Okay By Me

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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Trampoline Tumbles

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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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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Ducks on the Pond

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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Forgetting my Key

Prep Test Level

This piece starts and ends in C major, but there are quite a few 'visitors' from other keys. Sometimes I tell my students these are 'special guests' that are visiting the key. Despite all the accidentals, the music fits well under the hands.

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Arroz con Leche

Grade 1

This is a very popular song in Spanish-speaking culture. The words are....unusual! I've given the left hand quite a lot to do, but it must never overshadow the melody.

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Excuse my Blues

Grade 2

Banish the Monday Blues with this lively number, which fits under the hands really well as long as you observe the fingering suggestions.

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Trouble on Venus

Grade 2

This piece is lots of fun to play, and quite simple to pick up once you get into the repeated patterns.

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Flutterby

Prep Test Level

A sweet little piece with a few challenges, such as the left hand crossing over the right, and remembering the B flats!

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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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Ecossaise

Grade 2

An Ecossaise was a dance with French origins, popular there and in Scotland. Composers such as Beethoven adopted the medium. Here is my contribution to the genre.

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Mozart’s Worst Nightmare

Grade 4

Oh dear. Mozart was, by all accounts, quite a character. But I still can't imagine him being very impressed with this piece. The left hand uses an Alberti bass, beloved of classical composers.

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Get Groovin’

Prep Test Level

A useful piece for working on rhythm.

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Piper’s Jig

Grade 2

There's a hint of the Scottish about this jig. Watch out for the surprise ending!

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Elephants on Parade

Grade 1

This piece has a variety of articulation - it's all about the little details.

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Quick Fingers

Grade 4

I was sent a video of Lawrence playing Tip-Tap Toes, and was struck by how quickly his fingers moved over the keys. This piece is for him - but he won't mind if other people play it too!

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Up in the Crow’s Nest

Beginner

A simple tune for a student who has been playing for six months or so.

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Getting Serious

Grade 3

A piece full of drama and adventure!

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On the Run

Grade 2

This piece is full of drama and adventure!

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New Beginnings

More advanced

Happy New Year! A song which looks forward to a better tomorrow, laced with reflection.

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Snowflakes Floating Down

Grade 1

This piece is to be played with the pedal held down throughout. It is still important to play staccato however, as it affects the sound and feel of the music.

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Frozen Fingers

Grade 4

I wrote today's piece after a very chilly dog walk. I should really wear gloves, but I do find it hard to pick up Harvey's little 'gifts' wearing gloves.

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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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Waltz of the Ice Queen

Grade 4

The Ice Queen in Narnia was too nasty to dance. I have in mind a much friendlier, graceful Ice Queen, who is perhaps just a little bit nasty at times, brought on by living in the extreme cold all year round, which perhaps we could forgive her for.

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