Piano Pedagogy

20 solo piano pieces for Intermediate to Advanced Grades - Grades 4-6.

Each piece offers a number of technical challenges to assist students with classical and modern repertoire.
Each work may be used in a number of different ways to suit student development. For example:
Studies to work on and develop the student skills and musicianship
Quick Learn Pieces- learn and memorise one each week
Sight Reading Exercises
Performance Pieces

Grade 4: Dissonance Delight; Showing Off; Bored Enough Blues.
Grade 5: Funk Hole; Attitude Adjustment; Wasting Time Waltz; Funky Rumba Blues
Grade 6: Pentatonic Procrastination; Tarantella Tantrum; White Heather
Composed 2015

Download samples

• Are You Bored Enough to Practice? - sheet music samples 

ISMN 9790720151700
$20.00 for instant PDF download see 

Grades 4 - Dip. 
15 piano works by Wirripang-published, Australian Women Composers 2014.  
Especially written and selected for this album as edited by Katie Zhukov and it includes a CD of each work recorded by Katie Zhukov.  
The aim of this new Australian Women Composers’ Piano Anthology is to provide a platform for both established as well as the emerging female composers. The new repertoire is written in a variety of styles (Classical, Romantic, 20h century and contemporary), and is suitable for intermediate-to-advanced students. 

Most works now on the ANZCA Syllabus

1.    The Adventurous Platypus (Jenny Lee-Robins)  Grade 4, c.1'15
2.    Farewell (Jennifer Trynes) Grade 4, c.2'15
3.    Reflections in the Still Water (Barbara Durham) Grade 5, c.3'05
4.    Aslant a Brook (May Howlett) Grade 5, c.3'15
5.    Section 32 (Yvonne Barton-Leach) Grade 5, c.3'30
6.    Red Sky at Dawn (Joanne Burrows) Grade 6, c.3'50
7.    Raindrops (Carolyn Morris) Grade 6, c.3'25
8.    Triptych 3rd Movement (Christina Green) Grade 7, c1'20
9.    Soliloquy (Jocelyn E Kotchie) Grade 7, c.6'00
10.  Remnant (Nicole Murphy) Grade 8, c.3'25
11.  The Seduction of Andalucia (Amanda Handel) Cert.Perf., 4'10
12.  Retro Rag (Ann Carr-Boyd) Dip., c.5'45
13.  The Night Ship (Diana Blom) Dip., c.4'55
14.  Anywhere (Jane Hammond) Dip., c.5'10
15.  Music from a Quiet Place (Betty Beath) Dip, c.5'30

Download samples

• The Adventurous Platypus - sheet music and https://youtu.be/PA7s5pLz3-c
• Farewell - sheet music and https://youtu.be/LtauGyPM_ps
• Reflections in the Still Water - sheet music and https://youtu.be/k7bbIrc_a4A
• Aslant a Brook - sheet music and https://youtu.be/sQLmzq6QNj
• Section 32 - sheet music and https://youtu.be/z3rftAtCEEk
• Red Sky at Dawn- sheet music and https://youtu.be/BDJR9axW-Ps
• Raindrops - sheet music and https://youtu.be/_6zAeINVKVE
• Triptych 3rd Movement - sheet music and https://youtu.be/91GmtJf4Okg
• Soliloquy  - sheet music and https://youtu.be/H70iOA-q4SM
• Remnant - sheet music and https://youtu.be/lqOJtosujt0
• The Seduction of Andalucia - sheet music and https://youtu.be/WnyIqgz6eFw
• Retro Rag - sheet music and https://youtu.be/KA6b9C3BQ5E
• The Night Ship - sheet music and https://youtu.be/_UpMBo1-cRI
• Anywhere - sheet music and https://youtu.be/qEt0FgZ9Jnk
• Music from a Quiet Place - sheet music and https://youtu.be/TwW7otAR8No

Many of these works are now available separately, see titles in catalogue.

ISMN 979072051601

$40.00 for instant PDF download:

Grades Intermediate (5th) to Advanced (Dip.)

16 piano works by Wirripang-published, Australian Women Composers 2018.  

Especially written and selected for this album as edited by Katie Zhukov and it includes a CD of each work recorded by Katie Zhukov.  

This second volume of new piano repertoire by Australian women composers is a companion to the Australian Women Composers’ Piano Anthology (2015) published earlier by Wirripang.

Commissioning new work from established and emerging composers provides an opportunity for women’s voices to be heard in the Australian classical music arena that tends to be dominated by live and recorded performances of music by male composers. Introducing new generations of piano students to music by women composers helps drive the grassroots campaign for gender equality in Australian classical music.
The pieces vary in style from Romantic to contemporary, neo-classical, and jazz-influenced idioms.
Each work is accompanied by the composer’s biography, composer comments and pedagogical advice. The grading will assist teachers is choosing repertoire of appropriate difficulty for study and as extra lists for examinations.

• For Claire (Vivien Arnold), Grade 5, c.1'37
• Prelude III (Jennifer Trynes), Grade 5, c.1'27
• Nuages (Karlin G Love), Grade 5, c.2'59
• Locrian Solitude (Jane Hammond), Grade 6, c.2'37
• Honeyeater Waltz (Learne Faint), Grade 6, c.1'38
• Time Travel (Jane Andino), Grade 6, c.1'56
• Thinking of You (Betty Beath), Grade 6, c.2'30
• Velvet Drop (Nicole Murphy), Grdae 7, c.2'08
• The Stones Start Spinning (Amanda Handel), Grade 7, c.2'04
• Star Dance (Keyna Wilkins), Grade 7, c.3'35
• Illuminatio (Louise Denson), Grade 8, c.3'02
• Crimson Rosella (Ann Carr-Boyd), Grade 8, c.3'08
• Hot Wind, Red Dust and Rolling Weeds (Joanne Burrows), Grade 8, c.2'40
• The Lost Waltz (May Howlett), Grade Dip., c.4'07
• Sonata Neoclassica (Diana Blom), Grade Dip., c.4'44
• Midnight at Mishka's (Jocelyn E Kotchie), Grade Dip., c.4'43

Sheet music samples and the complete works on YouTube

• For Claire and https://youtu.be/KJUtsMM5R-4
• Prelude III and https://youtu.be/pNJF-QPiR3I
• Nuages and https://youtu.be/1sqkwxZwL2M
• Locrian Solitude and https://youtu.be/fUxjU_AX9Bs
• Honeyeater Waltz and https://youtu.be/Md6kRGoUMxM
• Time Travel and https://youtu.be/iM5fFeBezIg
• Thinking of You and https://youtu.be/ERuNB5xkLNA
• Velvet Drop and https://youtu.be/Dis5HrV5vEk
• The Stones Start Spinning and https://youtu.be/LQhbK6QpGw4
• Star Dance and https://youtu.be/cFyytXCpS_A
• Illuminatio and https://youtu.be/QIUhqUnJtiA
• Crimson Rosella and https://youtu.be/PfD8VnuakQY
• Hot Wind, Red Dust and Rolling Weeds and https://youtu.be/iT7dBHXXSCc
• The Lost Waltz and https://youtu.be/jmA4nbg2h_o
• Sonata Neoclassica and https://youtu.be/Ncv_twAnm_4
• Midnight at Mishka's and https://youtu.be/tW5nH03zWIo
  

Many of these works are now available separately, see titles in catalogue.

ISMN 9790720214191

$40.00 for instant PDF download

Grades Intermediate (5th) to Advanced (Dip.)

15 piano works by Wirripang-published, Australian Women Composers 2020.  

Again, especially written and selected for this volume as edited by Katie Zhukov and it includes a CD of each work recorded by Katie Zhukov.  

This third volume of new piano repertoire by Australian women composers is a companion to the Australian Women Composers’ Piano Anthology (2015)  and Volume II (2017) published earlier by Wirripang.

Commissioning new work from established and emerging composers provides an opportunity for women’s voices to be heard in the Australian classical music arena that tends to be dominated by live and recorded performances of music by male composers. Introducing new generations of piano students to music by women composers helps drive the grassroots campaign for gender equality in Australian classical music.
The pieces vary in style from Romantic to contemporary, neo-classical, and jazz-influenced idioms.
Each work is accompanied by the composer’s biography, composer comments and pedagogical advice. The grading will assist teachers is choosing repertoire of appropriate difficulty for study and as extra lists for examinations.

Sheet music samples and links to the complete works on YouTube

Australian Women Composers' Piano Anthology - sheet music

• Augmented Reality – Jane Hammond (Grade 5) c.1:13
       https://youtu.be/mNUyMkZyT_w
  
• When I Think of Bach – Tania Owens (Grade 5) c.2:05
       https://youtu.be/Anc94fjEKek
  
• Red Sky at Night – Joanne Burrows (Grade 6) c.1:49
       https://youtu.be/meuMxCVu2tQ
  
• A Conversation – Betty Beath (Grade 6) c.2:22
       https://youtu.be/C4E7yjq4mog
  
• Quiet Music I & II – Diana Blom (Grade 6) c.4:17
       https://youtu.be/4s_Py5j4HcI
  
• Violet is a State of Mind – Louise Denson (Grade 7) c.2:10
       https://youtu.be/gxfOP4I9Urs
  
• The Loping Grimmolow – Gina Ismene Chitty (Grade 7) c.3:38
       https://youtu.be/xNEW_S3iYK0
  
• River Red Gum – Ann Carr-Boyd  (Grade 7) c.4:15
       https://youtu.be/HtiXsnj_XkA
  
• Wildfire – Jocelyn E Kotchie (Grade 8) c.3:50
       https://youtu.be/94M7xxJiL60
  
• La Via della Vita – Sonia Sozio (Grade 8) c.2:49
       https://youtu.be/43vBCccYPlk
  
• Io Spinning – Annie Burbank (Grade 8) c.4:11
       https://youtu.be/Nb4rOaHmAiE
  
• In a Rusted Mirror – Amanda Handel (Certificate) c.4:42
       https://youtu.be/e4jNKvSHagg
  
• Siesta – May Howlett (Certificate) c.5:23
       https://youtu.be/DX_8KbMnPPQ
  
• Blue Ocean – Carolyn Morris (Diploma) c.5:08
       https://youtu.be/mxsIjRctHa0
  
• Rhapsodic Episodes – Learne Faint (Diploma) c.5:30
        https://youtu.be/J_oX0O2n5so
  

ISMN 9790720231624

$40.00 for instant PDF download 

ANZCA Syllabus - various pieces, grades Prelim. to Grade 2


The order of pieces is there not just for progression of difficulty, but for variety, challenge, inspiration as well. At one stage, the composer did sit down with one or more teachers and arrived at a purely subjective grading for each piece. As the composer claims, it will always be contentious, but at least indicates roughly the intent behind the ordering of the collection. Volume I includes mostly pieces for Prep - Level I.  See Volume II.
Composed 1990

Download samples

• Century Vol.1- sheet music

ISMN 9790720171714340
$20.00 for instant PDF download 

A set of 52 piano pieces for intermediate grades, the second in the set of three volumes. 

Red Indian Hand Game Song - AMEB Grade 4
ANZCA Syllabus - various pieces Grade 3 - 5

These volumes address a serious artistic repertoire for beginning players, not just classical repertoire simplified. The only main-stream composer who has taken on such a task was Bartok with his MIKROKOSMOS, which gave the young pianist serious repertoire as well as drawing heavily on the folk-music sources which were close to Bartok's heart and compositional world. The order of pieces included is not just for progression of difficulty, but for variety, challenge, inspiration as well. As the composer claims that this will always be contentious, it at least indicates roughly the intent behind the ordering of the collection.  Volume two includes mostly pieces for Levels 1 to 4. (55 pieces in Volume II mainly - Levels 2/3- 5)
Composed 1990

Download samples

• Century Vol.II - sheet music

ISMN 9790720171714340
$25.00 for instant PDF download see: 

A set of 55 piano pieces for advanced grades, the third in the set of three volumes. 

Jewish Folksong - AMEB Grade 5, Series 17
ANZCA Syllabus - various pieces Grade 6

These volumes address a serious artistic repertoire for beginning players, not just classical repertoire simplified. The only main-stream composer who has taken on such a task was Bartok with his MIKROKOSMOS, which gave the young pianist serious repertoire as well as drawing heavily on the folk-music sources which were close to Bartok's heart and compositional world. The order of pieces included is not just for progression of difficulty, but for variety, challenge, inspiration as well. As the composer claims that this will always be contentious, it at least indicates roughly the intent behind the ordering of the collection.  Volume III includes mostly pieces for Levels 3/4 to 8/AMusA.
Composed 1990

Download samples

• Century Vol. III - sheet music

ISMN 979072017171524

$30.00 for instant PDF download see:

61 exercises in this collection for easy keyboard improvisation.

A resource book for practicing chords, fillers and improvisation using chord charts.  It is a wonderful thing to be able to sit at the piano and make music. Improvising is like writing a letter or short story. Everyone can improvise, so encourage students not to be afraid to try and focus on enjoying the process rather than the product. Improvising is not about finding the next Bach, Mozart or Oscar Peterson, it is about freedom to make music. Remind students that simple is great and their ideas have merit. 

Making My Own Music provides a simple step-by-step process with suggested activities for the teacher and student to use to develop improvisation skills. The material can be used in the sequence given, or as the teacher and student choose. The exercises and repertoire in the book have been used very successfully with students of all ages from the very young to adult. For younger students with small hands make adaptations to the given ideas, for example: use two note chords instead of three.

The preface outlines the many ways the examples may be used and re-used as new skills are acquired. The unexpected of adding improvisation to each lesson and weekly practice at home significantly increases student motivation to play each day. Once students are at the piano, improvising and creating, it seems the scales, studies and pieces are practiced as well.  
Compiled 2014

Download samples

• Making My Own Music - exercise samples

ISMN 9790720146638

$20.00 for instant PDF download see:

• Early - Pre-preliminary to grade 4
• Intermediate - grades 5 - 7
• Advanced - grades 7 - 8
• Diploma and above - AMus, LMus, Professional

Additional works are available from the catalogue that are not included in these lists.

Beginner to Grade 3

48 piano works by Wirripang-published, Australian composers. 

New repertoire for Piano Progressions was commissioned from Australian male and female composers to celebrate 10 years since the release of Wirripang Australian Piano Anthology in 2011. The first anthology consisted of three books, with 46 new works from Grade One to Diploma level. The success of this publication had led to two Australian Women Composers’ Anthologies in 2015 and 2019 and a third in 2021, all aiming at intermediate-to-advanced piano students. The feedback from teachers indicated the need for more repertoire at beginner-to-intermediate level, resulting in the two books of Piano Progressions that provide fresh teaching materials from Preliminary to Grade 6 level.

Especially written and selected for this volume as edited by Katie Zhukov

• Preliminary grade
• Big Ben Calls – Brennan Keats
• Little Starfish/Little Bluefish – Brennan Keats
• Happy Cats – Yvonne Barton-Leach
• Happy Days – Mark Matthews
• Kangaroo Jazz – Joanne Burrows
• Dusky Bells 1 – Ann Carr-Boyd
• Dusky Bells 2 – Ann Carr-Boyd
• At Home Again Blues – Joanne Burrows
• Tenderly – Simone Lobbia
• Murrumbidgee Deep – Joanne Burrows  
• Rainbows and Sunshowers – Learne Faint
• Windy Weather – Joanne Burrows
• Rock Riff – Amanda Handel
• Skecher Shuffle – Mark Matthews
• Leap-Frog ? Tip-Toad – Graeme Wright Denniss
• Kangaroos – Carolyn Morris
• The Woodpecker – Brett McKern
• Chester Chicken’s Afternoon Stroll – Jocelyn E Kotchie
• Grade 1
• The Beanie Boo Bounce – Mark Matthews
• Suspended – Simone Lobbia
• March of the Fire Ants – Jocelyn E Kotchie
• River of Dreams – Michael Hannan
• Lilia Prima – Robert Burrell
• River Stones – Nicole Murphy
• M.I.A. – Mark Matthews 
• Low Tide – Jennifer Trynes
• Play for Pleasure – Betty Beath
• Letting go … – Mark
• Reverie – Simone Lobbia 
• Grade 2
• Morning Calm – Brennan Keats
• Melody from the Fridge – John D’Arcy
• A Little Waltz for Sara – Ann Carr-Boyd
• Bag Walk – John D’Arcy
• Head in the Clouds – Amanda Handel
• Happy Daze – Carolyn Morris
• Gum Tree Waltz – Joanne Burrows
• Phantom of the Pyramid – Amanda Handel
• Rainbow Lori – Jocelyn E Kotchie
• Tripping Lightly – Phillip Wilcher
• Reflections in the Looking Glass – Tania Owens
• Rockin’ Sonatina – Joanne Burrows
• Suave – Jennifer Trynes
• Misty Morning – Joanne Burrows
• Grade 3 (transitioning)
• A Sedate Little Waltz – Ann Carr-Boyd
• B for Bass – Graeme Wright Denniss
• Bright ‘n’ Breezy – John Martin
• The Time Traveller – Jocelyn E Kotchie 
• Catherine – John D’Arcy

Sheet music samples

Piano Progressions Anthology One - sheet music

and YouTube links
Listen to the following selection of pieces from both Anthologies One and Two performed by students of Riverina Conservatorium of Music, Wagga Wagga, courtesy RCM.

Sample recital performance:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgaRmjSkoKE

A Little Waltz for Sara (Ann Carr-Boyd)
Bag Walk (John D'Arcy)
Chester Chicken's Afternoon Stroll (Jocelyn E Kotchie)
The Beanie Boo Bounce (Mark Matthews)
Phantom of the Pyramid (Amanda Handel)
Melody from the Fridge (John D'Arcy)
Tripping Lightly (Phillip Wilcher)
Reverie (Simone Lobbia)
Promise of Hope (Learne Faint)

ISMN 9790720231570

$40.00 for instant PDF download

Grades 3 to 6

32 piano works by Wirripang-published, Australian composers. 

New repertoire for Piano Progressions was commissioned from Australian male and female composers to celebrate 10 years since the release of Wirripang Australian Piano Anthology in 2011. The first anthology consisted of three books, with 46 new works from Grade One to Diploma level. The success of this publication had led to two Australian Women Composers’ Anthologies in 2015 and 2019 and a third in 2021, all aiming at intermediate-to-advanced piano students. The feedback from teachers indicated the need for more repertoire at beginner-to-intermediate level, resulting in the two books of Piano Progressions that provide fresh teaching materials from Preliminary to Grade 6 level.

Especially written and selected for this volume as edited by Katie Zhukov

• Grade 3
• Baby Prelude No 1 - Thomas McConochie
• Darling boy - Jennifer Trynes
• No Rain Blues - Joanne Burrows
• Sunny Daze - Carolyn Morris
• Yarraldool - Ann Carr-Boyd
• Wistful Waltz - John Martin
• Early Morning - Glenn Dixon
• Allegretto - Brett McKern
• Grade 4
• Butterfly Dreams  - Jocelyn E Kotchie
• Promise of Hope - Learne Faint
• Dappled Light - Robert Burrell
• The Winter Moon - Mark Matthews
• A Little Blue Music - Joanne Burrows
• Skippy the Swamp Wallaby - Ann Carr-Boyd
• Sunset Serene - Mark Matthews
• The Flying Car - Diana Blom
• Blue Funk  - John D’Arcy
• Greetings - Betty Beath
• Far Away and Long Ago - Rob Stove
• Grade 5
• Passage - Nicole Murphy
• Lost for words - Mark Matthews
• Courtly Dance - Graeme Wright Denniss
• Prelude I - Betty Beath
• Prelude II - Betty Beath
• A Little Song - May Howlett
• Now and Then - Brett McKern
• Grade 6
• Industrial Workers - Glenn Dixon
• Beach House Blues - Amanda Handel
• Summer Lightning Storm - Brennan Keats
• Jack Russell Rag - John Martin
• The Liquid Light She Spills - Phillip Wilcher
• The Trunkey Creek Blues - Ann Carr-Boyd

Sheet music samples

Piano Progressions Anthology Two - sheet music

and YouTube links

Listen to the following selection of pieces from both Anthologies One and Two performed by students of Riverina Conservatorium of Music, Wagga Wagga, courtesy RCM.

Sample recital performance:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgaRmjSkoKE

A Sedate Little Waltz (Ann Carr-Boyd)
Dappled Light (Robert Burrell)
Blue Funk (John D'Arcy)
Far Away, Long Ago (R J Stove)
Phantom of the Pyramid (Amanda Handel)
Melody from the Fridge (John D'Arcy)
Trunky Creek Blues (Ann Carr-Boyd)
Sunset Serene (Mark Matthews)
Promise of Hope (Learne Faint)

ISMN 9790720231587

$40.00 for instant PDF download  

There may be several reasons why we wish to play the piano – to have fun, to give pleasure to others, or to show what we can do.  As we grow older, we realise the importance of paying due regard to the intentions of the composer, and the creation of the most beautiful TONE or the most appropriate effects by the control of TOUCH.  This is often called TECHNIQUE. Our goal should always be to achieve the ultimate effect with least effort.  The cultivation of certain basic skills cannot begin too soon.  Following are some simple exercises which will make the playing of the earliest pieces most effective.  They cover:       Finger control and legato touch     A balanced arm and staccato     Thumb preparation for scales     Two hand coordination for mixed touch     Balanced tone between two hands     Phrasing action in a two note slur     Mixed touch in the fingers of one hand     Balanced tone in the fingers of one hand – voicing.   Created 2015

ISMN 9790720151281