This unique method was designed specifically for young students (ages 6-9) who are beginning piano study in a group setting. This easy-to-teach beginners' course includes all of the most important components necessary to develop well-rounded musicians and performers. The first half of Book 1 is devoted to playing on black key groups using simple, pre-staff notation. The second half of Book 1 introduces the student to playing on the white keys in middle C and C Major positions, but only pre-staff notation is used (letter names in notes). Book 2 gradually introduces the elements of reading from each staff and then from the grand staff in C major position. Book 3 and Book 4 continue the series of gradually-paced units. The CDs and General MIDI Disks are highly motivating, containing accompaniments that range from simple drum patterns to full orchestrations. Musical Adventures Board Game is specially designed to reinforce concepts and motivate students to excel while having fun. The Game, Level 1, includes game board and cards to Book 1.

This highly flexible curriculum is for non-keyboard music majors with little or no prior keyboard experience. It may also be used successfully by non-music majors or independent teachers seeking creative ways to develop functional skills in their adult students. The Second Edition, Book 1, includes updates inspired by numerous recommendations from group piano teachers and students. This book includes a CD-ROM containing both audio and General MIDI files of the 500+ accompaniments included in the text, each with an interesting and engaging arrangement coupled with the piano part. The easy-to-use text contains 26 units, each intended to be covered in one week, thus fulfilling two semesters or three quarters of study. Theory, technique, sight-reading, repertoire, harmonization, improvisation and ensemble activities are taught thoroughly and consistently throughout the text. Book 1 is 360 pages. The Teacher's Handbook to Book 1 serves as an aid in curriculum development and daily lesson planning. It also suggests ways to successfully integrate keyboard and computer technology into the curriculum. The Second Edition, Book 2, includes 26 units, each to be covered in one week. The reading approach is eclectic, combining the best elements of intervallic and multi-key reading. With its self-directed study and clear goals, students quickly develop efficient keyboard skills.

Piano 101 is an exciting group course for adults, with little or no keyboard experience, who want to play piano for fun. It's a comprehensive approach to functional musicianship at the keyboard that includes repertoire, theory, technique, sight-reading, harmonization from lead sheets, ear training and ensembles. Great for college non-music majors, continuing education classes, even private piano lessons. Students start slowly by tapping rhythms, playing simple tunes on groups of black keys, playing pre-staff-reading tunes on the white keys, and finally learning to read from the grand staff in middle C position and then C Major position. Supportive teacher accompaniments are found throughout. The accompanying CDs and General MIDI Disks come in packets of six and are musically interesting, highly motivating, and range from simple drum patterns to full orchestrations.

Ideal for continuing education classes or summer classes lasting 6-8 weeks, Piano 101: The Short Course, is designed especially for college non-music majors who want to study piano for fun. The book is divided into 6 units and serves as a basic introduction for adult students. Each lesson balances new information with materials that reinforce concepts presented in previous lessons. The Course is carefully paced. Unit One has students playing on the black key groups. Unit Two has students playing white keys but reading from pre-staff notation (letter names in note heads). It is not until Unit 4 that students begin reading from the grand staff in middle C position. Both the CD (included) and optional General MIDI Disk (sold separately) offer musically interesting and highly motivating accompaniments that range from simple drum patterns to full orchestrations.