Back to school

Is there a special sorcery in Seoul? Cunning creativity in Canada? Preternatural pizzazz in Paris? Oh, why do so many great pianists come from this or that country? We even have some in Britain; is th

If the quality of a company can be measured by the length of service of its staff, then Steinway UK, this year celebrating its 150th anniversary, is as fine a company as the pianos it represents. With

Patterns, says Clare Hammond. Learning a new piece, especially if you’re committing it to memory, and the clock is against you, is all about finding patterns. ‘If you can find patterns in a piece of m

Colorado, USA. Home to the chalet resort of Vail, where the north American elite strap on their skis for the winter season. In the summer, however, Vail takes on a different guise, offering more low-i

As well as learning cabinetry skills, students at Snowdon Summer School discover that the future of design lies in the traditions of the past, finds Giles Kime

...of singing well, so Judi Spiers decided to push herself out of her comfort zone and attend an Abba retreat!