Key Skills 2026 is now on sale, with three live workshop options available this August in Thurles, Galway and Dublin, alongside a recorded REPLAY option available from mid-September.
Designed for piano teachers and those preparing students for RIAM exams, Key Skills 2026 will present the new 2027 piano albums for Lower Grades and Higher Grades, launching the new four-year cycle for 2027 to 2030.
Each live workshop will take place as a one-day event from 10.00am to 5.00pm, with grades from Elementary to Grade VIII covered in progressive order. Across the day, participants will hear the new 2027 Piano Album repertoire performed and discussed in detail, with a focus on the technical and musical aspects most likely to challenge students.
Live workshop options
Bookings are now open for:
Thurles, 23 August 2026
Ursuline Convent, St Angela’s, Thurles, Co. Tipperary
Galway, 23 August 2026
St Patrick’s Band Society Hall, Fairgreen Road, Galway, H91 KT68
Dublin, 30 August 2026
Vernon Studio, Royal Irish Academy of Music, Dublin
The fee for each live workshop is €165.
REPLAY option
For those who cannot attend in person, Key Skills 2026 REPLAY will be available from approximately mid-September. This on-demand option will feature a recorded version of the Dublin workshop, giving teachers the flexibility to engage with the content online after the live events have taken place and the recording has been prepared for upload.
Course handbook
All live workshop participants will receive a Key Skills handbook in person on the day of their workshop. REPLAY participants will receive a handbook by post, with postage included in the booking fee.
The handbook includes annotated scores and teaching notes for all pieces from the new 2027 Piano Albums, from Elementary to Grade VIII.
What the workshop covers
Topics include:
- recognising and conveying the style and character of each piece
- practical teaching and practice methods to address common challenges
- the finishing touches that help elevate an Honours performance to Distinction level
- preparing students for exam day
Workshop leaders
Key Skills 2026 will be led by Réamonn Keary and Lorna Horan, two highly respected figures in piano pedagogy and RIAM’s exam system.
Réamonn Keary is a Professor and former Head of Keyboard at RIAM, widely known for his expertise in piano teaching, performance and adjudication. Lorna Horan is Chief Examiner (Music) for the RIAM Exam System and has played a central role in the selection, editing and recording of RIAM piano and aural materials.
With strong interest expected, early booking is advised. Explore the live workshop options or choose the REPLAY format to access expert guidance on the new 2027 piano albums and prepare for the next exam cycle with confidence.