Hi! I'm new to the forums.

I've been teaching for about a year and have a pupil doing her Prep test soon.

I'm stuck though, because she is ready to move on to Piano Time 2 but I think she may enjoy carrying on playing through her UpGrade pieces instead. I can't really see the relevance of carrying on relentlessly through the tutor system.

I'd appreciate any views on this, as I'm a bit stuck.

Thanks.

I don't think that there is a need to carry on plodding through tutors once the basics are in place as there is plenty of choice out there once the basics are in place.
Let her enjoy UpGrade and if you want to balance it with more 'classical' repertoire you could add Classics to Moderns, A Keyboard Anthology, Short (or More) Romantic Pieces or Romantic Sketchbook at the right level.

Welcome to the Forum.

Thats what I tend to do too. I also supplement with A Dozen a Day. Pink for preptest, Blue for grade 1, Green for Grade 2.

Once preptest is out of the way, then I start on scales. But all this is done along side pieces. Pupils want to play interesting things not just do technical exercises.

Why don't you ask your pupil for her preference? Some students really like working through a tutor book; others don't much, (and I agree it's not essential, as long as you take care of what needs to be covered at each stage) and like a series of pieces - which, if carefully chosen, can do just as thorough a job. You can always have both kinds of books on the go - sometimes it's good to have tutor + repertoire.

If she's really enjoying her Upgrade pieces I'd be inclined to stay with them for the time being.

Thanks everyone.
That makes sense and I feel alot happier now.

Hi,

I'd also recommend Martha Mier's Jazz, Rags and Blues. I picked that one up from other teachers on the forum and all my pupil's have loved it. Book 1 would be right for a pre-Grade 1 student. There are fun tunes, and it really encourages them to move around the keyboard more.

Cheers,

Karen