PIANO METHOD

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About WRP’s PIANO METHOD

All the pages in this category are publicly viewable and consist mainly of pedagogical material for teachers who would like a good, solid systematic approach to learning and teaching various techniques. They are also great for self-learners who would like a guided approach to learning the techniques. So far, Cory has authored and published a variety of technically oriented piano volumes, and it is the Complete Guide to Major & Minor Scales (in 3 volumes) that is featured here, publicly viewable for all. One not be a member of WRP to view these pages. Should Cory ever publish a similar book series on other foundational techniques, like Chords & Arpeggios, it will also be featured here for all to view. Please enjoy and use for your own benefit Cory’s own detailed weekly instructions for learning and mastering the major and minor scales using his book series in three volumes!

About GRADES or LEVELS

Categorizing piano music and technical studies into “Grades” or “Levels” has never been an exact science, and thus, there have been numerous grading systems used throughout the history of the piano. It is an inconvenient truth that grading systems today, compared to those of 50-100 years ago, have been dumbed down and simplified. For example, what most piano teachers considered Grade 1 in the 1930s would be considered around Grade 3 or Grade 4 today. Grade 2 in the 1930s would be considered around Grade 4 or Grade 5 today, and so forth.

However, regardless of the changing times and expectations, the grading system WRP uses is a generic kind of system that most teachers can relate to today. Also, in Cory’s opinion as a longtime teacher, he believes that each grade can be summarized with one “benchmark piece”, which gives one a good estimation at about what grade or level they currently stand. Find the most difficult piece you can play well on this list, at least at a 7/10, and you will have found your approximate level.

  • GRADE 1 = Beginning. Mozart’s Minuet in F Major (K. 1).
  • GRADE 2 = Late Beginning. Schumann’s Melody (Op. 68, No. 1).
  • GRADE 3 = Early Intermediate. Bach’s Minuet in G Major (BWV Anh. 116).
  • GRADE 4 = Intermediate. Beethoven’s Für Elise.
  • GRADE 5 = Late Intermediate. Mendelssohn’s Consolation (Op. 30, No. 3).
  • GRADES 6-7 = Advanced. Schumann’s Träumerei (Op. 15, No. 7).
  • GRADES 8+ = Concert Level. GRADE 8: Debussy’s Clair de lune. GRADE 10: Liszt’s Liebestraum No. 3.