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TRINITY PIANO EXAMS: Your path to musical success


Trinity’s Piano publications are there to guide you, from the first lesson at the piano all the way to Grade 8 and beyond.

From the very first notes at the piano, every learner begins a unique journey. Even those destined to become the greatest pianists begin by learning to find middle C, developing confidence, and discovering the joy of making music. The experience of learning an instrument from the beginning, and the pathway each learner follows, plays a vital role in future musical success. As both a music publisher and awarding organisation, Trinity College London takes seriously the responsibility of providing resources and qualification opportunities that support developing musicians right from the beginning of their journey and through every stage of their learning.

 

Trinity’s publications and qualifications are designed with the understanding that each learner’s path is unique and valid. Whether a student chooses to pursue recognition via exams or focus on personal musical growth, Trinity offers learners the freedom and flexibility to express themselves, perform to their strengths, and gain recognition for their skills by playing music they love – music that aligns with their interests and strengths – thereby fostering engagement and confidence.

 

 

REPERTOIRE FOR ALL TASTES

 

Trinity’s Piano publications support this ethos by offering a broad and diverse repertoire selection at all levels. In 2023, Trinity made a landmark decision to end the practice of rendering repertoire obsolete – a long-standing tradition in music assessment. This means learners are no longer restricted by fixed two- to three-year repertoire validity, after which they must purchase a new book to learn different pieces.

 

In the case of Piano, candidates can choose repertoire from a wide selection of Trinity books, available in both print and ebook formats, dating back to 2021. This gives learners and teachers a wide choice of repertoire at every level (42 pieces per grade) allowing them to progress at their own pace and choose music that motivates and inspires them.

 

Across the 2021 and 2023 Graded Piano Exam Pieces books, pianists at all stages can explore a selection like no other – with expertly arranged hit tunes, well-known Western Classical repertoire loved by learners and teachers alike, and original works by renowned international composers.

 

 

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SHINING A SPOTLIGHT ON INITIAL TO GRADE 2

 

At every grade, learners select pieces from a variety of repertoire pathways, supporting the development of well-rounded technique and expressive performance across musical styles and genres.

 

Popular highlights from Initial to Grade 2 include:

  • Well-loved works by Western Classical composers, including Imitation and Inversion by Bartók (Initial), Passepied in C Major by Handel (Grade 1), and Hornpipe in E minor by Purcell (Grade 2).
  • Specially commissioned pieces by leading international composers, such as Autumn Waltz by Seána Davey (Initial), A Peculiar Party by Zhenyan Li (Grade 1), and Learning to Ride by Mark Choi (Grade 2).
  • Favourite music from stage, screen, video games, pop, jazz, and Latin styles, carefully arranged for developing pianists, including: 
    The Pokémon Theme (Initial), 103 East 86th Street from She Stoops to Conquer (Grade 1), and Hedwig’s Theme from Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (Grade 2)
    Can’t Help Falling in Love (Elvis Presley, Initial), Titanium (David Guetta ft. Sia, Grade 1), and All of Me (John Legend, Grade 2)
    St Thomas (Sonny Rollins, Initial), Guajira Guantanamera (Diaz, Grade 1), and It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got that Swing) (Duke Ellington, Grade 2)

 

A WAY TO LEARN THAT SUITS YOUR NEEDS

 

With the constantly evolving landscape of music education and technology, learning options for beginning musicians have expanded: alongside traditional face-to-face or group lesson options, many piano lessons now take place online with a teacher, are guided by apps or videos, or learners teach themselves independently. This shift opens up new possibilities and greater accessibility in music education.

 

Trinity’s publications and qualifications provide trusted support for every kind of learner – with or without a teacher, preparing for exams or simply playing for personal development and enjoyment.

 

Key publications for beginner pianists include:

  • Piano Exam Pieces Plus Exercises Initial–Grade 8
  • Sight Reading Piano: A Progressive Method (Initial-Grade 2)
  • Introducing Theory of Music
  • Introducing Piano: An Illustrated Musical Adventure

 

EXPLORE TRINITY PIANO PUBLICATIONS HERE!

 

Whether discovering the piano for the very first time, returning after a long break, learning with a teacher, or exploring independently, Trinity provides publications and resources that support every step of the musical journey – from first notes to Grade 8 and beyond.

 

store.trinitycollege.com

 

 

 

Exciting news for beginners!

 

Trinity’s brand-new publication Introducing Piano: An Illustrated Musical Adventure is now available. Designed especially for beginner pianists, the book takes learners from their very first notes through to Initial grade level. It is a beautifully illustrated beginner book designed to guide learners from their very first notes to Initial grade level, with engaging repertoire, clear guidance, and accompanying audio and video support. Full details at store.trinitycollege.com/IntroducingPiano

 

 

DOWNLOAD A FREE PREVIEW OF TRINITY’S PIANO FROM 2023 REPERTOIRE HERE!

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