The Pianist's Guide to Standard Teaching and Performance Literature

by Jane Magrath

This reference book is an invaluable resource for teachers, students and performers for evaluating and selecting piano solo literature. Concise and thoroughly researched, thousands of works, from the Baroque through the Contemporary periods, have been graded and evaluated in detail. Includes an alphabetical list of composers, explanations of works, and much more.

Genres: Music, Reference, Nonfiction

584 pages, Paperback

First published May 31, 1995

Reviews

[Celia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent resource for piano literature. I can't say I agree with all of Magrath's level grading, but that's not unusual. Everyone has a slightly different opinion on how to weight the grading of pieces. It still has wonderful selections with history and notes about the pieces and composers. I would have liked to see a lot more pieces by women and BIPOC composers in there. It's a great reference to use for comparing pieces and getting ideas when you're looking for something new to teach next, or something to play. The book is conveniently divided into historical eras, but it would be nice if it had something like 3-4 letter alphabetic tabs at the top like a dictionary to make it easier to find what you're after.

[Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

A valuable resource that I wish was digitized and searchable. Also, WHY ISN'T JOPLIN INCLUDED?!

[Colin Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great way to find new repertoire at the level you're currently at.

[Julia · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good reference book for private and public Music Teachers and Pianists who perform for interactive audiences, Master Class audience. Helpful for working with the public within the atmosphere of a concert hall or stage, and while giving a Master Class, a lecture regarding a music subject, etc..

[Tonya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another one of my go-to books. I keep it out on a shelf because I use it all the time when selecting literature. McGrath is amazing; she has graded thousands of standard literature pieces and summarizes the pitfalls/advantages each one has as well. It has been a lifesaver many times.