Taught by renowned pianist
Daniela Bracchi
Your first recital should be exciting and attainable — and with this course, it can be. These lessons focus on six brief pieces by great composers from every era: Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Schumann, Tchaikovsky, and Bartók. The pieces complement one another, all adding up to form a short and sweet recital program that beginners can aspire to while approaching a late beginner/early intermediate level. Follow Manhattan School of Music Precollege faculty Daniela Bracchi’s step-by-step tips, practice wisely, and you’ll be well on your way to playing with confidence in your first recital!
Musette in D
Faculty at Manhattan School of Music Precollege Daniela Bracchi breaks down the basic technical and musical challenges of the Musette in D from Bach's Notebook for Anna Magdalena. While the authorship of the work remains uncertain, it is known that Bach compiled the notebook of short pieces for his second wife.
This lesson is suitable for different levels of beginners. Ample overhead views allow absolute beginners to study the piece without reading music notation, but the lesson also provides a good opportunity to improve note-reading abilities. After defining the basic tonal and formal aspects of the piece, Bracchi guides you through the work, bar-by-bar, one hand at a time, so you may methodically build the composition into your ear and fingers and, with some practice, deliver a tasteful performance.
Quasi Adagio
Faculty at Manhattan School of Music Precollege Daniela Bracchi breaks down the basic technical and musical challenges of Bartók's Quasi Adagio, a short, melancholic piece from his collection "For Children," which includes many pieces based on Hungarian folk songs.
This lesson is suitable for different levels of beginners. Ample overhead views allow absolute beginners to study the piece without reading music notation, but the lesson is also a good opportunity to improve note-reading abilities. After defining the basic rhythmic, tonal, and formal aspects of the piece, Bracchi guides you through the work, bar-by-bar, one hand at a time, so you may methodically build the piece into your ear and fingers and, with some practice, deliver a tasteful performance.
Ecossaise in G Major
Faculty at Manhattan School of Music Precollege Daniela Bracchi breaks down the basic technical and musical challenges of Beethoven's Ecossaise in G – a country dance originally composed for military band.
This lesson is suitable for different levels of beginners. Ample overhead views allow absolute beginners to study the piece without reading music notation, but the lesson is also a good opportunity to improve note-reading abilities. After defining the basic rhythmic, tonal, and formal aspects of the piece, Bracchi guides you through the work, bar-by-bar, one hand at a time, so you may methodically build the piece into your ear and fingers and, with some practice, deliver a tasteful performance.
Minuet in C Major, K. 6
Faculty at Manhattan School of Music Precollege Daniela Bracchi breaks down the basic technical and musical challenges of Mozart's Minuet in C, K. 6 – a piece he composed when he was 6 years old.
This lesson is suitable for different levels of beginners. Ample overhead views allow absolute beginners to study the piece without reading music notation, but the lesson is also a good opportunity to improve note-reading abilities. After defining the basic rhythmic, tonal, and formal aspects of the piece, Bracchi guides your through the work, bar-by-bar, one hand at a time, so you may methodically build the piece into your ear and fingers and, with some practice, deliver a tasteful performance.
Kleine Studie
Faculty at Manhattan School of Music Precollege Daniela Bracchi breaks down the basic technical and musical challenges of Schumann's Kleine Studie (Little Study), No. 14 from Album for the Young. It is a graceful piece that trades arpeggios between the hands and makes an excellent introduction to Romantic music.
This lesson is suitable for different levels of beginners. Ample overhead views allow absolute beginners to study the piece without reading music notation, but the lesson is also a good opportunity to improve note-reading abilities. After defining the basic rhythmic, tonal, and formal aspects of the piece, Bracchi guides your through the work, bar-by-bar, one hand at a time, so you may methodically build the piece into your ear and fingers and, with some practice, deliver a tasteful performance.
Mazurka in D Minor, Op. 39 No. 11
Faculty at Manhattan School of Music Precollege Daniela Bracchi breaks down the basic technical and musical challenges of Tchaikovsky's Mazurka in D minor from his Children's Album, Op. 39 No. 11.
This lesson is suitable for different levels of beginners. Ample overhead views allow absolute beginners to study the piece without reading music notation, but the lesson also provides a good opportunity to improve note-reading abilities. After defining the basic tonal and formal aspects of the piece, Bracchi guides you through the work, bar-by-bar, one hand at a time, so you may methodically build the composition into your ear and fingers and, with some practice, deliver a tasteful performance.
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Unlock Course →Daniela Bracchi leads a vibrant career as a Manhattan-based pianist and pedagogue, with sold-out appearances at Carnegie's Weill Recital Hall, a faculty position at the Manhattan School of Music, and concert tours in France and Spain.
read full bio →Preview our curated selection of courses below. With lessons covering fundamentals, technical training, style and interpretation, you won't find a more thorough and enriching learning experience anywhere else.
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