What level is the course for?
Right From the Start is designed for pianists at a range of levels who want a clearer process for beginning new repertoire. You do not need to be an advanced player to benefit from it. The course is about how you approach the first stages of learning a piece: listening, understanding, preparing, organising and beginning the work with greater purpose.
The most important thing is to choose a piece that is suitable for you.
Do I need to use a particular piece?
No. You use a piece of your own choosing. This could be something suggested by your teacher, a piece you have wanted to learn for some time, or a new project you would like to begin.
The course gives you a process you can apply to your own repertoire, rather than requiring everyone to work on the same piece.
Can I do the course if I already have a teacher?
Yes. In fact, the course can work very well alongside lessons. It does not replace the individual guidance of a teacher. Instead, it gives you a structured way to organise the early stages of learning a piece, so that your practice between lessons becomes more purposeful and informed.
Do I have to start immediately?
No. Right From the Start is designed to be useful whenever new repertoire lands on your music stand. Once you have access, you can return to the course whenever you are ready to start something new.
How does the course work?
The course guides you through five purposeful stages: Discover → Understand → Prepare → Organise → Begin.
Each stage includes video lessons, practical activities, examples and guidance to help you apply the process directly to a piece of your own choosing.
How does this relate to other courses on learning pieces?
Right From the Start is designed as a clear, practical starting point. It focuses specifically on the early stages of learning a new piece and gives you a five-stage process you can apply straight away.
Building Firm Foundations explores related territory in much greater depth, with a detailed focus on deep learning, memorisation and security. Learn a New Piece with Graham Fitch looks more broadly at the whole process of learning a piece.
Right From the Start is more focused: it helps you know what to do at the beginning, before habits, problems or confusion become embedded.
How do I access it?
You can access Right From the Start in one of two ways: purchase the standalone course for £47, or join the Online Academy and access it as part of your membership.
Active Online Academy subscribers can register for the course at no extra cost using their subscriber discount.
How does Online Academy access work?
If you are an active Online Academy subscriber, Right From the Start is included with your membership at no extra cost. You will still need to register for the course so it can be added to your library.
Simply sign in to your account, go to the course checkout page and your subscriber discount will reduce the price from £47 to £0 before you complete checkout. Once you click “Submit”, the course will be added to your library.
If you are not currently a subscriber, you can either purchase the course on its own for £47, or join the Online Academy and access it as part of your membership.