Digital Piano No.3

Stephen W. BeattyOp.702

ModernObscureprelude4/4~3 min

About this piece

This piece uses sparse textures and methodical rhythmic placement to evoke a digital aesthetic. It is musically distinctive for its avoidance of traditional Romantic melodicism.

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: a left hand with real melodic or rhythmic responsibility of its own; precise articulation — the difference between crisp and blurred is the piece; and continuous sixteenth-note figuration that must ripple, not chatter.

Teacher notes

Maintaining a steady, metronomic pulse is the core challenge.

Technical focus

left-hand-independencearticulationflowing-sixteenths

Mood

elegantprecise

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Free sheet music on IMSLP

What to play around Digital Piano No.3

Similar to Digital Piano No.3

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.

More Stephen W. Beatty, off the beaten path

Lesser-known works by the same hand, at a comparable level.

Browse all Henle level 3 pieces (Late beginner) →

Frequently asked questions

How hard is Digital Piano No.3 (Op.702) by Stephen W. Beatty?

Digital Piano No.3 (Op.702) is rated Henle level 3 of 9 — late beginner repertoire, roughly ABRSM grades 4–5. In the RCM system it corresponds to about level 4.

What level do I need to play Digital Piano No.3?

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 Digital Piano No.3?

A typical performance of Digital Piano No.3 (Op.702) lasts about 3 minutes.

Where can I get free sheet music for Digital Piano No.3?

Digital Piano No.3 (Op.702) is available as free public-domain sheet music on IMSLP — the score is linked directly from this page.

What pieces are similar to Digital Piano No.3?

Pieces at a comparable difficulty and character include 220 Nocturne for Piano No.10 by Stephen W. Beatty, Digital Piano No.4 by Stephen W. Beatty, 1155 Piano Excursions by Stephen W. Beatty — see the full similar-pieces list on this page.