This three-week summer school course is designed to support pianists preparing for ABRSM Piano Grades 3 and 4. The course strengthens technique, reading skills and musical understanding, helping students develop confidence, consistency and expressive playing in preparation for their 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 3 and 4 represent a key transition point where musical and technical demands increase. This course helps students manage these challenges by focusing on effective practice strategies, secure technique and a clear understanding of exam requirements.
What will we cover?
Overview of the ABRSM Grades 3–4 exam format
Developing technique: tone control, coordination and finger independence
Learning and refining Grade 3–4 repertoire pieces
Scales, arpeggios and broken chords appropriate to Grades 3–4
Improving sight-reading skills and note fluency
Aural skills and musical awareness
Dynamics, articulation and stylistic understanding
Practice techniques for efficient and confident preparation
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
Perform selected Grade 3–4 pieces with improved accuracy and musical expression
Read and interpret more complex rhythms and key signatures
Play required Grade 3–4 scales and arpeggios with greater confidence
Apply effective practice strategies independently
Feel well-prepared for the demands of ABRSM Grades 3 and 4 exams
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is suitable for pianists working towards ABRSM Grades 3 or 4. 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 and supportive, combining tutor-led demonstrations with individual and group playing. Short practice tasks may be suggested between sessions to reinforce learning, though most progress will take place during class time.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Please bring a copy of your current ABRSM Grade 3or Grade 4 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-3-and-43011941Piano: preparation for ABRSM grades 3 and 4https://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 is designed to support pianists preparing for ABRSM Piano Grades 3 and 4. The course strengthens technique, reading skills and musical understanding, helping students develop confidence, consistency and expressive playing in preparation for their exams.</p>003011935Piano: preparation for ABRSM grades 3 and 48989https://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 artsME9458989Piano: preparation for ABRSM grades 3 and 4716289Ana Claudia Magalhaespiano-preparation-for-abrsm-grades-3-and-4/me945-2526<p>This three-week summer school course is designed to support pianists preparing for ABRSM Piano Grades 3 and 4. The course strengthens technique, reading skills and musical understanding, helping students develop confidence, consistency and expressive playing in preparation for their exams.</p>0000-Available|2026-07-22 00:00:00<p>ABRSM Grades 3 and 4 represent a key transition point where musical and technical demands increase. This course helps students manage these challenges by focusing on effective practice strategies, secure technique and a clear understanding of exam requirements.</p><p>This three-week summer school course is designed to support pianists preparing for ABRSM Piano Grades 3 and 4. The course strengthens technique, reading skills and musical understanding, helping students develop confidence, consistency and expressive playing in preparation for their exams.</p><ul><li>Overview of the ABRSM Grades 3–4 exam format</li><li>Developing technique: tone control, coordination and finger independence</li><li>Learning and refining Grade 3–4 repertoire pieces</li><li>Scales, arpeggios and broken chords appropriate to Grades 3–4</li><li>Improving sight-reading skills and note fluency</li><li>Aural skills and musical awareness</li><li>Dynamics, articulation and stylistic understanding</li><li>Practice techniques for efficient and confident preparation</li></ul><ul><li>Perform selected Grade 3–4 pieces with improved accuracy and musical expression</li><li>Read and interpret more complex rhythms and key signatures</li><li>Play required Grade 3–4 scales and arpeggios with greater confidence</li><li>Apply effective practice strategies independently</li><li>Feel well-prepared for the demands of ABRSM Grades 3 and 4 exams</li></ul><p>This course is suitable for pianists working towards ABRSM Grades 3 or 4. 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 and supportive, combining tutor-led demonstrations with individual and group playing. Short practice tasks may be suggested between sessions to reinforce learning, though most progress will take place during class time.</p><p>Please bring a copy of your current ABRSM <strong><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Piano-Exam-Pieces-ABRSM-Grade/dp/1786016087/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1NCR57KINESF2&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.zi47Uzuxx_IOAdhw7cZwX_TN5QzE3KOwn4-C5TGgDZygbiUhW4W6FPDRYsnk8iuxPPjhGTR_gb0z0wxXVTtt1dkstj2wD_triiEBWpH20P4w-gsRrRE5a814O8OdeGNe431pCLrJYg8caQpwQf_s4yn5I-dcS_IjYKV4jUjaHSAszi8ql14SXYhBWcXOr_8A7uWhoM_7IJRumHPC0XorvhKsr51M1aOyBifhE1vrcGU.XtkhubIidfMQ9z_0Ul98AiPTZp4Ej1thB9rSupze8Ck&dib_tag=se&keywords=abrsm+grade+3+piano&qid=1767626674&sprefix=abrsm+grade+3+piano%2Caps%2C104&sr=8-1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Grade 3</a> </strong>or <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Piano-Exam-Pieces-ABRSM-Grade/dp/1786016095/ref=sr_1_1?crid=38LMFKDWNUSLB&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.62VV_bbG__EPkX5FHhl8cqpOXbBMlpwpeWutfEq96a1Jq57KgC9qNRC-Umcr-k6qRbG8nt9ymQ7FnVf45Tmd_Ww-x0vswg0iIDmKgrkwybIJLz8TSlbh7sSDeV1XjCD-_XY2qqeQuXrelVyXCVoKqYGTzUQmZAiR6VrPdx_p1bS1EzlNyfj7pVfEWJPo4UMTTdBs60fYPOcCtGPgZuiyIKVm37MricDbzGDPiX5hrY8.zYk6gH7fxy-7-v3UdmjqduOf1ExPLUae_8iF9Uh_Qsc&dib_tag=se&keywords=abrsm+grade+4+piano&qid=1767627157&sprefix=abrsm+grade+4+piano%2Caps%2C108&sr=8-1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Grade 4</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 classesvirtual718962ME945NONEWed22/07/26 - 05/08/2611:00 - 13:0011:0013:003 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 3 and 4piano-preparation-for-abrsm-grades-3-and-4/me945-2526<p>This three-week summer school course is designed to support pianists preparing for ABRSM Piano Grades 3 and 4. The course strengthens technique, reading skills and musical understanding, helping students develop confidence, consistency and expressive playing in preparation for their exams.</p>0000-Available|2026-07-22 00:00:00<p>ABRSM Grades 3 and 4 represent a key transition point where musical and technical demands increase. This course helps students manage these challenges by focusing on effective practice strategies, secure technique and a clear understanding of exam requirements.</p><p>This three-week summer school course is designed to support pianists preparing for ABRSM Piano Grades 3 and 4. The course strengthens technique, reading skills and musical understanding, helping students develop confidence, consistency and expressive playing in preparation for their exams.</p><ul><li>Overview of the ABRSM Grades 3–4 exam format</li><li>Developing technique: tone control, coordination and finger independence</li><li>Learning and refining Grade 3–4 repertoire pieces</li><li>Scales, arpeggios and broken chords appropriate to Grades 3–4</li><li>Improving sight-reading skills and note fluency</li><li>Aural skills and musical awareness</li><li>Dynamics, articulation and stylistic understanding</li><li>Practice techniques for efficient and confident preparation</li></ul><ul><li>Perform selected Grade 3–4 pieces with improved accuracy and musical expression</li><li>Read and interpret more complex rhythms and key signatures</li><li>Play required Grade 3–4 scales and arpeggios with greater confidence</li><li>Apply effective practice strategies independently</li><li>Feel well-prepared for the demands of ABRSM Grades 3 and 4 exams</li></ul><p>This course is suitable for pianists working towards ABRSM Grades 3 or 4. 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 and supportive, combining tutor-led demonstrations with individual and group playing. Short practice tasks may be suggested between sessions to reinforce learning, though most progress will take place during class time.</p><p>Please bring a copy of your current ABRSM <strong><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Piano-Exam-Pieces-ABRSM-Grade/dp/1786016087/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1NCR57KINESF2&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.zi47Uzuxx_IOAdhw7cZwX_TN5QzE3KOwn4-C5TGgDZygbiUhW4W6FPDRYsnk8iuxPPjhGTR_gb0z0wxXVTtt1dkstj2wD_triiEBWpH20P4w-gsRrRE5a814O8OdeGNe431pCLrJYg8caQpwQf_s4yn5I-dcS_IjYKV4jUjaHSAszi8ql14SXYhBWcXOr_8A7uWhoM_7IJRumHPC0XorvhKsr51M1aOyBifhE1vrcGU.XtkhubIidfMQ9z_0Ul98AiPTZp4Ej1thB9rSupze8Ck&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=abrsm+grade+3+piano&amp;qid=1767626674&amp;sprefix=abrsm+grade+3+piano%2Caps%2C104&amp;sr=8-1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Grade 3</a> </strong>or <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Piano-Exam-Pieces-ABRSM-Grade/dp/1786016095/ref=sr_1_1?crid=38LMFKDWNUSLB&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.62VV_bbG__EPkX5FHhl8cqpOXbBMlpwpeWutfEq96a1Jq57KgC9qNRC-Umcr-k6qRbG8nt9ymQ7FnVf45Tmd_Ww-x0vswg0iIDmKgrkwybIJLz8TSlbh7sSDeV1XjCD-_XY2qqeQuXrelVyXCVoKqYGTzUQmZAiR6VrPdx_p1bS1EzlNyfj7pVfEWJPo4UMTTdBs60fYPOcCtGPgZuiyIKVm37MricDbzGDPiX5hrY8.zYk6gH7fxy-7-v3UdmjqduOf1ExPLUae_8iF9Uh_Qsc&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=abrsm+grade+4+piano&amp;qid=1767627157&amp;sprefix=abrsm+grade+4+piano%2Caps%2C108&amp;sr=8-1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Grade 4</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
