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Young Sounds Patron Kathryn Stott delivers Piano Masterclass
On 1 March 2026, talented pianists on our Thrive programme travelled to Chetham’s School of Music in Manchester for an insightful day with Young Sounds Patron, Kathryn Stott! Our young musicians explored repertoire and techniques through masterclasses and workshops.
Introducing Kathryn
Kathryn Stott is a renowned concert pianist, artistic director and programmer, who specialises in contemporary classical music. She has performed at numerous BBC Proms at the Royal Albert Hall and is the long-time collaborator of award-winning cellist Yo-Yo Ma. Recently, Kathryn was awarded The King’s Medal for Music, an honour personally approved by King Charles III.
Although she has retired from performing, Kathryn has now dedicated her career to music education as a professor at the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM). In 2025, she became a Patron for Young Sounds UK and will generously be delivering several musical opportunities for our Thrive musicians.
Mini workshops
Throughout the day, Kathryn led several short workshops to get our young pianists thinking about their instrument and the musical world around it. In our first workshop, Kathryn and the musicians discussed if the piano is a lonely instrument, and how this idea could be challenged. Kathryn also encouraged participants to explore their musical horizons beyond piano repertoire and gave valuable advice on how to make the most of practice time through a ‘quality over quantity’ approach.
Masterclasses
Four Thrive pianists chose their own repertoire to perform to the group, and Kathy offered insightful feedback. Our first two pianists were Yurii, who played Beethoven, and Ethan, who performed repertoire by Liszt and Prokofiev.
“Kathy is a really amazing teacher. She has a really good way of words, her descriptions are so unique and it really helps you understand what she’s trying to convey. I feel like I learnt a lot today. I think I’ll definitely try to think about using more orchestral tones when I’m playing piano.” Ethan, 17
Later, we heard from Lavender and Amina, who between them played pieces by Rachmaninov, Janacek and Chopin. With all the young pianists, Kathryn heard an excerpt from each piece before working through her feedback at the piano, offering guidance on everything from dynamics to voicing and pedal control. Kathryn encouraged the musicians to experiment, by playing an excerpt in a style or manner that felt completely alien to them, such as playing it aggressively or without any pedal, and then dial back into a more refined and deliberate style of playing.
These masterclasses were a great opportunity for our musicians to experience performing in front of others and receive invaluable advice from an award-winning concert pianist!
Q&A
Our young musicians also had the opportunity to hear stories from Kathryn and ask questions. The Q&A was guided by Thrive Alumna, Myriam Lowe. Myriam is a harpsichordist and choral vocalist currently studying Music at University of Cambridge. Young Sounds UK supported Myriam through our Thrive programme in 2022, helping her with funding for scores and fees for the Royal College of Music.
“It feels really good to be here supporting young musicians from Young Sounds… I am very grateful for the opportunity to be back and in a certain way give back to the same people that gave me so much when I was in my own musical education.” Myriam, 20
During the Q&A session, Kathryn shared vignettes from her musical career, including how she met long-time collaborator Yo-Yo Ma, as well as her experiences giving premiers and working with composer Graham Fitkin. The Q&A offered an insightful look into the life and career of a concert pianist, that the young people on our Thrive programme could aspire to on their own musical journeys.
Duets
The day finished with some engaging piano duets from young pianists Amina and Ethan, each performing on the grand piano alongside Kathryn!
Together, Kathryn and Amina performed Grieg’s Norwegian Dance No. 2. Edvard Grieg was considered one of the leading composers of the Romantic era and was influenced by Norwegian folk music for much of his work. As a pianist himself, Grieg composed numerous pieces for the instrument, including his Norwegian Dances for piano four hands, published in 1881.
Kathryn and Ethan finished the day with Schubert’s lively Marche Militaires Op. 51 No.1. Schubert was an Austrian Romantic composer, and is known as one of the most prolific composers of the 19th century. The first of his three March Militaires for piano four hands is one of his most famous works.
Thank you
We’d like to say a big thank you to Kathryn Stott for her expertise in delivering this masterclass. A huge thank you also to our Alumna Myriam Lowe, the staff at Chetham’s School of Music, our trustee Karen Humphreys and Chair Emeritus Philip Jones for their support with the event.
This Piano Masterclass was one of many musical opportunities offered to young musicians on our Thrive programme.
Apply to our Thrive programme today, and you could receive funding and opportunities to support your musical journey!