Level Key for
The Schultz Piano Library
Primarily for the purpose of guiding piano teachers, the level
of difficulty is clearly displayed on the cover of all editions in The Schultz
Piano Library. Explanations of the various terms and the
degree of difficulty each represents are found below.
Please note that classical solo piano pieces are never
simplified, abridged or arranged by Robert Schultz. His editions of classical
composer's piano works are carefully and precisely edited with complete respect
for the composer's intent and the performance practices of the period. Pieces
that were not originally created as solo piano works by the composer (opera
arias, symphonic works, chamber music works, etc.) are considered for Schultz's
arrangements, transcriptions and simplified versions. Such works may appear in
several different versions at various levels--a simple treatment of the
principal theme for the level 1 student up to a full-fledged, concert artist's
transcription.
Original piano compositions which have been Edited by Robert
Schultz and non-piano compositions which have been Arranged or Transcribed
by Robert Schultz are clearly designated in all editions.
Level 1 - Elementary - Beginner - 5 Finger:
In The Schultz Piano Library these 4 terms are
synonymous, representing editions or collections of music suitable for use by
beginning piano students. Normally in these editions, the music is organized in
order of difficulty. Depending upon the student's individual rate of progress,
such editions may be used during the first year or two of study to supplement
any of the standard piano methods.
Arrangements at this level are written in either a five-finger
format--melodies divided between the hands--or in very simple arrangements for
both hands, and are usually one or two pages in length. Each piece is
appropriately edited, including necessary fingering, dynamics, and music terms
that correlate with standard piano courses.
Excerpt:
Theme from The Sorcerer's Apprentice
by Paul Dukas
Arranged by Robert Schultz
Copyright © 1999 Beam Me Up Music, c/o WB Music Corp.
(ASCAP)
Level 2 - Early Intermediate - Very Easy - Big Note:
Editions and collections displaying any of these 4 terms contain very easy
piano arrangements or the easiest classical pieces, and are geared toward the
early intermediate student who is in the 3rd or 4th year of study. Typically
pieces at this level are one or two pages in length, require position shifts
within a limited range, and may include basic chord structures for one or both
hands. There is a wide variety of stimulating piano music at this level that makes these repertoire collections also satisfying to adult pianists who have
limited skills. All editions are precisely edited, including necessary
fingering, dynamics, and appropriate music terms.
Excerpt:
Theme from Ice Castles
Arranged by Robert Schultz
Copyright © 1978 EMI Gold Horizon Music Corp. and EMI Golden
Torch Music Corp.
Level 3-4 - Intermediate - Easy Piano:
Editions and collections displaying any of these 3 terms are geared toward
the intermediate - late intermediate piano student who is in the 5th year of
study or beyond. Arrangements at this level expand to include more of the full
range of the piano, and are carefully crafted to yield a satisfying,
professional sound. Pedal indications, phrasing, necessary fingering, and all
required editing is included. These editions are also appropriate for the
professional pianist who prefers an easier-to-read arrangement that does not
sound simplified. Expert care is given to editions containing classical
repertoire, with the appropriate stylistic editing included.
Excerpt:
Misty
Arranged by Robert Schultz
Copyright © 1954, 1955 Reganesque Music, Marke Music
Publishing Co., Inc.,
Limerick Music Corp., Timo-Co Music and Octave Music Publishing Corp.
Advanced - Professional - Artist
Editions and collections displaying any of these 3 terms are intended for advanced high
school students, college students, professionals, and concert artists.
Arrangements and solo transcriptions at this level utilize the full resources of
the piano and are not simplified in any way. Schultz editions of classical works
at this level typically include selected standard repertoire of the great
composers of all periods. Expert care is given to the use of appropriate
stylistic editing.
Excerpt:
Vocalise
by Sergei Rachmaninoff
Transcribed by Robert Schultz
Copyright © 1991 Beam Me Up Music, c/o WB Music Corp.
(ASCAP)
A Brief History of Level Terminology
In the early 1970's, music publishers first began to recognize
the potential market for editions of simplified piano arrangements of popular
music. The first editions of these to appear were labeled "Easy
Piano," indicating an arrangement type that was easier than the standard
piano/vocal editions previously available. By today's standards, "Easy
Piano" arrangements were typically written at what is now an intermediate
level of difficulty.
The term "Big Note" first appeared in the music
publishing industry a few years later and was widely adopted as the designation
for piano arrangements that were not only easier than "Easy Piano,"
but also in an enlarged engraving size. By this time, piano teachers had begun
to utilize both "Easy Piano" and "Big Note" scores as
teaching supplements, and publishers sought to create even simpler versions that
could be used by beginners. Subsequently, the first "5-Finger"
editions emerged.
Unfortunately, the terms have remained in use, and the buyers of
editions of simplified piano arrangements have been presented with confusing
level terminology ever since. While the term "5-Finger" does offer
some indication of the level and type of arrangement, the term "Big
Note" is presently used to define a fairly wide range of difficulty (very
easy to not very easy), and varying engraving sizes (big to huge).
"Easy Piano" is not, and never was, particularly easy,
especially after the emergence of the less difficult "Big Note" and
"5-Finger" editions. None of this turned out to be much help to the
piano teacher looking for graded materials for students. While publishers
recognize the confusion this terminology creates, they remain hesitant to drop
these labels, due primarily to the success of past editions, and the interest of
music retailers and wholesalers who continue to embrace editions that include
these designations. While these terms do appear on some Schultz Piano Library
editions, teachers will find that more accurate and descriptive grading terms
are always included for clarification.
Schultz
Music Publications
