How To Teach Chopin Polonaise in G Minor
Today we’re talking about how to teach the Polonaise in G Minor Opus posthumous by Frédéric Chopin. This is one of the simplest pieces that Chopin wrote - when he was 7 years old!
Join my Patreon community for a workshop devoted to teaching Chopin to our intermediate and early advanced students on Friday, August 28, 2026 here. A replay will also be available! More information here:
Editions that I recommend:
Masterwork Classics 8 (Jane Magrath)
Henle urtext (no dynamics included, but useful for comparison)
Syllabus listings for difficulty level:
RCM Level 7
Jane Magrath Level 8
Illinois AIM Level 8-9
Topics covered in the video below:
Polonaise rhythm - students must understand dotted rhythm and 16th patterns
G minor and B-flat major key signature and chords; exploration of tonic and dominant 7th
LH accompaniment styles
RH ties, grace notes, broken chords and turns
2-note slurs and the large arpeggio in the opening section
I find it helpful to share professional recordings with my students whenever possible. Diane Hidy has beautiful recordings of the easiest pieces Chopin wrote, including this one.
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