Pianists' exercises (6)
I believe the answer is:
etudes
'pianists' exercises' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
This is the entire clue.
(Other definitions for etudes that I've seen before include "Short pieces for solo instruments to show talent" , "Musical studies" , "Short compositions for solo instruments" , "Set due in short musical compositions" , "Musical compositions (French)" .)