I love books, Andrea loves books, and our girls love books. If not for two year old Halle’s desire to pull each and every book from its shelf we could easily waste away an entire Saturday afternoon in a bookstore.
I tend to spend my time in the business and travel sections, Andrea hangs out in the travel and humour sections, Lexi makes a beeline for the Little House on the Prairie Books, and Halle heads for any light-weight books on low shelves that are easy to toss. With the exception of The Day the Crayons Quit, there is not a single book that will keep us all entertained.
So when we leave the bookstore with our purchases there is always an eclectic mix of fine literature serving the individual needs of each member of our family.
How To Choose Piano Method Books
A very common question asked by new piano teachers is, “What method book should I use?” In the past, Andrea has always responded with her personal favorite to help simplify things for those just getting started. And while we have blogged and talked about the benefits of using a single terrific series throughout your studio, today we’re going to look at the flip side of the coin; spreading your loyalty among a bunch of different books.
When you think of it, just like personal taste in recreational reading material is different, your piano students’ personal tastes in method books may also be different. This makes it possible that there is no one “right” method book. Instead, you may find yourself working from a variety of method books according to the differing tastes of your students.
So, When Selecting Piano Method Books…
Consider including your piano students in the process! Purchase, or borrow a several different method books that you deem to be pedagogically sound (very important!) and then, from your short-list, let each of your students choose their own method book. Different composers, different artwork, and different pedagogical approaches will click with different students. This could be a great alternative to the “one method book fits all” approach.
What About Supplementary Materials?
Now if you’re looking for some great supplementary material to go along with whatever method book series your students choose, you’ll definitely want to see what’s new in the Teach Piano Today Store. Our two most recent products, The Curious Case of Muttzart and Ratmaninoff (Adventures in Composing) and Pssst… Your Piano Teacher Thinks This Is Theory are a great big hit with students and teachers alike!
Laura B. says
Trevor, any chance that you and Andrea will share which method books are on your shortlist? I’m especially interested in series that have great primer lesson books.
Andrea says
Hi Laura – my all time favorite is the Piano Adventures books. While some of my kids like the Alfred books I personally like the Primer level of the Adventures books much more (and the My First Piano Adventure Books are awesome too).
Cheri says
Who is the publisher for Piano Adventures?
Alicia says
Hi Cheri, Randall and Nancy Faber are the authors of Piano Adventures
Crystal Sexton says
Yes, I would also like to hear what are your favorite method books.
Barbara says
I really need to get alternative books for my 3 year olds. My company insists that we start at 3 and some of them are just not ready. We have the actual school and then we have the 3 year olds that are in the nursery setting. They are not at all prepared to sit down, most less entertain a lesson. Any suggestions would be helpful.