HAMPSTEAD PIANO ACADEMY

ABRSM PIECES

The Ultimate Guide

 The new ABRSM piano pieces book
has just been published and you are
wondering how the new pieces will
sound.

Or perhaps you may have already

listened to them but are not sure
which ones will suit you best.

Our teachers are used to be asked

what would be the best combination
of pieces for a successful outcome.

Here are some tips for students choosing the

pieces for the ABRSM Performance Grades.
What are Performance
Grades?

Performance grades are remote assessments that focus solely

on performance.

Candidates are required to perform four pieces on each level.

So far, we were used to prepare three pieces: one from each

of the three lists (A, B and C)

The difference between the Practical

exam and the Performance grade is the
addition of a free choice piece.
Before choosing

INTUITION We believe in letting our students

express their musical preferences.

By experience, the instinctive choices

usually result to be the right ones.

Anyone will always be more motivated to practice when

falling in love with the pieces!

SEE THE MUSIC Young students are advised to see

the sheet music.

As teachers we love playing the

pieces for them to get a better grasp
of the music.
Before choosing

RESEARCH It is also recommended that they do

their own research and listen to
different recordings to know what they
are aiming for.

LISTEN Adults usually prefer to do their own

listening by following links to their
teachers’ recommended performances
of the pieces.

This often triggers a debate of ideas about musicality

and technique which can naturally set a realistic goal.
Teachers help

Then, what can a teacher help with?

DEMANDS Sometimes, taking hand span into

account can be paramount for those
who struggle to reach large
intervals,(like octaves) especially the
youngest students.

A teacher can also assess breath

demands for wind instrument players.

STYLE In addition, teachers know which of

the pupils they teach have a stronger
connection to the classical or jazz
style.

This sense of personal expression can

positively affect a successful
performance and should be
considered when choosing the pieces.
Pieces Order

The order of the four pieces must be

the one that suits the student best. But
what is that order that allows me to
better present my musical strengths?

Maybe start with something lively and then a calm piece?

Or you might want to keep the quickest piece for the end?

Think of your programme as short plays

that connects up and tell a story.

A sort of musical journey where

you can put across
your musical personality.

Having said that, the fourth piece could be presented at the

beginning, at the end or in between any of the other pieces.
Leverage the free
choice piece

The free choice piece is an opportunity for the student to

present a more diverse repertoire in order to showcase a
wider variety of skills on the submitted recording.

As the three pieces from lists A, B and C already offer

enough contrast, the free choice piece can serve to
explore a particular style or composer in depth
Leverage the free
choice piece

1
LEVEL

In order to choose a piece at the right level,

explore the current syllabus as a first resource. If
none of them seem to suit you, turn to previous
syllabuses.

In case your decision falls outside the ABRSM

syllabuses you can check other examination
boards such us Trinity College or London
College of Music.

Just make sure your free choice piece is a

published edition and it is not too difficult
or too easy in comparison with the other pieces.
Leverage the free
choice piece

2
TIMINGS

Stick to the required timings!

Each grade has a different requirement of

minimum duration which can be found in the
syllabus. Bear in mind that even a piece of the
right level from the same syllabus might not be
as long as the minimum duration required.

The free choice could also be a duet which could

encourage further collaboration between
students.

On the other hand, wind players might also wish

to perform a further unaccompanied piece.
How will the exam
be assessed?

The examiner will be looking through three perspectives and

will assess your performance based on:

1 COMMUNICATION

The relationship between the musician and

the audience (or listener)
How will the exam
be assessed?

2 INTERPRETATION

How well you understand the music you are playing and
how you put across your relationship with it.

3 DELIVERY

Relationship between the student and the instrument.

In other words, how well you manage it

in order to meet the musical demands of the pieces.
Listen to us !

info@hampsteadpianoacademy.com

(+44) 7761 864 573

London, UK

Hampsteadpianoacademy.com