A Creative Introduction to 'Cheshire Cat'

Nikki Iles bluesy piece is on the LCM and RSL Classical Grade 2 syllabuses

Here are some free activities for your teaching.

Whether you’re getting students ready for Grade 2, or just want to give them an accessible blues piece, Nikki Iles ‘Cheshire Cat’ is great fun.

It’s part of her wonderful Piano Tales for Alice collection, published by Elena Cobb’s EVC Music.

It’s also featured in the current LCM, ABRSM and RSL Classical Grade 2 syllabuses.

Source: https://www.evcmusic.com/product/piano-tales-for-alice-by-nikki-iles/

Introducing the piece

The first page of activities are designed to help you introduce the piece to your students.

By playing the duet with them, you:

• connect the scale to the piece

• get them familiar with the 4/4 swing feel

• develop their ensemble playing

The tick boxes encourage them to experiment, which is the beginning of getting creative.

Varying the piece

The second page is designed to be used once your student is already confident at playing the piece.

It helps them to think about what could be changed, which is the beginning of getting creative.

Enjoy getting creative!

If you’ve never done something like this in your studio before, come have a chat with me about it.