece of music you’re practicing and/or performing ($88 value)
- Private lesson (75 minutes) with Lisa Spector on her Steinway Concert Grand (pre or post retreat $250 value)
- Visit to the gorgeous coastline of Big Sur, CA (transportation provided) (9/16)
- Private Dinner Sunday night in Carmel's historic Doris Day Cypress Inn
- Lunch overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Big Sur (9/16)
- Visit to the stunning Hawthorne Gallery in Big Sur (9/16)
- Meals not included except opening night (restaurants and Trader Joe's in walking distance)
- Housing not included (discounts provided)
What Piano Ninja Tricks™ Members Are Saying
"Lisa makes suggestions that I never heard about in music school that make piano playing easier, both technically and musically."
Moriah O.
"The run in the nocturne seems reasonable easy now because of your tricks. You have so much to offer!”
Michael T.
“Lisa has the rare talent for giving practical tips on everything from strategic fingering, to relaxed agility, to soaring poetry!”
Sue H.
FAQ's
Yes, there are limited pianos at the event center, but I've secured grand pianos on the Monterey Peninsula for you to enjoy. However, this isn't a camp where you'll be spending unlimited hours daily at the piano. You'll get the most out of the retreat by socializing and enjoying the activities, both indoors and out that we have planned for you.
You will be provided with a list of hotels, many within walking distance
No. Everything is very close. We suggest you take Uber or Lyft as needed. Several people from the Bay Area will be attending with cars and I will do my best to get you rides as much as possible. Many activities outside of the center are in walking distance.
While we really LOVE dogs, this is not a dog-friendly event. If you're interested in boarding your dog, we highly recommend nearby Snipville Pet Care. It's heaven on earth for dogs.
Dinner on the opening night's reception is included along with coffee and teas throughout the retreat and some treats during events. Meals will be off-site at local (walking distance) restaurants and are not included in your retreat. There's also a Trader Joe's conveniently located just behind the event center.
Lunch with an extraordinary view overlooking the Pacific Ocean is provided Monday, 9/16 for VIP attendees.
Intermediate to advanced, amateur to professional.
Monterey Regional Airport is a non-hub commercial service airport, very conveniently located and easy to access. The Monterey Region is accessed by five major airlines… Alaska, Allegiant, American, Sun Country and United. San Jose Airport (SJC) is a larger airport, about an hour's drive away.
Yes, we welcome partners too at 20% of the total registration fee. Please inquire and more details will be provided.
SPONSORSHIPS
SYMPHONY PKG
- Listing in the Event Program
- Listing in the Grand Finale Program
- Link to your website on all our emails in September
- Shared daily stories on IG during retreat!
- Personalized Instagram Reel live from your business (7,400 followers)
$1,000
SONATA PKG
- Listing in the Event Program
- Listing in the Grand Finale Program
- Link to your website on all our emails in September
- Shared daily stories on IG during retreat!
- Personalized Instagram Reel live from your business (7,400 followers)
$500
MINUET PKG
- Listing in the Event Program
- Listing in the Grand Finale Program
- Link to your website on all our emails in September
- Shared daily stories on IG during retreat!
- Personalized Instagram Reel live from your business (7,400 followers)
$250
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