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Solid and Broken Legato Octaves

I have a level 10 piano student who is preparing his level 10 piano exam. It is almost impossible for him to play “scale in octaves” and solid tonic four-note chord because of his very small hand (the maximum interval for his hand is seventh). In his practice, he cannot play broken octave scales with legato, but only staccato. What can I do for him to practice and play the octave scales and solid chords of level 10 technical requirements?

Answer

RCM Staff

Monday, June 15, 2020

at 3:33 PM

Candidates may choose to play solid staccato octaves OR broken legato octaves, for major, minor, and chromatic scales. Most candidates will opt to play solid staccato octaves. Alternatively, candidates with small hands may choose to play broken legato octaves.

Broken alternate-note patterns may be substituted for solid/blocked Tonic Four-note Chords.

For further details, please see page 86, Piano Syllabus, 2015 Edition.

Monday, June 15, 2020

at 3:33 PM