BLAST OFF WITH MUSIC THEORY! (Books 1 - 5)
Basic Library
Maureen Cox/McArthur
FJH MUSIC COMPANY INC.
This comprehensive written theory series is both versatile and effective. It presents music theory with a step-by-step approach that is fun and straightforward. Students may go as fast as desired since the materials are self-explanatory, a particularly appealing feature for older or more experienced students. The series features clear explanations, a variety of activities, and a flexible, moderate pace. Each book is 5 1/2" x 8 1/2" and 83 pages.
Ear training for piano students! COMPREHENSIVE EAR TRAINING (Series of 11 CDs)
View Larger Image
Carol Schlosar
KEYSTROKE PUBLISHING
Comprehensive Ear Training is a progressively leveled series of ear-training practice sessions on CD. Each CD offers a variety of formats for training the ear, all of which are recorded on an acoustic piano. The series includes rhythm, melody, interval, cadence, chord and meter exercises. Each CD comes with an answer booklet for immediate feedback. The Grade 1 CD includes 32 practice sessions, appropriate for the late elementary-level piano student. Each practice session on the Grade 1 CD includes two rhythm clapback exercises in 2/4 or 3/4 time and three melody playback exercises of just four notes. The series progresses gradually to the final, "Diploma" CD, at the advanced level. The "Diploma" CD includes 24 practice sessions: two meter identification exercises in 2/4, 3/4, 6/8 or 9/8; six interval identification exercises of any interval within a major 9th above a given note and any interval within an octave below a given note; one chord identification exercise of chords in root position on the 1st, 2nd, 4th, 5th and 6th degrees of the scale; and two melody playback exercises. The series may be used with any piano method and is based on the Royal Conservatory of Music (RCME) and Royal American Conservatory (RACE) standards.
Counting Time is a great supplement for students of any age looking for extra help or a brush-up on rhythm. It provides students with a visual and aural opportunity to focus only on rhythm. Counting Time covers whole notes through 32nd notes and rests; 4/4, 3/4, 2/4, 3/8, 6/8, 9/8, 12/8 time signatures; syncopation; and much more. The book starts off with very basic rhythms (whole, half, quarter notes and rests) and advances carefully to the more advanced rhythms. By the end of the book, students are working with sixteenth, thirty-second notes and rests, dotted rhythms, and syncopation. May be used with any method of instruction. It's a unique approach in that empty boxes/diagrams are provided under each rhythm for the smallest note-value represented, to be filled in by the student. Students are also expected to tap, sing, and/or play each rhythm.
A modern, yet classic note speller. FJH CLASSIC NOTE SPELLER, THE (Books 1 & 2)
Basic Library
View Larger Image
Carol Matz
FJH MUSIC COMPANY INC.
These comprehensive, traditional note spellers are designed to increase confidence in students' note-reading abilities. A perfect supplement to any method, these outstanding books are suitable for piano students of all ages, including adult students. The exercises in Book 1 thoroughly cover notes on the staff (from F below the bass staff to G above the treble staff); duration names for notes and rests (whole, half, quarter, eighth); sharps, flats, and naturals; grand staff symbols including clef signs; and drawing up stems and down stems. Book 2 covers inner and outer ledger line notes, note spelling with key signatures (G Major, F Major, D Major, A Major), accidentals, and enharmonic notes.
These amusing books will both entertain and motivate young pianists. Students will enjoy the fun of playing a piece upside-down, make their way through a musical maze, and delight in many other puzzles and games while learning about eighth note rhythms, contrary motion, and more.
FUNDAMENTALS OF PIANO THEORY (Preparatory Level - Level Ten)
View Larger Image
Keith Snell & Martha Ashleigh
NEIL A KJOS MUSIC CO
This superb series provides piano students with an organized course for the study of music theory. Each volume contains essential rudiments of theory particularly relevant to the study of piano music. The appropriately graded levels present concepts in a clear, systematic manner to ensure steady and thorough progress. The Preparatory Level begins at the elementary to late elementary level with clearly outlined, progressive activities involving note values; the staff; note naming; time signature and rhythm; sharps, flats, and naturals; half steps and whole steps; 5-finger patterns and triads; tetrachords and major scales; key signatures; and signs and terms. Each level progresses gradually and leads to Level Ten, covering such advanced topics as seventh chords; secondary dominants; modulation; cadences; Neapolitan sixth and augmented sixth chords; fugue; sonata-allegro form; tonality in the twentieth century; and more. Highly recommended.