Children's Lessons
Suzuki Method-
The Suzuki method (スズキ・メソード Suzuki mesōdo?, also called Talent Education, mother-tongue method, or Suzuki movement) is an educational philosophy which strives to create "high ability" and beautiful character in its students through a nurturing environment. Its primary vehicle for achieving this is music education on a specific instrument (often violin or piano, but see below for a more complete list). The 'nurture' involved in the movement is modeled on a concept of early childhood education that focuses on factors which Shinichi Suzuki observed in native language acquisition, such as immersion, encouragement, small steps, and an unforced timetable for learning material based on each person's developmental readiness to imitate examples, internalize principles, and contribute novel ideas. The term "Suzuki method" is also sometimes used to refer solely to the Suzuki repertoire of sheet music books and/or audio recordings which have been published as part of its music education method.
Alfred's Piano Method-
This easy step-by-step method emphasizes correct playing habits and note reading through interval recognition. Lesson Book 1B begins by reviewing the concepts taught in Lesson Book 1A, then introduces new concepts such as incomplete measures, tempo markings, eighth notes and rests, using the damper pedal, half steps and whole steps. It also introduces the major scale through the concept of tetrachords.
Bastien's Piano Method-
The Bastien Piano Method uses a multi-key approach in teaching children to play the piano. The Piano Basics Primer is suitable for kids. Original music pieces are studied in varying music styles such as pop and classical. All the books in the Bastien Piano Basics are correlated and presents lessons in Music Theory, Technic and Performance in a logical sequence. The pages are fully illustrated and colorful that will both attract and inspire young pianists.
Hal Leonard Piano Method-
The book begins by introducing finger numbers, the white and black keys and simple rhythm patterns. After finger numbers, the child goes on to note names and moves on to intervals. Piano learners are introduced to the grand staff, the bass and treble clefs and reading by interval. The pages are fully illustrated and colorful, has guide illustrations for correct finger placement and large notes for easier reading.
Faber's Piano Method-
The books by Nancy and Randall Faber are a popular and heavily promoted piano "method" with many adherents. Each page of the books embodies delightful graphics and is cross-referenced to other books in the series along the outer edge of each page. There are good practice suggestions given for most of the materials such as counting aloud and holding the hands in a rounded position on the piano.
Piano Adventures Method-
Begins by introducing the keyboard, locating the Middle C, note values, note names and the grand staff. There is emphasis on musicianship by teaching the proper way to sit, correct finger placement and the use of the pedal.The lessons are presented in a sequential manner and has reviews for skills already learned.
Adult Lessons
Alfred's Piano Method-
This book is specifically designed with the adult beginner in mind. It teaches all the basics from how to read notes to how to form chords. The lessons are paced nicely, not too much or too little information, and it proceeds from one lesson to the next in an organized and logical manner.
The first half of the book tackles the basics each beginning student needs to know such as proper sitting position, the letter names of the piano keys, hand positions and note values. The lessons then proceed to the grand staff, melodic and harmonic intervals, signs and symbols used in music such as the time signature. Aside from learning how to read notes, the student will also learn how to form and play chords in different keys.
What I really love about this book is that in each lesson you are given a music piece to learn thus reinforcing the lessons you just learned. Plus the music selections are fun to play and most of it are quite familiar. Another good point about this book is that the illustrations are clearly labeled and easily understandable. Also, the notes are easy to read as it is not too small and the important points a student should keep note of are shaded in pink for quick reference. At the end of the book you will be playing a nice arrangement of "The Entertainer" and "Amazing Grace" and you will be ready for other level 1 books in the Alfred Piano Series.
Bastien's Piano Method-
To teach piano basics, the Bastiens have created a new, rich course designed specifically for adult beginners. Bastien Piano for Adults is a welcome addition to the best-selling collection of Bastien methods and supplementary materials. Lessons, theory, technic, and sight reading are combined in one easy-to-use book. The series is gradually paced to ensure student confidence and success. The variety of music, custom selected for adults, includes famous classic themes, folk songs, spirituals, ragtime, blues, boogie, jazz, and Bastien originals that teach the basics in a straightforward, yet innovative manner.
Hal Leonard's Piano Method-
The first few pages of the book is devoted to acquainting the student with the keyboard, locating Middle C, learning the musical alphabet and the staff. After that the student is immediately introduced to a simple five finger arrangement to play. The lessons progress in the same manner of introducing a basic musical concept and then connecting it to a music piece where the student can practice the concepts just learned.
What I like about this book is that it has review questions and quizzes in between lessons. Aside from teaching how to read notes, the book also touches upon chord accompaniment. The book contains a chord chart and a glossary of music terms as well.
What makes this book different however is that towards the end, it contains two different arrangements of a particular song. They call it the Easy Beginner and the Easy Pro. In theEasy Beginner, the music pieces contain chords, tabs and the notes are indicated with their respective letter names. On the Easy Pro, the music pieces are a little harder, it has chord notation and not all the notes are indicated with letters. The music pieces increase in difficulty with a beautiful arrangement of "Skater's Waltz" at the end.
Faber's Piano Method
Adult Piano Adventures® is a comprehensive course in reading, playing, and listening to music. With its logical and effective approach to note-reading, Book One gives you the basic skills to play hundreds of melodies by the completion of the book.
The enjoyment of familiar songs is a hallmark of Piano Adventures®. You will find world-famous classic and popular melodies, as well as folk songs from around the world, jazz and blues favorites, and beloved spirituals. You will learn to play chords and gain an understanding of basic harmony while developing reading skills.
This series includes lessons, technique, and theory together in each volume for ease of use. Each unit includes a “3-Minute Technique” page to develop finger dexterity and a “Music Theory” page to develop understanding of rhythm and harmony. Though study with an experienced piano teacher is recommended, adults interested in beginning on their own will also find these books invaluable.
