Art Publication Society Levels

Art Publication Society

Standard Series & Progressive Series

Progressive Series Exercises

Focus: Introductory level for gradual learning.

Content: Basic scales, melodies, and beginner exercises to build confidence.

  • Simple rhythmic patterns.
  • Basic sight-reading materials.

Progressive Series Studies  

Focus: Early intermediate material focusing on gradual skill development.

Content: Slightly more complex pieces and exercises.

  • Two-hand coordination exercises.
  • Introduction to dynamics and phrasing.

100 Series (Beginner Level)

Focus: Early beginner levels for foundational skills.

Content: Simple exercises and introductory pieces to establish basic piano technique and reading skills.

  • Basic scales and arpeggios.
  • Simple melodies and rhythmic exercises.

200 Series (Beginnner Level)

Focus: Late beginner levels, building upon foundational techniques.

Content: Slightly more complex exercises and beginner repertoire.

  • Elementary pieces from classical composers.
  • Exercises focusing on finger independence.

300 Series (Intermediate Level)

Focus: Early intermediate repertoire and exercises.

Content: Introduces dynamic contrasts, basic articulations, and extended hand positions.

  • Sonatinas and simplified classical works.
  • Basic pedal usage.

400 Series (Intermediate Level)

Focus: Developing intermediate skills and musicality.

Content: Progressive studies and expressive pieces with increasing technical demands.

  • Selections from Bach?s Minuets and Mozart?s easy pieces.
  • Intermediate etudes and finger exercises.

500 Series (Late Intermediate Level)

Focus: Solidifying intermediate techniques and repertoire.

Content: More challenging studies, introducing faster tempos and polyphonic textures.

  • Bach?s Two-Part Inventions.
  • Sonatinas by Kuhlau and Clementi.

600 Series (Early Advanced Level)

Focus: Advanced intermediate repertoire with greater musical and technical demands.

Content: Works that require dynamic control and hand independence.

  • More complex pieces by Chopin and Schumann.
  • Advanced etudes for developing speed and control.

700 Series (Advanced Level)

Focus: Advanced repertoire with increased technical and expressive challenges.

Content: Romantic and early modern works requiring interpretive skills.

  • Chopin?s Preludes and Waltzes.
  • Works by Debussy and early 20th-century composers.

800 Series (Late Advanced Level)

Focus: High-level advanced repertoire and technical mastery.

Content: Complex pieces and etudes requiring mastery of advanced techniques like fast scales and finger control.

  • Chopin Etudes and Liszt?s Transcendental Etudes.
  • Advanced Bach fugues and contrapuntal pieces.

900 Series (Professional Level

Focus: Virtuoso repertoire for concert-level performance.

Content: Advanced works requiring technical mastery.

  • Liszt?s Transcendental Etudes.
  • Ravel?s Gaspard de la Nuit.

1000 Series (Professional Level)

Focus: Virtuoso-level pieces and technical feats.

Content: Masterworks from composers like Beethoven, Brahms, and Prokofiev.

  • Complex concertos and sonatas.
  • Advanced modern works requiring high levels of expressiveness and skill.

1100 Series (Professional Level)

Focus: Virtuoso-level pieces and technical feats.

Content: Masterworks from composers like Beethoven, Brahms, and Prokofiev.

  • Complex concertos and sonatas.
  • Advanced modern works requiring high levels of expressiveness and skill.

1200 & Up Series (Post Professional Level)

Focus: The most advanced level, for pianists aiming for concert performance.

Content: Major works requiring exceptional technique, artistry, and interpretation.

  • Virtuoso works by Liszt, Rachmaninoff, and beyond.
  • Complete concertos, large-scale sonatas, and modern virtuoso works.