A Crash Course in Music Theory

Overtone and undertone series

We often think about pitches as they're represented by the keys on a piano. But, that's only one way to think about the tones that we know and hear. For a different point of view, we can turn to the acoustical foundations upon which music in the Western art music tradition is based. For example, as we ascend through the overtone series, the first three unique overtones we find are tones in the tonic triad, as shown in Example 1: Example 1: The first six overtones Let's go further out on the proverbial theory limb. Further...

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There’s More to Playing the Piano

Understanding music theory enables you to learn repertoire faster and to interpret it more authentically. It also opens up the worlds of improvisation and composition. This online course explains musical notation and theory in a concise, interactive style and covers everything from the very basics to a point just beyond... Read >>

David Hall Repertoire

Song Without Words (Op. 19b, No. 1)

Mendelssohn’s first Song Without Words, a lovely Andante con moto in E major, is a highly enjoyable and rewarding piece to study at the early advanced level. This From the Ground Up edition begins with two reductions that lay the groundwork for an expressive understanding of the piece, and concludes... Read >>

Ken Johansen Repertoire

How to Learn a New Piece

In this video series Graham Fitch shows how to lay strong foundations from the outset when learning a new piece. The videos feature numerous examples from the ABRSM syllabus covering such topics as background research, analysis, fingering, interpretation and practice methods.... Read >>

Graham Fitch Repertoire

ABRSM Grade 2 - Piano Exam Pieces

This collection of video walk-throughs from our guide to the ABRSM 2021 & 2022 piano examination syllabus provides practice suggestions, tips on style and interpretation and other ideas for each of the Grade 2 pieces.... Read >>

Graham Fitch Repertoire

Intermezzo in A Major (Op. 118 No. 2)

<h3> <a href="/content/pages/115-intermezzo-in-a-major-op-118-no-2?bundle_url=online-academy&last_viewed=true">Walkthrough </a></h3>

This collection of videos and accompanying annotated study edition provides a walk-through of one of the most beloved short piano pieces ever written, starting with some background and an introduction to its features followed by a look at aspects including interpretation, texture, pedalling and voicing.... Read >>

Graham Fitch Repertoire

Beethoven on Board - Sonata No. 2 in A Major

Pianist and captain of The Piano Boat, Masayuki Tayama, gives a guided tour of Beethoven’s second piano sonata in A major, Op. 2 No. 2. In these twenty videos, Masa explores background, style, interpretation, technical challenges and practice methods for each of the four movements.... Read >>

Masayuki Tayama Repertoire

Sonatina in G - First Movement

This walkthrough of the first movement of Beethoven’s popular Sonatina in G will help students to assimilate essential elements of the Classical style: articulation, balance, ornamentation, and clear phrasing. The series of reduced scores provides students with a step-by-step approach to learning the piece, and makes it easier for teachers... Read >>

Ken Johansen Repertoire

Sonata Pathétique in C Minor

If you have ever struggled with Beethoven’s Pathétique Sonata, this series of 11 videos is designed to help you solve some of the main technical and interpretative problems the work poses so that you will be better able to bring out the drama and intensity of the music as you... Read >>

Graham Fitch Repertoire

Partita No. 6 in E minor

The Toccata from Bach’s Partita No. 6 in E minor, BWV 830, is a popular choice for piano diplomas. These videos (with accompanying study edition for the Fugue) will show you how to approach learning, interpreting and performing this magnificent work.... Read >>

Graham Fitch Repertoire

Fantasie-Impromptu in C-Sharp Minor (Op. 66)

<h3> <a href="/content/pages/162-fantasie-impromptu-in-c-sharp-minor-op-66?bundle_url=online-academy&last_viewed=true">Annotated Study Edition</a></h3>

Chopin’s Fantasie-Impromptu (Op. Post. 66) is one of the most popular works in the piano repertoire and many pianists attempt it before they are ready for the challenges it poses. This collection of resources accompanies our study edition for the work and features detailed annotations, additional video demonstrations and practice... Read >>

Graham Fitch Repertoire

Arietta

<h3> <a href="/content/pages/49-arietta?bundle_url=online-academy&last_viewed=true">Lyric Pieces, Op. 12, No. 1</a></h3>

Edvard Grieg’s Arietta, the first of his many Lyric Pieces, is a miniature gem of great refinement and poetry. This video walkthrough and From the Ground Up edition will help intermediate to advanced students to understand and communicate its expression, while learning some practice methods that can be applied to... Read >>

Ken Johansen, Graham Fitch Repertoire

Mozart Sonata in G, K283 (1st mvt)

The opening movement of Mozart’s lyrical and playful Sonata in G has long been a favourite of both students and professional pianists. Its relatively modest technical demands make it attractive to amateur pianists, yet its musical subtlety requires careful listening and focused practice. This From the Ground Up edition offers... Read >>

Ken Johansen Repertoire

Fantasie-Impromptu in C-Sharp Minor (Op. 66)

<h3> <a href="/content/pages/130-fantasie-impromptu-in-c-sharp-minor-op-66?bundle_url=online-academy&last_viewed=true">Walkthrough</a></h3>

A series of detailed video demonstrations on solving the various challenges posed by Chopin's Fantasie-Impromptu, with a special focus on the three-against-four polyrhythm.... Read >>

Graham Fitch Repertoire

Harmony, History & Style

This unique course blends analysis and music history to produce a deeper understanding of musical style. Understanding style brings classical music to life, helping you hear more and improving your playing or teaching!... Read >>

Lona Kozik Repertoire

Schumann - Album for the Young (Op. 68)

Schumann’s Album for the Young is a collection of delightful character pieces cherished by pianists at all levels. Composed for his daughters in 1848, the pieces are invaluable for developing both technical and interpretative skills. In this video series, Graham Fitch explores each of the pieces in the first volume... Read >>

Graham Fitch Repertoire

Intermezzo in E-Flat (Op. 117 No. 1)

This set of pieces was described by Brahms as “lullaby to my sorrows” and the first of the set of three certainly conveys a sense of a rocking motion. In this video, Graham Fitch demonstrates how to bring out the melody in the inner (middle) voices of this piece.... Read >>

Graham Fitch Repertoire

Rigaudon

<h3> <a href="/content/pages/122-rigaudon?bundle_url=online-academy&last_viewed=true">Trinity College - Grade 2</a></h3>

A rigaudon is a lively French baroque dance. Telemann’s energetic example, set for Trinity Grade 2, contains plenty of springy rhythms and colour. In this video, I look at how to use simple five-finger patterns to develop the skills involved in playing the piece - forearm staccato and combined touches... Read >>

Graham Fitch Repertoire

Beethoven on Board - Sonata No. 3 in C Major

Pianist and captain of The Piano Boat, Masayuki Tayama, gives a guided tour of Beethoven’s second piano sonata in C major, Op. 2 No. 3. In these seventeen videos, Masa explores background, style, interpretation, technical challenges and practice methods for each of the four movements.... Read >>

Masayuki Tayama Repertoire

Nocturne in C-sharp Minor

Chopin wrote the Nocturne in C-sharp minor, op. posth. in 1830, but it was only published in 1870. He dedicated the work to his sister, Ludwika “as an exercise before beginning the study of my second Concerto". This series of articles provides a comprehensive walkthrough and detailed practice worksheets for... Read >>

Graham Fitch Repertoire

Sonata in C# Minor (Sonata quasi una fantasia)

<h3> <a href="/content/pages/149-sonata-in-c-minor-sonata-quasi-una-fantasia?bundle_url=online-academy&last_viewed=true">Op. 27 No. 2 (1st Movement)</a></h3>

This collection of nine videos gives a step-by-step guide to playing the first movement of Beethoven’s Sonata in C# Minor (Sonata quasi una fantasia) or "Moonlight" (Op. 27 No. 2) with detailed advice on style, tempo, pedalling, fingering, practice method and technique - especially on how to avoid tension when... Read >>

Graham Fitch Repertoire

Sonatine

Ravel wrote the first movement of the Sonatine in 1903 for a magazine competition run by a magazine but wasn't awarded the prize as he was the only entrant and had exceeded the length restriction! Fortunately for posterity, Ravel soon added a second and a third movement in 1905 and... Read >>

Graham Fitch Repertoire

Step into 'The 48'

<h3> <a href="/content/pages/191-step-into-the-48?bundle_url=online-academy&last_viewed=true">A Guide to JS Bach's Well-Tempered Clavier</a></h3>

Three hundred years after their first publication, Bach’s 48 preludes and fugues are as important, fascinating and demanding as ever - every aspiring pianist should know at least a few! Beate Toyka introduces and plays each of them, giving insider tips on interpretation and technique starting with the easier works... Read >>

Beate Toyka Repertoire

The Merry Farmer

<h3> <a href="/content/pages/24-the-merry-farmer?bundle_url=online-academy&last_viewed=true">ABRSM Grade 4 – B2</a></h3>

Schumann’s piano music is a joy to play – it is full of inspiration, fantastic contrasts in mood and character as well as beautiful melodies and breathtakingly beautiful harmonies. This series of articles provides notes outlining how to approach learning The Merry Farmer, Returning from Work from the Album for... Read >>

Graham Fitch Repertoire

Prelude in D Minor

Bach's Prelude in D minor, BWV 935, is a perfect introduction to the two-part Inventions, and a little gem in its own right. In this From the Ground Up edition, we work on developing an overall dynamic scheme for the piece, and on achieving rhythmic vitality through note grouping.... Read >>

Ken Johansen Repertoire

25 Easy and Progressive Etudes (Op. 100)

<h3> <a href="/content/pages/147-25-easy-and-progressive-etudes-op-100?bundle_url=online-academy&last_viewed=true">Study Edition Annotations</a></h3>

Burgmüller’s 25 Easy and Progressive Etudes, Op. 100 have been a mainstay of elementary étude repertoire for many generations - and deservedly so. I cannot imagine any young pianist or elementary player who would not immediately engage with, or benefit from learning them. This series of articles provides annotations and... Read >>

Graham Fitch Repertoire

Beethoven on Board - Sonata No. 1 in F Minor

Pianist and captain of The Piano Boat, Masayuki Tayama, gives a guided tour of Beethoven’s first piano sonata in F minor, Op. 2 No. 1. In these eighteen videos, Masa explores background, style, interpretation, technical challenges and practice methods for each of the four movements.... Read >>

Masayuki Tayama Repertoire

Sostenuto in E flat

<h3> <a href="/content/pages/39-sostenuto-in-e-flat?bundle_url=online-academy&last_viewed=true">ABRSM Grade 5 – B1</a></h3>

Chopin's Sostenuto in E flat or Waltz in E flat was discovered as recently as 1941, by the Director of the Paris Conservatoire, Dr. Jacques Chailley. There are precious few works of Chopin that are suitable for the intermediate level pianist, so Grade V candidates will be extremely happy to... Read >>

Graham Fitch Repertoire

Sonatina in G - Second Movement

This walkthrough of the second movement of Beethoven’s popular Sonatina in G will help students to assimilate essential elements of the Classical style: articulation, balance, ornamentation, and clear phrasing. The series of reduced scores provides students with a step-by-step approach to learning the piece, and makes it easier for teachers... Read >>

Ken Johansen Repertoire

25 Easy and Progressive Etudes (Op. 100)

<h3> <a href="/content/pages/31-25-easy-and-progressive-etudes-op-100?bundle_url=online-academy&last_viewed=true">Walkthroughs</a></h3>

Graham Fitch Repertoire

Beethoven on Board - Sonata No. 5 in C Minor

Pianist and captain of The Piano Boat, Masayuki Tayama, gives a guided tour of Beethoven’s fifth sonata in C minor, Op. 10 No. 1. In these fourteen videos, Masa explores background, style, interpretation, technical challenges and practice methods for each of the three movements.... Read >>

Masayuki Tayama Repertoire

Intermezzo in A Minor (Op. 76 No. 7)

<h3> <a href="/content/pages/51-intermezzo-in-a-minor-op-76-no-7?bundle_url=online-academy&last_viewed=true">ABRSM Grade 8 – C2</a></h3>

Brahms’s sets of miniatures are among the best-loved shorter works for the piano. The Intermezzo in A minor, op. 76 no. 7, is currently on the ABRSM Grade VIII syllabus, and will pose several challenges for those who wish to master it. This walkthrough and Annotated Study Edition has a... Read >>

Graham Fitch Repertoire

Inside Bartok's Mikrokosmos

In this video series, William Westney illustrates in detail why Bartok's Mikrokosmos has long been his indispensable, uniquely effective “power tool” as a teacher. Always refreshing musically, it hones the skills of pianists from beginners to pre-professionals.... Read >>

William Westney Repertoire

Beethoven - Sonata No. 23 in F minor ('Appassionata')

Concert pianist and piano professor Julian Jacobson gives a guided tour of Beethoven's Appassionata Sonata, Op. 57. In this detailed lecture performance, Julian gives insights on style and interpretation with further tips and suggestions for fingering and tackling some of the technical challenges!... Read >>

Julian Jacobson Repertoire

Impromptus D899 (Op. 90)

This section contains walk-throughs and lessons on Schubert’s Impromptus Op 90, starting with No. 2 in E-Flat Major.... Read >>

Graham Fitch Repertoire

Repertoire Ideas (Part 1)

Graham Fitch and Fred Karpoff present a selection of repertoire ideas, including both popular works and hidden gems.... Read >>

Graham Fitch, Fred Karpoff Repertoire

ABRSM Grade 3 - Piano Exam Pieces

Graham Fitch Repertoire

Aria in F

<h3> <a href="/content/pages/21-aria-in-f?bundle_url=online-academy&last_viewed=true">ABRSM Grade 1 – A1</a></h3>

JC Bach's Aria in F is part of a new series on the ABRSM syllabus designed for youngsters, or elementary players. This series of articles provides a step-by-step (or phrase-by-phrase) approach to learning the piece thoroughly and securely, building a solid foundation for performance in an exam, or if you... Read >>

Graham Fitch Repertoire

The Well-Tempered Clavier – Part 1

This section contains walk-throughs and lessons on Preludes and Fugues from Book I of J.S. Bach's Well-Tempered Clavier.... Read >>

Graham Fitch Repertoire

There’s Even More to Playing the Piano

<h3> <a href="/content/pages/201-theres-even-more-to-playing-the-piano?bundle_url=online-academy&last_viewed=true">A practical introduction to advanced music theory </a></h3>

Following on from There's More to Playing the Piano, this course delves into advanced theory beyond Grade 5, covering topics such as harmony, counterpoint, form and even an introduction to jazz!... Read >>

David Hall Repertoire

Solfeggietto in C Minor

The term “solfeggietto” means an exercise, or little study. This much-loved little piece is a study in evenness of tempo and touch, but it is also a study in composition (how a piece of music may be constructed from the simplest of ideas). This series of videos provides an introduction... Read >>

Graham Fitch Repertoire

*** (Album for the Young No. 30)

The 30th piece in Schumann’s Album for the Young is one of the composer’s most intimate and tender short pieces, full of harmonic and contrapuntal refinement. Although it is technically accessible to intermediate pianists, it is musically rewarding for more advanced players as well. This From the Ground Up edition... Read >>

Ken Johansen Repertoire

Sonata No. 8 in C Minor ('Pathétique')

Concert pianist and piano professor Julian Jacobson gives a guided tour of Beethoven's Pathétique Sonata, Op. 13. In this detailed lecture performance, Julian gives insights on style and interpretation with further tips and suggestions for fingering and tackling some of the technical challenges!... Read >>

Julian Jacobson Repertoire

From the Ground Up

From the Ground Up is a series devoted to learning individual pieces using outlines and reduced scores that help you to practise more effectively, memorize more consciously, and interpret music more creatively.... Read >>

Ken Johansen Repertoire

24 Préludes (Books I & II)

Debussy’s 24 Prélude are often cited as the apotheosis of impressionism, as the composer experimented with compositional and pianistic elements to portray a wide array of landscapes, atmospheres, historical references, and ancient themes in miniature form. Debussy placed titles at the conclusion of each Prélude rather than at the beginning,... Read >>

Fred Karpoff Repertoire

The Girl with the Flaxen Hair

La fille aux cheveux de lin (The Girl with the Flaxen Hair) is among Debussy’s best-loved works for the piano. Despite its apparent simplicity, it is deceptively difficult to bring off. This walkthrough with accompanying annotated study edition gives practical solutions to the numerous problems the pedalling in the work... Read >>

Graham Fitch Repertoire

Lyric Pieces

Grieg wrote his famous Nocturne (Night Piece) in the summer of 1891 during his annual country retreat to the Norwegian mountains and fjords. Along with five other pieces, he included the Nocturne in Book V of his Lyric Pieces, Op. 54.... Read >>

Graham Fitch Repertoire

Beethoven on Board - Sonata No. 4 in E-Flat Major

Pianist and captain of The Piano Boat, Masayuki Tayama, gives a guided tour of Beethoven’s fourth sonata in E-flat major, Op. 7. In these eighteen videos, Masa explores background, style, interpretation, technical challenges and practice methods for each of the four movements.... Read >>

Masayuki Tayama Repertoire

Prelude in C-sharp Minor

A series of three videos exploring Rachmaninov’s famous Prelude in C-sharp Minor (Op. 3 No. 2) at the piano, with extensive practice tips to solve the technical issues, pedalling suggestions and thoughts on performance – including how to achieve a big sound effortlessly without banging or harshness.... Read >>

Graham Fitch Repertoire

Intermezzo in A Major (Op. 118 No. 2)

<h3> <a href="/content/pages/145-intermezzo-in-a-major-op-118-no-2?bundle_url=online-academy&last_viewed=true">Fantasy Analysis</a></h3>

This collection of videos provides an imaginative, personal narrative on the interpretation of Brahms’s nostalgic Intermezzo in A Major, examining the work section by section and focussing on feelings, ideas and colours.... Read >>

Graham Fitch Repertoire

Sonata No. 17 in D Minor ('Tempest')

Concert pianist and piano professor Julian Jacobson gives a guided tour of Beethoven's Tempest Sonata, Op. 31 No. 2. In this detailed lecture performance, Julian gives insights on style and interpretation with further tips and suggestions for fingering and tackling some of the technical challenges!... Read >>

Julian Jacobson Repertoire

Waltz in E Minor (Op. Posth.)

Chopin’s brilliant Waltz in E minor is justly popular with pianists entering the advanced level. This From the Ground Up edition helps students to lay a solid musical and technical foundation for learning the piece efficiently and quickly, with particular attention given to using rhythmic practice to solve technical challenges.... Read >>

Ken Johansen Repertoire

Two Short Pieces

This series features two popular short pieces by William Alwyn, The Sun is Setting and The Sea is Angry which are both ideal for the intermediate level.... Read >>

Graham Fitch Repertoire

Von fremden Ländern und Menschen

<h3> <a href="/content/pages/44-von-fremden-lndern-und-menschen?bundle_url=online-academy&last_viewed=true">Kinderszenen, Op. 15, no. 1</a></h3>

Schumann’s Von fremden Länder und Menschen (Of Foreign Lands and People), the first piece of his Kinderszenen (Scenes of Childhood), is a poetic evocation of the dream-like world of children. In this article, the three strands of the music — melody, bass, and accompaniment — are studied individually before being... Read >>

Ken Johansen Repertoire

Sonatina in G

<h3> <a href="/content/pages/23-sonatina-in-g?bundle_url=online-academy&last_viewed=true">ABRSM Grade 3 – A1</a></h3>

Handel's Sonatina in G is part of a new series on the ABRSM syllabus designed for youngsters, or elementary players. This series of articles provides a step-by-step (or phrase-by-phrase) approach to learning the piece thoroughly and securely, building a solid foundation for performance in an exam, or if you are... Read >>

Graham Fitch Repertoire

Little Prelude in F

<h3> <a href="/content/pages/45-little-prelude-in-f-?bundle_url=online-academy&last_viewed=true">BWV 927 (From the Notebook for Wilhelm Friedmann Bach)</a></h3>

Bach’s lovely Little Prelude in F is a harmonic prelude, essentially an elaborated chord progression. In this article, the basic harmonic skeleton of the piece is gradually fleshed out, allowing students to understand its simple underlying structure, and to work systematically on its various layers.... Read >>

Ken Johansen Repertoire

Allegretto (from The London Sketchbook, K. 15hh)

<h3> <a href="/content/pages/58-allegretto-from-the-london-sketchbook-k-15hh?bundle_url=online-academy&last_viewed=true">Trinity College - Grade 4</a></h3>

Mozart was 8 years old on a trip to London when he wrote this charming little Allegretto in F major in minuet-style, with a trio section in the minor. The video demonstrates how to use quarantine practice for difficult spots, and how to apply bar-by-bar chaining for secure learning. Various... Read >>

Graham Fitch Repertoire

Allegro Assai (1st movement from Sonata in A major, Wq 55 no. 4)

<h3> <a href="/content/pages/110-allegro-assai-1st-movement-from-sonata-in-a-major-wq-55-no-4?bundle_url=online-academy&last_viewed=true">Trinity College - Grade 8</a></h3>

CPE Bach’s Sonata in A is full of invention and makes a great alternative to the standard Haydn or Mozart repertoire. Full of contrasts in dynamics and texture, it demands a lot of technical control and precision. In this walkthrough, I look at how CPE Bach embellishes some of the... Read >>

Graham Fitch Repertoire

Schubert - Impromptu in G-Flat Major (Op. 90 No. 3)

Schubert’s Impromptu in G-flat major is part of the first set of impromptus composed shortly before his death in 1828. The piece showcases Schubert's mastery of maintaining a single texture throughout, with a lyrical melody in the upper voice, rippling triplet figures in the middle and a supportive bassline. In... Read >>

Graham Fitch Repertoire

Minuet in D major, K. 355

<h3> <a href="/content/pages/109-minuet-in-d-major-k-355?bundle_url=online-academy&last_viewed=true">Trinity College - Grade 7</a></h3>

Mozart’s Minuet in D, K. 355 features chromaticism that is surprising even to our ears (imagine what it must have sounded like to the listener of the day!). The piece is conceived as an ensemble piece for string trio, and we need to have this sound in our ear as... Read >>

Graham Fitch Repertoire

Nocturne in E-flat

Frédéric Chopin’s Nocturne in E-flat Op. 9 No. 2, has long been a favourite of both pianists and audiences with it's richly-ornamented melody, supported by exquisite harmonies in the left hand. This From the Ground Up walk-through provides a detailed guide to learning this piece efficiently and with understanding and... Read >>

Ken Johansen Repertoire

Beethoven on Board

Presented by pianist and captain of The Piano Boat, this series features detailed walk-throughs for Beethoven's piano sonatas, exploring background, style, interpretation, technical challenges and practice methods ultimately for each work.... Read >>

Masayuki Tayama Repertoire

Partita No. 1 in B-flat Major (BWV 825)

This set of resources provides walkthroughs for movements from Bach's Partita No. 1 in B-flat Major (BWV 825) featured in the ABRSM examination syllabus. Menuets I and II (ABRSM Grade 6) make a beautiful contrasting pair of dances whereas the Gigue (ABRSM Grade 7) is unusual among Bach’s Gigues -... Read >>

Graham Fitch Repertoire

Allegro (from Fantasia no. 1 in D major)

<h3> <a href="/content/pages/108-allegro-from-fantasia-no-1-in-d-major?bundle_url=online-academy&last_viewed=true">Trinity College - Grade 6</a></h3>

Georg Philipp Telemann's Fantasia in D major, on Trinity’s Grade 6 alternative syllabus, is a worthy piece and a lot of fun to play. This video shows some of the principles involved in making decisions regarding dynamics, articulation, touch and expression and looks at several options for interpretation based on... Read >>

Graham Fitch Repertoire

Toccata

<h3> <a href="/content/pages/169-toccata?bundle_url=online-academy&last_viewed=true">ABRSM Grade 8 - C7</a></h3>

Aram Khachaturian’s Toccata is surely one of the most effective showpieces for the advancing pianist. Although it looks and sounds very difficult it is actually much more approachable than you might think, with patterns that are always highly pianistic and often surprisingly simple to memorise. There is plenty of scope... Read >>

Graham Fitch Repertoire

Jacques Ibert - Little White Donkey

Le petit âne blanc (The Little White Donkey) is the second piece from Jacquest Ibert’s set of ten pieces entitled Histoires and requires plenty of imagination to play it with the necessary colour and vibrancy. This video walkthrough and article shows how to use quarantining and other practice tools to... Read >>

Graham Fitch Repertoire

Diabelli - Moderato Cantabile (from Sonatina in F major, Op. 168 No. 1)

<h3> <a href="/content/pages/98-diabelli-moderato-cantabile-from-sonatina-in-f-major-op-168-no-1?bundle_url=online-academy&last_viewed=true">Trinity College - Grade 5 (Alternative)</a></h3>

The first movement (Moderato) of Diabelli’s appealing Sonatina in F is a model of sonata form in miniature, an ideal way to teach form and structure to the intermediate pianist. In this video I demonstrate the art of finger pedalling in the left hand alberti patterns and show how to... Read >>

Graham Fitch Repertoire

Reger - Versöhnung (Reconciliation) (No. 20 from Aus der Jugendzeit, op. 17)

<h3> <a href="/content/pages/99-reger-vershnung-reconciliation-no-20-from-aus-der-jugendzeit-op-17?bundle_url=online-academy&last_viewed=true">Trinity College - Grade 6</a></h3>

Max Reger’s Versöhnung (Reconciliation) demands from the player a vivid imagination, the ability to tell a story in sound. This delightful late Romantic piece describes a character asking someone to be their friend again after a disagreement – pleading, commiserating and even dancing to win back their affection. In the... Read >>

Graham Fitch Repertoire

Bruch - Moderato from Sechs Klavierstücke (Op. 12, No. 4)

<h3> <a href="/content/pages/114-bruch-moderato-from-sechs-klavierstcke-op-12-no-4?bundle_url=online-academy&last_viewed=true">ABRSM Grade 6 – B1</a></h3>

Max Bruch’s delightful Moderato from Sechs Klavierstücke (Op. 12, No. 4 ) is set for ABRSM Grade 6, list B. In this video I demonstrate in detail the techniques of quick cover, springboarding and selective landing to assist you in mastering the LH jumps so that you can focus on... Read >>

Graham Fitch Repertoire

Intermezzo in B minor (Op. 119 No. 1)

<h3> <a href="/content/pages/101-intermezzo-in-b-minor-op-119-no-1?bundle_url=online-academy&last_viewed=true">Trinity College - Grade 8</a></h3>

In 1893, Brahms wrote his last work for the piano, a set of four piano pieces, op. 119. The Intermezzo in B minor is the first piece of the set. As a composition it is full of riches, arousing keen interest in composers and scholars (including Arnold Schoenberg) as they... Read >>

Graham Fitch Repertoire

Mazurka in G minor (Op. 67 No. 2)

<h3> <a href="/content/pages/160-mazurka-in-g-minor-op-67-no-2?bundle_url=online-academy&last_viewed=true">ABRSM Grade 6 – B1</a></h3>

The mazurka is based on the Polish folk dance that originated in Mazovia, near Warsaw. Chopin wrote more than 50 mazurkas and listening to a variety of them will help develop a sense of the characteristic style. This example, in G minor, was written in the last year of Chopin’s... Read >>

Graham Fitch Repertoire

Ecossaise in E-Flat (No. 4 from Six Ecossaises, WoO 83)

<h3> <a href="/content/pages/157-ecossaise-in-e-flat-no-4-from-six-ecossaises-woo-83?bundle_url=online-academy&last_viewed=true">ABRSM Grade 3 – A1</a></h3>

A lively dance in 2/4 time, an ecossaise is actually the French word for “Scottish”! Flexibility in the right hand is necessary to avoid tension, and flexibility in the pulse (while not indicated in the score) is essential to bring grace and elegance at the start, and then some forward... Read >>

Graham Fitch Repertoire

Mazurka in A minor (Op.17 No. 4)

A ravishing melody floats in the air above the left hand’s meandering harmonies, creating a haunting, melancholy atmosphere. The second section invites us to a rustic dance but even though the music has now moved to the major key the colour remains dark, the bass drone keeping us grounded. The... Read >>

Graham Fitch Repertoire

Waltz in A minor

<h3> <a href="/content/pages/106-waltz-in-a-minor?bundle_url=online-academy&last_viewed=true">Trinity College - Grade 4</a></h3>

Grieg’s Waltz in A minor is full of character and contrasts, and not without its challenges - especially concerning how to use the pedal. In this video I show how to organise the pedalling in order to make some of the joins possible without covering over Grieg’s slurs and staccato... Read >>

Graham Fitch Repertoire

Fanfarinette and La Triomphante (from Suite in A minor)

<h3> <a href="/content/pages/121-fanfarinette-and-la-triomphante-from-suite-in-a-minor?bundle_url=online-academy&last_viewed=true">Trinity College - Grade 8</a></h3>

Jean-Philippe Rameau was an important composer and theorist of the High Baroque. He wrote three books of very fine pieces for harpsichord - Fanfarinette and La Triomphante come from the Suite in A minor (third book), and are examples of character pieces with descriptive or fanciful titles typical of the... Read >>

Graham Fitch Repertoire

Fantasy in D Minor K397

This video provides a section by section waltkthrough of Mozart's Fantasy in D Minor K397 (sometimes referred to as Fantasia).... Read >>

Graham Fitch Repertoire

Knight Rupert (Album for the Young No. 12)

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. This video walkthrough and article shows how to use quarantining and other... Read >>

Graham Fitch Repertoire

Sonata in G Major

<h3> <a href="/content/pages/97-sonata-in-g-major?bundle_url=online-academy&last_viewed=true">Trinity College - Grade 3</a></h3>

Here is an opportunity for the developing player to explore various possibilities for touch and articulation. In this short sonata there are also several technical challenges to overcome, including jumps, rotary freedom, delicate grace notes.... Read >>

Graham Fitch Repertoire

Camidge - Scherzando (Second movement from Sonata no. 1 in G major)

<h3> <a href="/content/pages/107-camidge-scherzando-second-movement-from-sonata-no-1-in-g-major?bundle_url=online-academy&last_viewed=true">Trinity College - Grade 5</a></h3>

Matthew Camidge's Scherzando in G is a worthy example of Classical period music, a light-natured piece full of melodic embellishments, opportunities for variety in phrase shaping, articulation and dynamic colouring. In this video I demonstrate solutions for the fast repeated notes we find in the B section, and show how... Read >>

Graham Fitch Repertoire

Prelude in B Minor (Op. 28 No. 6)

<h3> <a href="/content/pages/113-prelude-in-b-minor-op-28-no-6?bundle_url=online-academy&last_viewed=true">ABRSM Grade 6 - B2</a></h3>

Chopin’s dark, somber Prélude in B minor is much more difficult to play than it looks. This video demonstrates how to approach this piece technically and musically with particular attention to the pedalling which requires a lot of thought... Read >>

Graham Fitch Repertoire

Allegro molto (3rd movement from Sonata in C major, Hob. XVI:50)

<h3> <a href="/content/pages/119-allegro-molto-3rd-movement-from-sonata-in-c-major-hob-xvi50?bundle_url=online-academy&last_viewed=true">Trinity College - Grade 7</a></h3>

This is the last movement of the so-called “English” Sonata in C, inspired by the powerful and resonant Broadwood pianos Haydn encountered on a visit to London in the 1790s. The music is full of humour and lightness of spirit, requiring a sense of comic timing, clarity of texture and... Read >>

Graham Fitch Repertoire

Intermezzo in E major (Op. 116 No. 6)

<h3> <a href="/content/pages/186-intermezzo-in-e-major-op-116-no-6?bundle_url=online-academy&last_viewed=true">Walkthrough</a></h3>

Brahms’ late piano pieces are among his most personal and intimate music. This bittersweet, nostalgic Intermezzo is from the set of Fantasies, Op. 116, completed in 1892. Within the progression of harmonies in the outer sections we discover interweaving melodic lines; imagine a dialogue between a violin and a viola... Read >>

Graham Fitch Repertoire

No. 2 from Kinderstücke (Op. 72)

<h3> <a href="/content/pages/120-no-2-from-kinderstcke-op-72?bundle_url=online-academy&last_viewed=true">Trinity College - Grade 7</a></h3>

Mendelssohn wrote his set of six Children’s Pieces, op. 72 for his young relatives during his summer holiday to England in 1842. No. 2, an andante sostenuto in the key of E flat, close in spirit to the composer’s many Songs without Words, features a lyrical melody in the right... Read >>

Graham Fitch Repertoire

Tarantella (No. 4 from Musiques d’enfants, Op. 65)

<h3> <a href="/content/pages/159-tarantella-no-4-from-musiques-denfants-op-65-?bundle_url=online-academy&last_viewed=true">ABRSM Grade 5 – C3</a></h3>

Prokoviev’s Music for Children was composed in 1935 and contains 12 pieces with descriptive titles. The Tarantella is one of the best examples of this type of dance piece, featuring spinning patterns in both hands and plenty of quirky harmonic and rhythmic features that make Prokoviev’s style so engaging.... Read >>

Graham Fitch Repertoire

Prelude in C minor (BWV 999)

<h3> <a href="/content/pages/158-prelude-in-c-minor-bwv-999?bundle_url=online-academy&last_viewed=true">ABRSM Grade 4 – A1</a></h3>

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.... Read >>

Graham Fitch Repertoire

Invention in D Minor No. 4 (BWV 775)

Bach's Inventions (in two parts) and the Sinfonias (in three parts) were written for the Bach’s eldest son, Wilhelm Friedemann and are played throughout the world by intermediate players and concert artists alike. This video walkthrough and article shows how to use quarantining and other practice tools to approach two... Read >>

Graham Fitch Repertoire

Für Elise

<h3> <a href="/content/pages/140-fr-elise?bundle_url=online-academy&last_viewed=true">(Bagatelle No. 25 in A Minor)</a></h3>

This evergreen miniature of Beethoven scarcely needs any introduction at all, since Für Elise is known to the world at large. What beginning piano student does not itch to play it, pestering their teacher long before they are ready? This video walkthrough and article shows how to use quarantining and... Read >>

Graham Fitch Repertoire

Elgar - Andantino (First movement from Sonatina)

<h3> <a href="/content/pages/118-elgar-andantino-first-movement-from-sonatina?bundle_url=online-academy&last_viewed=true">Trinity College - Grade 4</a></h3>

Here we find the first movement of a two-movement sonatina that Elgar wrote for his niece. It is song-like and gently expressive, calling for sensitivity in shaping phrases and timing larger melodic intervals. The Andantino demands careful listening in the balancing of the hands, the accompanying left hand, while quieter,... Read >>

Graham Fitch Repertoire

A Crash Course in Music Theory

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