Snapchats Duets and Trios, published by 80 Days Publishing, is a three-book series featuring original piano duets and trios for students. Book 1 showcases 19 simple duets (four hands at one keyboard) and 4 trios (6 hands at one keyboard). Tuneful, short – between 8 and 16 bars in length – and often in five finger positions, the pieces progress from approximately initial level, or late beginner, to Grade 3 level of the British music examination syllabus standards.
Suitable to play at any occasion, imaginative titles adorn each work, and they are a fun addition to any sight-reading session; the composer uses them during sight-reading workshops for teachers and students with great success.
Book 2 contains 10 duets (four hands at one keyboard) and 2 trios (6 hands at one keyboard), and moves progressively from Grade 2 – 4 or elementary to early intermediate level.
These duets and trios are fun to play and, due to their brevity, can be learned quickly and included in a variety of settings including school concerts, music festivals, group lessons, and sight-reading sessions. Play them as a group or on their own!
Book 3 contains 6 duets (four hands at one keyboard) and 2 trios (6 hands at one keyboard), and journeys students progressively from Grade 4 – 6 or intermediate to early advanced level.
At this level, each work is slightly longer and requires a more intense approach. Tuneful melodies and a symphonic sound, particularly regarding the trios, make them easily accessible for any budding pianist to enjoy.
A String of Pearls (Schott), written and published in 2019 for the Darina Piano Duo, is a set of five pieces for piano duet. Intended for students and professionals alike, the pieces range from intermediate to advanced level, or similar to the British music examination boards’ Grade 5 to approximately diploma standard.
Published in the premier Edition Schott series, each piece depicts a different pearl, from the calm tranquility of Black Pearls to the effervescent finale, La Peregrina Pearl. Play them as separate pieces or as a set!
‘Having performed ‘A String of Pearls’ by Melanie Spanswick four times over the summer at our festival PIANO WEEK, Maciej and I found these pieces energetic, contrasting and very rewarding to perform. Each movement evokes a different mood and as a result, they were interesting to learn, proving very popular with audiences both in the UK and Italy.’
Melanie Spanswick 