My preferred method for teaching piano is the Faber Piano Adventures program. I really like the firm pedagogical standpoint it comes from... And my students like the fun illustrations, the theory books (I've never ONCE had a student complain about an activity in these books!), and the music that is actually EXCITING to play! Generally when I teach out of these books, I only use the Lesson, Theory and Technique books - not the Performance books. I'll explain that later...
For my younger students, I choose (without a doubt!) the Faber My First Piano Adventure books. These books have worked miracles with the many little ones that I've taught. When I teach out of this method, I do use both books (Lesson and Writing) as well as the CD, but I do not use a lot of supplementary activities. I find that I simply do not need them.
Now, all of that being said, I do have a student that is currently using the Alfred Basic Piano Library. I don't think that it's a bad piano method (it's the way I learned), but it certainly is not my favorite. When I teach out of these books, I only use the Lesson and Theory books (although I have been known to use only the Lesson book with this series, just writing out activities for the student to complete).
How do I make up for the missing books?
The short answer for the missing "Technic" book in the Alfred series is this: pentascales and chords. I truly feel that my students time is better spent learning and practicing their scales instead of the exercises provided.
As far as the performance books go, I choose to go without, because I would rather devote the time to supplementary material that meets the needs that each of my students have. Most often, I look for music that I can provide them with free of charge. Making Music Fun has tons of supplementary music that my students LOVE to play - mostly simplified classics. I also let them know that if they want to purchase any supplementary book that goes along with their level and method, I will gladly teach them to play it!
I must admit, I am somewhat non-adventurous when it comes to supplementary books, but I'm always looking for more! What elementary or early intermediate music do you use to supplement your lesson books?
3 comments:
Great thoughts, Rebecca! Do you subscribe to any of the new release clubs? That's a great way to try out new supplemental materials. I currently just subscribe to the FJH New Release club, but I know several of the other publishers have them as well. Might be a way to edge toward the more adventurous side of trying supplementary materials! :-)
Making Music Fun is such a great site! Thanks for introducing me to it.
I also am a fan of the Piano Adventure series. I find that the pieces are very imaginative and lend themselves well towards a future in classical or church music (or both). I usually use the Lesson and the Performance books, and substitute the Theory books with Kjos' "Fundamentals in Piano Theory." They are a good price for the size of the book. To supplement these books, I usually choose a book of hymn arrangements and/or classical pieces. Of course, it's a little different for each student, but that's my general course of things. =] I enjoyed visiting your blog!
-- Joy M. | colorinmypiano.com
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