Piano
I have written a range of educational piano music.
I aim to write appealing pieces which are useful technically and that children will enjoy. Pieces and arrangements in all styles, solos and duets, words to sing, from the first lesson onwards.
I’ve written a number of Piano Star books – visit the Piano Star Hub on the ABRSM website here.
Piano Star Skills Builder
to Initial Grade and beyond
This book develops musicianship skills for beginner pianists in a fun way. With imaginative pieces and duets, songs to sing, written and listening activities, games and more, it provides a firm foundation in scales, aural and reading. It covers all the skills required for ABRSM Initial Grade and starts the journey to Grade 1.
Click on More Information for free audio and sample pages.
Piano Star Theory
An activity book for young pianists
Fun and imaginative theory activities for all young pianists, covering all essential first symbols and concepts. With short pieces to sing, clap and play, it makes links throughout to practical music-making and puts theory in context, thus helping to develop a pupil’s understanding of musical notation.
‘All my beginners aged 7-11 will be using this book moving forward. I think it’s truly stunning.’ Andrew Eales, Pianodao
Read the full Pianodao review here.
Piano Star Five-Finger Tunes
25 pieces for young pianists
25 new compositions and arrangements for young learners, all in five-finger patterns, and ideal for pupils who have completed their first tutor book. It progressively introduces different hand positions beyond a focus on Middle C, helping learners develop confidence in note reading and playing simple hands together. Solos, duets, trios and wonderful colour illustrations by Tim Budgen.
‘The range and pleasure of these pieces ensures that the book is a highly attractive choice.‘ Andrew Eales, Pianodao
Piano Star Duets
26 duets from early beginner to Grade 2 level
Fun new compositions and arrangements in a wide range of styles by leading educational composers. Pupil-pupil duets, some pupil-teacher duets and even a couple of trios. Also includes Top 10 Skills for duet playing to improve ensemble skills. Co-edited with Karen Marshall, this book is designed to capture the imagination of all young pianists and introduce them to ensemble playing.
Piano Star 1
24 pieces for young pianists up to Prep Test level
The Piano Star series offers a rich selection of new repertoire to help players build confidence and musical skills. Book 1 is suitable for learners who have worked through a first tutor book, and includes solos and duets in a range of styles, plus fun extension activities and lovely illustrations by Tim Budgen.
‘An extremely valuable collection for the beginning pianist opening up a wealth of wonderful new and old music.’ EPTA Magazine
Piano Star 2
26 pieces for young pianists, Prep Test level
Book 2 is at ABRSM Prep Test level and provides a wide range of alternative repertoire for that assessment. Solos and duets in a wide range of styles, extension activities and full-colour illustrations.
Piano Star 1-3, co-edited with Aisling Greally, was shortlisted for the Best Print Resource Award at the 2017 Music Teacher Awards for Excellence.’
Piano Star 3
24 pieces for young pianists, Prep Test level to Grade 1
Book 3 moves from Prep Test level towards Grade 1 and again offers a rich selection of new repertoire. The pieces will capture the imagination of young learners, providing invaluable teaching material that children will love to play.
‘There are many gems in here: it’s full of arrangements, songs and original pieces, all designed to imaginatively and enjoyably move pupils towards Grade 1. Highly recommended.’ Music Teacher
Piano Star Grade 1
25 pieces for young pianists
Co-edited with Karen Marshall, this repertoire book offers a wide range of fun and creative compositions and arrangements by leading educational composers for pianists at Grade 1 level. There are solos, duets and a party-piece trio, all brought to life with eye-catching colour illustrations. Two pieces played and introduced here.
The Foundation Pianist Book 1
Karen Marshall and David Blackwell
The Foundation Pianist is a two-volume series for early-grade students looking to develop a technical and musical foundation. It helps with technique, reading, theory and musicianship through daily exercises, sight-reading and repertoire. ‘Musical time travel’ introduces the world of classical music, from madrigals to symphonies and operas to concertos. Book 1 is for pianists at post Grade 1 level.
‘The Foundation Pianist is in my view the real blockbuster that no teacher will want to be without. … David Blackwell and Karen Marshall must surely be fêted as heroes of contemporary piano education.’ Andrew Eales, Pianodao (full review)
The Foundation Pianist Book 2
Karen Marshall and David Blackwell
Book 2 is for pianists at post Grade 2 level.
‘A concentrated treasure house of material that will empower and inspire fledgling pianists. The books are presented clearly and logically, and progress with a feeling of fun, inspiration and a sense of adventure.’ Murray McLachlan, Chair of EPTA UK and Head of Keyboard, Chethams School of Music
Aquarium: read about this piece from book 2 and listen to a recording here
Get Set! Piano Christmas Crackers
Karen Marshall and David Blackwell
Over 30 carols for the beginner pianist from the first lessons to Grade 2. Festive favourites and lesser known carols, many with duet parts. Quizzes and fun illustrations – the ultimate beginner piano Christmas book!
Piano Mix 1
Great arrangements for easy piano Grades 1-2
Piano Mix offers a whirlwind of styles from centuries ago through to the present day, in new, easy arrangements by a team of leading writers. Orchestral pieces, opera tunes, folk and jazz pieces, well-known tunes and unsung melodies, all waiting to be discovered.
Book 1 highlights: Handel ‘Fireworks’, opera classics by Bizet and Verdi, Brahms Lullaby, Saint-Saëns ‘Lion’, plus folk tunes and rag and blues pieces.
Piano Mix 2
Great arrangements for easy piano Grades 2-3
Book 2 highlights: Mozart Clarinet Quintet, Schubert ‘The Trout’, Holst ‘Jupiter’, plus Sousa ‘Liberty Bell’, Match of the Day, and The Muppets Show Theme.
Piano Mix 3
Great arrangements for easy piano Grades 3-4
Book 3 highlights: Bach Cello Suite, Mozart Eine kleine Nachtmusik, Delibes ‘Pizzicato Polka’, Grieg ‘Hall of the Mountain King’, Vaughan Williams Lark Ascending, plus jazz pieces and ‘Consider yourself!’ from Oliver!
Piano Time
I have written a number of pieces in many volumes of this award-winning series for young pianists.