ABRSM's Groundbreaking Move: One-Hand Piano Syllabus for Grades 1-5
At Cheza Music School, we're excited to share a revolutionary development in piano education. Starting in January 2025, the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) has introduced one-hand piano repertoire in its syllabus for Performance Grades 1 to 5. This groundbreaking initiative marks a significant step toward making music education more accessible and inclusive.
Breaking Barriers in Music Education
This new addition to the syllabus features 62 carefully selected pieces specifically arranged for one-hand playing. The repertoire spans various musical styles, including:
- A Chopin prelude
- Voice of Spring by Venetian composer Sartorio
- The timeless classic "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" by Arlen and Harburg
- Original compositions by contemporary composers, including participants from ABRSM's composer mentoring program
Expert Collaboration
The development of these lists involved collaboration with renowned musicians and experts, including Nicholas McCarthy, the first one-handed pianist to graduate from the Royal College of Music. The lead consultant, McCarthy, shared his passion for the project: "As a concert pianist with one hand, it's very close to my heart. I don't want people with limb differences to feel excluded from the piano as an instrument."
What This Means for Our Students
As a music school committed to inclusive education, we're thrilled about the opportunities this brings to our students:
- Increased Accessibility: Students with upper limb differences or temporary injuries can now pursue graded exams
- Diverse Repertoire: The syllabus includes a wide range of musical styles and periods
- Flexible Options: Students can choose to perform a combination of two-hand and one-hand pieces in their exams
Essential Details for Exam Candidates
For students interested in taking these exams, here are some key points:
- Pieces will be specifically marked as 'left hand only,' 'right hand only,' or 'left or right hand only'
- Candidates must perform the pieces with the specified hand as listed
- The one-hand lists are open to all candidates
- Exams featuring these pieces will commence from January 1, 2025
Our Commitment
At Cheza Music School, we believe in making music accessible to everyone. This initiative aligns perfectly with our philosophy that music should know no boundaries. We're ready to support our students who wish to explore this new repertoire and prepare for these groundbreaking exams.
Looking Forward
As Ali Bowen-Davies, ABRSM's Head of Assessment and Curriculum beautifully puts it: "Music learning and performance should be available to everyone." We couldn't agree more and are excited to be part of this inclusive journey in music education.
Want to Learn More?
If you want to explore the one-hand piano repertoire or have questions about preparing for these exams, please get in touch with us at Cheza Music School. We're here to support your musical journey, regardless of your chosen path.
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