The last two courses were simply amazing ... the teachers, the atmosphere, the people, the place and of course the music make it something special. Seriously, thanks a lot for gifting me with an opportunity to live something like that. 
Thank you so much for a fabulous, inspiring and utterly delicious week! I really feel that I have come away ready to perform in front of an audience, which is what I set out to do.
Castelfranc was just a WONDERFUL experience for me and for my music.
The time at Castelfranc was magical. I have returned to the piano with so many new ideas and new skills. Most important to me, though, is the renewal of the passion for the piano I seemed to have lost many years ago when other responsibilities and activities took over my life. The course helped me to reconnect.
Q: HOW DO I PAY?
A: PayPal is the quickest and easiest method for participants outside
Europe: see the PayPal form on the 'Bookings & Enquiries' page. The
disadvantage is it costs an extra 4%, which we are charged by PayPal for
every payment received. We collect the 4% when you arrive in France.
Otherwise we accept only sterling or euros. The best method is by
sterling or Euros transfer directly into our account, details on
enquiry. Or participants can mail a sterling bank draft or sterling
travellers' cheques to the UK address on the application form.
Q: Do I have to audition?
A: No, though as numbers for the Advanced Class are small we choose participants from their CVs and through recommendation.
Q: What is the deadline for applications?
A: There is no fixed deadline. Places are allocated until the accommodation is full.
Q: Can other instrumentalists attend?
A: Most certainly. In previous years duos and chamber groups have participated in the classes.
Q: What is the usual age range?
A: The age range on a single course can be 17 to 76 and rising. Generally 18-25-year-olds predominate in the advanced class, though it frequently contains some older participants too. The intermediate class is always a mix of ages.
Q: How is the day organised and how long are the classes?
A: Please go to the Course Content page for full details
Q: How much opportunity is there to practise?
A: Plenty. Practice pianos – a choice of uprights, four grands, and several digital instruments are ranged around the property and can be booked in hourly slots. Most participants find they can easily fit at least two hours a day between classes and other activities. However we ask for silence from pianos after 7pm.
Q: Is board and lodging included in the price?
A: Fees are inclusive of all classes, concerts, meals and use of practice facilities,
and range from £780 to £1250 depending on the type of accommodation
chosen (see Fees & Accommodation).
Q: My family has a holiday house nearby. Can I attend the
course and live out?
A: Yes. Please enquire about our day-rate.
Q: Can I bring my wife/husband/partner/non piano-playing
friend?
A: Yes – and we offer them a 10% discount. Whether they choose
to attend the classes and concerts, or use the chateau as a base for sight-seeing, cycling, hiking etc, is up to them
Q: In which language are the classes held?
A: English.
Q: Do you run any similar courses in the UK?
A: Yes, weekend courses in East Sussex with Paul Roberts, including
workshops and an evening recital. Details can be found at
PaulRobertsPiano.com.
Payments can be made via PayPal using the form below:
Music at Ambialet offers accommodation in the newly restored, 11th-century Benedictine priory in the village of Ambialet, in the Gorge du Tarn.
"Students have returned year after year. Clearly this is one summer school that could become addictive"
- BBC Music Magazine
"The place, the people, the weather, the food, everything was memorable."
