Keys to Artistic Performance Book 1 | Piano Gallery Idaho Falls
Keys to Artistic Performance, Book 1 from Alfred Music is a collection of 24 early intermediate to intermediate piano pieces that teaches students how professional pianists create expressive, dramatic performances. Edited by Ingrid Jacobson Clarfield and Dennis Alexander, it introduces artistry early in a student’s development. Find it at Piano Gallery in Idaho Falls or order online.
Product Overview
The Keys to Artistic Performance series guides students through five keys to performance artistry: color, pedaling, rubato and rhythmic freedom, characterization, and choreography. Each concept is explained so students understand both what to do and why.
In-depth instruction covers balance, voicing, pedal techniques, and how to move at the piano. Students learn to shape a performance with intention from their earliest intermediate repertoire.
Book 1 applies these skills to 24 pieces by composers including Schubert, Schumann, Tchaikovsky, Bartók, Gurlitt, Streabbog, and Amy Beach, plus original works by Dennis Alexander. The short, characterful pieces give students many chances to practice each artistic key.
Ideal For
- Piano teachers introducing expressive performance skills to early intermediate students
- Early intermediate to intermediate students building tone color, pedaling, and musical imagination
- Students preparing for recitals, festivals, and early competitions
- Adult pianists looking for a guided approach to playing more expressively
- Studios planning a sequence through Keys to Artistic Performance Books 1 to 3
Key Features
Five Keys to Artistry
Lessons on color, pedaling, rubato, characterization, and choreography teach the skills professional pianists use on stage.
Balance and Voicing
Clear explanations help students bring out melodies and balance them against accompaniment.
Pedal Technique
Pedaling guidance helps students create rich, clean sound from the start.
Movement at the Piano
Choreography concepts show students how physical motion supports tone, phrasing, and expression.
24 Character Pieces
Short, imaginative pieces from the Romantic era through the 20th century give students variety and motivation.
Pieces Included
- Children’s Song, from For Children, Vol. 1, Sz. 42, No. 3 (Bartók)
- Polka (Glinka)
- Ecossaise in G Major, D. 145, No. 4 (Schubert)
- Distant Bells, from 12 Melodious Pieces, Op. 63, No. 6 (Streabbog)
- Children’s Game, from For Children, Sz. 48, No. 8 (Bartók)
- Old French Song, from Album for the Young, Op. 39, No. 16 (Tchaikovsky)
- In the Garden, from Album for the Young, Op. 140, No. 4 (Gurlitt)
- Morning Prayer, from Album for the Young, Op. 39, No. 1 (Tchaikovsky)
- The Festive Dance, from Album for the Young, Op. 140, No. 7 (Gurlitt)
- A Sad Story, from 12 Melodious Pieces, Op. 63, No. 10 (Streabbog)
- Italian Song, from Album for the Young, Op. 39, No. 15 (Tchaikovsky)
- Peasant Dance, Op. 107, No. 20 (Reinecke)
- First Loss, from Album for the Young, Op. 68, No. 16 (Schumann)
- Waltz, Op. 36, No. 3 (Amy Beach)
- Ländler, D. 679, No. 2 (Schubert)
- Waltz in B Minor, Op. 18, D. 145, No. 6 (Schubert)
- March Breve (Dennis Alexander)
- Siciliana, from 11 Children’s Pieces, Op. 35, No. 6 (Alfredo Casella)
- Butterflies, from 12 Melodious Pieces, Op. 63, No. 11 (Streabbog)
- Elizabeth’s Lullaby (Dennis Alexander)
- Toccata Robusto (Dennis Alexander)
- The Mysterious Nile (Dennis Alexander)
- Murmuring Brook, from Album for the Young, Op. 140, No. 5 (Gurlitt)
- Scherzino (Dennis Alexander)
