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.
4. Week 5 & 6 - fun with chromatic scales
The chromatic scale is first introduced in Grade 2 scales however, this Grade 1 piece uses elements of it. It’s super useful for a pupil to be able to play a chromatic scale well as at this level.
- Work with your pupil on the chromatic quiz activities.
- Encourage your pupil to improvise a melody that illustrates the title of the piece ‘Cyberspace Detective’. How will this affect the way they play?
The D contrary motion chromatic scale
An easy chromatic scale to start with is from D in contrary motion. The fingering is identical in both hands. It’s a good workout to strengthen the technique required (neat fingers over and under) and the finger patterns of 3rd on black notes and 1 2 3 patterns on two white notes followed by a black note. Accompany your pupil whilst they improvise using the chromatic scale. Be ready to to be very flexible with the accompaniment, changing it to fit with what your pupil is playing. Try simply playing D F# A and D, G, A triads.
Download a chromatic scale activity worksheet for your pupil on the next page.