This structure allows a student to play a clean Scarlatti sonata next to a dramatic Grieg lyric piece without jumping difficulty levels. The consistent grading eliminates the "cliff effect" where students suddenly hit an impossible piece.
Focuses on tone production, lyrical playing, and diverse harmonic languages.
Focuses on standard pedagogical literature. Structure of the Graded Levels
The magic of the Keith Snell series lies in its curation and editing. The vast majority of the pieces inside the books are in the public domain. If you cannot find an official PDF of a specific Snell volume, you can legally download the individual pieces for free on the .
(J.S. Bach): A bright, catchy Baroque dance piece from the Notebook for Anna Magdalena Bach . Level 3 & 4 (Late Elementary to Early Intermediate)
The Preparatory Level focuses on introducing beginners to the foundational techniques and musicality required for piano playing. 2. Level 1 & 2
The repertoire is typically organized into three primary historical categories, available as individual books for each level or combined into single "Essential" volumes:
One of the primary reasons teachers seek the Keith Snell repertoire is the rigorous leveling system. The series generally follows the standards set by the and the California Certificate of Merit program.
Introduction to sonatinas, faster scale passages, basic ornamentation, and varied textures.
The Essential Piano Repertoire series edited by Keith Snell includes various levels that guide students through the foundational works of famous composers. 1. Preparatory Level
The good news is that there are many legal and convenient ways to obtain this music. You are not limited to a physical book. Here are the best routes:
To maximize the effectiveness of the Keith Snell series, consider following this structured approach: 1. Daily Technical Work (Scale Skills)
Keith Snell Publisher: Kjos (Neil A. Kjos Music Company) Series Type: Graded Standard Piano Literature (Classical)
Within each numbered level, the repertoire is divided into three distinct, color-coded books based on historical eras. This ensures that students receive a balanced musical education rather than focusing exclusively on one style.
Don’t risk legal trouble or poor quality. Build your Snell library gradually. Start with Levels 1–4 (most used for early intermediates). A physical book is worth more than a sketchy PDF.