If you play piano at around grade 5-6 standard, join one of these workshops to develop your playing by studying a wide range of piano repertoire, with focus on technique, textural awareness, practice and performance skills. This course is suitable for students working towards ABRSM Grades 5 & 6.
Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
Acquire a more solid technique and explore a wider repertoire at approximately grade 5-6 standard. Emphasis will be given to improving legato playing, quality of tone, tonal balance between hands as well as between voices in one hand. A regular practise routine is essential to develop at this level.
If you are unsure which course is best for you, please contact the music department where our teachers will help you select a class at the right level.
What will we cover?
Repertoire will include pieces and of studies at an approximate grade 5-6 standard (directed by the tutor)
You may also include a piece of your own choice in agreement with your tutor.
Technical problems, style, and performance skills will be discussed.
Scales and arpeggios
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
Perform contrasting hand movements with a variety of articulation.
Make informed pedalling decisions
Decipher ornaments and implement them smoothly
Maintain the same pulse with a change of note value
Recognise sequences
Be able to voice chords
Demonstrate your understanding of texture.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
For this workshop you must be ready to study repertoire at a grade 5-6 standard. You need to be able to follow written and verbal instructions in English and engage in class discussions.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
All courses use Google Classroom to share materials and messages, including any homework tasks.
Classes are taught through tutor explanation and demonstration, and playing/listening workshop style.
Sessions may also include aural skills, musicianship and theoretical study where applicable.
A regular practice routine is essential to progress on this course.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Students should have access to a piano (acoustic or digital) for practice between classes and budget approximately £15 per term for scores. Music may be purchased new or second-hand. Suitable scores may also be available from IMSLP. To see the repertoire and any required music books you will need to bring to this course please refer to our list as follows: City lit piano repertoire books.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
This course comprises of three terms spread across the academic year, after which you may continue to Piano workshop 6 or 7, or you may repeat this course to gain more experience. If you are new to City Lit piano classes, please take a moment to read our Piano Department page, which lists our full sequence of piano classes.
Gary Preston began piano lessons aged 11 in South Wales and went on to study at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama and the Royal Academy of Music. He has given many solo recitals around the country. Venues include the Purcell Room, London and City Lit. He has also performed Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini with orchestra. After playing piano in a production of Aspects of Love, Gary went on to play keyboards in Cats and Mamma Mia! in the West End. He also acted as musical director, conducting shows such as Oklahoma!, Annie get Your Gun, and Oliver!. For over ten years, he played jazz at various social functions around the country. Gary has been teaching for over thirty years, working at the Centre for Young Musicians, various schools in Croydon, and at City Lit since 1999. Several of his students have gone on to study music at university level. Gary believes that learning to listen and play by ear is an important part of one’s musical development. Gary holds a BA in music, an ARCM performer's diploma and an LRAM teacher's diploma. He practises yoga and is a qualified yoga teacher.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/piano-intermediate-repertoire-workshop1231147Piano: intermediate repertoire workshophttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/piano-workshop-4-1024_1.jpg299299GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Performing arts/Courses/Performing arts/Music/Courses/Performing arts/Music/Piano workshops22851314135115501228513141351<p>If you play piano at around grade 5-6 standard, join one of these workshops to develop your playing by studying a wide range of piano repertoire, with focus on technique, textural awareness, practice and performance skills. This course is suitable for students working towards <a href="https://www.abrsm.org/sites/default/files/2026-06/Piano%20Practical%20Grades%20Qualification%20Specification%202027%20%26%202028.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ABRSM Grades 5 & 6</a>.</p>003039385Piano: intermediate repertoire workshop299299https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/piano-workshop-4-1024_1.jpgInStockDaytimeFriKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2027-01-15T00:00:00+00:00AdvancedJan 2027Performing artsME234B299299Piano: intermediate repertoire workshop239209299Gary Prestonpiano-intermediate-repertoire-workshop/me234b-2627<p>If you play piano at around grade 5-6 standard, join one of these workshops to develop your playing by studying a wide range of piano repertoire, with focus on technique, textural awareness, practice and performance skills. This course is suitable for students working towards <a href="https://www.abrsm.org/sites/default/files/2026-06/Piano%20Practical%20Grades%20Qualification%20Specification%202027%20%26%202028.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ABRSM Grades 5 & 6</a>.</p>0000-Available|2027-01-15 00:00:00<p>Acquire a more solid technique and explore a wider repertoire at approximately grade 5-6 standard. Emphasis will be given to improving legato playing, quality of tone, tonal balance between hands as well as between voices in one hand. A regular practise routine is essential to develop at this level.<br><br>If you are unsure which course is best for you, please contact the <a href="mailto:music@citylit.ac.uk?subject=Piano%20Classes%20at%20City%20Lit" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>music department</strong></a> where our teachers will help you select a class at the right level.</p><p>If you play piano at around grade 5-6 standard, join one of these workshops to develop your playing by studying a wide range of piano repertoire, with focus on technique, textural awareness, practice and performance skills. This course is suitable for students working towards <a href="https://www.abrsm.org/sites/default/files/2026-06/Piano%20Practical%20Grades%20Qualification%20Specification%202027%20%26%202028.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ABRSM Grades 5 & 6</a>.</p><p>Repertoire will include pieces and of studies at an approximate grade 5-6 standard (directed by the tutor)</p><ul><li>You may also include a piece of your own choice in agreement with your tutor.</li><li>Technical problems, style, and performance skills will be discussed.</li><li>Scales and arpeggios</li></ul><ul><li>Perform contrasting hand movements with a variety of articulation.</li><li>Make informed pedalling decisions</li><li>Decipher ornaments and implement them smoothly</li><li>Maintain the same pulse with a change of note value</li><li>Recognise sequences</li><li>Be able to voice chords</li><li>Demonstrate your understanding of texture.</li></ul><p>For this workshop you must be ready to study repertoire at a grade 5-6 standard. You need to be able to follow written and verbal instructions in English and engage in class discussions.</p><p>All courses use Google Classroom to share materials and messages, including any homework tasks.</p><ul><li>Classes are taught through tutor explanation and demonstration, and playing/listening workshop style.</li><li>Sessions may also include aural skills, musicianship and theoretical study where applicable.</li><li>A regular practice routine is essential to progress on this course.</li></ul><p>Students should have access to a piano (acoustic or digital) for practice between classes and budget approximately £15 per term for scores. Music may be purchased new or second-hand. Suitable scores may also be available from <a href=" http://imslp.org/ " target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> IMSLP</a>. To see the repertoire and any required music books you will need to bring to this course please refer to our list as follows: <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1a0zAXTERFh-iDm-UaX50OdGAXx3FbwyKHwx8vK2PPSg/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">City lit piano repertoire books</a>.</p><p>This course comprises of three terms spread across the academic year, after which you may continue to Piano workshop 6 or 7, or you may repeat this course to gain more experience. If you are new to City Lit piano classes, please take a moment to read our <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/blog/choosing-piano-class-city-lit" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Piano Department page</a>, which lists our full sequence of piano classes.</p>MusicPiano workshopsvirtual3039388Piano: intermediate repertoire workshop349349https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/piano-workshop-4-1024_1.jpgInStockDaytimeFriKeeley StreetAvailable courses11 weeks or longerWeekday2027-04-16T00:00:00+00:00AdvancedApr 2027Performing artsME234C349349Piano: intermediate repertoire workshop279244349Gary Prestonpiano-intermediate-repertoire-workshop/me234c-2627<p>If you play piano at around grade 5-6 standard, join one of these workshops to develop your playing by studying a wide range of piano repertoire, with focus on technique, textural awareness, practice and performance skills. This course is suitable for students working towards <a href="https://www.abrsm.org/sites/default/files/2026-06/Piano%20Practical%20Grades%20Qualification%20Specification%202027%20%26%202028.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ABRSM Grades 5 & 6</a>.</p>0000-Available|2027-04-16 00:00:00<p>Acquire a more solid technique and explore a wider repertoire at approximately grade 5-6 standard. Emphasis will be given to improving legato playing, quality of tone, tonal balance between hands as well as between voices in one hand. A regular practise routine is essential to develop at this level.<br><br>If you are unsure which course is best for you, please contact the <a href="mailto:music@citylit.ac.uk?subject=Piano%20Classes%20at%20City%20Lit" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>music department</strong></a> where our teachers will help you select a class at the right level.</p><p>If you play piano at around grade 5-6 standard, join one of these workshops to develop your playing by studying a wide range of piano repertoire, with focus on technique, textural awareness, practice and performance skills. This course is suitable for students working towards <a href="https://www.abrsm.org/sites/default/files/2026-06/Piano%20Practical%20Grades%20Qualification%20Specification%202027%20%26%202028.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ABRSM Grades 5 & 6</a>.</p><p>Repertoire will include pieces and of studies at an approximate grade 5-6 standard (directed by the tutor)</p><ul><li>You may also include a piece of your own choice in agreement with your tutor.</li><li>Technical problems, style, and performance skills will be discussed.</li><li>Scales and arpeggios</li></ul><ul><li>Perform contrasting hand movements with a variety of articulation.</li><li>Make informed pedalling decisions</li><li>Decipher ornaments and implement them smoothly</li><li>Maintain the same pulse with a change of note value</li><li>Recognise sequences</li><li>Be able to voice chords</li><li>Demonstrate your understanding of texture.</li></ul><p>For this workshop you must be ready to study repertoire at a grade 5-6 standard. You need to be able to follow written and verbal instructions in English and engage in class discussions.</p><p>All courses use Google Classroom to share materials and messages, including any homework tasks.</p><ul><li>Classes are taught through tutor explanation and demonstration, and playing/listening workshop style.</li><li>Sessions may also include aural skills, musicianship and theoretical study where applicable.</li><li>A regular practice routine is essential to progress on this course.</li></ul><p>Students should have access to a piano (acoustic or digital) for practice between classes and budget approximately £15 per term for scores. Music may be purchased new or second-hand. Suitable scores may also be available from <a href=" http://imslp.org/ " target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> IMSLP</a>. To see the repertoire and any required music books you will need to bring to this course please refer to our list as follows: <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1a0zAXTERFh-iDm-UaX50OdGAXx3FbwyKHwx8vK2PPSg/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">City lit piano repertoire books</a>.</p><p>This course comprises of three terms spread across the academic year, after which you may continue to Piano workshop 6 or 7, or you may repeat this course to gain more experience. If you are new to City Lit piano classes, please take a moment to read our <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/blog/choosing-piano-class-city-lit" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Piano Department page</a>, which lists our full sequence of piano classes.</p>MusicPiano workshopsvirtual239,279299,349209,244ME234B,ME234CNONEFri15/01/27 - 19/03/2714:00 - 16:0014:0016:0010 sessions (over 10 weeks)105-10 weeks,11 weeks or longerDaytimeWeekdayKSKeeley StreetGary PrestonAdvancedAvailable courses2027-01-15T00:00:00+00:00,2027-04-16T00:00:00+00:00Jan 2027,Apr 2027Performing arts299299,349Piano: intermediate repertoire workshoppiano-intermediate-repertoire-workshop/me234b-2627,piano-intermediate-repertoire-workshop/me234c-2627<p>If you play piano at around grade 5-6 standard, join one of these workshops to develop your playing by studying a wide range of piano repertoire, with focus on technique, textural awareness, practice and performance skills. This course is suitable for students working towards <a href="https://www.abrsm.org/sites/default/files/2026-06/Piano%20Practical%20Grades%20Qualification%20Specification%202027%20%26%202028.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ABRSM Grades 5 &amp; 6</a>.</p>0000-Available|2027-01-15 00:00:00<p>Acquire a more solid technique and explore a wider repertoire at approximately grade 5-6 standard. Emphasis will be given to improving legato playing, quality of tone, tonal balance between hands as well as between voices in one hand. A regular practise routine is essential to develop at this level.<br><br>If you are unsure which course is best for you, please contact the <a href="mailto:music@citylit.ac.uk?subject=Piano%20Classes%20at%20City%20Lit" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>music department</strong></a> where our teachers will help you select a class at the right level.</p><p>If you play piano at around grade 5-6 standard, join one of these workshops to develop your playing by studying a wide range of piano repertoire, with focus on technique, textural awareness, practice and performance skills. This course is suitable for students working towards <a href="https://www.abrsm.org/sites/default/files/2026-06/Piano%20Practical%20Grades%20Qualification%20Specification%202027%20%26%202028.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ABRSM Grades 5 &amp; 6</a>.</p><p>Repertoire will include pieces and of studies at an approximate grade 5-6 standard (directed by the tutor)</p><ul><li>You may also include a piece of your own choice in agreement with your tutor.</li><li>Technical problems, style, and performance skills will be discussed.</li><li>Scales and arpeggios</li></ul><ul><li>Perform contrasting hand movements with a variety of articulation.</li><li>Make informed pedalling decisions</li><li>Decipher ornaments and implement them smoothly</li><li>Maintain the same pulse with a change of note value</li><li>Recognise sequences</li><li>Be able to voice chords</li><li>Demonstrate your understanding of texture.</li></ul><p>For this workshop you must be ready to study repertoire at a grade 5-6 standard. You need to be able to follow written and verbal instructions in English and engage in class discussions.</p><p>All courses use Google Classroom to share materials and messages, including any homework tasks.</p><ul><li>Classes are taught through tutor explanation and demonstration, and playing/listening workshop style.</li><li>Sessions may also include aural skills, musicianship and theoretical study where applicable.</li><li>A regular practice routine is essential to progress on this course.</li></ul><p>Students should have access to a piano (acoustic or digital) for practice between classes and budget approximately £15 per term for scores. Music may be purchased new or second-hand. Suitable scores may also be available from <a href=" http://imslp.org/ " target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> IMSLP</a>. To see the repertoire and any required music books you will need to bring to this course please refer to our list as follows: <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1a0zAXTERFh-iDm-UaX50OdGAXx3FbwyKHwx8vK2PPSg/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">City lit piano repertoire books</a>.</p><p>This course comprises of three terms spread across the academic year, after which you may continue to Piano workshop 6 or 7, or you may repeat this course to gain more experience. If you are new to City Lit piano classes, please take a moment to read our <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/blog/choosing-piano-class-city-lit" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Piano Department page</a>, which lists our full sequence of piano classes.</p>MusicPiano workshopsconfigurable
