In 2016 the Smith College Music Department, site of the very first Institute, welcomes us back for year six. Our flagship Institute will again be held in Earle Recital Hall, whose two fine Steinway pianos (a pre-war New York B and a more recent Hamburg C) assure the highest possible level of artistic work at this Institute. Sage Hall's practice facilities also feature Steinway pianos.
Northampton, Massachusetts with its many interesting eateries and numerous New England wood frame houses offers congenial surroundings for the intense creative atmosphere of the institute. The stately architecture of Smith College, one of the most revered of New England universities, is at once ennobling, inspiring and welcoming. We look forward to seeing you there!
INDIVIDUAL LESSONS FOR LOCAL TEACHERS
Many teachers in the Northampton area may find it difficult to get away from their studio obligations for the entire week. For them we offer individual lessons on a pay-as-you-go basis. The special focus will be on bringing Fraser's new technique strategies to your young students, allowing them to improve their sound and agility, advance more quickly and avoid the risk of injury later on. Please contact Christine Olson to arrange these lessons.
ARRIVAL & ONSITE REGISTRATION
This year the Institute starts on a Saturday evening and ends on a Friday morning so that participants will not have to fight weekend traffic coming and going. Your registration packets will be distributed at the opening gathering at Christine Olson's house, 12 Forbes Avenue.
Click here for travelling directions to Smith College.
Directions from 12 Forbes Avenue to Sage Hall
The nearest airport is Bradley International in Hartford, CT. There are several airport shuttles to Northampton.
Directions from Bradley International Airport
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BILLETING IN PRIVATE HOMES Christine Olson has arranged with several of her neighbours to offer low-cost accommodation ($25 a night for private room and shared bath). The neighbourhood is a 15 minute walk to the music building. Please contact Christine by June 12 if you would like to be billeted in one of these homes. We are doing everything possible to make your attendance at this Institute financially viable.
HOTELS See the Smith College website for a list of hotels in the area. The Autumn Inn is the shortest walk to the music building (15 minutes), followed by the Hotel Northampton on King Street and the Quality Inn and brand new Marriott both on Conz Street (both 20+ minute walk). The Autumn Inn offers Fraser Institute participants a discounted rate on week nights only of $92. To receive the Institute discount, call (413) 584-7660 and ask to book a room in the Smith College Alan Fraser Piano block. You have until May 18th to reserve your room at the discounted rate. Please call and reserve your room as soon as possible as June weekends fill up quickly. All guests have a 48-hour cancellation policy prior to arrival.
AIR.BNB Airbnb offers very reasonable accommodation in private homes close to Smith College. For instance, this single room is comfortable and significantly less than the price of the Autumn Inn, even at our preferred discounted rate. Airbnb does not allow third party rentals so we cannot reserve these places for you. However they are happy to have our referral. The earlier in the year you make your booking, the better selection you will have at airbnb.
Note: Free parking is offered on campus near the music building.
The active participation fee covers FIVE individual lessons, daily group ATM lesson, daily seminar lecture, and observation of all other lessons. Auditors participate fully but receive no individual lessons.
After registering, please return here to fill out the DETAILED PARTICIPANT REGISTRATION FORM.
TO REGISTER
In the tables below, when you scroll over a price it changes colour. Click on your preferred option to pay by credit card or PayPal at 2CheckOut.com, our retail partner.
Please note that the credit card charge will appear on your statement as "2CO.COM," not as "The Alan Fraser Piano Institute."
OPTION 1: Online Deposit
Register with a non-refundable deposit.
OPTION 2: Register Online
OPTION 3: Online Discounts
10 % EARLY BIRD & SENIORS DISCOUNT - for seniors age 65 and over; also anyone under 65 who registers by May 1.
25% STUDENT DISCOUNT - for students up to age 25.
35% SMITH DISCOUNT - for all actively participating Smith College students and staff.
Remember, when you've registered, please fill out the DETAILED PARTICIPANT REGISTRATION FORM.
Fees for the Alan Fraser Piano Institute cover venue rental costs, travel costs, administration and website costs as well as Professor Fraser's teaching fees. Accommodation fees are paid separately to the host institution or the private accommodation you arrange.
For other options such as registering 'in person' and paying by cheque, please email Christine Olson or call her at 1-413-586-4012 to reserve your place. Christine will answer all your questions and arrange your preferred payment option and/or partial scholarship.
ALAN FRASER
Canadian pianist Alan Fraser gives master classes and recitals worldwide and conducts ongoing research and refinement on the ideas put forth in his three books, The Craft of Piano Playing (also in DVD), Honing the Pianistic Self-Image, and All Thumbs: Well-Coordinated Piano Technique. He is at work on several new volumes. Visit here for more on Alan Fraser.
CHRISTINE OLSON
Christine Olson is a pianist and Alexander Technique teacher based in Northampton. Alexander Technique and Feldenkrais Method are like two peas in a pod, so it was natural for her curiosity to be stimulated by Alan Fraser's approach several years ago. Christine is the originator, general coordinator and administrator for the Smith College institute. Contact her at:
Christine Olson 12 Forbes Ave. Northampton, MA 01060 413-586-4012 christine@theforbesstudio.com
Cancellation Policy
Find an Institute near you.
Photo albums from past Institutes.
Become a Craft of Piano certified piano teacher.
Extensive data base of Alan Fraser teaching videos
