Video Lessons for Intermediate Grades Published!
Following on from our first instalment of videos for the new ABRSM 2025 & 2026 piano examination syllabus, we have published a further set of video lessons featuring a selection of works from the intermediate grades (Grade 4 – Grade 6). These detailed video walk-throughs give practice suggestions, tips on overcoming technical challenges and many other ideas on style and interpretation for teachers, candidates or anyone looking for inspiring new repertoire.
In this blog post we showcase a combination of perennial classics and two exciting new repertoire choices from this instalment. We start at Grade 4 with Raymond Yui’s sentimental Canzonetta and then move an exciting etude by Burgmüller at the Grade 5 level. Then for Grade 6 we feature a favourite Bach invention with its elegant harmonies and intricate counterpoint before concluding with the vibrant rhythms and intricate textures of a unique piano arrangement of an Armenian folk dance!
Video Previews
ABRSM Grade 4 C3: Raymond Yiu – Canzonetta
Canzonetta is a captivating piano piece infused with cabaret charm and deep nostalgia. Dedicated to soprano Jane Manning and composer Anthony Payne, this expressive work blends melancholic elegance with subtle variations that bring its melody to life. Graham Fitch’s video lesson shows how to use phrasing, rubato and pedaling to convey its sentimental character.
ABRSM Grade 5 A1: J. F. F. Burgmüller – La tarantelle (No. 20 from 25 études faciles et progressives, Op. 100)
The tarantella is a fast Neapolitan folk dance in compound time, characterised by spinning patterns. We find many examples in the piano repertoire; Prokoviev’s Tarantella from his Music for Children, op 65, also in the key of D minor and around the same level of difficulty, would make an excellent comparison piece.
In his detailed video walk-through of the work, Graham tackles technical challenges such as repeated notes, finger agility and rotational movement in addition to providing tips on interpretation and performance to make your playing recital ready!
ABRSM Grade 6 A1: J. S. Bach – Invention No. 14 in Bb, BWV 785
The intricate counterpoint, elegant harmonic progressions and expressive articulation make this piece a favourite among pianists, from students to concert artists like Angela Hewitt and András Schiff. In this excerpt from his video lesson on the piece, Graham Fitch shares alternative fingering choice for tacking a particularly challenging spot (and achieving legato!):
ABRSM Grade 6 C3: Komitas Vardapet – Shushiki (No. 4 from Dances)
This fascinating piece masterfully evokes the vibrant rhythms and melodies of Armenian folk dance in a rich, expressive piano arrangement. Its intricate textures and shifting rhythms offer both a challenge and a rewarding experience, making it ideal for players seeking to broaden their horizons with a unique blend of classical and contemporary styles.
You can also listen to a full recording from the ABRSM Grade 6 Playlist here:
More Videos!
A total of 15 videos for pieces from the intermediate grades are now available here. Click here to view the full index of a of videos for the 2025 & 2026 syllabus.
Another 10 videos featuring Grades 7 & 8 are currently in production and will be published soon! Please click here to sign-up to our mailing list to receive notifications when these videos become available.
How to access?
The full video lessons are all included with a subscription to the Online Academy. Click here if you’d like to find out more about subscription options or click here to subscribe. Alternatively, they can also be purchased via the following links without subscription from our store:
Further Resources
We’ve also run a series of online workshops in partnership with the Piano Teachers’ Course UK and The Curious Piano Teachers on choosing the right repertoire, ideas for improvising on works from the syllabus and strategies for learning and connecting with new pieces. Click here to find out more or to purchase access to the workshop recordings and resources.
Links to more resources on previous syllabuses from the ABRSM and Trinity examination boards are available here.
Here’s what some of our subscribers and participants in online events have had to say about our resources for previous examination syllabuses:
- “Essential advice for any teacher preparing students for an exam or looking for graded repertoire ideas for their students.”
- “Although I’m not planning on doing exams, I discovered some lovely new pieces with loads of practical suggestions for how to learn and practise them!”
- “These workshops are a very nice complement to the Online Academy videos by giving the opportunity to ask questions and discuss specific topics. Graham was able to provide me with some excellent tips for assisting a student with a particular trouble spot.”
- “Graham has a unique ability to apply his vast knowledge at any level and show how to bring works from each grade to life!”