Hello to you all,

I'm going to embark on doing some piano group teaching this year, and was wondering what sort of books people are using for group teaching on the piano. Obviously age plays a role in this so I'll leave what I think may be appropriate:

1) Young children (aged 6/7 -to about 9/10):
Me and My Piano, John Thompsons Easiest Piano Course, Keyboard World, Schaum (Green Book). STILL HAVE TO EXPLORE THE RE-VAMPED PIANO TIME BOOKS.

2) Secondary school children (Year 7s)
John Thompsons Easiest Piano Course, 'The Classic Piano course' by Carol Barrat, Schaum (green book), 'Music lessons have begun' by Lelila Fletcher.

3) Teenagers (Years 8-10)
'The Classic Piano course' by Carol Barrat, Schaum (green book), 'Music lessons have begun' by Lelila Fletcher.

Any thoughts? Does it matter that a book may have silly pieces, so long as the pupil learns effectively?

Ethnomusicologist.

QUOTE

Does it matter that a book may have silly pieces, so long as the pupil learns effectively?

To be honest, I'm never sure about this one either! With some children it may not matter. But I think it's important that a pupil feels "in tune" with the pieces he or she plays. If the pupils like the silly pieces and feel that they are "nice silly" I think they will be fine. But if they feel a piece is just plain silly they may not take it seriously and then it may not be effective or useful.

My feeling is that John Thompson is too young a format for year 7s.
You might look at Piano Magic (Jane Sebba) for ages 8- 10 ish - I've just started exploring this series and so far so good ...

I don't know the Lelila Fletcher book - could you tell me who publishes it?
thanks !

Maggie

QUOTE

I don't know the Lelila Fletcher book - could you tell me who publishes it?

Sure. Its published by 'The Boston Music Co'. At times there can be to much fingering for my comfort. Its a book like Schaum (Green Book) in that it moves quite quickly through some material.

Thanks for your reply.

I am using Tunes for 10 fingers with my younger group (age 7-8) and Piano Time with my older group (age 9-10).