Toccatina by Victoria Proudler is a gem of a piece that holds its place in the Grade 1 piano syllabus and has become a favorite among many of my beginner students. This cleverly crafted piece introduces students to the elegance of Baroque-style writing, while also developing critical skills like precision, dynamic control, and pattern recognition.

Why Is Toccatina So Popular?

This piece is beautifully written in the style of a simple Baroque dance. It balances clear melodic lines with engaging harmonic sequences, providing beginners with a rewarding and educational musical experience. One particularly charming feature is its cleverly written descending sequence, which builds dynamically toward a climactic ending—a hallmark of good musical storytelling.

How to Approach Toccatina in Practice

Let’s break it down and take a closer look at how you can practice this piece effectively.

1. Start with the First 4 Bars

The piece begins with a simple 4-bar phrase in the left hand:

• Left Hand (LH): It uses whole notes (semibreves) that follow a straightforward pattern. The notes move from A to B, then down to G♯, before returning to A. Practicing this repeatedly will make the LH feel automatic, so it won’t distract you when playing hands together.
• Right Hand (RH): Focus on the repeated E’s and F’s in the first 4 bars, then notice the secondary notes—A, G♯, B, and A—which mirror (inverse of) the LH pattern. Recognisingthese patterns will simplify the learning process.

2. Maintain a Steady Tempo

One of the most common issues with Toccatina is rushing after bar 9, where the music becomes rhythmically and technically more challenging. Set a steady tempo from the beginning and stick to it. Focus on maintaining evenness but with an element of flexibility.

3. Focus on the Fingering

The recommended fingerings in this piece are well thought out, but some students may find alternatives that suit them better. Whichever fingering you choose, stick with it consistently—especially in tricky sections.

4. Work Methodically on Awkward Corners

As you progress through the piece, identify the sections where your fingers tend to stumble. Slow these passages down and work on them in isolation. Don’t try to solve everything in one go; prioritise clarity over speed.

Key Tips for Learning Toccatina

• Practice Hands Separately: Especially at first, focusing on one hand at a time will make coordination easier when playing together.
• Spot Patterns Early On: The piece is filled with patterns and sequences/inverted relationships between the RH and LH. Identifying these will make it much easier to learn.
• Build Dynamics Gradually: As the descending sequence approaches its climax, ensure you’re controlling your dynamics to highlight the buildup effectively.

Why Pieces Like Toccatina Matter

Toccatina is more than just a piece of music—it’s a stepping stone for beginner pianists. By practicing this piece, students develop their:

• Technical Skills: Finger independence, precision, and coordination.
• Musicality: Dynamic control and phrasing, particularly in Baroque-style pieces.
• Pattern Recognition: Understanding sequences, inversions, and harmonic movement—skills that transfer directly to more advanced repertoire.

As a composer, teacher, and performer, I often emphasise, particularly on my online piano course, that recognising patterns is a cornerstone of effective piano practice. Pieces like Toccatina teach this skill in an accessible way, making it invaluable for learners at the Grade 1 level.

Closing Thoughts

Pieces like Toccatina show that even beginner repertoire can be sophisticated and musically engaging. For students, it’s an excellent way to bridge technical growth with musical expression.

Toccatina by Victoria Proudler is featured in Piano Grades are Go! Initial to Grade 1, a fantastic collection of pieces published by EVC Music. It is also included in the 2023 Trinity College Piano Syllabus for Grade 1, making it an excellent choice for both learners preparing for exams and those looking for enjoyable repertoire to develop their skills. You can find the book online through EVC Music’s website or your favorite sheet music retailers.

If you’re interested in more tips for effective practice, you’ll find them in my Hey Presto! Adult Piano Method and my online piano course, both designed to help pianists of all levels build confidence and achieve their goals.

Happy practicing!
Marcel Zidani
Award-winning composer, performer, and piano pedagogue