Expanding Musical Horizons. Discovering Hidden Gems in Piano Repertoire.

One of the most rewarding parts of teaching piano is introducing students to music that lies outside the standard repertoire. While classics by composers such as Bach, Mozart, or Beethoven will always have an important place in a pianist’s training, there is also a wealth of exceptional music by lesser-known composers waiting to be discovered. These pieces often offer something unique, unfamiliar colours, unexpected rhythms, or cultural influences, that can inspire fresh curiosity in students and expand their musical horizons.

When creating the Grade 5 Piano Book for the International School of Musicians, my goal was to bring forward works that go beyond the ordinary. Rather than focusing only on familiar titles, I sought out pieces that combine accessibility for learners with genuine artistic depth. By doing this, I wanted to ensure that each piece not only challenges students technically but also broadens their perspective on what piano music can be.

One example is Japanese Love Song by J.S. Zamecnik. This little-known work blends Eastern and Western influences in a way that feels both unusual and inviting. It encourages students to listen with greater sensitivity and to explore expressive playing beyond the boundaries of the typical exam syllabus. For many learners, discovering a piece like this can spark a new sense of musical identity and open the door to more adventurous repertoire.

Every piece chosen for the Grade 5 Piano Book was selected with this purpose in mind. The aim was not only to support technical development, such as phrasing, touch, or rhythm, but also to nurture deeper skills such as interpretation, imagination, and curiosity. In this way, repertoire becomes more than just “something to play.” It becomes an opportunity to engage with music as a living art form, one that reflects different cultures, histories, and ways of thinking.

At My Piano Academy, we share this same philosophy. We believe that piano education should go beyond simply learning notes on a page. It should open students to a wide world of musical voices, encouraging them to explore and connect with music on a personal level. By studying both the familiar and the less familiar, learners gain a richer understanding of the instrument and a deeper appreciation for the art of music itself.

If you are interested, you can download the Grade 5 Piano Book for free from the International School of Musicians here. It offers a glimpse into how exploring lesser-known repertoire can inspire both growth and enjoyment at the piano.