Anthology of Piano Duets Level 1

Description :

Learning the piano, particularly at a very young age, can be a collaborative experience between student and teacher. The piano teacher is in a unique position to directly influence musical development through the use of teacher/student duets – pianists of almost every age and stage of development attest to the fact that ensemble playing is one of the most stimulating of all musical experiences.

The ‘unequal’ musical experience

Much excellent duet music has been written where the student part is at a “novice” level and the teacher part at a much more advanced level. The total musical effect is considerably more satisfying than what the student can achieve on his/her own, and provides a real incentive for the student to hear and create the sophisticated sounds of more advanced music. It is a “taster” for musical delights to come.

The parameters used for Level 1

The pupil parts in this volume will be seen to be entirely in the five-finger position. For the most part, the hands move in parallel motion, with the rhythms becoming progressively (yet gently) more involved. The first duets are in whole note values, moving on to the commonly used sub-divisions of the beat. The first duets in this volume are very easy, but the rhythms by the end of the volume are significantly more sophisticated. A solo piece at this level will clearly cover a greater range of notes, but there are many other musical issues that can be cultivated. Some students will find these duets challenging material to be learned over several lessons; others will find them enjoyable sight-reading material. In all cases, the students will learn many extra skills as duettists – in particular the musical concept of dynamic balance both between the players and between each player’s own two hands. The aim of this volume is to offer a gradually developing ensemble experience at the same time as training good rhythm. Pitch should present no particular problem.

Graeme Humphrey