Grades

We keep Initial exercises to 4–6 bars, in C major or D minor, in 4/4 or 2/4. Each hand plays on its own, five fingers from tonic to dominant. Simple note values, the odd slur, and mf, p and f.

Builds on Initial Grade.

At Grade 1 we bring in G major, F major and A minor, and 3/4 along with them. Hands still play on their own, but the five-finger position can sit anywhere. Expect the odd accidental in the minor keys, plus slurs, accents, mf and mp, and cresc./dim. hairpins.

Builds on Grade 1.

Grade 2 stays at 4–6 bars and adds D major, D minor and staccato. We write in C, G, D and F major and A and D minor, in 4/4, 3/4 or 2/4, hands still separate.

Builds on Grade 2.

We stretch Grade 3 to 6–8 bars and go up to three sharps or flats: A major, B♭ major and E minor come in here. This is where dotted rhythms and 3/8 first appear. Hands are still separate.

Builds on Grade 3.

Grade 4 is where hands come together: right hand in the treble, left in the bass, five fingers each. Around 8 bars, no more than two sharps or flats. Two new things we ask for: 6/8, and a tonic held under the melody in the left hand.

Builds on Grade 4.

Grade 5 runs 8–12 bars, goes up to four sharps or flats, and we add E major, A♭ major, B minor and F minor. The left hand starts taking two notes at once, tonic and fifth. Time signatures: 4/4, 3/4, 2/4, 6/8 or 3/8.

Builds on Grade 5.

Grade 6 runs 10–16 bars, and we add C♯ minor and F minor to the four-sharp range. 9/8 and 5/4 arrive, and the dynamics open right out: pp through ff.

Builds on Grade 6.

At Grade 7 we’re writing 16–20 bars. Every key up to four sharps or flats is in play, and every time signature we use. The right hand starts picking up thirds.

Builds on Grade 7.

Grade 8 is the longest we write: 18–26 bars, up to five sharps or flats, including B major, D♭ major and G♯ minor. 12/8 joins the time signatures, and the right hand carries fuller chords.

A standalone set for practising specific notations, one at a time. Each piece takes a single marking and explains what it means and how it sounds. Everything sits between C3 and G5, so the on-screen piano works too.