PIANO TEACHING
METHOD BOOKS
COMPLETE STUDY GUIDE
,Title: Methods of Piano: Exploring Techniques, Approaches, and Popular Learning Resources
Introduction:
The piano is a versatile and captivating musical instrument that has enthralled musicians and music
enthusiasts for centuries. To master this beautiful instrument, aspiring pianists often rely on various
methods of piano instruction. These methods provide structured approaches to learning, allowing
individuals to acquire the necessary skills and techniques to play the piano proficiently. In this essay, we
will explore the definition of piano methods, their purpose, and delve into a list of ten popular methods
widely used by piano learners around the world.
Definition and Purpose of Piano Methods:
Piano methods can be described as systematic approaches or instructional resources designed to guide
individuals in learning how to play the piano. They provide a comprehensive framework that covers
various aspects of piano playing, including music theory, technique, sight-reading, and interpretation.
These methods serve as roadmaps for learners, offering a structured progression that begins with the
basics and gradually advances to more complex concepts and repertoire.
The purpose of piano methods is to provide learners with a solid foundation in piano playing and
musical understanding. They offer a step-by-step approach, ensuring that learners develop proper
technique and acquire essential skills in a logical and organized manner. Piano methods also introduce
learners to a wide range of musical styles, composers, and repertoire, enabling them to explore and
appreciate different genres of piano music.
Popular Piano Methods:
Bastien Piano Basics: Developed by James Bastien, this method focuses on building a solid foundation in
piano playing through a series of graded books. It emphasizes technique, theory, and performance,
making it suitable for beginners of all ages.
Alfred's Basic Piano Library: This widely acclaimed method by Willard A. Palmer, Morton Manus, and
Amanda Vick Lethco offers a comprehensive approach to piano instruction. It integrates technique,
theory, and repertoire, catering to learners of various ages and skill levels.
Suzuki Piano School: Based on the renowned Suzuki method, this approach emphasizes ear training,
memorization, and learning by rote. It encourages young learners to develop musicality and expressive
playing from the early stages of their piano journey.
,Faber Piano Adventures: Created by Nancy and Randall Faber, this method combines a playful and
imaginative approach with solid pedagogy. It incorporates technique, theory, sight-reading, and
performance, providing a well-rounded learning experience.
The Russian School of Piano Playing: Developed by Heinrich Neuhaus and influenced by the Russian
tradition, this method focuses on developing a rich tone, expressive playing, and artistic interpretation.
It is highly regarded for its emphasis on musicality and phrasing.
Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM): A widely recognized method originating in Canada, the RCM
curriculum offers a comprehensive framework for piano learning. It encompasses technique, theory, ear
training, sight-reading, and repertoire, and provides graded examinations for learners to track their
progress.
Jazz Piano: Jazz piano methods cater to those interested in exploring the rich world of jazz improvisation
and harmony. Popular jazz piano methods include "The Jazz Piano Book" by Mark Levine and "The Jazz
Theory Book" by Mark Levine.
Hanon Exercises: Designed by Charles-Louis Hanon, these exercises aim to improve finger dexterity,
strength, and independence. Hanon exercises are widely used by pianists to develop technical
proficiency.
The Taubman Approach: Developed by Dorothy Taubman, this method focuses on optimal piano
technique and injury prevention. It emphasizes natural and efficient movements, enabling pianists to
play with ease and expressiveness.
Czerny's School of Velocity: Composed by Carl Czerny, this method focuses on developing speed, agility,
and finger strength. It consists of a series of progressive exercises that challenge technical skills and
serve as valuable preparation for more demanding repertoire.
Conclusion:
Methods of piano instruction play a vital role in the development of pianists of all levels. They offer
structured approaches to learning, guiding individuals through the essentials of piano technique, theory,
and repertoire. From classical to jazz, these methods cater to a wide range of musical preferences and
goals. Whether you are a beginner starting your piano journey or an advanced player looking to refine
your skills, exploring and utilizing these popular methods can provide you with a solid foundation and a
pathway to musical excellence
, I have to start teaching a 8 year old piano lessons. What factors are important to look when I have to
decide which method book to choose. What are the various factors that a method book should consist
of to be successful and effective.
KID’S PIANO BOOKS
Whether your child is working with a piano teacher, you’re teaching piano to your child
as a parent, or your child is looking to explore the piano independently, one of the first
questions that often comes up is what books or materials to buy to facilitate the learning
process. Piano Pedagogy has come a long way over the years. Today, there are many
different choices when it comes to books that a child might use to learn to play the piano
PIANO METHODS
What is a Piano Method?
The term “Method” or “Piano Method” is often used to refer to a book or series of books
that guides a student through the early stages of learning to play the piano. A Piano
Method usually covers the most basic and important aspects of learning to play the piano,
such as learning the notes on the keyboard, reading music (learning the notes on the
staff), and the basics of technique (posture, hand shape, etc.). As a Method progresses, it
will also usually introduce the student to the basics of other important concepts such as
dynamics, articulation, and important notation symbols and markings.
Faber Piano Method
Faber - Piano Adventures (Ages 7 - 11)
The Faber Piano Adventures series is one of the most popular piano methods right now
for teaching children ages seven to eleven years of age. The main books in this series are
the Lesson Books, which take a student through a progressive path of practice material.
This series was written by Nancy and Randall Faber.
There are currently 8 Lesson Books in total, including the following:
METHOD BOOKS
COMPLETE STUDY GUIDE
,Title: Methods of Piano: Exploring Techniques, Approaches, and Popular Learning Resources
Introduction:
The piano is a versatile and captivating musical instrument that has enthralled musicians and music
enthusiasts for centuries. To master this beautiful instrument, aspiring pianists often rely on various
methods of piano instruction. These methods provide structured approaches to learning, allowing
individuals to acquire the necessary skills and techniques to play the piano proficiently. In this essay, we
will explore the definition of piano methods, their purpose, and delve into a list of ten popular methods
widely used by piano learners around the world.
Definition and Purpose of Piano Methods:
Piano methods can be described as systematic approaches or instructional resources designed to guide
individuals in learning how to play the piano. They provide a comprehensive framework that covers
various aspects of piano playing, including music theory, technique, sight-reading, and interpretation.
These methods serve as roadmaps for learners, offering a structured progression that begins with the
basics and gradually advances to more complex concepts and repertoire.
The purpose of piano methods is to provide learners with a solid foundation in piano playing and
musical understanding. They offer a step-by-step approach, ensuring that learners develop proper
technique and acquire essential skills in a logical and organized manner. Piano methods also introduce
learners to a wide range of musical styles, composers, and repertoire, enabling them to explore and
appreciate different genres of piano music.
Popular Piano Methods:
Bastien Piano Basics: Developed by James Bastien, this method focuses on building a solid foundation in
piano playing through a series of graded books. It emphasizes technique, theory, and performance,
making it suitable for beginners of all ages.
Alfred's Basic Piano Library: This widely acclaimed method by Willard A. Palmer, Morton Manus, and
Amanda Vick Lethco offers a comprehensive approach to piano instruction. It integrates technique,
theory, and repertoire, catering to learners of various ages and skill levels.
Suzuki Piano School: Based on the renowned Suzuki method, this approach emphasizes ear training,
memorization, and learning by rote. It encourages young learners to develop musicality and expressive
playing from the early stages of their piano journey.
,Faber Piano Adventures: Created by Nancy and Randall Faber, this method combines a playful and
imaginative approach with solid pedagogy. It incorporates technique, theory, sight-reading, and
performance, providing a well-rounded learning experience.
The Russian School of Piano Playing: Developed by Heinrich Neuhaus and influenced by the Russian
tradition, this method focuses on developing a rich tone, expressive playing, and artistic interpretation.
It is highly regarded for its emphasis on musicality and phrasing.
Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM): A widely recognized method originating in Canada, the RCM
curriculum offers a comprehensive framework for piano learning. It encompasses technique, theory, ear
training, sight-reading, and repertoire, and provides graded examinations for learners to track their
progress.
Jazz Piano: Jazz piano methods cater to those interested in exploring the rich world of jazz improvisation
and harmony. Popular jazz piano methods include "The Jazz Piano Book" by Mark Levine and "The Jazz
Theory Book" by Mark Levine.
Hanon Exercises: Designed by Charles-Louis Hanon, these exercises aim to improve finger dexterity,
strength, and independence. Hanon exercises are widely used by pianists to develop technical
proficiency.
The Taubman Approach: Developed by Dorothy Taubman, this method focuses on optimal piano
technique and injury prevention. It emphasizes natural and efficient movements, enabling pianists to
play with ease and expressiveness.
Czerny's School of Velocity: Composed by Carl Czerny, this method focuses on developing speed, agility,
and finger strength. It consists of a series of progressive exercises that challenge technical skills and
serve as valuable preparation for more demanding repertoire.
Conclusion:
Methods of piano instruction play a vital role in the development of pianists of all levels. They offer
structured approaches to learning, guiding individuals through the essentials of piano technique, theory,
and repertoire. From classical to jazz, these methods cater to a wide range of musical preferences and
goals. Whether you are a beginner starting your piano journey or an advanced player looking to refine
your skills, exploring and utilizing these popular methods can provide you with a solid foundation and a
pathway to musical excellence
, I have to start teaching a 8 year old piano lessons. What factors are important to look when I have to
decide which method book to choose. What are the various factors that a method book should consist
of to be successful and effective.
KID’S PIANO BOOKS
Whether your child is working with a piano teacher, you’re teaching piano to your child
as a parent, or your child is looking to explore the piano independently, one of the first
questions that often comes up is what books or materials to buy to facilitate the learning
process. Piano Pedagogy has come a long way over the years. Today, there are many
different choices when it comes to books that a child might use to learn to play the piano
PIANO METHODS
What is a Piano Method?
The term “Method” or “Piano Method” is often used to refer to a book or series of books
that guides a student through the early stages of learning to play the piano. A Piano
Method usually covers the most basic and important aspects of learning to play the piano,
such as learning the notes on the keyboard, reading music (learning the notes on the
staff), and the basics of technique (posture, hand shape, etc.). As a Method progresses, it
will also usually introduce the student to the basics of other important concepts such as
dynamics, articulation, and important notation symbols and markings.
Faber Piano Method
Faber - Piano Adventures (Ages 7 - 11)
The Faber Piano Adventures series is one of the most popular piano methods right now
for teaching children ages seven to eleven years of age. The main books in this series are
the Lesson Books, which take a student through a progressive path of practice material.
This series was written by Nancy and Randall Faber.
There are currently 8 Lesson Books in total, including the following:
