You can now browse MyMusicScores by level
Posted by Paul Wood on 29th May 2026
Finding music at the right level for a student is one of those tasks that sounds simple and usually isn't. You know roughly where you need to be (something around Grade 4, or a solid Grade 6 piece for an ensemble) but without a reliable reference point built into a catalogue, you end up opening PDFs, watching previews, and second-guessing yourself. That's time most teachers can't afford.
I've spent the last few months grading every piece in the MMS catalogue and building a new set of browse categories to make that search much faster. You can now filter the catalogue by level and go straight to repertoire that sits in the right range.
How to use this (quick guide)
- Choose a level (Beginner → Professional)
- Filter by instrument
- Use the full video preview on each product page to confirm the fit for your student or ensemble
Why I’ve used these level bands (and not a dozen micro-grades)
I’m based in the UK and was trained in the graded-exam world used by UK exam boards (including ABRSM, Trinity College London, Victoria College Examinations, and MTB Exams (Music Teachers’ Board)), so that’s the reference point I naturally work from. I’m also fully aware that many teachers and players use other systems, and that equivalencies are never perfect across countries, exam boards, and teaching traditions.
That’s why I’ve grouped the catalogue into five broad, practical bands: Beginner (Grades 1-2), Early intermediate (3-4), Intermediate (5-6), Advanced (7-8), and Professional (Diploma level). This helps you narrow the search quickly, without me pretending I can micromanage the exact level of every single piece for every context.
The real strength of the site is that every score includes a full video playback, so you can see and hear the complete piece before you buy, and decide with confidence whether it’s the right fit.
What these levels feel like technically (very approximate)
If you are curious, here is a rough sense of the technique involved at each level.
Every student develops differently, and repertoire varies hugely by style and tempo, so treat these as broad indicators rather than rules. When in doubt, the full video preview is the final check.
- Beginner (Grades 1-2): First position focus, simple keys, straightforward rhythms, no shifting, basic bow control and tone production.
- Early intermediate (Grades 3-4): More reliable intonation, broader bow strokes, simple articulation, more rhythmic variety, early shifting and more confident string crossings.
- Intermediate (Grades 5-6): Regular shifting, more demanding coordination, faster passagework, more varied bowings, more expressive phrasing, and stronger ensemble awareness.
- Advanced (Grades 7-8): Consistent control in higher positions, more complex bow technique, stamina, musical maturity, and the ability to prepare and perform longer works confidently.
- Professional (Diploma level): Conservatoire-level refinement to professional level.
Grading my own catalogue is something I've thought carefully about. I spent several years working with Trinity College London, including time as their Business Development Officer for Scotland, and more recently I co-arranged nineteen pieces for Trinity's new violin syllabus with my Stringtastic co-author Mark Wilson. That experience taught me a lot about how grade criteria work in practice, which is often rather different from how they look on paper. These five levels reflect that practical experience.
Six pieces to start with
Here are six pieces from across the catalogue to give you a sense of how the levels work in real terms.
Kuchler Concertino in D Op. 15 for Violin and String Orchestra - Grade 3 (early intermediate)
A well-established teaching piece at this level, and one that works particularly well in a school ensemble setting. The solo part gives a Grade 3 violinist something to get their teeth into without overreaching.
Rieding Rondo Op. 22 No. 3 for Violin and Piano - Grade 4 (early intermediate)
One of Rieding's more satisfying rondos for this stage. There's enough musical substance to make it worth learning, and it sits comfortably in the repertoire for a student preparing for a school concert or festival.
Marie: La Cinquantaine for Cello and String Orchestra - Grade 5 (intermediate)
A well-known piece that suits this level well on cello. The string orchestra version has a fuller sound than the piano accompaniment version, which makes it a better choice if you're looking for something with ensemble appeal.
Eccles Sonata in G minor for Viola and String Orchestra - Grade 6 (intermediate)
Henry Eccles's Sonata is one of the more substantial pieces at this level for viola. This arrangement places the viola in a string orchestra setting, which works well for youth orchestras or chamber ensembles looking for a featured soloist.
Potstock: Souvenir de Sarasate Op. 15 for Violin and String Orchestra - Grade 7 (advanced)
A piece with real character for a student moving into the upper grades. The solo writing has presence and the string orchestra accompaniment gives it the weight it needs.
- Link: Browse advanced violin →
Bruch: Kol Nidrei for Cello and String Orchestra - Professional
One of the best-loved pieces in the cello repertoire. This arrangement is for professional or diploma-level players and ensembles, and gives a string orchestra the full weight of Bruch's original.
A word on grading
Grade equivalencies are never exact, and teachers will sometimes disagree about where a particular piece sits. That's the nature of grading, and I'd rather be honest about it than pretend there's a perfect system.
Every score on MyMusicScores includes a full video preview, so you can watch and listen to the complete piece before you buy and decide for yourself whether it's the right fit. If you're still not sure, get in touch.