Elementary

Bartók - Dialogue (from First Term at the Piano)

ABRSM Initial Grade – B3

The great Hungarian composer Béla Bartók was an important educator, writing piano music for all levels, including the very early stages. Dialogue comes from a set of elementary pieces entitled First Term at the Piano. It features the two hands in conversation with each other, the right hand leading and the left hand imitating a bar later. Each hand stays in its own hand position throughout; the player’s task is to manage the five-finger positions with flexibility of phrasing and hand movements, avoiding locking the wrist by adjusting it laterally in order to align the arm behind the finger that... Read >>

Pam Wedgwood - The Detective (No. 6 from Up-Grade! Piano Grades 1–2)

ABRSM Grade 1 – C3

The Detective encourages the player to come up with a vivid storyline for what might be happening in this piece. Imagine the scene, the characters involved and what they are doing. What is the outcome? The use of emojis drawn or stuck on the score at strategic points can assist with this narrative.... 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 >>

Handel - Gavotte in G, HWV 491

ABRSM Grade 3 – A3

A model of symmetry and tightly organised musical structure, Handel’s Gavotte in G gives the player scope for developing sensitivity of touch and articulation in both hands. Resources & links Piano Exam Pieces 2021 & 2021, Grade 3 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 Online... Read >>

Elgar (arr. Jones) - Salut d’amour (Op.12)

ABRSM Grade 3 – B1

Elgar’s famous violin melody is transcribed for piano by Richard Jones in a setting that requires careful balance between the two hands, as well as control of tone in the left hand. Use of the pedal is essential. Resources & links Piano Exam Pieces 2021 & 2021, Grade 3 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... Read >>

Burgmüller - 13. Consolation in C Major (from 25 Easy and Progressive Etudes, Op. 100)

The thirteenth étude, Consolation (Comfort), returns to the familiar key of C major. Marked dolce lusingando (sweetly and caressingly), it calls for careful control of tone as we balance melody and accompaniment not only between the two hands, but also within each hand. There are many beautiful, expressive moments in this etude that we need to enjoy and savour as we play them. The harmonic progression in bars 5 and 6 that enhances chord ii in what would otherwise be a standard sequence of chords is one example, the modulation to E minor (bars 14-15) another. The semibreves in the... Read >>

Trad. Swedish (arr. Bullard) - Björnen sover

ABRSM Initial Grade – A3

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 Initial Grade publication here. You can listen to a recording of this piece and others from this grade on Spotify using this link. ... Read >>

Beyer - Melody in G (No. 39 from École préliminaire de piano, Op. 101)

ABRSM Initial Grade – B1

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 Initial Grade 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 ... Read >>

Bartók - The Highway Robber (from For Children, Sz. 42)

This descriptive piece contains three different settings of the same folk tune, each with its own unique harmonisations, dynamic levels and articulations. The prevailing drum rhythm in the left hand punctuates these. Preview (please log-in or subscribe to see full video) 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 view the... Read >>