Exploring "Bendin' The Rules" by Ben Crosland:

Searching for the perfect piece to play on the piano can feel like exploring uncharted territory. But fear not! With 'Bendin' The Rules', composed by Ben Crosland, published by Editions Musica Ferrum and performed here by Nikolas Sideris, you're in for a thrilling musical journey. Part of the collection 'Magic Beans - 28 Sketches for Adventurous Beginners', this piece combines educational elements with catchy melodies, making it a favorite among pianists of all levels.

Bendin' the Rules has been a staple in my teaching repertoire, captivating both young students and adults with its infectious jazzy vibe. Despite being featured in the Trinity Grade 2 exam syllabus, I've found it to be accessible even for Grade 1-level players. Its popularity among teachers and students is no surprise, given its catchy melody and abundant pedagogical value. Through this piece, crucial piano techniques like slurs, staccato, accents, and other articulations are seamlessly woven into the music. What sets it apart is its dynamic range, allowing students to grasp these concepts more easily. The louder overall dynamic encourages a more confident approach, making it easier to execute techniques that might feel daunting in softer, slower-paced pieces. As a result, students not only enjoy playing "Bendin' The Rules" but also gain invaluable skills that lay a strong foundation for their musical journey.

Let's Break it Down:

Before we even touch the keys, let's take a moment to look at the first three bars. Visualizing the piece can help demystify it and make learning feel less intimidating. Focus on the right hand first. You'll notice a simple descending pattern starting from F down to middle C. Now there's a brief rest before landing on an accented chord in the third bar/measure. If you keep your hand in position, you're all set to tackle it. This is where we also get to practice some staccato technique, giving the piece that jazzy vibe we love.

Left Hand:

Now, onto our left hand companion. Pay close attention to the slurs – an opportunity to practice these using the correct hand/wrist/arm movement. See how the set of two notes, F and D, pop up again just a couple of notes later, but this time staccato?  By spotting these patterns, learning becomes a easier.

Dynamics and Articulations:

One of the highlights of 'Bendin' The Rules' is its dynamic range and varied articulations. From accents to staccato notes, the piece offers a dynamic palette for expression. Embracing these elements adds excitement and character to the music, contributing to its overall charm.

Performance and Interpretation:

While Nikolas Sideris' rendition of the piece serves as inspiration, learners are encouraged to explore their own interpretations. With a cut common time signature, the piece carries a rhythmic groove that invites experimentation. This piece works at a fast tempo and a slower one as long as it is felt in 2. Play around with the rhythm, experiment with dynamics, and let your personality shine through. After all, music is about self-expression and having fun along the way.

Beyond its instructional value, 'Bendin' The Rules' serves as a versatile piece suitable for various age groups and skill levels. Whether used for exam preparation, or sheer enjoyment, it holds its appeal. Moreover, it can act as a stepping stone to more challenging repertoire or serve as a consolidation piece between graded exams.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, 'Bendin' The Rules' transcends mere enjoyment; it's an invaluable tool for both teachers and students alike.–  With its accessibility, educational value, and infectious energy, it's a piece that delights pianists of all ages and levels. And for members of the adult piano beginners Facebook group, there's an exclusive opportunity to acquire this gem at a discounted rate, courtesy of Nikolas Sideris and Editions Musica Ferrum. In fact using code Athina24 gets you 30% of everything. Whether you're preparing for an exam, honing your technical skills, or simply jamming for the sheer joy of it, this piece has got you covered.  Click here to get the digital score or for hard copy here.

Summary:

So grab your piano keys and get ready to bend some rules – musical rules, that is!

Nikolas sheet music website is https://www.musica-ferrum.com and you cn click on the above link for the discount.

If you're interested in learning piano, consider joining my Facebook group, Adult Piano Beginners, or enrolling in my online piano course at www.adultpianobeginners.com. Enhance your learning journey with the Hey Presto Piano Method Book, available on Amazon or my website, www.marcelzidani.com.