Cinderella

John Farmer of Balliol College

RomanticObscureromanceC majorAllegretto4/4~3 min

About this piece

John Farmer was a significant music educator whose piano pieces emphasize accessible, clear structures. This particular Cinderella piece features straightforward phrasing suitable for young students.

What makes it challenging

At Henle 3 this is a late-beginner piece — comfortable hands-together playing is assumed, and musical shaping starts to matter. The main demands: precise articulation — the difference between crisp and blurred is the piece, and a left hand with real melodic or rhythmic responsibility of its own.

Teacher notes

Attention to clear, detached articulation in the right hand is the main focus.

Technical focus

articulationleft-hand-independence

Mood

playfulnarrative

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Free sheet music on IMSLP

What to play around Cinderella

Similar to Cinderella

Comparable difficulty and character — good candidates for what to learn next.

Easier, same character

A level or two down with the same spirit — ideal if this piece is still out of reach.

The next step up

Where this piece's skills lead: slightly harder works making similar technical demands.

Browse all Henle level 3 pieces (Late beginner) →

Frequently asked questions

How hard is Cinderella by John Farmer of Balliol College?

Cinderella is rated Henle level 3 of 9 — late beginner repertoire, roughly ABRSM grades 4–5. In the RCM system it corresponds to about level 3.

What level do I need to play Cinderella?

You should be comfortable at Henle level 3 — meaning you can already play level 2–3 pieces cleanly. Learning it one level early is possible as a stretch piece, but more than that usually leads to months of frustration.

How long is Cinderella?

A typical performance of Cinderella lasts about 3 minutes.

Where can I get free sheet music for Cinderella?

Cinderella is available as free public-domain sheet music on IMSLP — the score is linked directly from this page.

What pieces are similar to Cinderella?

Pieces at a comparable difficulty and character include (I’m Spending) Hanukkah in Santa Monica by Tom Lehrer, Bolero by César Antonovich Cui, Bolero by César Cui — see the full similar-pieces list on this page.