Alfred’s Basic Piano Library: Recommended
October 31, 2008
Alfred’s Basic Piano Library is a leading piano book series for the beginning and intermediate piano student. Throughout each level a wonderful world of excitement is opened for piano students in their first years of study.
The Collection
Core Study
The Lesson Books are carefully designed to progress in a smooth and consistent manner. Supplemental books in the Alfred’s Basic Piano Library series are correlated with the core lesson books.
The Theory Books are filled with a wide selection of fun activities designed to reinforce the musical idea presented in the lesson books. They are clear, effective, and engaging for the young learner.
The Technic Books work to develop coordination of the hands. The exercises are short, with repetitive rhythms that make reading very easy.
Supplimental Study
The Recital Books include well-written solos which are perfect for recitals.
The Ear Training Books provide additional reinforcement through rhythmic, melodic and intervallic drills.
The Repertoire Books provide the piano student with popular works from the Baroque, Classical, Romantic and Modern eras.
Overview
Strengths: The series is well organized and the music generally well written.
Weaknesses: Some of the arrangements could be reworked to achieve a more pleasing sound.
Overall: Highly Recommended
Faber and Faber Piano Methods are Fantastic!
May 17, 2008
Faber and Faber Piano Adventures Series has set a high standard for piano methods. The arrangements are generally well written and the music selected for this series right on target, providing kids with resources that give them a desire to practice.
Below are a few examples of that series. Each one is sure to be a hit!
Piano Adventures Popular Repertoire, Level 2B
Piano Adventures Popular Repertoire, Level 2B contents include Ashokan Farewell, Ding-Dong!, The Witch Is Dead (from the Wizard of Oz), Don’t Cry for Me, Argentina, I Want to Hold Your Hand, The James Bond Theme, Linus and Lucy, Over the Rainbow (from The Wizard of Oz), and The River. The arrangements of the James Bond them and Linus and Lucy are reason enough to get the book. You can purchase this book at SheetMusicPlus.com.
PlayTime Piano Popular
Playtime Piano Popular is a great choice for the Level 2 student. All of the selections include a teacher accompaniment part that make it all the more exciting for the student once they have sufficiently practiced their part. The book includes This Land Is Your Land, Take Me Out to the Ball Game, I’d Like to Teach the World to Sing, Rocky Top, (Meet) The Flintstones, On the Good Ship Lollipop, Toyland, La Bamba, Star Wars (Main Theme), and Music Box Dancer. You can purchase this book at SheetMusicPlus.com.
PlayTime Piano More Popular
PlayTime Piano More Popular contents include The Ballad of Gilligan’s Isle, Chim Chim Cher-ee, The Dog Kids Love to Bite, The Green Mosquito, I’m Looking Over a Four Leaf Clover, Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head, Scooby Doo Main Title, A Spoonful of Sugar, Telstar, Tip-Toe Thru the Tulips with Me, You Light Up My Life, and You’re a Grand Old Flag. All arrangements are written for the Level 2 piano student, and include teacher accompaniment parts that make it all the more exciting for the student once they have sufficiently practiced their part. . You can purchase this book at SheetMusicPlus.com.
ShowTime Piano Favorites contains a collection of familiar melodies and folksongs. All arrangements are written for the Level 2 piano student. Contents include The Ash Grove, Bill Groggin’s Goat, Boom Boom (Ain’t it Great to be Crazy), The Centipede and the Frog, Five My Regards to Broadway, Go Tell Aunt Rhody, Irish Washerwoman, Lil Liza Jane, Michael Finnegan, Music Alone Shall Live, My Ma Gave Me a Nickel, Off to Bed Now, The Old Gray Mare, Old King Cole, Peter Peter, Shave and a Haircut, The Three Doughs. You can purchase this book at SheetMusicPlus.com.
ChordTime Piano Classics is best suited for the Level 3 student. Contents include arrangements of some of the great symphonic and operatic works. March Militaire, Trumpet Concerto Theme of Haydn, Surprise Symphony Theme, Trekpak from The Nutcracker, Largo from New World Symphony, Pizzicato Polka, Laughing Song from Die Fledermaus, Aria from Bach’s Peasant Cantata, The Little Man in the Woods from Hansel and Gretel, La Donna E Mobile from Rigoletto, Rage over the Lost Penny by Beethoven, Polovetzian Dance by Borodin, William Tell Overture, and Roses from the South. You can purchase this book at SheetMusicPlus.com.
Have Fun Practicing!
