Customer Reviews

Modern Course for the Piano Grade 2

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The John Thompson's Modern Course For the Piano, graded 1-5 are excellent for the student. I have started teaching piano after many years away from the instrument. When I stopped playing, I was in my teens, having accomplished advanced works by Chopin, Beethoven, Clementi and other great classical composers. Going back to my beginnings and having to teach elementary students, I remembered the John Thompson series of books. I was frustrated to see what was on the market for teaching beginners. I got a copy of the The First Grade Book by John Thompson and very honestly have not seen such tuneful pieces available by any other author of sheet music. These pieces are not only tuneful, but they take the student through theory, syncopation and other challenging advancements, such as the "tie" , key signature changes and introduction to the various scales in such a way that the student is not overwhelmed. Sensitivity is also addressed with discussion of tone coloring, "roll-drop" techniques, legato and staccato, "making the phrases breathe", etc. These concepts are explained in detail before the piece is started. There are recital pieces introduced after concepts are mastered throughout the books. I want to recommend the series, as old as it is (copyright 1937). I think it is a good foundation for later study into the classical music literature.

This a great piano book with classic, fun music pieces. I learned on these books, just like my mom before me.