Preparing for the ARSM Diploma Piano Exam can feel like climbing a mountain — but what if the journey could be smoother, more enjoyable, and just as rewarding?
In this article, I’ll share the top three easiest pieces for the ARSM diploma exam, featuring my student Siling Low’s outstanding recording. These pieces are not only exam-friendly but also musically satisfying, giving students a chance to shine without unnecessary stress.
? 1. Bach Prelude and Fugue in D Major, BWV 850
The Bach Prelude and Fugue in D Major (BWV 850) is a fantastic choice for the Baroque segment of the ARSM diploma piano exam repertoire.
The Prelude is short, lively, and full of sparkle — perfect for warming up your fingers at the start of a recital. The left hand plays only light staccato quavers (one per beat), so students can focus their attention on shaping the right-hand melody beautifully. To score well, remember to shape the melodic lines with natural crescendos and diminuendos, following the contour of the melody. Highlight sequences and use a palette of tone colours (mp ? mf ? f) to bring the lines to life. Students are advised to avoid pressing too hard at the loud passages because the character of this piece is meant to be light hearted and joyful. To play this piece with good finger work, we help students to write down the fingering in detail especially those finger turning parts and also analyse the harmony progression so that the students are able to position at the right chords accurately and quickly. The same techniques are used for Fugue also.
The Fugue in this set is also delightfully approachable. With only two to three voices, its texture is transparent — unlike other Bach fugues where the subject is buried in four parts. Each return of the subject stands out clearly, allowing students to emphasize it easily and demonstrate strong understanding of contrapuntal texture. ARSM diploma piano examiner has advised us to add small amount of pedalling to the repeating block chords to avoid choppy harmony, the wavy melodic shapes require more singable tone to project the lyrical character of this Fugue.
In short: this piece is both elegant and manageable — a perfect opener for the ARSM diploma recording.
? 2. Beethoven Sonata in E Minor, Op. 90 No. 27
Moving on to the Classical period, the Beethoven Sonata in E Minor, Op. 90 is a dream choice for diploma candidates.
Why? Because it’s only two movements long, compared to Beethoven’s typical three-movement sonatas! This makes it a time-saving and technically manageable choice, while still offering enough musical depth to impress ARSM piano examiners.
The first movement challenges students to control dynamic contrast and maintain clear finger articulation — skills that build excellent Classical technique. The second movement, however, is where many students fall in love. It’s a Rondo-Sonata form, full of lyrical charm and heartfelt emotion. The main theme keeps returning after each contrasting episode, making the structure easy to memorize. We help students to perfect the loud, fast moving chordal passages by analysing the chord progressions, and appropriate fingering to position the hand’s shape according to the chords, the gradation of tone such as ‘p-mp-mp-mf to f’ help to smoothen up those chordal passages. Other than that, following the melodic directions with the shoulder and arms movements are useful tips to produce these challenging passages with beautiful singing tone.
Its romantic and singing melody allows students to showcase expressiveness, tone control, and phrasing — all essential elements that examiners reward highly.
And since ARSM diploma piano exam recordings have a time limit, this two-movement work gives students more room to include another favourite Romantic piece in their 30-minute programme.
? 3. Brahms Intermezzo – The Romantic Touch
For her final piece, Siling chose a Brahms Intermezzo — a tender, introspective work that beautifully completes the Baroque-Classical-Romantic trio. This is also an all time favourite among all the ARSM diploma piano students.
After the technical precision of Beethoven, this Brahms piece offers a moment of relaxation. It’s written in ternary (ABA) form, so the first and last sections are almost identical — making it quick to learn and memorize.
The tempo is slow and flexible, allowing students to apply rubato and explore expressive freedom. Since the textures are thick but not overly complex, players can focus on tone balance and emotional depth rather than pure finger technique.
I often tell my students: this piece is like a “musical sigh” — calm, expressive, and the perfect way to conclude an ARSM diploma piano recording. Brahms wrote many big block chords in this Intermezzo, the chords require rich, warm tone which is required in German composer’s work, students are advice to position the fingers at the right place before striking the chords as each chord consists of 4 to 5 notes, the hand shape has to be changed and position accurately for each of the block chords.
? Why These Three Pieces Work So Well Together
Choosing Bach–Beethoven–Brahms creates a well-balanced programme that represents three musical eras — a key requirement for diploma success.
Some students worry that selecting “easy” pieces might cause examiners to lower their marks. But that’s a myth! As long as the repertoire is officially listed in the ARSM diploma piano syllabus and demonstrates contrasting styles, the examiner will not penalize the candidate for choosing technically lighter works.
In fact, playing easier pieces beautifully often leads to a higher musical mark — because candidates can focus on artistry, phrasing, and expressive control rather than struggling with over-difficult passages.
? Final Thoughts: Smart Choices Lead to Confident Playing
Siling’s ARSM diploma recording is a great example of how smart repertoire selection leads to success. Her programme — Bach BWV 850, Beethoven Op. 90, and Brahms Intermezzo — is musically balanced, emotionally engaging, and achievable for many intermediate-to-advanced pianists.
If you’re planning to take your ARSM Diploma Piano Exam, you don’t need to fear complex virtuosic pieces. What matters most is clarity, tone control, and emotional connection — the true signs of mature musicianship.
? Join My ARSM Diploma Piano Course
In my ARSM Diploma Piano Course, I’ll help you:
- Select the best-fit repertoire to match your strengths.
- Develop clear phrasing, expressive tone, and confident stage presence.
- Record your exam video professionally with guidance on lighting, camera angles, and sound balance.
- Understand examiner expectations and interpretive tips for each musical era.
Whether you’re preparing your first diploma or returning after a long break, this course will give you the structure and support you need to pass with confidence.
? Location: Singapore. 5, Dedap Link S809550
? Visit: www.wowpianowow.com
? Contact Jenny Soh for inquiries and registration, whatsapp 98256286
