Piano Workshop with Danny Holt

Eastport Arts Center’s latest musical learning opportunity will be a piano workshop with concert pianist Danny Holt. The series of three sessions will offer a small group learning experience tailored to the abilities and interests of the participants, from early intermediate students to advanced amateurs. Topics will include technique, sight-reading, score study and interpretation. Students will delve into the nuances of articulation and dynamics, and explore the fascinating world of musical expression that transcends written musical notation. A small part of each session will include lecture and demonstration;  more time will be devoted to class activities where students are invited to play for the group and their short performances used as a springboard for discussion of musical and technical details that benefit the group.  

Students looking to deepen their connection to the piano, or more experienced players who wish to sharpen skills and gain new perspectives are invited to partake in this experience.

Sessions will take place on Saturdays, May 3, 10 and 17, from 2-4 pm. Students age 18 and up (and motivated high school students) are invited to join the class. Participants should have had at least some previous piano study, and ideally some experience reading music. 

Workshop fee is $150 per student, for the three sessions. Space is limited, and registration is required, via the EAC site or by email to workshops@eastportartscenter.org. Registration deadline is April 25.

Danny Holt is a pianist, percussionist, and composer with more than 25 years of professional performing and teaching experience. Holt holds degrees from California Institute of the Arts, Hampshire College, Smith College, and Interlochen Arts Academy. Now based in East Machias, he previously lived in Southern California, where he maintained a busy private studio of piano students for over two decades. He was the chair of the music program at The Academy of Creative Education at the Oakwood School, and a Scholar-in-Residence at Harvard-Westlake School’s Kutler Center for Interdisciplinary Studies and Independent Research. Holt also taught at CalArts, Smith College, College of the Desert, Norco College, and the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute; and he performs and gives guest lectures at colleges and universities throughout the U.S. and abroad. Since relocating to Maine, Holt has focused on his performing career, which brings him to a range of venues: concert halls (Carnegie Hall, Walt Disney Concert Hall, Hollywood Bowl), clubs (Joe’s Pub, The Blue Whale, Copenhagen Jazzhouse) art galleries (MASS MoCA, Hammer Museum), churches, living rooms, and wherever else he can find a piano and someone to listen. As both a performer and educator, Holt is known for his informal, fun, and engaging style and his infectious enthusiasm for everything that he does. Learn more about Danny's teaching at https://www.dannyholt.net/educator.

Eastport Arts Center is at 36 Washington Street, Eastport, and is handicapped-accessible.