This is the second article as part of my new series Teaching Observations. These posts are focused on my thoughts and observations as a piano teacher. Perhaps you are a teacher and will empathize with my views – or you might disagree with them entirely! Either way, I aim to vocalise topics that are sometimes skirted…
Tag: Grade 8
Dance in Bulgarian Rhythm No. 4 from Mikrokosmos Book 6 by Bartók
It’s great to see old favourites like this wonderful work on various examination lists, and this piece often appears on Grade 8 syllabuses. Hungarian composer Béla Bartók (1981-1945) is a particularly popular choice. Whilst not every student’s cup of tea, Bartók’s style is one of the most highly original of the Twentieth century. A superlative pianist and prolific composer, there’s…
Some thoughts on chordal playing in the Scottish Legend Op. 54 No. 1 by Amy Beach
I love highlighting female composers. Trinity College Exam Board’s Grade 8 syllabus has revealed a gem of a piece by the American pianist and composer Amy Beach. Beach (1867-1944) was the first successful American female composer of large-scale art music. Most of her compositions and performances appeared under the name of Mrs. H.H.A. Beach. A…
Pulse Perfection
Over the past few weeks I’ve been coaching several exam candidates; pianists who have come to me to play through their set pieces and other aspects of their respective exams. It’s the time of year for cramming, studying and practising beyond the norm in order to achieve that coveted high mark. There have, however, been…