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Getting to Grips with Octaves
Exercises & Further Resources
Adapting Simple Two-Part Pieces There are plenty of exercises and studies in octaves, but many of these dive right into the deep end and may not always be interesting musically. Why not explore some very simple beginner repertoire in two voices, but play the little pieces in octaves? If the thumbs played the written notes, the 5th fingers can double in octaves. The first few pieces from Berens’ 50 Piano Pieces for Beginners, op 70 (click here for open domain scores) do the job just fine (see Resources for more ideas). Use the forearm touch as your default,...Sign in to view if you have purchased access to this content or see purchase options below.
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Graham Fitch
Graham Fitch, based in London, maintains an international career not only as a pianist, but also as a teacher, adjudicator, examiner, lecturer, writer and commentator on piano playing and musical subjects.
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