Elementary

Schumann - Knight Rupert (Album for the Young, Op. 68 No. 12)

This article comes from our series on Quarantine Spots and shows how to use quarantining and other practice tools to approach two challenging spots within the work. Click here to find out more about quarantining and to view other works featured in this manner. Knight Rupert, No. 12 from Schumann’s Album for the Young, Op. 68, is a favourite recital piece for the intermediate player, and great fun to play. The rousing A section contrasts beautifully with the more lyrical B section. Come up with a story line from your imagination, but first do some research on... Read >>

Beethoven - Für Elise

We’ve probably all come up against difficulties in a piece where our fingers seem to baulk – we hesitate, stumble, or approximate the notes with a mañana attitude to fixing them. Our unconscious thoughts go something like: “All I need is a few days, it’ll sort itself out eventually”, or “I’ll wait for my teacher to correct it in the lesson”, and so on. A chain is only as strong as its weakest link, and unless we address these problem passages thoroughly they are likely to let us down in performance. The problem We all know that in a performance... Read >>

Helen Madden - The First Flakes Are Falling

ABRSM Grade 2 – B1

This atmospheric piece requires plenty of imagination, and the ability to paint a picture in sound. The player will need to listen acutely to tonal balance within a variety of dynamic levels. Although not marked in the score, the pedal is an essential ingredient. Resources & links Piano Exam Pieces 2021 & 2021, Grade 2 is available from the ABRSM online shop here. The syllabus upon which these Practising the Piano Online Academy materials are based is © by The Associated Board of the... Read >>

Plé - Le chant du pâtre (No.11 from Les chants et les jeux)

ABRSM Grade 2 – B2

Sometimes the simplest-looking pieces are the hardest to bring off. This piece requires great sensitivity to sound and mood, with careful attention to phrasing, tone colour and balance between the hands. This piece will certainly develop the player’s musicianly qualities. Resources & links Piano Exam Pieces 2021 & 2021, Grade 2 is available from the ABRSM online shop here. The syllabus upon which these Practising the Piano Online Academy materials are based is © by The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music... Read >>

Trad. English (arr. Davies) - O Waly Waly

ABRSM Grade 2 – B3

The traditional folk melody is presented simply in the left hand; it needs to be played expressively with a warm, singing tone. The simple right hand accompaniment features six different chords that add piquancy and colour. The video offers some suggestions for practice that will help the hand become familiar with the unusual shapes. Resources & links Piano Exam Pieces 2021 & 2021, Grade 2 is available from the ABRSM online shop here. The syllabus upon which these Practising the Piano Online Academy materials... Read >>

Brian Chapple - March Hare (No. 5 from In the Pink)

ABRSM Grade 2 – C1

Two different time signatures and two contrasting musical ideas alternate in this character piece depicting the mad march hare. The player will need firm control of rhythm and legato and staccato touches. Resources & links Piano Exam Pieces 2021 & 2021, Grade 2 is available from the ABRSM online shop here. The syllabus upon which these Practising the Piano Online Academy materials are based is © by The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music and is reproduced by permission of the copyright... Read >>

Anne Crosby Gaudet - Angelfish

ABRSM Grade 2 – C2

We can clearly feel the presence of the angelfish in this beautifully atmospheric piece. Excellent for command of the whole keyboard as the left hand crosses over the right, the player has the opportunity to enjoy long pedals and to explore a range of different sonorities. Resources & links Piano Exam Pieces 2021 & 2021, Grade 2 is available from the ABRSM online shop here. The syllabus upon which these Practising the Piano Online Academy materials are based is © by The Associated Board... Read >>

Christopher Norton - Inter-City Stomp (No. 7 from Microjazz Collection 2)

ABRSM Grade 2 – C3

This appealing piece requires imagination and a strong sense of pulse and rhythm to bring it off in performance. A forearm staccato and strong finger tips are essential ingredients. Resources & links Piano Exam Pieces 2021 & 2021, Grade 2 is available from the ABRSM online shop here. The syllabus upon which these Practising the Piano Online Academy materials are based is © by The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music and is reproduced by permission of the copyright owner. The Practising... Read >>

Burgmüller - Burgmüller - Innocence (No. 5 from 25 études faciles et progressives, Op.100) (from 25 Easy and Progressive Etudes, Op. 100)

ABRSM Grade 3 – A2

A study in delicacy of touch and articulation, tonal balance between the hands and scale patterns in the upper register, Innocence gives plenty of scope for understanding harmony and developing musical as well as technical skills. Please sign-in to view the full video if you are already an Online Academy subscriber or click here to find out more about the Online Academy. Resources & links Piano Exam Pieces 2021 & 2021, Grade 3 is available from the ABRSM online shop here. Click... Read >>