Fairy’s Final Christmas

Christmas

Ah, she's stood proudly atop the Christmas tree for 34 years, but sadly she's just too faded and tattered. Perhaps just one more Christmas, and we'll get a new one next year...

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Frost Ferns on the Window Pane

Christmas

I'm lucky to have beautiful titles created for me by Joy Stephenson. When you have a good title, the music just writes itself!

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Penguin Dance

Grade 3

I love the way penguins waddle from side to side as they walk. I think as I get older I'm becoming more like a penguin. I've not seen a penguin dance, but I suspect if they heard this piece, they'd try.

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Coming Home

Grade 3

This could almost be a little prelude by JS Bach, with a little blues and syncopation thrown in. It's simple but very sweet.

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Cadillac Capers

Grade 3

This piece is kind of laid back but fun at the same time.

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Right on Time

Grade 3

The left hand in this piece has a 'tick tock' feel to it. At bar 9 the rhythms become more syncopated, but the tick tock still emerges to keep us on time.

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Mushy Banana Swing

Grade 3

Try to ensure the rhythm transfers consistently from hand to hand. It's not as easy as it looks.

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Butterfly Whisperer

Grade 3

A couple of features make this piece easier to learn. The left hand always plays triad chords. And the top note of the chord is always one note below the right hand. This piece should sound as delicate as a butterfly!

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Something’s Coming

Grade 3

Something's Coming is a set piece in UME's Grade 3 piano exam syllabus. See https://www.universalmusicexams.com.au for more details.

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Sight Reading Grade 3 Set 2

Grade 3

Every day this week, a set of five mini-pieces will appear, beginning with easier pieces, working up to around Grade 4 by the end of the week.

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Chaconne

Grade 3

Chaconnes became very popular in the French Baroque period. Usually in triple time, they involve a short harmonic sequence which is repeated many times with variations in the melody.

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It’s a Goal!

Grade 3

You'll need lots of power and energy to drive this piece to the back of the net!

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Sight Reading Grade 3 Set 1

Grade 3

Every day this week, a set of five mini-pieces will appear, beginning with easier pieces, working up to around Grade 4 by the end of the week.

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Skye Boat Song

Grade 3

This Scottish traditional song is so beautiful. It will benefit from a change of pedal every bar. Really enjoy letting the right hand sing out.

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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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Dance of the Little Welsh Dragon

Grade 3

This is the first of my Cancer Research UK Patron Commissions. Thank you Rob Byford for your donation, and I hope Philippa likes her piece, which is full of cheeky Welsh charm, just like her!

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Donkey Ride

Grade 3

Here's a bright and cheerful song with some interesting challenges. Each time the main tune returns, there are extra harmony notes in the right hand. This is something my students often find difficult, so the more practice at it, the better!

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Magician’s March

Grade 3

Try to keep the staccato notes nice and light. This creates the aural 'illusion' (see what I did there?!) that the music is offbeat.

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Grandma’s Waltz

Grade 3

A long, wistful melody which carries the memories of years gone by. Let the melody lead your dynamic choices beyond those I've suggested.

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A-Rockin’ and A-Rollin’

Grade 3

Imagine your left hand is a double bass. The right hand rhythms often have to be inserted between the left hand notes. The trick is to make this sound laid back and simple!

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Getting Serious

Grade 3

A piece full of drama and adventure!

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Sore Thumb Blues

Grade 3

I've written this piece today because of a small cut on my thumb, which happened whilst making coleslaw. Never trust salad! Still, it inspired me to write a 'thumbs free' piece.

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The Snowman Stomp

Grade 3

Here in the south of England it's a long time since we've had enough snow to build a snowman. So I just have to imagine what they might dance like, and the kind of music they'd like to dance to.

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Winter from the Four Seasons

Grade 3

This winter classic is quite tricky for the right hand. It covers a wide range, intended for string instruments. As pianists we have to use clever tricks with fingering to achieve this.

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