This three-week summer school course provides a supportive introduction to preparing for ABRSM Piano Grades 1 and 2. It focuses on building strong foundations in technique, note-reading, rhythm and musical understanding, helping students feel confident and well-prepared for early piano exams.
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.
ABRSM Grades 1 and 2 mark an important stage in a pianist’s development. This course is designed to guide students through the core elements of these grades, offering structured practice, clear explanations and practical advice on how to learn pieces effectively and meet exam requirements.
What will we cover?
Understanding the ABRSM Grades 1–2 exam format
Developing basic piano technique (hand position, posture, coordination)
Reading treble and bass clef confidently
Learning and refining Grade 1–2 repertoire pieces
Introduction to scales and broken chords at the appropriate level
Aural skills and listening activities
Basic sight-reading skills
Musical expression, dynamics and articulation
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
Play selected Grade 1–2 pieces with greater accuracy and musicality
Read simple piano music confidently in both hands
Understand and practise required scales for Grades 1–2
Demonstrate improved rhythm, coordination and control
Feel more confident about preparing for and taking an ABRSM piano exam
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is suitable for pianists working towards ABRSM Grades 1 or 2. Some familiarity with your chosen exam pieces, scales and sight reading components are necessary, but no formal exam experience is required.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Teaching will be practical, friendly and supportive, combining tutor-led demonstrations with individual and group playing activities. Short, manageable practice tasks may be suggested between sessions to help reinforce learning, but most progress will be made during class time.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Please bring a copy of your current ABRSM Grade 1 or Grade 2 pieces book (2025-2026 Syllabus). Students should bring a notebook, pencil, and any other current piano music they are working on. This class will take place in our digital piano lab.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
City Lit offers a wide range of piano classes from beginner to advanced levels. 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.
Ana Claudia Magalhaes is from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. She has a degree in Music (main instrument Piano) at the School of Music of Federal University of Rio de Janeiro. She also attended for many years, the piano class of Gloria Maria da Fonseca Costa, a former pupil of Alexander Siloti. Gloria Maria was a major influence and inspiration in Ana's piano studies. Ana came to London in 1996, where she took the Post Graduate and MA degree in Music Teaching at the Professional Practice at the University of Reading. She has a passion for teaching, individually and in groups, from beginners to advanced, children and adults and she enjoys adapting her teaching according to the main needs of her students/classes. Although her main Musical Education was Classical, Ana has also developed the ability to improvise and play by ear since her teens when playing in bands with her youth friends and she thinks this freedom was very important for her formation as a musician. Ana plays solo but she also enjoys mainly playing chamber music, accompanied by other people. She has combined teaching and performing since she lived in Brazil.
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-preparation-for-abrsm-grades-1-and-23011926Piano: preparation for ABRSM grades 1 and 2https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/piano-workshop-7-1024.jpg8989GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Performing arts/Courses/Performing arts/Music/Courses/Performing arts/Music/Piano/keyboards classes22851314135113601228513141351<p>This three-week summer school course provides a supportive introduction to preparing for ABRSM Piano Grades 1 and 2. It focuses on building strong foundations in technique, note-reading, rhythm and musical understanding, helping students feel confident and well-prepared for early piano exams.</p>003011920Piano: preparation for ABRSM grades 1 and 28989https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/piano-workshop-7-1024.jpgInStockDaytimeWedKeeley StreetAvailable courses1 to 4 weeksWeekday2026-07-22T00:00:00+00:00Some experienceJul 2026Performing artsME9468989Piano: preparation for ABRSM grades 1 and 2716289Ana Claudia Magalhaespiano-preparation-for-abrsm-grades-1-and-2/me946-2526<p>This three-week summer school course provides a supportive introduction to preparing for ABRSM Piano Grades 1 and 2. It focuses on building strong foundations in technique, note-reading, rhythm and musical understanding, helping students feel confident and well-prepared for early piano exams.</p>0000-Available|2026-07-22 00:00:00<p>ABRSM Grades 1 and 2 mark an important stage in a pianist’s development. This course is designed to guide students through the core elements of these grades, offering structured practice, clear explanations and practical advice on how to learn pieces effectively and meet exam requirements.</p><p>This three-week summer school course provides a supportive introduction to preparing for ABRSM Piano Grades 1 and 2. It focuses on building strong foundations in technique, note-reading, rhythm and musical understanding, helping students feel confident and well-prepared for early piano exams.</p><ul><li>Understanding the ABRSM Grades 1–2 exam format</li><li>Developing basic piano technique (hand position, posture, coordination)</li><li>Reading treble and bass clef confidently</li><li>Learning and refining Grade 1–2 repertoire pieces</li><li>Introduction to scales and broken chords at the appropriate level</li><li>Aural skills and listening activities</li><li>Basic sight-reading skills</li><li>Musical expression, dynamics and articulation</li></ul><ul><li>Play selected Grade 1–2 pieces with greater accuracy and musicality</li><li>Read simple piano music confidently in both hands</li><li>Understand and practise required scales for Grades 1–2</li><li>Demonstrate improved rhythm, coordination and control</li><li>Feel more confident about preparing for and taking an ABRSM piano exam</li></ul><p>This course is suitable for pianists working towards ABRSM Grades 1 or 2. Some familiarity with your chosen exam pieces, scales and sight reading components are necessary, but no formal exam experience is required.</p><p>Teaching will be practical, friendly and supportive, combining tutor-led demonstrations with individual and group playing activities. Short, manageable practice tasks may be suggested between sessions to help reinforce learning, but most progress will be made during class time.</p><p>Please bring a copy of your current ABRSM <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Piano-Exam-Pieces-ABRSM-Grade/dp/1786016060/ref=sr_1_1?crid=KDP8V4I9ZJ08&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.kOI_jdcFrl7jKyNrSUBm09_2x-eeH0JXD0T_byp5__N6_PxjGrbA8mUSv7gxeYx52GodVduCbvGoYp-ePNe83NSPzX-jWz3MGYDQdSri_YAl_52GLIYbRwL1xHe--2xwHTxgPkydOREXWjbSLybjg-U-6766ZCRAWkUlQGPl6YJXNUim8hOyCA6h1B6r5EJxZPxM523Q-0TblcvZ1H2YCkaUDojiqdVhG53fptimMoc.RDaxxLHpFKrSf8Y5tSstfb2v66ClEP1sey6YaRuX4HU&dib_tag=se&keywords=abrsm+grade+1+piano&qid=1767625847&sprefix=abrsm+grade+1+piano%2Caps%2C75&sr=8-1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Grade 1</strong></a> or <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Piano-Exam-Pieces-ABRSM-Grade/dp/1786016079/ref=sr_1_1?crid=6WQQN7ZKSMUZ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.9o7xe9HU8PwvmxRADleBvj_Or43tJWLiWkZcT_Q-N0KpIMmDKXZay2_CHVZ8_HR5MVNFg51M2deUM_WNweAlQvMMwRJvB7rQL1jsAw-C1go6Odc61TYie5dA9CXKzSC-7UbEkEEcHjZlTTDdxLngWKW4OXMKrEONM1VNjuImqMCb3grLsIHX1_IBLak-wa7q4I2ZcsSKHZ1IuUVfAsX36i7hQn9Vyqi7i4eCSkW6EVw.TpZBaFiH4ge1DDDtXulJrm9BPDIlOdvKMBIkU9J6vUQ&dib_tag=se&keywords=abrsm+grade+2+piano&qid=1767625879&sprefix=abrsm+grade+2+piano%2Caps%2C88&sr=8-1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Grade 2</strong></a> pieces book (2025-2026 Syllabus). Students should bring a notebook, pencil, and any other current piano music they are working on. This class will take place in our digital piano lab.</p><p>City Lit offers a wide range of piano classes from beginner to advanced levels. 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" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Piano Department page</a>, which lists our full sequence of piano classes.</p>MusicPiano/keyboards classesvirtual718962ME946NONEWed22/07/26 - 05/08/2614:30 - 16:3014:3016:303 sessions (over 3 weeks)31 to 4 weeksDaytimeWeekdayKSKeeley StreetAna Claudia MagalhaesSome experienceAvailable courses2026-07-22T00:00:00+00:00Jul 2026Performing arts8989Piano: preparation for ABRSM grades 1 and 2piano-preparation-for-abrsm-grades-1-and-2/me946-2526<p>This three-week summer school course provides a supportive introduction to preparing for ABRSM Piano Grades 1 and 2. It focuses on building strong foundations in technique, note-reading, rhythm and musical understanding, helping students feel confident and well-prepared for early piano exams.</p>0000-Available|2026-07-22 00:00:00<p>ABRSM Grades 1 and 2 mark an important stage in a pianist’s development. This course is designed to guide students through the core elements of these grades, offering structured practice, clear explanations and practical advice on how to learn pieces effectively and meet exam requirements.</p><p>This three-week summer school course provides a supportive introduction to preparing for ABRSM Piano Grades 1 and 2. It focuses on building strong foundations in technique, note-reading, rhythm and musical understanding, helping students feel confident and well-prepared for early piano exams.</p><ul><li>Understanding the ABRSM Grades 1–2 exam format</li><li>Developing basic piano technique (hand position, posture, coordination)</li><li>Reading treble and bass clef confidently</li><li>Learning and refining Grade 1–2 repertoire pieces</li><li>Introduction to scales and broken chords at the appropriate level</li><li>Aural skills and listening activities</li><li>Basic sight-reading skills</li><li>Musical expression, dynamics and articulation</li></ul><ul><li>Play selected Grade 1–2 pieces with greater accuracy and musicality</li><li>Read simple piano music confidently in both hands</li><li>Understand and practise required scales for Grades 1–2</li><li>Demonstrate improved rhythm, coordination and control</li><li>Feel more confident about preparing for and taking an ABRSM piano exam</li></ul><p>This course is suitable for pianists working towards ABRSM Grades 1 or 2. Some familiarity with your chosen exam pieces, scales and sight reading components are necessary, but no formal exam experience is required.</p><p>Teaching will be practical, friendly and supportive, combining tutor-led demonstrations with individual and group playing activities. Short, manageable practice tasks may be suggested between sessions to help reinforce learning, but most progress will be made during class time.</p><p>Please bring a copy of your current ABRSM <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Piano-Exam-Pieces-ABRSM-Grade/dp/1786016060/ref=sr_1_1?crid=KDP8V4I9ZJ08&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.kOI_jdcFrl7jKyNrSUBm09_2x-eeH0JXD0T_byp5__N6_PxjGrbA8mUSv7gxeYx52GodVduCbvGoYp-ePNe83NSPzX-jWz3MGYDQdSri_YAl_52GLIYbRwL1xHe--2xwHTxgPkydOREXWjbSLybjg-U-6766ZCRAWkUlQGPl6YJXNUim8hOyCA6h1B6r5EJxZPxM523Q-0TblcvZ1H2YCkaUDojiqdVhG53fptimMoc.RDaxxLHpFKrSf8Y5tSstfb2v66ClEP1sey6YaRuX4HU&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=abrsm+grade+1+piano&amp;qid=1767625847&amp;sprefix=abrsm+grade+1+piano%2Caps%2C75&amp;sr=8-1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Grade 1</strong></a> or <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Piano-Exam-Pieces-ABRSM-Grade/dp/1786016079/ref=sr_1_1?crid=6WQQN7ZKSMUZ&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.9o7xe9HU8PwvmxRADleBvj_Or43tJWLiWkZcT_Q-N0KpIMmDKXZay2_CHVZ8_HR5MVNFg51M2deUM_WNweAlQvMMwRJvB7rQL1jsAw-C1go6Odc61TYie5dA9CXKzSC-7UbEkEEcHjZlTTDdxLngWKW4OXMKrEONM1VNjuImqMCb3grLsIHX1_IBLak-wa7q4I2ZcsSKHZ1IuUVfAsX36i7hQn9Vyqi7i4eCSkW6EVw.TpZBaFiH4ge1DDDtXulJrm9BPDIlOdvKMBIkU9J6vUQ&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=abrsm+grade+2+piano&amp;qid=1767625879&amp;sprefix=abrsm+grade+2+piano%2Caps%2C88&amp;sr=8-1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Grade 2</strong></a> pieces book (2025-2026 Syllabus). Students should bring a notebook, pencil, and any other current piano music they are working on. This class will take place in our digital piano lab.</p><p>City Lit offers a wide range of piano classes from beginner to advanced levels. 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" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Piano Department page</a>, which lists our full sequence of piano classes.</p>MusicPiano/keyboards classesconfigurable
Composition techniques: intensive workshopFull fee £159.00 Senior fee £159.00 Concession £111.00