If you head into any sheet music department, the majority of shelf space is taken up by the “giants” in the method book world. It’s not hard to quickly discover who the big guys are.
But before you shrug and grab the book with the shiniest cover on the biggest display, remember just how important your method book selection can be. A good method book partner is an absolute must! So, join us in considering some of the most popular speed-dating questions to discover what factors you should be considering when selecting a method book for your studio.
Put Your Method Book on the Spot With These Questions
1. “Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?”
Choosing a method book series that will grow with your students is always a good idea as your students will become accustomed to the way the book “works” (as will you!). Avoid method books that have only 3 levels, and search out ones that have the potential for longevity in your studio as your students progress.
Begin with the end in mind; you want a method book series that will help you take your piano kids where you want them to go… and so act as though every one of your students will remain in lessons for 10+ years.
2. “If you won the lottery, how would you spend your millions?”
An important consideration for some is also price-point. Most teachers like their students to have materials to accompany the method book… and you don’t want the cost of books to be prohibitive to the yummy supplementary material your kids will go gaga for.
Decide if you really will use the accompanying CDs enough to justify the price difference or if you can accomplish the same result by being a bench buddy and doing duets. Also decide if the method book itself has the ability to stand-alone and be awesome, or does it depend on its accompanying side-kicks make it look good? It can be confusing and time-consuming to have armfuls of books to get through each lesson to accomplish what one really good method book can do on its own.
3. “What adjective would a close friend use to describe you?”
Your method book holds a lot of weight when it comes to your piano lessons. Choose the wrong one and your kids get bogged down and struggle; choose a winner and your kiddos (and your business) thrive!
Spend some time having a heart-to-heart with each of the books. Which one jives with how you like to teach? Have a clear idea of your approach and teaching philosophy and then search out a method book that has the same qualities, emphasis and priorities. Struggling to make a square-peg method book fit into your round-hole lessons just results in bent pages frustration.
4. “Do you believe in love at first sight?”
Generally kids are visually motivated, meaning a method book that is instantly appealing will certainly have a leg up. And while they say you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, sometimes the cover can say a lot about what’s to come inside.
Remember, even if you find the interior of that book with the paper bagish cover super inspiring, you’re going to get some less than enthusiastic reactions from your pint-sized piano kiddos… and it could find a sad home in the bottom of an unopened music bag.
You’re the One!
Once you’ve found your method-book soul mate you can rejoice in finding a partner who will support your teaching style, provide enjoyment and fun and lesson your work-load. Then, it’s time to dive into finding amazingly motivating supplementary material to keep things spicy! PianoBookClub.com is your one-stop place for fresh, innovative and motivating supplementary repertoire. Check it out here and be sure to have some fun and vote for the books you want us to create in The Music Lab!
note: The winner, chosen at random, of Pssst… Your Piano Teacher Thinks This Is Theory from yesterday’s giveaway is Anna (who’s comment begins with “Soooo… whuddya do in school today”).
Alice says
I am the piano teacher who inspires joy in making music!
Sandra says
Actually …My aim is to have my students OUT of method books by the end of level 2 or 3. Most series don’t equip a student well for conservatory books. Too much time is spent in fixed hand positions. I do use a LOT of supplementary material, though …from many different sources, with an eye to what will motivate a particular student. One of my criteria for a method book is interesting/fun teacher accompaniments. …Duet playing is an excellent way to instil a solid sense of rhythm and pulse!
Patricia Moore says
I have used the Alfred Premier Series since it was introduced and this method does not keep students in hand positions too long. It goes up to Level 6, however, if students want to go to the Conservatory books, I feel they must complete Level 3 of the method books before they start the RCM books. They then will have enough theory background to go forward.
Have a look at them, you might see their benefit.
Michelle says
Well, to me, finding the right set of lesson books is like finding a good pair of jeans… I for one do NOT wear skinny jeans…but my friend looks adorable in them…I’m also not too comfortable in them, but she can wear anything.
I have used a few different ones and it all depends on the student and curriculum. I am more comfortable in some courses than others. I try to wait until the 3 or 4th lesson before I decide what I will use. It gives me time to get to know a student. Sometimes a child will do well in Grade 1 of PA and then not do so well in Book 2. Others have started in another course and I switched them over. I don’t like to do that too often, but a teacher needs to go with what works best for the student.
Also, like someone else said above, I like to grow them out of lesson books as soon as they’re ready. There’s great stuff(old and new) out there for early levels. Now, some kids need the “stability” of a leveled course. I will continue a student in one if they are not confident and sneak in some outside material that expands them slowly…
Of course they are also teachers who will use all 4 books of a series for their students. That’s ok too if it works for both parties involved… :o)
Sandra says
Well said!! …I was just thinking this morning on the fact that a method book that works for one kid may not work for another. There is one series out there that is considered over-fingered — but I use the Book 2 sometimes with students who are resistant to using good fingering. Having the finger numbers helps them learn the piece, and I have the satisfaction of seeing them overcome their aversion to using certain fingers. …I currently have a little girl who was avoiding her 3rd finger, which is odd. But she is starting to use all five fingers. ….Bottom line is to tune into the needs and idiosyncrasies of each student.
Joan Reppert says
Many years ago with me, it was all Alfred. Then I found my soul mate in Piano Adventures. The pieces are so well written, fun and inspirational to play. I have looked at other methods, too. Just recently I looked again at Piano Town with Diane Hidy and have found another winner. But for now Piano Adventurers is as comfy as a good pair of jeans for me.
Becky says
I definitely agree that you have to choose the right method for the student. PA seems to move rather slow for some and it’s perfect for others! I seem to use PA the most with some Alfred when there are multiple siblings who need to be in different literature. I also have found Piano Town to be perfect for a couple of my students who need it more challenging. After many years of teaching with the method books I seem to find that the method books end up being sort of their sight reading books and I supplement with challenging pieces on the side to keep them moving ahead to their full potential.