If you’ve read through and executed Part 1 of our Yearly Planning Series you now have your very own piano teaching framework.
The rest of this post assumes you’ve chosen “Option Two” to build your scope and sequence (meaning it was created using more than one method book as reference), and you are now faced with the daunting task of finding repertoire to match the scope and sequence of your new yearly framework.
And You’re Probably Thinking…
How do I pick and choose appropriate repertoire without having my students purchase a billion books, all while keeping myself on the right side of copyright law?
There is an answer! Here are 4 steps to making repertoire selections work for you and your students…
Step 1: Narrow your choices down to a select two or three method books that you feel comfortable using (what “sits right” with your teaching personality). Now, compare the scope and sequence of each of these chosen method books to your framework. When doing this, look for the method book that best matches your framework… I consider anything over a 60% match to be great!
Step 2: As mentioned in Part 1, there is no such thing as a perfect method book; but there is a “best match” method book. Once you’ve found your “best match” method book, make a list of its areas of weakness; what is missing or not covered in depth in the book that is found on your framework?
Step 3: Next, search for repertoire in different method books and different supplementary repertoire sources that match the concepts that are on your list of method book “weaknesses” to address and strengthen these areas.
Step 4: Finally, build your lending library! We don’t want families to have to buy two or three method books, so instead, have them purchase the “best match” method book, and when you need to address areas of weakness with repertoire found elsewhere, your students can simply borrow the necessary book from your lending library.
And that’s it for repertoire selection! If you’ve followed along in Part 1 and Part 2 you should have a year’s worth of method book repertoire that is tailored to each and every student in your studio. Next up in the series, we’ll be looking at supplementary activities and repertoire that can turn a year of piano lessons from “okay” into “awesome”!
Get Rid of Method Book Weakness Without Breaking The Bank
If you’re looking for repertoire to supplement your “best match” method books then you’ll definitely want to check out PianoBookClub.com. Every month we send our members a brand new piano book that they can print out forever and ever and ever… with no worries of infringing copyright (as long as its for use in their personal studios).
Susan says
I’m curious how many books most of you use with most students. Most of my students use about 3 books.
Andrea says
Hi Susan – usually 2, but as I use more and more online sources it becomes more about repertoire from other sources rather than from a “cookie cutter” book. This way I can personalize the repertoire for each student based on their learning needs and their interests.
Amy Kendall says
I usually use the Faber and Faber books. All my students purchase lesson, technique and theory books and sometimes I encourage them to get the Performance book, too. Then I supplement with usually one of the Faber “Popular”, “Favorites” or similar books. Some of my students have more than these, but these are the basics.
Sarah Barford says
I’ve been using Faber/Faber beginning adventures. I just ask them to buy the main book and if they’re having trouble with something I’ll make a copy out of the technique or theory books for them.
If I have an older beginner I use Faber’s adult piano adventures.
Then I surf the web and supplement with compositions and games/activities/worksheets.
Bev says
I can highly recommend your piano book club. Every book so far has been fun and has a clear teaching objective. I like that there’s something for almost every level student and I’m always excited to see the next one! My kiddos love them (esp. the Pirate Talk & other silly celebrations)
Andrea says
Great to hear Bev! Thanks so much for your kind comment 🙂
Jenna says
Thank you so much for the tips! I’m a fairly new teacher (have taught for six years now), and I’ve been doing a LOT of research into ways to make the business and planning side of teaching more organized and smooth.
My favourite method is definitely The Music Tree. This year I’m looking into Hal Leonard’s beginning piano method; I find the layout to be cleaner than Faber and Faber, but progresses faster than The Music Tree. Also trying out WunderKeys this year — my four year old daughter is very excited!
Andrea says
That’s great Jenna! Hope you have fun with WunderKeys! 🙂