Ann Martin-Davis is a Pianist and ABRSM Examiner, and lives in France where she runs Piano at Le Maillard, courses for piano teachers and adult returners. In this resource, Ann shares some ideas about teaching Šípková Růženka (Sleeping Beauty) by Ivana Loudová from the Grade 2 Piano Syllabus 2025 & 2026.

 There are several key teaching topics to cover within this piece. In this resource she has focused on:

  1. Producing defined slurred figures with a relaxed and properly connected technique.
  2.  Making some French style colours with careful production and pedalling.
  3.  Telling a story through music.

The first part of this video explores the following ideas:

  • The structure of the piece.
  • The idea that the middle section sounds like French music of the early C20th (in particular the pedalling in bars 17 to 25).
  • The story of Sleeping Beauty.

The second part outlines the composer's ideas about slurred notes on the piano and runs through a series of slurred notes games to equip the pupil with the skills needed to play the piece.


In this film, Ann provides some helpful exercises and warm ups that you can complete with your pupil which will help to develop the articulation in this piece. We've written these out for you to download and keep, which you can give to your pupil in the early stages of learning this piece. 

Listen to the full piece on ABRSM's Spotify Channel.

Last modified: Friday, 4 July 2025, 11:01 AM
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