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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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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Prep Test Level
Try to keep this piece smooth and flowing, and bars 9-12 should be lighter in the right hand than the left.
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Grade 2
No relation to the popular TV show, but my title alludes to the unusual harmonies in this piece. Who knows what strange things might happen when you play it?
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Prep Test Level
This piece offers an interesting challenge. It's all to be played with just two fingers in each hand, and encourages the player to read the music very carefully.
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More advanced
I've saved my favourite piece until last this week. There are some fiddly moments - I can't pretend I got the recording in the can on the first (or fifth) take! I hope you like it.
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More advanced
he middle section of this piece is a bit tricky, but look out for repeating patterns to help you find your way.
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More advanced
This is another piece that I started thirty years ago. It's an interesting insight into the emotions of my younger self. I'm pleased with how it's turned out now that I've finally had the time to complete the piece.
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More advanced
Enjoy the simplicity of this calm music, which grows in intensity in the middle and then ebbs away.
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More advanced
I wrote the first four bars of this song thirty years ago, at University, on a scrap of manuscript paper. It's been really good to allow the rest of the piece to emerge.
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Prep Test Level
It can be comforting to stay within a five-finger range, but we can't stay there forever - look at how many notes there are on the piano! Time to stretch out and reach new notes!
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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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Grade 2
This stunning view is less than 5 miles from my home, and it has inspired countless artists (and composers!).
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Prep Test Level
Tricky rhythms are so much easier if you use words. In this piece, 'Cookies and cream' fits the rhythm perfectly.
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Prep Test Level
Like many pieces at this level, the player is challenged with different articulation in each hand simultaneously. If this can be achieved in the early days, it will be a great foundation for future challenges.
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Grade 4
Oh, the thrills and spills of taking a new car for a spin! Watch out for the seemingly harmless middle section, which is probably the trickiest part due to all the ties - you need to be really sure which notes to hold and which to change. Safe driving!
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Prep Test Level
This piece gets all the fingers working!
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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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More advanced
Have some fun with this one!
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Beginner
In this piece, the hands have a little conversation with each other. Watch out for the F sharps.
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Grade 1
At Piano Tunes we are lucky to have our own Poet in Residence, Joy Stephenson. Joy also dreams up many of my song titles for me.
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Grade 2
I haven't 'swung' the quavers (8th notes) in this song, but you could try it and see which you prefer. Watch out for the key change!
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Prep Test Level
Tricky rhythms are easier if you make up words to fit them. Try 'coffee and tea' for the first bar, taking a breath after 'coffee'. The left hand gets a turn at this rhythm too - why should the right hand have all the fun?!
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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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Prep Test Level
This simple piece gives practice at counting whilst holding on long notes. Make sure the right hand thumb is held down from bar 9 to the end.
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