BEYOND THE KEYS
PIANO RETREAT
An Inspirational Escape for Piano Enthusiasts
For Adult Classical Pianists
An Inspirational Escape for Piano Enthusiasts
For Adult Classical Pianists
Join us for an extraordinary retreat designed to inspire your creativity and musicianship, both indoors and out.
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.
Are you a dedicated adult Intermediate to Advanced Level Classical Pianist that loves playing Bach, Beethoven, Brahms and the great composers, but…
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.
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
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.
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.
All orders are through a secure network. Your credit card information is never stored in any way. We respect your privacy.