No Words Necessary marks my debut as a Schott Music composer and it consists of a selection of twelve piano pieces for intermediate level, or for students of approximately Grades 3 – 7 standard  of the ABRSM, Trinity College London, or London College of Music exams.

I wrote the pieces earlier this year during my stay in Hong Kong, working as an adjudicator for the Hong Kong Schools Music Festival. Adjudicating is a demanding job, but I frequently enjoyed unusually long lunch breaks, so had some time to compose. Adjudicating sessions often took place in splendid theatres with lovely well-tuned grand pianos, so I decided to put this time to good use. Within a few weeks I had written all twelve, albeit scribbled on manuscript paper as opposed to my usual method of using my Sibelius software.

The pieces are characteristically tonal, with a nod to Minimalism. The title, No Words Necessary, was inspired by German poet and writer Heinrich Heine.

Each work is intended to evoke thoughts, emotions or images in the mind. Many are reflective in character, with melodious tunes and poignant harmonies, but there are also more energetic, lively pieces too, for those who want to get their fingers moving. When composing for students, my aim is to write in a tuneful, expressive style, which I hope resonates with pianists of all ages, levels and abilities; these works are equally suited to younger or more mature players. Each one is comfortable to learn and rarely employs large chords or overly elaborate passagework, and they are intended as concert, festival, or examination repertoire or simply to learn and play for pleasure.

Indeed, several of these works have been featured in piano exam syllabuses: London College of Music Exam Syllabus 2021 – 2024, ‘Dancing Through The Daffodils’, List A Grade 6, and Spiralling is featured on the 2023 – 2026 Grade 7 syllabus, List C of the RIAM, Royal Irish Academy of Music’s piano examination board syllabus.

Recorded at Moreton Hall School in Shropshire, and at Jaques Samuel pianos in London at the beginning of August 2018, you can hear each piece by clicking on the links below. The book can be purchased as a hard copy or digital download – either the complete book or each piece separately from all good online music stores and websites including musicroom.com, prestomusic.com, and Amazon. Alternatively, the volume can be purchased from Schott Music’s website by clicking on the link below:

Here’s the complete playlist featuring all twelve pieces:

Reviews

‘These are pieces which I believe could easily find their place in the intermediate player’s heart, combining easy-to-master patterns, melodic charm, and simple structural cohesion. They give players a vehicle through which to develop expressive, engaged playing. And with plenty of variety on offer, too, the collection offers good value. If you’re looking for a fresh collection of accessible contemporary pieces, do give this a try! Warmly Recommended.’

Pianodao Blog

‘Beautiful, imaginative and appealing music. Each piece has a title which will provoke discussion, enable interpretation and stimulate the imagination. There is much to delight the teenage minimalism-loving intermediate pianist (and their teachers) here.’

Music Teacher Magazine