Assessing Your Piano Level and Expanding Your Repertoire

Have you ever wondered what level you are in piano? If you are currently playing pieces such as Chopin's Nocturne Op. 9 No. 1 and Beethoven's Pathétique Sonata Movement III, it is quite likely that you fall into the intermediate to advanced level. Here’s how you can assess your level and what you might try next.

Characteristics of Your Level

Technical Skills: At this level, you should be comfortable with various techniques including scales, arpeggios, and different hand coordination.

Repertoire: You can play pieces that involve expressive phrasing, dynamics, and some technical challenges. The pieces you are currently working on are known for their emotional depth and technical demands.

Sight Reading: You should be able to read intermediate-level music with relative ease.

Musical Understanding: You should have a good grasp of musical terms, styles, and historical contexts, especially for the composers you are studying.

Suggested Pieces to Try

To continue progressing and challenging yourself, here are some possibilities for repertoire. Explore pieces that will further develop your skills and musicality.

Romantic Period

Chopin: Nocturne Op. 27 No. 2 Ballade No. 1 in G minor Op. 23 Robert Schumann: Kinderszenen Op. 15, especially Arabeske Op. 18

Classical Period

W.A. Mozart: Piano Sonata No. 11 in A major K. 331, especially the Alla Turca movement Johann Christian Haydn: Piano Sonata in E-flat major Hob. XVI:49

Impressionist Period

Clair de Lune by Claude Debussy Arabesque No. 1 by Oriental Debussy

Contemporary

Philip Glass: Opening from Glassworks Ludovico Einaudi: Nuvole Bianche

Final Tips

Discuss with Your Teacher: Since your teacher is familiar with your skill level, ask them for recommendations that are tailored to your interests and abilities.

Variety: Try pieces from different styles and composers to broaden your skills and musicality.

Performance: Consider participating in recitals or playing for friends and family to gain performance experience.

By exploring these pieces and continuing your studies, you will enhance your skills and deepen your understanding of music. Happy playing!