Étude << AY tood or ay TOOD >> is a short musical composition written especially to enable students to practice a particular technique. Its purpose may be to strengthen certain fingers, to improve rhythm or accent, or to develop musical style.
The word étude is French and means a study. Études are also written as compositions to be played for their own beauty. Among the most beautiful études are those written for piano by the Polish-born composer Frédéric Chopin.
