Customer Reviews

John Thompson's Easiest Piano Course - Part 2 - Book Only

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
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It's my business to know what works because I'm a full time professor of piano both at university level and in the private sector. The John Thompson series has always been one of the best traditional learning method books for students who wish to learn how to play piano (or keyboard). This book is part of the "easiest series" which was originally published by Willis back in 1945. This series is not the original "Teaching Little Fingers To Play"-- I call it the "red book" series simply because all the covers to each grade level are red in colour. The red book series was Thompson's first piano method published in 1931. In fact, I still have my original "Teaching Little Fingers" book from when I started at age 5. The important fact to remember about the "Easiest" series is it's purpose. It was designed for persons who have had difficulty with John Thompson's "Teaching Little Fingers to Play" (which is the primer which leads to "Grade One, Grade Two" and so on. You will find this "Easiest" series the continuation of the John Thompson Easiest Piano Course, Part One. And, like "Part One" it progresses at a slower rate . I use this series for very young students, ages 4 to perhaps 6/7.

One final thought: None of the John Thompson piano courses were designed to be "self teaching" methods. And, no matter what any teacher tells you, there is NO piano course which can be used as a "stand alone" curriculum. This includes publishers like Bastien, Faber and Faber, and others. Fortunately, any of the John Thompson method books far surpass the others. One caveat: If you want to learn pop music or to play using chords, I would recommend "The Older Beginner Piano Course" by Bastien. However, if you want to learn traditional classical (so called "serious" music), than this book would be a good choice (although I would try the "Teaching Little Fingers to Play" Thompson book first. It progresses a bit faster but is just a little more difficult). Please visit my website for more information and FREE downloads like chord charts and Circle of Keys, and much more. Go to: http://kenmahood.com/ .......and don't forget to practice! :)

The John Thompson beginning piano series has always been a good instructional tool. This is very basic and a little slower pace for young students. I personally prefer to teach with the "red" John Thompson beginning series book for interest and pacing, as well as the Lelia Fletcher beginning piano book. You can't really go wrong with John Thompson, but it helps to utilize a variety of beginning level books to keep students interest.

Love John Thompsons books! They are the best! I cant believe how fast my daughter is learning to play piano. Highly recommend this series!

I usually have my piano students begin this book after completing Part 1 of this series. This is the ideal book to have students go through before having them begin John Thompson Grade 1. I do wish, however, that more practice can be given on certain concepts before going to a new one.

My daughter is learning piano lessons from me, so I purchased the same series that I learned from many years ago. The only thing that has changed is that the little "gnomes" have changed to colorful little monster-types, which my little girl likes. The same great songs and easy-to-learn notes and worksheets that I grew up with and have taught to others over the years. Still the best piano course for beginners!

Good & easy for kids to start learning piano! I received it (the book) on time good condation.

it is a great course. Thanks

I bought this book for my 11 year old nephew who worked through it in a day. He loved it and found it be very simple to read and follow. He was playing most of the songs within a few days. He is now ready for another book. The diagrams and notes in the book make it easy to follow and it really boosted his confidence that he can play the piano! I have never gone wrong with John Thompson products.

I used to teach Piano based on this book. Now many years after still is a great book for the kids to start with. I highly recommand it!

I started learning to play the piano with "John Thompson's Easiest Piano Course series" about 20 years ago; it provided me with all the necessary instructions and practices I needed in order to gain the basic background knowledge and grow love for music. Now, as a teacher, I continue to use these books when teaching my beginner-students. The illustrations create interest and motivate students to continue learning and playing. All pieces are fun to play as they provide all necessary tools students need to advance.

I love this series and it really has taught my little kids how to play.