Cyberspace Detective by Anand: Lesson Ideas
Cyberspace Detective is a new commission from composer Amit Anand, it features in Grade 1 Piano Exam Pieces in 2025 & 2026 Piano syllabus.
This resource created by Karen Marshall is designed to be taught over approximately 6 weeks.
Karen Marshall has provided a resource toolkit in the style of her ABRSM Piano Star Skills Builder book. You can find some free sample pages for Karen's book here to download and please visit the ABRSM shop to purchase a copy.
By exploring these activities, you will be:
- Incorporating the other elements of the exam – sight reading, scales/arpeggios and aural skills.
- Teaching to play the piece musically with good technique.
- Using the piece to develop musicianship skills including improvising and performing with expression.
Get started by clicking left and right or using the chapter headings on the right-hand side.
2. Week 1 & 2 - Aural activities
Background on the piece of music
The piece of music was inspired by the concept of detectives operating in cyberspace who work to prevent hackers from causing mayhem on the internet and keeping cyberspace safe. With the chromatics, spikey chords, syncopated rhythms, and dramatic dynamics there’s lots of interesting features for your pupil to hear but also see on the page.
Perform the piece of music to your pupil.
Once you've listened to the piece, discuss the following questions with your pupil:
- Does the music start loudly or quietly?
- Does the music end loudly or quietly?
- Listen as I play, can you raise your hand when the music gets louder and put it down when the music becomes quiet again?
- Is the articulation mainly smooth (legato) or detached (staccato).
- Can you clap the pulse as you listen to the music?
Play these extracts for your pupil and invite them to:
- Echo the rhythm (clapping)
- Echo the pitch
- Describe the articulation – smooth/detached and dynamics loud/quiet.
Show the piece of music to your pupil, and discuss the following questions with your pupil:
- What is the title of the piece of music?
- How will this affect the way you perform the piece?
- Should you play it fast or slow?
Here's an example of Karen asking one of her pupils about a piece of music they are learning together. It also incorporates some singing activities which may give you some ideas for Cyberspace Detective.