ABRSM: Grade 1 Piano Technique Requirements

Today’s video covers the ABRSM’s grade 1 piano technique requirements. This includes scales and triads. I’ll be playing with the metronome in this video slightly above the minimum required speeds (feel free to go a little faster), and will label each technique on the screen as I play them.

If you’re into the RCM instead of the ABRSM, definitely check out this video on grade 1 piano technique.

For more information on these technical exercises, check out the ABRSM Grade 1 Syllabus.

Grade 1 piano technique: Major Scales

Left hand can be played descending and then ascending, if you want
C major scale, hands separate, 2 octaves, tempo 60 BPM (video is 65 BPM), played in 8th notes
G major scale, hands separate, 2 octaves, tempo 60 BPM (video is 65 BPM), played in 8th notes
D major scale, hands separate, 2 octaves, tempo 60 BPM (video is 65 BPM), played in 8th notes
F major scale, hands separate, 2 octaves, tempo 60 BPM (video is 65 BPM), played in 8th notes

Natural Minor Scales

Choose 1 type of minor scale for exam: Natural minor, harmonic minor or melodic minor. Video includes both natural and harmonic minor scales.

A natural minor scale, 2 octaves, tempo 60 BPM (video is 65 BPM), played in 8th notes
D natural minor scale, 2 octaves, tempo 60 BPM (video is 65 BPM), played in 8th notes

Harmonic Minor Scales

A harmonic minor scale, 2 octaves, tempo 60 BPM (video is 65 BPM), played in 8th notes
D harmonic minor scale, 2 octaves, tempo 60 BPM (video is 65 BPM), played in 8th notes

Other Scales

C contrary motion scale, 1 octave hands together, tempo 60 BPM (video is 65 BPM), played in 8th notes

Broken Triads, major

C Tonic triad broken, hands separate 1 octave, 46 BPM (video is 50 BPM), played in 8th note triplets
G tonic triad broken, hands separate 1 octave, 46 BPM (video is 50 BPM), played in 8th note triplets
F tonic triad broken, hands separate 1 octave, 46 BPM (video is 50 BPM), played in 8th note triplets

Tonic Triads, minor

A minor tonic triad broken, hands separate 1 octave, 46 BPM (video is 50 BPM), played in 8th note triplets
D minor tonic triad broken, hands separate 1 octave, 46 BPM (video is 50 BPM), played in 8th note triplets

Conclusion

And that’s all there is to it! Once you’ve learned these various technical requirements for grade 1, I recommend playing along with the video to make sure your tempo and notes are correct. Sometimes when I work on my technique I use the metronome, and sometimes I don’t – there’s no need to rely on it too heavily.

Enjoy! 🙂

xo,
Allysia

ABRSM grade 1 books