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Bartók - Stamping Dance (No. 128 from Mikrokosmos, Vol. 5)

ABRSM Grade 6 – C1

Resources & links This piece is available for individual purchase as a digital download here or in print as part of the Piano Exam Pieces 2025 & 2026 Grade 6 publication here. Open domain editions are also available here. You can listen to a... Read >>

D. Scarlatti - Sonata in A, Kp. 208, L. 238

ABRSM Grade 6 – A10

Born in 1685, the same year as J. S. Bach and G. F. Handel, Domenico Scarlatti wrote 555 single-movement, mostly binary form sonatas for the harpsichord (some possibly intended for the early piano). Some of these works display a bold use of harmony, the influence of the Spanish guitar and of Iberian folk music.To make the Sonata in A, K. 208 interesting on the piano, a wide dynamic palette is essential. The main line needs to be projected and shaped in vocal style, the left hand generally keeping out of the way. Play without pedal and your sound will likely... Read >>

Couperin - Les coucous bénévoles

The right hand features the call of the cuckoo in this delightful, descriptive piece; the left hand will need to be very secure rhythmically to support what is happening above. A successful performance needs precision in articulation, and careful organisation of the tricky ornament. Resources & links Click here to purchase sheet music form the Trinity College online store (external link). Click here to view open domain editions for these works (external link). Click here to... Read >>

Chee-Hwa Tan - The Swing (from Through the Windowpane)

ABRSM Grade 1 – B2

The composer’s indication to soar “as high as your imagination takes you” invites a range of possible tempos from moderate to fast. The player has the opportunity to explore the colours of the different registers – the middle register in the opening, the treble in the second phrase and then down to the bass in the closing phrase. A long pedal marking at the end and a hand crossing in the final bar give the player the feeling of command over a wide range of the piano keyboard. A delightful character piece full of educational as well as artistic value.... Read >>

Ibert - Le petit âne blanc (No. 2 from Histoires)

ABRSM Grade 7 – C2

This charming character piece is full of colour and contrasts, inviting the performer to come up with their own imagery, or a story line from the imagination. Make this as vibrant and detailed as you can! The mood is happy at the start, but after a while the little donkey’s delicate trotting (and occasional contented braying) is disturbed by a dark, chromatic inner voice that leads to a middle section that is much livelier and more exuberant. The player will need to develop control over light, bouncy staccato notes, and repeated chords. Resources & links ... Read >>

Beethoven (arr. Czerny) - Écossaise in G, WoO 23

ABRSM Grade 2 – A1

In this bouncy Écossaise by Beethoven the player needs to distinguish between two different types of staccato - the ordinary dot and the sharper, more accented dash (or wedge). We find several slurs, to be played using a down-up motion generated by the arm; release the final note of each slur, making it softer and slightly shorter than its written value. Bring out the humour of the piece by enjoying Beethoven’s cheeky dissonances and high-spirited syncopations. Preview (please log-in or subscribe to see full video) ... Read >>

JS Bach - Prelude in C minor, BWV 999

ABRSM Grade 4 – A1

Built from a harmonic progression and originally written for lute we can recreate some of the resonance of that instrument either by short touches of pedal, or by overholding some notes of the broken chords. Resources & links Piano Exam Pieces 2021 & 2021, Grade 4 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... Read >>

Arens - Moonbeams (No.1 from Rendezvous with Midnight)

ABRSM Grade 4 – B1

Barbara Arens’ imaginative and beautifully-written nocturne needs a flexible approach and generous pedalling to bring out its many expressive possibilities. It is certain to be a popular choice. Resources & links Piano Exam Pieces 2021 & 2021, Grade 4 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 the Piano... Read >>

Joplin - Maple Leaf Rag

ABRSM Grade 8 – C2

Preview (please log-in or subscribe to see full video) Resources & links This piece is available for individual purchase as a digital download here or in print as part of the Piano Exam Pieces 2025 & 2026 Grade 8 publication here. Open domain editions are also available here. You can listen to a recording of this piece and others from this grade on Spotify using this link. ... Read >>