Mmm,

As you might know, I've just sat Grade 2 and I had my first lesson since the exam on Wednesday.

I told my teacher I think I've passed and asked what we are going to do now, and he said "Don't know, what do you want to do?"

I said I don't really know as I've finished the books I was learning from, and that I wanted to do some "proper" stuff now.

He didn't really have any ideas on what to do next and simply said most of his students bring books with them that he takes them through, and suggested I find myself a new one for myself.

I've had a look but most books seem to be for Grade 1 and 2 only; anybody know any good tutorial books for around Grade 2/3 level?

(I anticipate most people will reply with "change teacher" but I can't as there's no one else local, and I work shift patterns so need someone flexible)

I suppose the next question is: Is it better to have a bad teacher than no teacher?

(It's not that he's bad, as such, but it's kinda like getting lessons from a mate who's better than you rather than from a "teacher", if that makes sense?)

All advice welcomed...

How about the 'What else can I play?' books? I think there's a book for every grade till up to grade 5 or something. Good luck with your exam results

I don't have many suggestions, but what about one of the Classics to Moderns books? I think book 3 is about grade 3-4, so book 2 would be grade 2-3 (I think?). There is also Hours with the Masters, which are good books to build up some pieces. I think book 2 is about Grade 3.
For your next question, I would say that it is better to at least have a teacher than have none at all. To be honest, if you find that you aren't progressing as fast as you'd like, then changing your teacher may be an idea. Maybe he'd rather that you got a book that you like, rather than him picking one and finding that you don't like it, so he lets his students choose their own books? Hope that helps a bit!

Hello Knew Bee, My family call me Bee, but I don't know if we've met

What did you play for your exam? Have you looked at any of the other pieces?
What kind of music do you enjoy playing?

Here are a few suggestions; If you want something light hearted but still educational, Martha Mier Jazz Rags and Blues Book 2.
There's Pamela Wedgewood's Upgrade 2-3 which has some popular styles but personaly, I'm not so keen as the fingering can often be aukward.
Classics to Moderns Book 2 Ed. Denes Agay or Masterwork Classics Ed. Jane Magrath both contain a mixture of well known composers' work from different periods.
If you want a break from scales but don't want to go backwards, the ABRSM graded pianoforte studies grade2 (orange or green ) will keep you busy.

Hope you find something you'll enjoy,
M.P.

Thanks Guys

I had a look at some "Easy Classics" books but it looked to me they were all over simplified and the ones I tried were horrible. Are the "Classic to Modern" books "real" music, but relatively easy?

I like the sound of the graded ABRSM books - I'll need to have a wee look at them

the Classics to Moderns are all 'real' music, not simplified versions.

I cannot help passing the comment that it is not the pupil's job to find what to play next! A teacher should always advise when it comes to choice of repertoire, choosing pieces and studies that will help to develop all aspects of playing.

I'd tend to agree with Petra - it's nice for a teacher to be open to suggestions, and I'm glad mine is, but he knows a heck of a lot more repertoire than I do and if I had to find all the pieces we were going to play then it would be a total nightmare.

The C-to-M books are great.

The Classics to Moderns books are brill! I've been using them for a long time with my teacher, and they are 'real' music by the way!

Thanks again, everyone.

I actually agree with petrat and sarah-flute; the reason I wanted to take lessons instead of teaching myself (as I did with the other instruments) was precisely so someone could take me through everything and I would almost just "do what I'm told" until my own experience and knowledge lets me have more input into my playing.

Unfortunately, I can't find another local teacher who can offer me the flexibility I need, but thankfully I have you guys to help me with what my teacher can't!

I'm gonna look out those C to M books, and the ABRSM Graded Studies, and I'm also gonna try Grade 1 Jazz soon.

That should keep me busy for the next few months...

Hi Knew Bee

The Marion Harewood/Fanny Waterman Book 3 is a great book with some excellent tunes in it. I've been using it since before grade 3 and my teacher says it will keep me going to about grade 5. I recommend it!

Lostchord

HI i dont play piano yet as my flute takes up my time i have a lesson once a week and my teacher lets me choose what i like to play but still guides me along she said if i try to play stuff that is too easy she will let me know
i like to be out of my depth so this hasnt happened yet

i would stick with your current teacher but ask more direct questions such as i was thinking of buying this book is it suitable if not what do you suggest

these forums are great for advice i really enjoyed the what else can i play books that someone has already mentioned i also find great bargains in local oxfam book and music stores they are cheap and usally have grades 1 - 3 avilable

good luck monkey flute