Exploring Piano Classics Technique, Level 6: Piano Book

This technique book does the hard work of scaffolding. Rather than asking students to reverse-engineer the technical demands of each piece, Bachus builds the exact patterns, scales, and arpeggios they need in the keys they're studying, creating a seamless bridge between drills and repertoire. The page-by-page correlation with the Repertoire book means students understand why they're practicing each exercise, and the structured approach to keyboard patterns gives late-intermediate pianists a reliable foundation for playing with fluency.

Purposeful and clear. Every exercise connects to something you're learning in the repertoire, so technique never feels abstract or disconnected from the music that matters. The progression builds steadily, giving your hands and mind time to absorb patterns before you encounter them in performance pieces.

Late-intermediate pianists working through the Exploring Piano Classics series, particularly those who benefit from explicit technical scaffolding alongside their repertoire. This book is ideal for studio teachers who want a structured, integrated approach to technique rather than a separate method book.

• Work through the five-finger patterns and scale exercises before tackling each new piece in the Repertoire book; this preps the fingers and prevents surprises during performance preparation.
• Study the suggested practice approaches included in the book rather than creating your own practice plan; Bachus has anticipated common technical trouble spots and offers efficient pathways through them.
• Practice the arpeggios and cadences in both major and minor keys of the repertoire pieces; this trains your ear for harmonic context and strengthens your sense of key.
• Use the études as a dress rehearsal for the technical challenges in the corresponding repertoire piece; they isolate the problem passages in a focused way.

Use this as the backbone of your technique curriculum for students at this level. The organized approach to keyboard patterns, scales, and arpeggios means you can assign technique work with confidence that it directly supports the pieces your students are preparing for recitals or studio performances.

• Five-finger patterns in major and minor keys
• Scale and arpeggio fluency across the keys of the repertoire
• Cadential patterns and voice leading
• Étude-level technical control (passages, hand coordination, evenness)
• Efficient practice strategies and self-directed learning
• Understanding of how technical work supports performance quality