This improver level ternary form (ABA) work is from Tchaikovsky’s Album for the Young, Opus 39. It is a melodic movement with a regular phrase requi Show More...
This improver level ternary form (ABA) work is from Tchaikovsky’s Album for the Young, Opus 39. It is a melodic movement with a regular phrase requiring a singing legato tone when performed. There are editions where accent markings are placed very generously in the music scores although the music editor suggests that modern instruments with their stronger tone quality do not require such score markings. This is an excellent piece for developing musical memory as repetition is a strong element. The realisation plays back at a tempo of 84 quarter note or crotchet beats to the minute whilst a plain music score is appended to the edited music score. Some suggested pedalling has been indicated in the A section. The music editor suggests changing the sustaining pedal as the harmony changes and avoids its use in the B middle section.
Usinging the thumb to play two notes and changing the finger on a note are two techniques that can be used when playing the movement. Whilst this is a fairly straightforward movement there is some subtle compositional detail relating to the chromatic lines. The Opus 39 Album for the Young is a collection of 24 piano pieces that capture the compositional style of the Tchaikovsky at a playable level. Close
Added: 1st October, 2025 07:10 AM |
Views : 1504
L'Arabesque is a work from Burgmuller's Opus 100 collection. In the key of A minor it combines a chordal accompaniment with right hand figuration. It Show More...
L'Arabesque is a work from Burgmuller's Opus 100 collection. In the key of A minor it combines a chordal accompaniment with right hand figuration. It is quite a dramatic movement requiring light hands in the playing approach. Repeats are in place in the music score and should be used in performances to encourage good practice and the development of a secure musical memory. Burgmuller utilises a wide range of the keyboard The realisation plays back at 132 quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute and the score tempo marking is Allegro scherzando. Scherzando is an Italian term meaning playful, joking or light hearted. Friedrich Burgmuller 1806-1874 was a German pianist and composer identified with the romantic period in music history known particularly for his Opus 100 teaching pieces - 25 Easy and Progressive Studies. The Burgmuller Opus 100 collection contains music that is relatively easy to play embracing many of the composition models in place during the 19th century. This is a time in music history when most homes would have had a piano in the household. The instrument was studied and taught widely. Burgmuller demonstrates a gift for embracing many musical and stylistic elements into piano miniatures that are excellent practice and performance material for the improver level pianist stepping up to the intermediate and more advanced levels. Close
Added: 27th September, 2025 08:09 AM |
Views : 1271
The Ballade from the Opus 100 collection is a dramatic work in ternary ABA form. In the key of C minor it is an excellent performance piece for those Show More...
The Ballade from the Opus 100 collection is a dramatic work in ternary ABA form. In the key of C minor it is an excellent performance piece for those engaged in the process of acquiring a secure keyboard technique. Practicing the PlentyMusic C minor improver technical drills would be excellent preparation for playing this piece.
The improver realisation plays back at a modest 84 dotted quarter notes (crotchet) beats 84 to the minute although the recommended tempo marking is nearer the 100 dotted quarter notes to the minute.
This is an excellent composition to develop performance skills as it is pianistic and offers some flexibility as to how it can successfully be played from the tempo, articulation and dynamics point of view. In the sheet music video score the music editor advises that some of the graphics relating to the score detail behave rather unpredictably in this format.
Friedrich Burgmuller 1806-1874 was a German pianist and composer identified with the romantic period in music history known particularly for his Opus 100 teaching pieces - 25 Easy and Progressive Studies. The Burgmuller Opus 100 collection contains music that is relatively easy to play embracing many of the composition models in place during the 19th century. This is a time in music history when most homes would have had a piano in the household. The instrument was studied and taught widely. Burgmuller demonstrates a gift for embracing many musical and stylistic elements into piano miniatures that are excellent practice and performance material for the improver level pianist stepping up to the intermediate and more advanced levels. Close
Added: 25th September, 2025 11:09 AM |
Views : 1337
The Tarantella from Burgmuller's Opus 100 collection has a sectional structure with a strong repetitive element. Composed in D minor in 6/8 time the t Show More...
The Tarantella from Burgmuller's Opus 100 collection has a sectional structure with a strong repetitive element. Composed in D minor in 6/8 time the tempo indication is Allegro vivo. The form of the movement could be summarised as being Intro A B A C A Coda. The C middle section is in the tonic major key D major.
Crushed note or acciaccaturas feature in the D major section – these are notes played quickly before the main note which is played on the beat.
The realisation plays back at 132 dotted quarter appropriate for an improver level keyboard player although there is scope to play it faster.
The edited music score has score detail in place.
Players will need to approach this movement with a lightness in the hands which will need to be kept close to the keys.
There is quite a bit of contrast in the movement both as far a playing touch and dynamics are concerned.
It is an appealing attractive work exploring the full range of the piano.
Friedich Burgmuller 1806-1874 was a German pianist and composer identified with the romantic period in music history known particularly for his Opus 100 teaching pieces - 25 Easy and Progressive Studies. Although German born he became Paris based from 1832.
The Burgmuller Opus 100 collection contains music that is relatively easy to play embracing many of the composition models in place during the 19th century. This is a time in music history when most homes would have had a piano in place in the household. The instrument was studied widely at all playing levels and Burgmuller demonstrated a gift for embracing many musical and stylistic elements into piano miniatures of quality that are excellent practice and performance material for the improving pianist. Close
Added: 17th September, 2025 07:09 AM |
Views : 1299
An uplifting two part piano / keyboard arrangement of the Giga from Corelli’s Opus 5 Violin Sonata No.9. In 12/8 time the piece does need to be play Show More...
An uplifting two part piano / keyboard arrangement of the Giga from Corelli’s Opus 5 Violin Sonata No.9. In 12/8 time the piece does need to be played with energy and a suggested tempo of 108 dotted quarter notes (crotchet) beats to the minute is suggested and has been used in the realisation. Repeats are indicated in the score but have not been used in the realisation.
There is some score detail in the sheet music download although this is not a usual feature of baroque music scores. Use of the sustaining pedal is suggested although its use is not indicated in the music score. Playing the A major scale and arpeggios would be good preparation for playing this work.
The arrangement very much keeps to the composer’s intention in terms of the melodic and bass writing. There are some beautiful shapes to play and there is a considerable amount of sequential writing. Ornaments have been written out simply to add clarity to the score.
What the music editor particularly likes about this movement is its contemporary appeal and its suitability to be played by many different combinations of instruments.
As a performance piece it has clear intention and direction
Corelli 1653 – 1713 was a Rome based composer and violinist identified with the middle baroque period in music history. Corelli did not publish a great amount of music but he was meticulous in his compositional approach. The twelve violin sonatas in the Opus 5 collection were published in 1700. Close
Added: 12th August, 2025 06:08 AM |
Views : 1502
The G major arpeggio presented as a practice drill or warm up where keyboard & piano players can play-a-long & accompany a backing tracks. Improver l Show More...
The G major arpeggio presented as a practice drill or warm up where keyboard & piano players can play-a-long & accompany a backing tracks. Improver level arpeggios involve two octave playing.
Download mp3’s to a mobile phone, tablet or desktop to improve music practice routines.
The accompaniment tracks have a range of tempo from 48 to120 beats per minute (bpm) Be aware that there is a four in a bar feel to playing of these piano exercises. A good starting point is 60bpm.
Playing arpeggios is simply a way of playing chords. Chords are usually played as part of a chord progression.
For this exercise suggested fingering is in place beneath the notes.
Each arpeggio is to be played three times with a 3 beat gap between each playing. This is indicated by the sound of a woodblock. The key signature for G is used in the sheet music score.
Do make sure that breathing is relaxed before, during and after playing the exercises.
Arpeggios feature in much keyboard music from classical times through to the popular music of the 20th and 21st centuries. All music performers need to have a knowledge of chords/arpeggios, their structures and their compositional contexts.
The chords in this exercise are presented in root position, (GBD) first (BDG) and second inversion (DGB) formats.
A wood block sound provides the introductory beats for the ensemble playing of each arpeggio.exercise.
The playing sequence for arpeggios is as follows:
Right hand one octave X 3
Left hand one octave X 3
Right and left hands together one octave in similar motion X 3
Root position chord arpeggios are followed by first inversions and then second inversions.
Do keep to the specified fingering although a on occasions there are options.
Remember that in a sitting position the level of the keyboard should be 72.5cms above floor level.
At the improver level the arpeggios should be played evenly & smoothly (legato). Close
Added: 24th July, 2025 08:07 AM |
Views : 2550
The blues scale starting on C presented as a practice drill or warm up where keyboard & piano players can play-a-long & accompany backing tracks. Impr Show More...
The blues scale starting on C presented as a practice drill or warm up where keyboard & piano players can play-a-long & accompany backing tracks. Improver level scales involve 2 octave playing. Free sheet music download:
The scale needs to be played as notated and swing refers to the fact that the pattern of three notes are to be played in a triplet pattern. Triplets involves playing three eighth or quaver notes for each beat and is a characteristic feature of swing music. Swing playing started featuring in popular music in the early 20th century and is a strong feature in many popular styles performed today particularly in the jazz and blues music area. There are often ambiguities in the way that swing music is notated.
When learning the scale familiarise yourself with the sound and structure of the scale. In the blues scale the 3rd and 7th notes are flattened. This scale has been notated using accidentals because it is outside the major minor tonal system. Playing blues scales introduces players to other cultural and geographical aspects of music. Playing blues scales provide different sounds and challenge to the musical ear and help develop and broaden listening skills. mp3 play-a-long tracks can be easily accessed and downloaded to a mobile phone from the website to improve music practice routines.
The accompaniment tracks have a range of tempo from 60 to 144 beats per minute (bpm) and are presented in 12 bpm steps (60, 72, 84, 96, 108, 120, 132 & 144bpm). The mp3 on the audition free download plays back at 72 quarter note or crotchet beats to the minute.
Improve music practice routines and make progress with PlentyMusic pdf #sheetmusic & mp3 accompaniment downloads.
Each scale is to be played 3 times with a one bar gap between each scale.
PlentyMusic scale practice exercises are designed to improve technical skills and are presented in a metrical context enabling keyboard players to practice and improve their technical & aural skills as part of an ensemble playing activity.
A wood block sound provides a one bar preparation for the playing of each scale exercise. The playing sequence is as follows:
right hand two octaves
left hand two octaves
right and left hands together two octaves similar motion
right and left hands together two octaves contrary motion
Keep to the specified fingering
Remember that In a sitting position the level of the keyboard should be 72.5cms above floor level At the improver level the scales should be played evenly & smoothly (legato).
Playing scales does involve repetition but at the same time they need to be played with engagement and concentration
Use a mobile phone, tablet or desktop to provide the backing tracks needed to enjoy scale practice as an ensemble activity. When playing along to the backing tracks do have an awareness of the beat, pulse and tempo. Whilst there are many ways in which musical notes can be articulated in the early stages of playing scales a legato touch should be and remain the focus. When playing scales as in most other #musicperformance contexts fingers need to be close to the keys.
The weight of the arm & hand should be imagined to be being released or even flow out through the finger tips. Close
Added: 29th June, 2024 08:06 AM |
Views : 3275
The scale of G presented as a practice drill or warm up where keyboard & piano players can play-a-long & accompany the available backing track. Improv Show More...
The scale of G presented as a practice drill or warm up where keyboard & piano players can play-a-long & accompany the available backing track. Improver level scales involve 2 octave playing.
The backing tracks are available both on the PlentyMusic website and our YouTube channel. Access them on a mobile phone to improve your music practice routines.
The accompaniment tracks have a range of tempo from 60 to 144 beats per minute (bpm)
Improve music practice and make progress with PlentyMusic pdf sheetmusic & mp3 accompaniment downloads.
Each scale is to be played 3 times with a one bar gap between each scale.
An ideal performance context for this scale is Franz Schubert’s Children’s March D. XX arranged for piano duet
A wood block sound provides a one bar preparation for the playing of each scale exercise.
The playing sequence is as follows:
Right hand two octaves
Left hand two octaves
Right and left hands together two octaves similar motion
Right and left hands together one octave contrary motion
Do keep to the specified fingering
In a sitting position the level of the keyboard should be 72.5cms above floor level
At the improver level the scales should be played evenly & smoothly (legato). Playing scales does involve repetition but they need to be played with engagement and concentration. There are always aspects of ones playing that can be improved.
Understand that there will be additional challenges from PlentyMusic as to how scales can be played.
Thumb under & third finger over preparation is an aspect of keyboard technique that needs to taken on board and will be clarified in a video post later in the year.
Please feedback to PlentyMusic on any additional warm ups or practice drills required or changes that need to be made to those currently in place.
Look out for the PlentyMusic videos later in the year with some practical tips on the playing of scales and the piano/ keyboard in general.
Always make music practice a challenge as well as being interesting.
When playing scales aim to keep a lightness in the hands particularly when they are played at fast tempi.
Use a mobile phone, tablet or desktop to provide the backing tracks needed to enjoy scale practice as an ensemble activity. When playing along to the backing tracks do have an awareness of the beat, pulse and tempo.
Whilst there are many ways in which musical notes can be articulated in the early stages of playing scales a legato touch should be and remain the focus. There are other challenges coming soon as your playing progresses and improves.
When playing scales as in most other #musicperformance contexts fingers need to be close to the keys
The weight of the arm & hand should be imagined to be being released or even flow out through the finger tips.
The challenge in playing music is that it involves much repetition. The gifted musician is one able to internalise what has been learnt and progress quickly to more difficult challenges.
Why practice scales?
Scale practice does help in improving technique and spatial awareness of the keyboard layout.
Security in playing scales means that the fingers get used to being in the right place.
Playing scales is good preparation for playing more difficult pieces
Scales played on a piano or keyboard require that the fingers are all equal in strength and in this respect they are useful although there are other exercises helpful particularly thirds that are helpful it equalising finger strength from the keyboard playing point of view.
If you play a keyboard standing up ensure that you at a comfortable level with the weight of the hands going downwards. Images of keyboard players playing with their hands above shoulder height is not great for encouraging good technique.
Playing scales encourages the development of a secure and controlled technique in playing.
Playing scales particularly when playing in contrary motion encourages independence of the hands.
Playing scales is helpful in managing stretches and stresses in keyboard playing. Close
Added: 20th December, 2023 12:12 PM |
Views : 3281
This improver level arrangement is available from PlentyMusic as a free sheet music score. This improver level two part piano or keyboard arrangement Show More...
This improver level arrangement is available from PlentyMusic as a free sheet music score. This improver level two part piano or keyboard arrangement available as a pdf sheet music download has suggested fingering and dynamics in place. Players should be aiming for a legato touch in their playing. One of the most famous and loved melodies of what is often described as the classical music repertoire although Brahms should more accurately identified as a romantic composer. The Cradle Song or Lullaby was composed by J. Brahms as the song “Weigenlied” and published in 1868. There are many improver level piano & keyboard pieces available as free sheet pdf downloads from the PlentyMusic website. the music scores can be explored either on the website or our YouTube channel. The realisation plays back at 84 quarter note crotchet beats to the minute. Close
Added: 14th January, 2023 08:01 AM |
Views : 3436
An improver level arrangement of this familiar melody with the left hand playing broken chords Right and left hand fingering are in place. The aim in Show More...
An improver level arrangement of this familiar melody with the left hand playing broken chords Right and left hand fingering are in place. The aim in playing the piece is simply to get both hands playing together independently. Right hand fingering is in place whilst the realisation plays back at 60 dotted quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute. Don’t be afraid to also practice away from an instrument learning and memorising the patterns of the music and developing the coordinating of the movements between the fingers and hands. This is music that can be played on either a keyboard or piano. Players should be aiming to play the melody legato (smoothly). Close
Added: 23rd May, 2022 10:05 AM |
Views : 3586
Handel’s Lascia ch’io pianga (Let me cry) from the opera Rinaldo in an improver level instrumental arrangement for wind quartet comprising flute, Show More...
Handel’s Lascia ch’io pianga (Let me cry) from the opera Rinaldo in an improver level instrumental arrangement for wind quartet comprising flute, oboe, clarinet in Bb and bassoon. If circumstances arise then there the music could be performed by a wind ensemble with each part played by more than one instrument. Instrument parts are attached to the full score which is available from PlentyMusic as a pdf download. The aria or song is taken from the opera Rinaldo which first appeared in 1711 and was subsequently revised in 1733. It is in ABA form and based on the sarabande rhythm which has the stress on the second beat of the three beats in a bar. When sung the Da Capo section would be an opportunity for the soloist to improvise and ornament the melody and this is an option available for the top line players in this instrumental arrangement. The music editor suggests that it appropriate to keep to the style of the period in the first instance but it is also a piece in which the stylistic element can be explored. Those who enjoy improvising can always record their work can send it as an mp3 to the PlentyMusic office for feedback. The score has been notated in 3|2 time keeping to the conventions of the original notation but could quite readily be notated in 3|4 time. The trill in bar has been written out in the video score which is available to view on the PlentyMusic YouTube channel. This is music that is very appropriate music for a solemn processional in a social context context. It is usual to present baroque scores with minimal score detail although in this score there is some indication of appropriate dynamics. The arrangement is in the original key of F major although the tempo for the quartet is more Larghetto than Largo which was the tempo indication in the opera. The music in the video score plays back at a tempo of 66 half note or minim beats to the minute. The music editor observes that instrumental arrangements of a vocal piece are invariably played at a faster tempo. This is an opportunity for an improver level musician to be playing what is a great piece of music. It is what the music editor identifies as being a potential “stepping stone” for many instrument players. There is an interesting story as to the origins of the sarabande rhythm for those who enjoy researching the history of forms and rhythmic patterns particularly those associated with dances. Accompaniments are in place giving opportunity to flute players to play in a wind ensemble certainly as part of their practice routines. Close
Added: 30th December, 2021 11:12 AM |
Views : 4706
The movement is an improver level work and excellent for developing a secure and reliable keyboard technique. Dussek a Czech composer contributed much Show More...
The movement is an improver level work and excellent for developing a secure and reliable keyboard technique. Dussek a Czech composer contributed much fine music to the piano repertoire. This short movement is described as a rondo in the tempo of a minuet. The first and last main sections are in G major whilst the middle section is in the tonic minor: G minor. A tempo of 50 dotted quarter notes (crotchet) beats to the minute is used in the realisation. Allegretto would be the most appropriate tempo marking. The articulation markings familiar in older editions of this movement frequently include staccato, tenuto and accents in their score detail. Understanding that the thinner toned pianos of earlier times possibly required more exaggerated playing to communicate the musical ideas. The music editor prefers a more minimalist approach as far as indicating score detail particularly in respect to note articulations. The best advice is always to mark your own music copy of the score from knowledge of playing the music score, listening to performances and possibly from a music lesson or two. Generally, in music of this style and period it is a legato keyboard touch that should be encouraged. Exaggerated playing particularly on modern instruments should be avoided. Dussek was a Czech composer and like Beethoven is a transition figure linking the classical period to the romantic in a music history context. Dussek himself was a widely travelled piano virtuoso and was the first pianist to sit with his profile to the audience as is the practice in modern piano recitals. The chromaticism in this movement does suggest a more romantic approach than classical. Dusssek is important too for encouraging the extension of the range of the piano to the 6-octave range and introducing pedal markings in the writing of piano music. He also composed much fine music for the harp.The plain score is available as a free score from PlentyMusic whilst an edited music score is available for 1 credit from PlentyMusic. Close
Added: 13th July, 2021 15:07 PM |
Views : 3548
The movement is an improver level work and excellent for developing a secure and reliable keyboard technique. Dussek a Czech composer contributed much Show More...
The movement is an improver level work and excellent for developing a secure and reliable keyboard technique. Dussek a Czech composer contributed much fine music to the piano repertoire. This short movement is described as a rondo in the tempo of a minuet. The first and last main sections are in G major whilst the middle section is in the tonic minor: G minor. A tempo of 50 dotted quarter notes (crotchet) beats to the minute is used in the realisation. Allegretto would be the most appropriate tempo marking. The articulation markings familiar in older editions of this movement frequently include staccato, tenuto and accents in their score detail. Understanding that the thinner toned pianos of earlier times possibly required more exaggerated playing to communicate the musical ideas. The music editor prefers a more minimalist approach as far as indicating score detail particularly in respect to note articulations. The best advice is always to mark your own music copy of the score from knowledge of playing the music score, listening to performances and possibly from a music lesson or two. Generally, in music of this style and period it is a legato keyboard touch that should be encouraged. Exaggerated playing particularly on modern instruments should be avoided. Dussek was a Czech composer and like Beethoven is a transition figure linking the classical period to the romantic in a music history context. Dussek himself was a widely travelled piano virtuoso and was the first pianist to sit with his profile to the audience as is the practice in modern piano recitals. The chromaticism in this movement does suggest a more romantic approach than classical. Dusssek is important too for encouraging the extension of the range of the piano to the 6-octave range and introducing pedal markings in the writing of piano music. He also composed much fine music for the harp.The plain score is available as a free score from PlentyMusic whilst an edited music score is available for 1 credit from PlentyMusic. Close
Added: 13th July, 2021 15:07 PM |
Views : 3857
The music editor suggests that this is a great movement to clarify where someone is with their #piano playing. Dussek a Czech composer contributed mu Show More...
The music editor suggests that this is a great movement to clarify where someone is with their #piano playing. Dussek a Czech composer contributed much fine music to both the piano and harp repertoire. The movement needs to be played with a lightness in the hands and fingers. It is a good test of evaluating both technique and musical understanding/comprehension not that one always wants to do this by a formal examination. The musical ideas do need to be articulated with clarity and some notes are shorter than others and some phrases need to be emphasised more than others. Some use of the sustaining pedal is suggested although pedal markings are not indicated in the sheet music score. This is music from a time when musical ideas need to be articulated without necessarily being exaggerated which is an element often suggested in edited copies of the score. Many of the early published scores of this movement have score detail that possibly is more appropriate for the dry acoustic of an earlier wooden framed pianos.
Pianists may wish to add their own score detail particularly in respect to the articulation of notes but the music editors view is that is best to be minimalist. Some notes may require a staccato, an accent, a tenuto marking or possibly phrase markings but the first focus needs to be establishing secure fingering to enable the development of a fine legato when playing the piano. Music editing is very much a continuing process. Keyboard players should continually review their performances reviewing the score detail whether it be the choice of fingering, phrase markings or note articulations. Dussek was a Czech composer and like Beethoven a transition figure linking the classical period to the romantic in a music history context. Dussek himself was a widely travelled piano virtuoso and was the first pianist to sit with his profile to the audience as is modern practice. The chromaticism in this movement does suggest a more romantic context than a classical one. Dussek is important too for encouraging the extension of the range of the piano to the 6-octave range and introducing pedal markings in the writing of piano music. He also composed music for the harp. The plain score is available as a free score whilst an edited music score is available from PlentyMusic for one credit. Close
Added: 13th July, 2021 15:07 PM |
Views : 4272
The music editor suggests that this is a great movement to clarify where someone is with their #piano playing. Dussek a Czech composer contributed mu Show More...
The music editor suggests that this is a great movement to clarify where someone is with their #piano playing. Dussek a Czech composer contributed much fine music to both the piano and harp repertoire.
The movement needs to be played with a lightness in the hands and fingers. It is a good test of evaluating both technique and musical understanding/comprehension not that one always wants to do this by a formal examination. The musical ideas do need to be articulated with clarity and some notes are shorter than others and some phrases need to be emphasised more than others. Some use of the sustaining pedal is suggested although pedal markings are not indicated in the sheet music score. This is music from a time when musical ideas need to be articulated without necessarily being exaggerated which is an element often suggested in edited copies of the score. Many of the early published scores of this movement have score detail that possibly is more appropriate for the dry acoustic of an earlier wooden framed pianos.
Pianists may wish to add their own score detail particularly in respect to the articulation of notes but the music editors view is that is best to be minimalist. Some notes may require a staccato, an accent, a tenuto marking or possibly phrase markings but the first focus needs to be establishing secure fingering to enable the development of a fine legato when playing the piano. Music editing is very much a continuing process. Keyboard players should continually review their performances reviewing the score detail whether it be the choice of fingering, phrase markings or note articulations. Dussek was a Czech composer and like Beethoven a transition figure linking the classical period to the romantic in a music history context. Dussek himself was a widely travelled piano virtuoso and was the first pianist to sit with his profile to the audience as is modern practice. The chromaticism in this movement does suggest a more romantic context than a classical one. Dussek is important too for encouraging the extension of the range of the piano to the 6-octave range and introducing pedal markings in the writing of piano music. He also composed music for the harp. The plain score is available as a free score whilst an edited music score is available from PlentyMusic for one credit. Close
Added: 13th July, 2021 14:07 PM |
Views : 3862
Technical Drill Left Hand Thirds:
The letter names of the notes can be seen in the note heads which will helpful in learning the note positions in Show More...
Technical Drill Left Hand Thirds:
The letter names of the notes can be seen in the note heads which will helpful in learning the note positions in this chromatic exercise.
Why practice thirds?
To strengthen the fingers - particularly the weaker 4th and 5th fingers.
Practicing thirds is a very good way to develop legato playing.
Thirds have a context in performance pieces and musical composition in general.
Tips:
Keep the fingers near to the keys.
Understand:
Imagine the weight of the hand goes downwards through the fingers and to the keys.
How to practice:
The play back tempo is 100 quarter notes beats to the minute but do not be afraid to start at a slower tempo.
Play the right hand and left hand separately starting in different octave ranges of the keyboard or piano.
If the fingers and hands get tense - stop! Relax the hands and arms by your side and start again.
Aim for legato playing (smooth - no gaps) and keep to the specified fingering.
Remember:
that for both the left hand and right hand fingering is the same in piano playing
thumb = 1, index = 2, middle = 3, ring = 4 and 5 = the little finger.
Further Study:
When you are confident with what you extend the exercise and give more work to the weaker fingers.
Develop some rhythmic variants of the patterns.
You can always record and send them as an an mp3 to PlentyMusic and these can perhaps be shared.
Listen:
Composers such as Chopin, Debussy, Rachmaninov and Kapustin have explored the intervals of a third in technical studies known as Etudes which exist as important and often challenging repertoire for the pianist. Close
Added: 26th January, 2021 09:01 AM |
Views : 4431
This is another improver level arrangement for piano or keyboard with the melody being played by the left hand whilst the right plays an accompaniment Show More...
This is another improver level arrangement for piano or keyboard with the melody being played by the left hand whilst the right plays an accompaniment. The intention of the arrangement is to encourage balanced in the hands with the right hand playing quietly and the left hand playing out the melody so that it is clearly heard. It is an ideal piece of music for the improver level keyboards player as the melody is both familiar and quickly internalised. Do pay attention to the rhythmic detail and particularly the dotted notes. The realisation plays back at 66 half note or minim beats to the minute. There is suggested fingering in place on the sheet music score and keyboard players should be aiming for rhythmic playing with a legato touch. The time signature is 2/2 often referred to as “cut time” meaning that there are two half note or minim beats to the bar. Country Gardens is a traditional English folk tune that was collected (notated) by Cecil Sharp in 1899 from the concertina playing of William Kimber who was the musician for Headington Quarry Morris Men. The chords are also notated above the treble clef stave using letter symbols simply to get players used to understanding how these these symbols are used particularly in the playing of folk and popular music. Close
Added: 9th July, 2020 12:07 PM |
Views : 5971
Country Gardens is a traditional English folk tune that was collected (notated) by Cecil Sharp in 1899 from the concertina playing of William Kimber w Show More...
Country Gardens is a traditional English folk tune that was collected (notated) by Cecil Sharp in 1899 from the concertina playing of William Kimber who was the musician for Headington Quarry Morris Men. There are many variants of the tune and this is an improver level two part arrangement for piano or keyboard. It is an ideal piece of music for the improver level keyboards player as the melody is both familiar and quickly internalised. Do pay attention to the rhythmic detail and particularly the dotted notes. The realisation plays back at 72 half note or minim beats to the minute. There is suggested fingering in place on the sheet music score and keyboard players should be aiming for rhythmic playing with a legato touch. The time signature is 2/2 often referred to as “cut time” meaning that there are two half note or minim beats to the bar. Close
Added: 8th July, 2020 10:07 AM |
Views : 6862
Frankie and Johnnie is an improver level piano solo exploring the 12 bar blues in a swing style requiring it to be played with a triplet feel. The con Show More...
Frankie and Johnnie is an improver level piano solo exploring the 12 bar blues in a swing style requiring it to be played with a triplet feel. The convention as far as notating swing rhythm can vary and be confusing. Listen to the realisation score and understand the conventions involved in the notation of the rhythmic shapes. The original text of the song is about jealousy and murder and likely to be in part true. There are hundreds of recordings of the song representing a great range of musical styles. The realisation plays back at 120 dotted quarter (crotchet) beats to the minute although the closing section is played at a slightly slower tempo. The music needs to be played in a relaxed manner and there is opportunity to explore the articulation of the melody notes. The best advice when playing this type of music is to essentially make a performance your own. Close
Added: 30th June, 2020 13:06 PM |
Views : 5658
It is intended to introduce keyboard players to “swing” playing. This slow blues has a simple two part texture. Whilst swing music has a triplet f Show More...
It is intended to introduce keyboard players to “swing” playing. This slow blues has a simple two part texture. Whilst swing music has a triplet feel to it players need to appreciate that the conventions involved in the notation of the rhythm of swing style can vary and be confusing. Listen to the playback score and understand the conventions involved in the writing of swing music by studying the score notated in common time and the appended score in 12/8. Appreciate that swing music can be notated in more than one way. The notation convention in the edited music score with suggested fingering is how this music would normally be presented to the music reading musician. The form of the 32 piece can be represented by the letters A A B A with each section being 8 bars long. Keyboard players should be aiming for fluidity in their playing. The realisation plays back at 110 dotted quarter (crotchet) beats to the minute.
As a warm up to playing the piece the music editor suggests playing through through the following blues upwards and downwards slowly simply to become familiar with the sound of each scale.
Eb major Eb F G Ab Bb C D Eb Eb blues Eb Gb Ab Bbb Bb Db Eb Eb minor Eb F Gb Ab Bb Cb D natural Eb
Instrument players interested in this style of music will need to become familiar with terms like blue note and blues turnaround and spend time listening to blues style piano players particular from the New Orleans area. Close
Added: 24th June, 2020 13:06 PM |
Views : 5771
The One Ten Blues is an improver level piano solo exploring the blues idiom at a medium tempo
Formally it can be represented by the letters A B A with Show More...
The One Ten Blues is an improver level piano solo exploring the blues idiom at a medium tempo
Formally it can be represented by the letters A B A with A having a standard 12 bar blues structure and B being a middle 8 bar section. A percussive approach to playing the keyboard is appropriate for this piece and the rhythm needs to be played in a straight manner. The realisation plays back at 110 dotted quarter (crotchet) beats to the minute. As a warm up to playing the piece the music editor suggests playing through through the following three blues scales upwards and downwards slowly simply to become familiar with the sound of the scale.
C Eb F Gb G Bb C F Ab Bb B (natural) C Eb F G Bb C Db D F G
For those wishing to connect blues music with rock and roll and rhythm and blues spend time listening to recordings by Louis Prima, Big Joe Turner, Louis Jordan, Fats Domino and others. Close
Added: 8th June, 2020 11:06 AM |
Views : 5082
The Wild Horseman is an improver level piano solo and an ideal piece to encourage fast playing. In ternary form ABA the music comes from the collectio Show More...
The Wild Horseman is an improver level piano solo and an ideal piece to encourage fast playing. In ternary form ABA the music comes from the collection that Schumann composed in 1848 for his three daughters. It is in A minor and is an excellent piece for developing arpeggio playing. It should be played at a fast tempo whilst the realization plays back at 110 dotted quarter note beats to the minute. The Album for the Young is one of the great collections of piano literature for the young player. Close
Added: 1st June, 2020 10:06 AM |
Views : 5069
This is a short concentrated movement having a lightness of mood often associated with final movements of musical works in the classical period. The m Show More...
This is a short concentrated movement having a lightness of mood often associated with final movements of musical works in the classical period. The melodic material is both appealing and chromatic scale passages can be described as transition preparing the way for a return to the opening theme. The final 12 bars can be described as a coda or closing section. The realization plays back at a tempo of 80 dotted quarter notes beats (dotted crotchet) to the minute. A lightness in the hands is essential to play this music at tempo. As an adult player revisiting a student piece it becomes much clearer what two techniques need to be practiced in order to become a competent keyboard player. Firstly, thumb under technique and fourth finger over technique (encouraged by practice of scales). Secondly, changing the finger on a repeating note encourages a lightness in the hands when playing music at this tempo. There is an edited sheet music score available which has suggested fingering available as a free score from the PlentyMusic website. A plain sheet music score is also appended. This particular movement is also excellent for exploring the full range of the piano. Friedrich Kuhlau (1786 – 1832) was a Danish composer and pianist of the late Classical and early Romantic time who along with a group of composers that includes Muzio Clementi (1752 -1832), Jan L. Dussek (1760 – 1812) and others produced piano music that is has become valued repertoire for the developing pianist and much of it has been used for teaching purposes. Close
Added: 31st May, 2020 10:05 AM |
Views : 5264
A quite charming and beautiful movement perfect for developing and combining legato playing with a sound piano playing technique. The repeat is not pl Show More...
A quite charming and beautiful movement perfect for developing and combining legato playing with a sound piano playing technique. The repeat is not played in the realization. The music editor has been quite minimalist as far as score detail is concerned simply because too many edited copies of this sonatina have score detail that is irrelevant when playing on a modern piano or keyboard. There is an edited sheet music score available which has suggested fingering on the website. This also has a plain sheet music score attached. The principle of contrast so essential to the classical composition is evident in this movement. Friedrich Kuhlau (1786 – 1832) was a Danish composer and pianist of the late Classical and early Romantic time who along with a group of composers that includes Muzio Clementi (1752 -1832), Jan L. Dussek (1760 – 1812) and others produced piano music that is has become essential repertoire for the developing pianist. Close
Added: 21st May, 2020 16:05 PM |
Views : 5635
A two part arrangement for piano or keyboard of a melody that became familiar across the world at the end of the 19th century.
This improver level pi Show More...
A two part arrangement for piano or keyboard of a melody that became familiar across the world at the end of the 19th century.
This improver level piano piece has the melody to be played legato together with an ostinato style accompaniment indicated to be played staccato. Editorial detail is in the place in the music score to guide the player.
The realisation plays back plays back at a tempo of 60 dotted half note (minim) beats to the minute and players need to communicate a one to the bar feel in their playing.
There are chord symbols in place which provides another option of how to play the piece. Melody with three note the left hand chords as they are written in the music score.
This improver level (second year players) movement in ternary ABA form is an ideal performance piece both as a solo or ensemble piece. Do explore the other arrangements available on the website.
Juventino Rosas was a Mexican composer and violinist who began his career as a street musician. After a visit to Cuba in 1894 he became very poorly and sadly died at the young age of 26. "Over the Waves" (Sobre las Olas) was published in Mexico in 1888 and is one of the most familiar of Latin American melodies becoming something of a world wide hit. The waltz is nowadays played by many stylistically differing types of performing groups. The melody is very much associated with the music of funfairs, trapeze artists and fairground.
This sheet music score was reviewed in 2025. Close
Added: 7th January, 2020 19:01 PM |
Views : 3729
A movement from Schumann’s “Album for the Young” Opus 68 (1848) for improver level piano. The piano collection which was composed at a very happ Show More...
A movement from Schumann’s “Album for the Young” Opus 68 (1848) for improver level piano. The piano collection which was composed at a very happy time in his life has many delightful pieces of music to discover. The edited music score has clearly specified fingering. This is an excellent piece for developing a singing legato line in the left hand. The realization plays at a tempo of 110 quarter note beats (crotchet) to the minute. It is also the ideal movement for developing two important piano /keyboard techniques: i) slipping the thumb down from one note to another (bar 4 left hand) and also changing the finger on a note. Both techniques encourage good legato playing. Close
Added: 2nd August, 2019 12:08 PM |
Views : 5598
A very familiar piano piece familiarly known as Für Elise and sometimes described as Bagatelle in A minor WoO 59 although it is actually in rondo for Show More...
A very familiar piano piece familiarly known as Für Elise and sometimes described as Bagatelle in A minor WoO 59 although it is actually in rondo form. This is a shortened version of just the first section of the work. The sustaining pedal should be used sparingly. The realisation lacks flexibility and the give and take needed for a convincing performance. Interestingly it is a piece that was not published until 40 years after the composer's death. As a familiar piece with some sections invitingly straightforward to play it is a piece that is frequently played badly! Counting the beats to the bar particularly in the tricky octave sections is essential if the timing is to be accurate. This is given a beginner level format but clearly at improver level in standard. Close
Added: 27th July, 2017 11:07 AM |
Views : 5618
Another movement from the rich treasure trove of Clementi's Opus 36 Sonatina's for piano. This is a slow Andante movement having a legato melody accom Show More...
Another movement from the rich treasure trove of Clementi's Opus 36 Sonatina's for piano. This is a slow Andante movement having a legato melody accompanied by a triplets. Ornaments have been written out and the score detail includes specified fingering. A tempo of 54 quarter (crotchet) note beats to the minute is suggested and the music editor advises minimal use of the sustaining pedal. Clementi spent much of his professional life working in England as a composer, performer and teacher although he also diversified into music publishing and the manufacture of pianos. His sonatinas are well known attractive pieces especially suited to the improver level player. He was one of the first composers to create works specifically written for the piano. Close
Added: 27th July, 2017 11:07 AM |
Views : 5596
This is a very attractive piece which has in the recent past been used as the basis for a pop tune. It was composed by Clementi who was known in his o Show More...
This is a very attractive piece which has in the recent past been used as the basis for a pop tune. It was composed by Clementi who was known in his own time as a teacher, composer, performer and even as a manufacturer of pianos spending most of his adult life living in England. His Opus 36 Sonatinas are excellent pieces for improver pianists and keyboard players. Performance detail including specified fingering is marked in this score and a tempo of 120 quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute is suggested and used in the realization. A rondo is a piece with a recurring theme. As a relatively fast piece a light playing touch will be needed. Close
Added: 27th July, 2017 11:07 AM |
Views : 5298
A very appealing and familiar movement from the treasure trove of Beethoven's works WoO (Without Opus number) Originally composed for orchestra, the m Show More...
A very appealing and familiar movement from the treasure trove of Beethoven's works WoO (Without Opus number) Originally composed for orchestra, the manuscript was lost and the music has essentially been reconstructed from a piano arrangement. It is an excellent piece for improver (second year) player and this version for solo piano has the right and left hand fingering clearly specified. In performance the Minuet is played with repeats followed by the Trio section marked più mosso again with repeats. Finally, the first Minuet is repeated but this time without repeats. A rit. (slowing down) at the end of the two main sections (minuet and trio) is appropriate. The music editor urges those auditioning this piece to listen to many performances featuring different soloists get a clear vision of how the movement can and should be played. It is a Beethoven piece that frequently is played badly. A tempo of 110 quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute is suggested for the first Minuet section and a tempo of 120 quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute is suggested for the Trio section marked più mosso. Notes need to be clearly articulated and remember that the movement is full of humour and character. A plain score is appended to the edited music score. This score was reviewed and revised in 2020. Close
Added: 27th July, 2017 11:07 AM |
Views : 5282
A movement taken from one of Beethoven’s Sonatina’s for piano that are catalogued in the appendix of his compositional output. This Sonatina being Show More...
A movement taken from one of Beethoven’s Sonatina’s for piano that are catalogued in the appendix of his compositional output. This Sonatina being Anh.5 No.1. This is a charming piece of music in 6/8 time and is suited to being played by a number of different instrument combinations although its origins are as a piano piece. A tempo of 66 dotted quarter beats to the minute is recommended and performance detail has been added to the score and fingering is clearly specified. Possibly more could have been made more of the pause marks in the realisation. A sonatina is literally a small sonata derived from a word sonare that implies something to be sounded or played. Close
Added: 27th July, 2017 11:07 AM |
Views : 6204
Clementi spent much of his professional life working in England as a composer, performer and teacher although he also diversified into music publishin Show More...
Clementi spent much of his professional life working in England as a composer, performer and teacher although he also diversified into music publishing and the manufacturer of pianos. His sonatinas are well known attractive pieces especially suited to the beginner player. This particular piece has been selected to encourage fast playing and in the piano copy suggested fingering is clearly indicated in the score. Players will need to keep their fingers close to keys to achieve a tempo of 72 dotted quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute as in the realisation. Vivace is Italian for lively. Close
Added: 27th July, 2017 11:07 AM |
Views : 6084
This is the piano version of the prelude in the key of C minor although its origins are as a lute piece. Right and left hand fingering is specified an Show More...
This is the piano version of the prelude in the key of C minor although its origins are as a lute piece. Right and left hand fingering is specified and some score detail is given. The chordal element of this piece relates well to the modern musical ear whilst the movement was popularised by Segovia's solo guitar playing in the 1960's. This movement has to be rhythmically secure - it is very easy to play the movement either too quickly or too slowly and deciding on an appropriate tempo can be quite a performance challenge. Close
Added: 27th July, 2017 11:07 AM |
Views : 3689
Much can be learnt from music of the past in the playing sense and Jesu, Joy in 8 is an excellent example.
This a shortened version of J.S. Bach’s Show More...
Much can be learnt from music of the past in the playing sense and Jesu, Joy in 8 is an excellent example.
This a shortened version of J.S. Bach’s “Jesu, Joy of man’s desiring” presented as a piano solo in a 2/3 part texture but referencing in the rhythmic sense a popular music idiom that originates from the recent rock music idiom.
The 8/8 rhythmic pattern with rhythmic division being 3+3+2 is very much a 20th century popular music invention but can be both learnt and applied beautifully with Bach’s Jesu, Joy.
Keyboard players need to play with a legato touch and follow the suggested editorial detail presented in the score.
Making music easy is one of PlentyMusic’s principles and the suggestion is that you can learn music from the past is one that needs to be appreciated by all musicians.
In the pdf download a plain score is appended to the edited music score.
J.S. Bach was not only a great composer and musician but probably one of the best teachers ever producing along with other members of his family and friends some of the finest collections of music for teaching purposes that could ever be imagined. Amongst J.S.Bach’s family there were 4 composing sons all writing music that linked the baroque with the classical period in music history. Close
Added: 27th July, 2017 11:07 AM |
Views : 5160
A shortened version of this familiar piece arranged for for piano /keyboard with the right and left hand fingering clearly specified. This two part ve Show More...
A shortened version of this familiar piece arranged for for piano /keyboard with the right and left hand fingering clearly specified. This two part version has been notated in 9/8 time (three dotted quarter note beats to the bar) and needs to be played fluently with a legato touch. Close
Added: 27th July, 2017 11:07 AM |
Views : 3945
