Abstract: The subject of this research is the Russian piano miniature of the XIX – early XX centuries viewed in its amateur segment. The originality of pieces consists in the distinctive interpretation within the national musical environment of Biedermeier traditions that found their reflection in the themes and genres of piano oeuvres of small forms. Attention is also paid to the musical dilettantism as a specific phenomenon of Russian culture prevalent throughout the indicated timeframe. The works of dilettante composers, diverse in its essence, on one hand, refer to the constant elements of culture. However, it can serve as a forerunner of new trends, including in the genre field, that vividly demonstrates the earlier manifestation of the “European ragtime” within the amateur environment. The theme of piano pieces, popular Amateur practice[WU1] , demonstrates the ability[WU2]  of miniature to become a distinct “chronicle of the era”, capturing multiple significant events of modernity within its panorama. The following conclusions were made: the traditions of piano music-making in many ways are associated with the Biedermeier art; the dilettante composers who create an entire cluster of pieces of different genres and themes, play a noticeable role in the Russian piano culture at the turn of centuries; piano miniature in its amateur segment not only serves as a source of lyrical expressions, but also represents a distinct “chronicle of time” reflecting the most crucial events of modern times; miniature  as the most communicative genre of music art plays an important role in formation of the national cultural traditions.