The Honens Lab

Honens invites Canada’s finest music students to work with the distinguished artists of the Competition Jury!

The Honens Lab takes place 17 to 19 October and offers a fresh approach to piano training for emerging artists—an immersive program that combines high-level instruction with a series of thoughtfully designed seminars and workshops. Curated and led by pianist, composer, and 2018 Honens Prize Laureate and First Jury member, Nicolas Namoradze, the program provides participants with a well-rounded learning experience that complements traditional masterclass formats.

Six selected participants will receive individual feedback in two public masterclasses with internationally recognized pianists and Second Jury members Anne-Marie McDermott and Janina Fialkowska, as well as two additional sessions with Namoradze. These masterclasses focus on interpretation, technique, and musicianship in a supportive and professional setting.

Participants will also take part in three seminars, led by Namoradze addressing key areas often not covered in standard training. Topics include performance psychology, mental preparation, practice strategies, and mindfulness—tools that help support both artistic development and personal well-being.

In addition to these sessions, participants attend several events during the Honens International Piano Competition, including four Semifinal performances and pre-concert chats, providing a chance to deepen their understanding of performance at the highest level and to reflect critically on their own artistic growth.

Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors and partners, program tuition is offered at no cost to the six participants accepted to The Honens Lab.