Customer Reviews

Piano Lessons, Book 1: Instrumental Accompaniments (Student Piano Library)

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

This is an excellent book for the beginner! My son is 7 and really enjoys it. It moves nice and slow, introducing a concept at a time, and allowing for mastery before moving on. We tried Usborne Piano and really didn't like it. It was frustrating for my son, moved too quickly and taught multiple concepts in a single lesson, like teaching where the notes are on the staff, using half and quarter notes, which look different, adding confusion. BUT BUY THE HAL LEONARD PIANO BOOK THAT COMES WITH THE CD! The other book, which is exactly the same, comes with a CD of accompaniment which is very fun. First the song is played slowly with piano, that the student can play along with, then a second recording is just the orchestra without piano, up tempo, for once a song is mastered. 'Piano games' by Hal Leonard is fun, too. One suggestion: I read on the internet that kids have an easier time learing to play songs when they have heard them played many times; when they know them by ear. I play the songs for my son, the ones he's learning, plus several ahead to familiarize him with them, and this made a world of difference. I don't play piano, but this book is easy and anyone can do it.

I started teaching my kids 8 and 6 from a variety of piano books and this is the only one they really stuck with and liked. The pieces are simple enough for quick gratification and they move along swiftly accomplishing new skills. It really is only for brand new students though.

This book marks the beginning of an excellent program of piano instruction for children. My nine year old daughter is currently making her way through this set of five books. Everything is laid out in a colourful and child-friendly manner. The exercises are simple and attractive and your child will be learning as they go without scarcely being aware of their rapid development. For rapid development there is. It will become quite obvious that your daughter or son is progressing from level to level with a thorough understanding of piano playing and the reading of music. This series is the best. Highest recommendation!

Ok, ok, this barely even scratches the surface when it comes to reading and playing music in general but as of writing this review, this lessons book gets my nod for helping me gain a good footing at playing the piano and being able to read music by the notes on the two staffs.

Most of the tunes are rather old-fashioned in nature but most are excellent pieces for piano newbies and the feel of this book is very pleasant if somewhat too kindergarten oriented but overall, this is a great book for kids (or anyone of any age for that matter) to start with when it comes to learning how to play the piano!

The pieces in this book are nice and the notes are big. I think it is more appropriate for younger learners. The introduction to notes on the staff is rather confusing. I tried this method for the first time with a student several months ago. She has completed book 1 and still struggling with reading notes on the staff. The only note she recognizes is middle C. I need to supplement with other materials to help her reading music. I think this book is better be used as a "bridge" after a student learns notes from bass clef F to treble G. I would recommend using the Music for Little Mozarts book 1&2 for children ages 4-5 and John Thompson's Easiest Piano Course book 1 for students age 5 up before using this book.

My son began to piano lessons 3 months ago. We have tried various lesson books. But this is the most he likes. All notes are big enough to see and provided with nice pictures for kids. Amusant and clever. All lessons are entertaining now.

I brought this for my daughters lessons based on the recommendations of her teacher. It worked well as she learned most of the songs. I think this is a good way to get someone interested in playing the piano.

The cover was completely off the book and the whole book is written and scribbled in. Very disappointed!!! Will not use this distributor again. Boo!

These books suck. Maybe they work I don't know but they aren't standard beginning piano lessons. They are primarily graphical using pictures of the keys not notes.