High Seas Collection is a set of 3 grade Initial - 1 / Elementary pieces with a pirate theme.
 
Buried Treasure by Catherine Wilson is mysterious, dramatic, with an air of anticipation.
 
The open fifths and fourths help create an oldy-worldy feel while the use of pedal adds to the atmosphere.
 
Instrument: Piano Solo
 
Approximate difficulty level: Grade Initial - 1 / Elementary
 
Key: Tonal centre of D minor by using 5-notes D, E, F, G, A
 
Time signature: 4/4
 
Features: Hand crossing, use of pedal, recognising intervals of 4ths and 5ths
 
Focus: To maintain 5-note hand position and build confidence lifting the left hand away from the keys to ‘copy and paste’ at different octaves
 
Pirates On the Horizon by Catherine Wilson is exciting, dramatic and high energy.
 
The left hand rhythm drives the ‘step and skip’ based right hand melody, interspersed with call and response sections to build the tension.
 
Instrument: Piano Solo
 
Approximate difficulty level: Grade 0 - 1 / Beginner
 
Key: Aeolian mode
 
Time signature:4/4
 
Features: Chords of 4ths, 5ths and 6ths, contrasting dynamics, counting whole bar rests
 
Focus: To build confidence recognising intervals up to 6ths and to maintain a consistent speed
 
Smuggler’s Cove by Catherine Wilson is mysterious, moody and atmospheric.
 
The intervals of fifths in the left hand and use of the pedal (held throughout) help create the evocative atmosphere.  
 
Instrument: Piano Solo
 
Approximate difficulty level: Grade 0 - 1 / Beginner
 
Key: E natural minor
 
Time signature:4/4
 
Features: Use of intervals of 5ths throughout in left hand, pedal held throughout, both hands play an octave higher for second half
 
Focus: Maintaining 5 - note hand position with an F# under 2nd finger in right hand, building confidence of interval recognition, ‘copying and pasting’ hand position an octave higher in both hands