Piano Retreat
Join me for an inspiring 3 - 7 day Piano Retreat, where passion meets purpose! This immersive experience is designed for piano students of all levels who are eager to elevate their skills and deepen their connection to music. Together, we’ll dive into focused practice sessions in technique, improvisation, songwriting/composing, note-reading, informed listening, repertoire, or whatever your musical heart desires, all in a supportive and motivating environment. With expert guidance and personalized feedback, you’ll leave not only with enhanced piano skills but also with new found calm, confidence and creativity. Embrace the joy of music-making and take this transformative journey with me—your musical experience awaits! For adults, or a child with a parent.
What you get:
• Two lessons per day with Gaili Schoen, veteran piano teacher/performer/film composer/arranger/orchestrator.
• A walking or driving tour of our Culver City to see all of the restaurants, cafés, shops, groceries, bookstores, trains, bike paths, hiking trails, tennis/pickleball courts, climbing gym, theaters (live/movie), music venues and much more are within easy walking distance from the Retreat.
• A croissant breakfast from an amazing French Bakery across the street (if you are here on a Thursday-Sunday) and other food and snacks!
• Focus on a particular piece or song or one or a combination of musical skills:
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Note Reading
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Fingering
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Pedaling
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Posture
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Chords
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Dynamics
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Improvising
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Composing or Songwriting
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Film Scoring and Orchestration
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Playing Jazz and learning ​Jazz Chords ("voicings")
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Accompanying (including accompanying yourself Singing)
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Conducting
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Lightening Performance Anxiety
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Focus on Piano Genres such as Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Boogie, Blues, Rock n Roll, New Age, Standards,
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​Or ask about your particular Piano Goals
How It Works
You will book the studio apartment, called The Nest, behind my house, for 3 - 7 days (discount applies for 7 days) with Airbnb, letting me know in your message that you want to book for the Piano Retreat. (Note: you must have a pre-existing Airbnb account). I will let you know if your requested days are available for the Retreat. We will schedule 2 lessons per day. In between, you can take time for daily focused practice, and to enjoy the fun and cultural attractions of Culver City. Also close by is Santa Monica Beach and Disney Concert Hall if you would like to attend a concert by the LA Philharmonic (both are a quick train ride away), or The Hollywood Bowl in the summer (via cab, bus, Uber or car).
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You can book The Nest for 1 - 2 people, but should make sure to have some focused practice time away from your partner. Note there is no smoking and no pets allowed in the studio, and it is up a set of stairs.
What It Costs
You will pay for The Nest through Airbnb which runs between $160 - $170 per night seasonally (10% discount for a week).
The Piano Retreat experience is $150 per day which includes 2 daily lessons + more (10% discount for a week).
Come and enjoy an oasis of tranquility where each note from your keyboard weaves a tapestry of serenity, inviting the heart and soul to unwind and embrace the peaceful music within.