Don’t forget about Duets!

July 16, 2014 | Piano Mama

Many 40 Piece Challenge teachers have reported assigning duets as challenge pieces.

Here is a brand new collection definitely worth considering!

Double Agent Duets
The spy themes in this collection are among the most recognisable melodies in popular music. They range from the surf-rock coolness of the ‘James Bond Theme’ to the sly swing of ‘The Pink Panther,’ from the exhilarating urgency of the ‘Mission: Impossible Theme’ to the funky grooves of ‘Soul Bossa Nova’ from the Austin Powers movies.

The pieces in this collection are around a Grade 3 to 4 level. The collection is Australian RRP $17.95 and available from all great print music stores.

Mini Jazz by Manfred Schmitz

March 31, 2014 | Piano Mama

Mini Jazz Book 1 – 50 Easy Pieces is ideal 40 Piece Challenge repertoire.

This collection features little pieces of jazz designed to introduce syncopations and melodic jazz inflections to piano students still in the early stages of learning.

Hello, Mister MINI, the first piece in the collection, is featured in the P Plate Piano series and Old Movie Man (number 34) is in Getting to Grade One. The final pieces are reaching a Grade 3 standard.

Schmitz introduces a range of jazz gestures in pieces small enough to not be overwhelming. And, with each piece being perfectly interesting, and (if a student hasn’t played much music with syncopation before) perfectly challenging in its own way, more advanced students (Gr 4 – 8) will gain much from learning these pieces too.

20130447 • From your favourite music store

Graded Popular Repertoire Collections

January 17, 2014 | Piano Mama

Looking for accurately graded popular repertoire collections?

Graded to Australian examination standards, these books provide a range of repertoire from well known popular songs to classical favourites. Film and TV music to traditional tunes and some Jazz and Blues. There is a little something for everyone in the family to enjoy!