Pieces from AGMS Syllabus: Arabian Journey | Secret Agent Hideout | Skater's Dream | Tricks of the Trade

About Arabian Journey

Arabian Journey is an intriguing piano piece that utilises an Arabic-sounding mode to evoke the essence of a desert journey. Its scale and modal choice draws from the rich musical traditions of the Middle East, creating an auditory experience that evokes the vast, sweeping landscapes of the desert.

Teaching Tips

1. Listen to the backing track (B.T.) whilst keeping the minim beat by tapping on the body or playing a drum. Listen for the section? What is the form of the piece (Ternary: A B A)
2. Next identify the fifths in the LH in the A section. How many bars in the pattern? What is the pattern? (4 bars: 2 x D-A, C-G, D-A)
3. Play with the B.T.
4. Next identify the LH fifths in the B Section. When playing the black fifths, ensure the hand moves forward. Play with B.T.
5. Introduce the RH phrases. Encourage the student to tap the LH thigh while playing them as soon as possible. Smaller hands may require finger changes.
6. Play hands together. As soon as possible try playing with the B.T.

The focus for technique in this work includes:

• Legato playing – ensuring a smooth, even sound between fingers, especially between the E flat & F sharp.
• Ensure all notes & rests have their full value  – check the rest in bar 3 has its full value and that the notes semibreves in the RH also have their full value in the B section.
• Dynamics – encourage your student to play the dynamics to the best of their ability. 

Key:
D double harmonic major

Tempo:
Moderato: at a moderate tempo

Form:
Ternary (A-B-A)