Grade 7 Piano Anthology: Advanced Piano

This anthology delivers exactly what Grade 7 pianists need: a curated selection that balances canonical works with contemporary voices, all drawn from one of the most reliable classical publishers. Norman Beedie's performance notes transform preparation into genuine interpretation work rather than mere technical drilling, addressing the specific challenges each piece presents. The inclusion of own-choice alternatives means students aren't forced into repertoire that doesn't suit their strengths, a real advantage when programming a recital matters as much as passing the exam.

Moving through this anthology means encountering music of genuine substance; these aren't simplified showpieces but genuine works that demand musical thinking alongside finger work. The range spans from Bach's introspective keyboard idiom through Classical elegance, Romantic lyricism, and into modern works that expand what Grade 7 pianists typically encounter, creating a program that feels intellectually serious rather than assembly-line routine.

This collection serves pianists preparing for ABRSM Grade 7 exams, particularly those pursuing the Performance Exam track where programming and interpretation depth matter as much as technical accuracy. It's equally valuable for teachers building a coherent curriculum around the ABRSM syllabus, offering a single curated source rather than hunting for individual pieces across multiple publishers. Advanced students exploring Classical and Romantic piano repertoire will find substantial material that rewards deeper study beyond exam requirements.

• Record yourself on multiple occasions across your preparation period to track interpretive development, not just technical accuracy.
• Study the period and style context of each piece before diving into fingering decisions; your hand position and weight distribution should reflect the music's character.
• Use Beedie's notes as a starting point for questions rather than final answers; work with your teacher to understand *why* specific interpretive choices matter for each work.
• Plan your own-choice selections based on pieces that genuinely excite you, since conviction in performance will distinguish your exam from a technically flawless but emotionally neutral recital.

Assign this as your Grade 7 curriculum text, having students work through the syllabus repertoire in concert with Beedie's interpretive guidance to develop genuine artistic judgment alongside technical facility. For teachers preparing students for multiple exam sessions across a year, the own-choice options let you differentiate based on individual strengths without losing curricular coherence. Students moving beyond exam preparation can keep this volume as a reference source, returning to individual pieces for continued exploration as their musicianship matures.

• Interpreting performance notes and translating them into physical execution at the keyboard
• Building a complete program with architectural balance and narrative arc
• Navigating the stylistic demands of music spanning three centuries within a single session
• Developing historical awareness of keyboard writing across Baroque-to-Modern periods
• Self-assessment of performances through recording and reflection