Damase's first collection of etudes. He subsequently composed two etudes for piano, two for harp, and twelve collections of etudes for wind instruments such as flute and trumpet. It is remarkable that Damase, who himself was active as a pianist for many years, composed so many etude collections for instruments other than the piano. Although 8 Etudes aims at the mastery of idiomatic passages, it is no different from Damase's other works in its skillful modulations and rhythmic shifts, and its abundance of light and refreshing lyricism.

Etude No. 1: Allegro

A four-note figure consisting of sixteenth notes, including 2nds, 3rds, and 4ths, is repeated. In the middle section, the right hand sings a melody with ornaments in a soaring manner.

Etude No. 2: Allegretto

Embroidered figures forming the melody appear continuously. It is characterized by the contrast between legato and staccato, and the alternation between 8/16 and 5/16 time signatures.

Etude No. 3: Vivace

Initially chords, then various figures, interweave between both hands like a patchwork. One must accurately differentiate between sections dominated by linear textures and those by harmony.

Etude No. 4: Scherzando

An exercise in quintuplets combining repeated notes and octave leaps. Other techniques required include left-hand quintuplets solely of repeated notes, and bringing out the melody while playing trills with both hands.

Etude No. 5: Allegro deciso

Primarily features rapid repetitions of triads. Midway, the left hand plays repeated harmonic notes staccato while performing stepwise motion in the outer voice.

Etude No. 6: Andantino

A melody tinged with faint melancholy is embellished by rapid 32nd-note figures including 3rds and 4ths. This is a glissando-like figure favored by Damase.

Etude No. 7: Allegro vivo

Figures consisting of several notes in 3rds, 4ths, and 6ths are played alternately by both hands. Short chromatic figures and successions of octaves in the right hand are also interspersed.

Etude No. 8: Presto

Chromatic ascending and descending figures sweep across both hands like a glissando. Midway, it shifts to 3/4 time, and a slightly more relaxed melody is played against a background of continuous 2nd-interval figures.