Ann Martin-Davis and Helen Leek hosted their first residential course in France in 2022 and have been delighted to welcome back many pianists year on year. The course lasts for 6 nights and takes place in the beautiful village of Édon in Southwest France.

Numbers are limited to 7 active participants in each week, ensuring that each pianist has personal attention from the tutors and enabling them to play in class every day. In addition each pianist will receive two private lessons of 45 minutes each.

The Whole week was utterly fantastic. I enjoyed the conviviality, the friendliness of the group, the small group size, and the positivity of the teaching. Katherine

Spring is a lovely time to be in the Charente and you will be staying at Le Maillard, Le Prebytère or at La Fermette. There is a swimming pool at Le Presbytère (unheated, so temperature dependent).

dates for 2027

19 – 25 May

2 – 8 June

12 – 18 June


Each residential course lasts for 6 nights at a fee of £1850 which includes:

  • Morning group masterclasses and 2 individual 45 minute lessons each
  • Yoga, designed for pianists, with our specialist tutor, Denise
  • Conversation café with local French teacher, Sophie
  • A performance opportunity in the beautiful barn concert hall in Édon
  • Double en-suite bedrooms – we welcome partners at £500 and have many suggestions for local activities, including French lessons, cycling, golf, and of course, wine tasting
  • Pianos – a Steinway model B in the barn concert hall, two Yamaha grand pianos at Le Maillard a Yamaha Avant Grand at La Maison. There is a further upright Yamaha piano at Le Presbytère and a Yamaha keyboard in The Tobacco House.
  • All food and wine during your stay
  • Transfers from Angoulême station
  • Trips out to local attractions and one night at a local restaurant.

I really enjoy the tuition in a small group setting and two private lessons are a bonus. It is also good to have relaxation time as well in a glorious setting. Janice