The is more than a sequence of notes. It is a lesson in musical humor, a clinic on rhythmic sharpness, and a love letter to the lighter side of modernism. Madeleine Dring proved that a study doesn’t have to be a chore—it can be a joke shared between the composer and the performer, with the audience laughing last.
Students who hate Hanon love Dring. Adults returning to the piano after a 20-year break find the Scherzando approachable yet challenging. Furthermore, the rise of "piano influencers" on YouTube and TikTok has revived interest in obscure 20th-century character pieces—and Dring’s Scherzando, with its quirky jumps and percussive charm, is a viral hit waiting to happen.
Yes—it appears frequently on and Trinity College London syllabi (typically around Grade 7–8 level). However, its utility extends far beyond the exam hall. dring scherzando -from 12 pieces in the form of studies-
The keyword scherzando (Italian for "playfully" or "jokingly") is the instruction for one of the most beloved studies in the set. The is typically listed as No. 5 or No. 6 depending on the edition, but its identity is unmistakable.
In a world of heavy, serious repertoire, Madeline Dring’s music reminds us that technical development can—and should—be a joyful experience. The Scherzando remains a testament to her ability to turn a "study" into a genuine work of art. The is more than a sequence of notes
Published in the 1960s (by Elkin & Co., now part of Faber Music), this collection is frequently categorized as "student repertoire," but that label is misleading. These are not dry, mechanical Czerny exercises. Each of the twelve pieces targets a specific technical problem while masquerading as a character piece.
The Jewel in the Crown: Exploring Denis Bloodnok’s ‘Dring Scherzando’ from 12 Pieces in the Form of Studies Students who hate Hanon love Dring
Decades after its publication, the remains a staple in the British piano teaching tradition. It endures because it solves a unique problem in piano pedagogy: How to make technical work fun.