Technique Meets Expression
Grade 4 — Independence and Commitment
Grade 4 is pivotal. The pieces require real musical commitment — longer, more complex, demanding genuine independence between the hands across multiple pages. Practice discipline becomes the decisive factor: the students who improve at Grade 4 are the ones who practise honestly, at a speed they can control, and who isolate problems rather than running through the whole piece hoping it will fix itself. The sustain pedal begins to enter the picture, and you should start experimenting with it now — Grade 5 expects it as standard.
Pieces in this plan
The title means anxiety or restlessness — and that restless energy runs through the entire piece without pause. A technically demanding study in continuous semiquavers.
The longest and most dramatic piece in the Op. 100 collection. It tells a story — something dark, with sudden changes of mood. A real performance piece.
One of Haydn's earliest sonatas — clean Classical writing with two contrasting subjects and a brief development. Your first sonata movement.
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Chaminade's piano music is elegant and expressive — the Canzonetta has a flowing, song-like quality that demands real tonal control. A benchmark piece for this plan.
The most recognisable piano piece in existence — which makes it both a gift and a challenge. Play it well and it's beautiful. Play it carelessly and it's painful.
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