Piano Discoveries is a fabulous, carefully thought-out, and pedagogically sound piano method, supported by adorable, illustrated characters and nurturing colors. The Off-Staff Starter (Discoverer Book) is definitely the first stop for every young student because it takes time to orient the student to playing the black keys and then the white keys, in both cases using pre-staff notation (i.e. letter names in noteheads). It begins with an introduction to posture, finger numbers and the keyboard. Friendly, child-minded songs on the black keys and then the white give the student their first start at "reading" music. This level also includes an introduction to basic rhythm and notes; time signatures 4/4, 3/4 and 2/4; and culminates in reading from the grand staff, one hand at a time, with thumbs on middle C. Once the Off Staff Starter is completed, the student is ready to move onto Level 1A, the Explorer Book. Each level offers a theory book and creative accompaniments in CD and MIDI Disk formats. Each sticker series listed below contains 48 upbeat, encouraging stickers for students at any level and can certainly be used with any method. Your students will love receiving them!
You may chose to start your piano student with this On-Staff Starter book instead of the Off-Staff Starter. In this case, students read simple tunes from the grand staff immediately, after a quick and clear five-page orientation to black key groups, white keys and their letter names, measures, quarter notes, and the single five-line staff. The simple tunes are all in middle C position. The first tune, If You Think That You Might Giggle, features the right hand alone playing middle C and middle D. The second tune, To B or Not to "B,"features the left hand playing middle C and middle B. New notes in middle C position, spanning out from middle C, D and B, are added gradually throughout the book. The entire book includes charming songs, all in middle C position, just one note at a time with the melody weaving between the hands. Other concepts introduced include steps and skips; quarter, half, dotted half, and whole notes; rests; and dynamics. Once the On Staff Starter is completed, the student is ready to move onto Level 1A, the Explorer Book. Superstar Solos 'n Stickers (listed as "Superstar Solos" below) offers supplemental pieces with 16 stickers per book to reward the student for the completion of each piece. The Master Class Series includes inviting pieces, delightful illustrations and helpful master class commentary before each piece. Ask the Professor offers fun, original, whimsical solos with musical questions and answers before each piece.
PIANO DISCOVERIES: DISCOVERING THE WORLD OF MUSIC AT THE KEYBOARD - Song List (. On-Staff Starter/Discoverer Book)
The Explorer Book (Level 1A) prepares students to play the adorable elementary-level songs in middle C, D and G positions, starting with single line melodies and progressing to melodies with one or two notes of harmony in the alternate hand. In addition to the original songs by Janet Vogt and Leon Bates, several popular classics have been arranged by Janet Vogt and set to fun, kid-oriented lyrics including themes from Dvorak's New World Symphony, Beethoven's Ode to Joy and Mozart's Eine Kleine Nachtmusik.
PIANO DISCOVERIES: DISCOVERING THE WORLD OF MUSIC AT THE KEYBOARD - Song List (Level 1A/Explorer Book)
The Explorer Book (Level 1B) takes the student from the elementary to the late elementary level. Accidentals and key signatures are introduced as are the keys of C, G and F Major. Eighth notes and dotted rhythms are covered, and an introduction to transposition and syncopation is given. Many delightful, original works by Janet Vogt and Leon Bates are found throughout, as well as child-friendly, fun arrangements of familiar works such as Offenbach's Barcarolle and the theme to Beethoven's Fifth Symphony. Technique Tune-Ups offers musically satisfying exercises, each presented in gradual steps of increasing challenge.
PIANO DISCOVERIES: DISCOVERING THE WORLD OF MUSIC AT THE KEYBOARD - Song List (Level 1B/Explorer Book)
The Adventurer Book (Level 2A) gives the student full exposure to playing the wide range of notes of the entire grand staff, as well as first exposure to treble, bass and inner ledger notes. A further explanation of syncopation is given in the form of counting and clapping exercises and fun, lively, syncopated pieces. Harmonic sixths are introduced, expanding the left hand. An introduction to root-position triads and broken chords is also presented.
PIANO DISCOVERIES: DISCOVERING THE WORLD OF MUSIC AT THE KEYBOARD - Song List (Level 2A/Adventurer Book)
The Adventurer Book (Level 2B) introduces the keys of D and Bb Major and their respective primary chords. The C and G Major scales make their first appearance in this method and have supporting pieces. 6/8 meter is introduced and so are triplets. Classical repertoire is introduced to the method with original pieces by Clementi, Duncombe, Kabalevsky and Haydn.
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