Elementary

A. Reinagle - Minuet in C (No. 10 from 24 Short and Easy Pieces, Op. 1)

ABRSM Grade 1 – A3

Alexander Reinagle’s white-key Minuet in C is a model of symmetry. There are four 4-bar phrases in question and answer format, the first and third ending on the dominant, the second and fourth resolving to the tonic. The melodic line is presented in the right hand, the left hand accompaniment alternating between long notes and springy quavers. This piece offers the player the opportunity to develop tonal balance between the hands and variety in touch and articulation. Preview (please log-in or subscribe to see full video) Resources &... Read >>

Pete Letanka - Way Out West

ABRSM Grade 2 – C2

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

Loudová - Medvídek Ušáček (No.1 from Pohádky na dobrou noc)

ABRSM Initial Grade – C3

This piece by Czech composer Ivana Loudová is about a long-eared bear. What is this bear asking for at the start? Whatever it is the left hand appears to be saying no, so the bear asks again - but a response is still not forthcoming. After a heated dialogue between the two hands, the bear gives up and goes to sleep. Not your idea of what is happening here? No problem! This piece invites you to come up with your own story, so that when you play you can focus on communicating this to your listeners, instead of just playing... Read >>

Reinagle - Allegretto (No. 9 from 24 Short and Easy Pieces, Op. 1)

This attractive little AABA piece is in a five-finger position throughout in the left hand, the right moving away from a fixed position in the second half. Containing no black notes, there is plenty of opportunity to develop phrasing and expression. 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 the index for our Guide to... Read >>

Shruthi Rajasekar - The Quiet of the Night

ABRSM Grade 3 – C3

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

Heumann - Spanish Guitar

This colourful little piece gives the player an opportunity to come up with images or a storyline to add imagination and colour to the notes. Two types of accent are required for this piece, the marcato type and the tenuto. I demonstrate the difference between the two, and how to achieve them at the keyboard. Resources & links Click here to purchase sheet music from the Trinity College online store (external link). Click here to view the index for... Read >>

Burgmüller - 1. La Candeur (Openness) in C major (from 25 Easy and Progressive Etudes, Op. 100)

Cultivate a singing style in the RH (legato cantabile), shaping the line expressively with nuances. The short phrase marks (slurs) do not necessarily imply a lifting of the hand at the ends but show how the notes are to be grouped (in the manner of string bowing). Interpret these with a slight emphasis on the first note of each group and a subtle diminuendo towards the end of the group. A chord legato wherever possible in the LH progression ensures the smoothest connections and the best control of sound: Crescendo means soft! Start... 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 >>