William Hay » Resources

Grade 1 – Piano Exam

Will Hay — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 09:00:38 +0000

(Updated Jan 2012)
ABRSM Grade 1 Exam – The vital statistics: The current entry fee (2012) is £33.50. The next exam period is 27th February – 31st March and the closing date for entries to these exams is Friday 20th January

The next in my vodcast series on piano exams. In this video, watch Amelia sit her Grade 1 piano exam. This time, not one of my videos, ABRSM have staged an example of a Grade 1 piano exam which is a great way to give candidates an idea of what it is like to sit the exam. If only Stanley Palace, the venue used for the Chester exams was able to offer a wonderful grand piano as in this video! At least you can expect the same professional, supportive attitude from any of the ABRSM examiners, though the papers on their desk might not always be quite so beautifully aligned.

ABRSM: Grade 1 Piano Exam Video

ABRSM Grade 2 Piano Exam Pieces (in HD)

Will Hay — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 14:25:32 +0000

Following on from my post last summer which featured demo videos of the 2011-2012 Grade 1 Piano Syllabus, I have now been able to produce a set of demo videos for the Grade 2 syllabus. Those of you about to take your Grade 1 piano might be interested to see what is in store for your next course of study. The youtube playlist below will also be of interest to those students currently working towards your Grade 2 exams. Purchase the sheet music

My Grade 1 Piano Exam Pieces Youtube Playlist

GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR EXAMS IN TWO WEEKS TIME!

The importance of scales

Will Hay — Fri, 20 May 2011 22:46:33 +0000

There’s little chance of escaping the fact that scales aren’t the most exciting thing to practice, especially when you have a piano exam coming up in the next few weeks. However they are the building blocks of much music and being able to play them fluently is fundamental in the ability to play any instrument.

My students have been incorporating “musical curve” into their scale technique. Playing duet scales helps focus on the rhythm with some lovely arrangements in “Get Ready for Major Scale Duets”

This collaborative performance of Twinkle Twinkle Little C from the book demonstrates some of the “musical curve” technique they have been exploring. With thanks to Amelia, Kathleen, Lauren, Beth, Mattea, Shea, Alice, Emily, Grace, Ruth, Felicity, Izzie, Emma, Kirsten, Jacob, Oliver and Sylvia for their contributions to the video.

Scales are also a useful tool to experiment with in composition. This 12 bar work by Beryl looks at the relationship between relative major and minor scale.
“Major and Minor Creativity” by Beryl

Why not have a go at making your own composition using scales? Log in to your noteflight account to get started.

Playing Together – Piano Duets and Ensembles

Will Hay — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 10:16:35 +0000

It has been really encouraging to see a lot of work going into piano duets this term in preparation for the next concert. There will be a mix of piano-based ensembles in the programme besides piano duets as I have tried to set up a group to perform from each of the schools in which I teach. Those students involved should have received an email and the music for your ensemble will soon be available on your noteflight studio account if you have not already got a sheet copy.

Some of the duets I have been using have been taken from Piano Time Jazz Duets Bk1. This book features duets in various styles from an energetic boogie to a moody blues and lively samba.

Others are from Easy Jazzin’ About by Pam Wedgewood which also take inspiration from blues, rock and jazz styles with “cool syncopation and funky riffs”.

I was so pleased with Alice and Emily’s work on their duet that I felt it had to be shared below as a preview for the “Playing Together” recital.

Katie’s Waltz performed by Alice and Emily

Duet arrangements for beginners

Will Hay — Sat, 15 Jan 2011 20:44:32 +0000

It is often the case with piano duets that one part is much harder than the other. Younger beginners deserve the opportunity to collaborate with their peers at the piano. The four arrangements below, kindly input into noteflight by Becky , are pieces from Tunes for Ten Fingers. Both parts should be suitable for those who have recently worked through this book or are currently studying from it. As they are embedded noteflight scores this allows the pianist the chance to practise either part and get the duet effect even if their duet partner is not present. You may print a copy of the scores for practise at the piano by clicking on the embedded printer icon.