The First Grade Book is recommended for students who already have an elementary-level knowledge of the piano keyboard, note names, and reading from the grand staff. It begins with Music Land, an eight measure piece in C major position which has a melody of half notes in the right hand and harmony of half and whole notes in the left. Phrasing, articulation and form are emphasized from the beginning. Students move from the elementary to the intermediate level as they learn such concepts as accidentals, half and whole steps, syncopation, chords in inversions, the C Major scale and pieces in the following keys: C, G, D, A, E, F, Bb, Eb, Ab Major. Hand positions vary widely depending on what key you're in. This First Grade Book includes folk tunes, originals and arrangements of classics by the author. Finger numbers are provided liberally, for every new note, in every piece of this book.

This level gives the student experience playing at the intermediate level. Technical challenges such as tucking the thumb under and crossing fingers over is dealt with directly. New concepts such as the chromatic scale, ledger lines, pedalling, major and minor scales, arpeggios, primary chords and dominant sevenths are presented. Composer biographies and commentary on classical music and music history are provided for many pieces, as are preparatory exercises and etudes. Fingerings are provided liberally. A glossary of musical terms is included at the end.

The concentration is fully on repertoire and the author gives the student an in-depth look at interpretation, form, mood, and style. Folk songs, arrangements of classics and many originals such as Melody by R. Schumann, Musette from the Anna Magdalena Bach Notebook, Spinning Song by Ellmenreich, and Ballade by Burgmueller are included. John Thompson also gives the student an in-depth look at Franz Liszt. Fingerings are given throughout, but less liberally than in previous levels.

The Fourth Grade Book is similar the Third Grade Book in that there is a greater emphasis on repertoire, music history and form and a lesser emphasis on offering new technical and theoretical concepts. Original compositions by the author and various composers are included, as are arrangements of classics by the author. Sensible fingerings are provided.

This final book of the Thompson method offers advanced level original classical pieces, arrangements of classics, and originals by the author. Select commentary on composers' lives, form, and style are provided.