How to Teach Heller Avalanche

Today we’re talking about how to teach The Avalanch Op.45, No.2 by Stephen Heller. This dramatic 19th-century etude has some real technical challenges but is otherwise easy to learn, and it’s very fun to play!

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Recommended Editions:

• Journey Through the Classics 4

• Masterpieces with Flair! book 1

Method books containing this piece:

• Alfred Premier Performance book 6 (Dennis Alexander, Gayle Kowalchyk, E. L. Lancaster, Victoria McArthur, and Martha Mier)

Syllabus listings for difficulty level:

• RCM Level 4

• Illinois AIM Level 8

• Jane Magrath Level 5-6

Topics highlighted in the video below:

• A minor key signature, chords, and forms of scale

• Sequences in D minor - same forms of the minor scale

• Triplet rhythm

• Octaves and 4-note chords

• Voicing on top of chord patterns 

• Legato pedaling

• Dramatic dynamics

• Steady tempo

As noted above, this piece does show up in at least one beginning method series. Have you checked out "Method to Masterworks" yet? It’s your guide to smoothly transitioning your student from a method series into intermediate repertoire.

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