Grade 1 Piano pieces are suitable for candidates who have been playing the piano for a period between 6 months and 1 year, and can easily master the debut level pieces. Candidates need to know how to play scales in C, G, D, and F majors as well as A and D minors. They can play each hand separately but need to play two octaves of each scale. Examiners may also ask to hear C major contrary motion scale where both hands start at ‘middle C’ and move outwards together. Broken chords cover all the same keys except D major. Grade 1 chords are adapted for smaller hand spans. Ask your piano tutor or look online for the required pattern. The assessments do get more expensive as candidates progress through the grades, as the examinations become more complex and take longer. As of June 2019: In the beginner level, music theory is basically just learning how to read (and learning some basics on chords). Technically Baroque (not Classical), but we're using it as a blanket term here. I teach this one a lot, as it offers a nice blend of repetition, patterns and challenge. It also sounds good (a bonus). This is a part of the official RCM grade 1 syllabus.

In Grade 1, we take our chord study a step further and talk about cadences. Cadences are like musical punctuation - you'll see them throughout the Baroque, Classical, Romantic and Modern periods of music. Just a little syncopated pedal, but nothing too complex for those just getting into pedaling. This is a very nice-sounding piece, and is good practice for making your way across the keyboard. So, with all this in mind, how can you best support your child in preparing for the Grade 1 piano exam? Scales and broken chords: the candidate plays a selection of scales and broken chords from the syllabus, as requested by the examiner. Rhythmic values: 8th notes and rests, dotted 8th notes and syncopations, occasional 16th notes, occasional non- complex triplet groupingsArticulation & Phrasing: Simple changes in articulation and phrasing, occasional slurs and simple occasional use of staccato and accented articulation may occur. Examiners are looking for accurate, confident, and fluent playing of all exam elements. They want to hear character and style in the chosen set pieces. And they want a candidate to demonstrate good musical awareness in the aural test.

When you see a whole piece of music you might wonder how on earth you’re going to learn to play it. But breaking it down with your piano tutor will things will seem much easier. I love teaching this piece, and my students love it too. If you struggle with a steady beat or staccatos, this is a good one to try out.Take it for granted from the beginning that everything is possible on the piano, even when it seems impossible to you, or really is so. Bach's Chorales are beautiful, and make for good harmony studies. 4-part vocals are adapted to piano in this piece.

This is one of my long-time favorites from the “invention” category (List C). Not only is the imitation a challenge, it’s got lots of expressiveness and a hefty dose of mysteriousness. This piece is easy to understand, since there are many patterns. The real challenge is playing it at the speed required. This is such a fun one to play! Early English Sonatinas / includes Duncombe, Wilton, Attwood, Hook, Cambridge, Jones (edited by Alec Rowley) This short video is devoid of talking - it's full of 15-second clips of me playing some of my favorite pieces at this level, pieces that I always recommend to my students. Full details about the pieces (and the books they're from) are in the blog post. Grade 1 piano requires a knowledge of Scales, Arpeggios and Chord Voicings. Scales can be performed with separate hands (ascending and descending). Grade 2 piano requires better technical skills, usually acquired after 18 to 24 months of playing the piano. Major scales, minor scales and arpeggios need to be played hands together, in straight feel, ascending and descendingHarmonic features: Two-note chords in one hand, occasional three-note chords, four-note chords will generally be spread across both hands This is one of the easiest Baroque/Classical pieces that still sounds good – it’s a great grade 1 starter piece.

Some Recordings Which Include Grade One Pieces (Not Part of the Exam Syllabus - scroll down to see the current ABRSM repertoire below) Once you’re able to play the piece with both hands, work on the dynamics. That means playing loudly when you see an f or playing softly when you see a p. Your piano tutor will help you to recognise any dynamic elements in the piece. You have to choose one piece to play from sections A, B, and C of the Grade 1 Piano syllabus. For 2019 & 2020 there’s a great selection. Don’t be worried about your singing voice! Only pitch is assessed not vocal quality. The examiner will be happy to adapt to the vocal range of the candidate, you can potentially hum or whistle or sing at a different octave if needed!Now focus on where you are often making mistakes. Try to work out what is going wrong and practice difficult sections again and again. If you're interested in how the grade 1 piano exam works through the RCM (Royal Conservatory of Music), this video is for you. Even if you have absolutely no interest in taking exams, this is useful information to know if you're self-studying (or just want to better understand what your teacher is telling you). On the big day, remember that it’s normal to feel nervous. But don’t let nerves get the better of you. Take your time. Get used to the piano and make sure the stool is at the right height before you start playing.