Russian Dance

Grade 1

This piece is from Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker ballet. It is based on a 'Trepak', a traditional Russian dance.

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Exercises for Giraffes

Grade 2

Giraffes actually have very short necks in the mornings, but they perform a series of stretching exercises which stretch their necks to full length by lunchtime, when they can finally reach those high branches.

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Off the Scale

Prep Test Level

Here we have some fun exploring higher and lower notes, crossing hands over each other. Use the rests and staccato to give extra 'travelling time' so that the hands move to where they need to be in good time.

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On a Mission

Grade 3

This piece should appeal to players who like adventure and excitement from their music!

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Follow Me

Grade 1

This piece is harder than it looks, due to the canonic writing. At first I categorised it as Prep Test level, then when I recorded the video I realised it's nearer grade 1. Or maybe 2?! See what you think!

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Get Together

More advanced

Thank you Hilary Sheldon for your kind donation to Cancer Research UK. You asked for a piece to be dedicated to ‘the family’. That’s quite a lot of people with all sorts of musical tastes – so this piece is...

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Rebecca’s Party

More advanced

This piece is for the sister of yesterday's dedicatee. A completely different character, and a piece which is challenging in different ways.

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Alexa’s Daydream

More advanced

This commission is for a pianist to play to his daughter. I'm told Alexa is creative and dreamy, and I'm hoping I've caught her spirit in this piece.

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Beth’s Boogie Woogie

More advanced

This commission was a challenge! I've never attempted to play Boogie Woogie before, let alone compose a song in this style.

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The Voice Within

More advanced

Lively, funny, outgoing...these are all words people use to describe me. Ha ha, no I'm joking, they're words many people would use to describe the recipient of this piece.

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Light Blues

Prep Test Level

This sounds quite cool despite its simplicity. It's those blues chords that add a touch of sophistication.

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Mojitos in the Shade

More advanced

The recipient of this piece makes a fine Mojito. This popular cocktail apparently originated in Cuba, so I looked to that country for musical inspiration.

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Upbeat Soul

More advanced

This piece is a birthday gift for Clare Proctor, as a result of a kind donation to Cancer Research UK by her parents, Val and Mark Barnes.

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I Danced with a Mosquito

Prep Test Level

This is a good workout for the right hand fingers. With the dynamics observed, it becomes quite a showy piece despite its simplicity.

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Pink Jenny

Grade 4

Here's a piece for another kind donor to Cancer Research UK. I hope it helps to inspire her on her piano journey!

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Desert Tracks

Prep Test Level

Try to play the right hand with legato, and let the shape of the rising and falling melody dictate the dynamics.

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Smiling Through the Rain

More advanced

My friend Jo commissioned this piece for her sister, who sadly passed away on 21st March 2020 with cancer. Jo's commission fee has gone straight to Cancer Research UK.

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The Teddy Left of the Shelf

Prep Test Level

I was always the last to be picked for sports teams. It's not a nice feeling. But I've tracked down a few of the 'stars' of those times, and let's just say I'm very happy with how my life turned out.

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Rhumba for a Rev

More advanced

I've written this piece for an old friend, possibly the coolest curate in Britain! I pray that she'll like it! Try not to use too much sustain pedal, which would blur the rhythms.

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Have a Rest!

Prep Test Level

How difficult can it be to do nothing?! Surprisingly difficult, because, of course, rests have to be counted in the same way that notes do. Here's a piece to help practise just that.

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Happy Go Lucky

Grade 1

Try to ensure the melodic phrases end with a lighter note.

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Lilac Dreams and Sapphire Streams

More advanced

This piece was commissioned as part of my new drive to raise money for Cancer Research UK. It's for a special lady as a Mother's Day gift - I hope she likes it, and of course, it's available for all to enjoy!

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Gentle Rain

Prep Test Level

This piece encourages the player to move positions in the right hand, but the descending pattern will make this easier.

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Summer Child

Grade 2

My childhood was spent playing outdoors with friends. A rainy day was seriously bad news. This piece recaptures the spirit of those simple, carefree days for me.

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