The release of WunderKeys Elementary Piano Level 1B is just around the corner, and today we’re sharing some audio samples from the book. As you listen to the music below, you’ll know right away that students who use our WunderKeys Level 1 method books are bound to get the biggest applause at your next recital.
WunderKeys Elementary Piano Level 1 repertoire is more interesting, more exciting, and more engaging to play than traditional method book music; all the while being approachable to your students because of our passion for pedagogically-solid principles.
WunderKeys Elementary Piano Level 1B doesn’t sound anything like your typical, run-of-the-mill “method book music”.. and that was exactly our intention!
In addition to the sound samples below, today we’re sharing the secrets that make “WunderKeys Kids” capable of playing music that keeps them glued to the piano.
5 Reasons “WunderKeys Kids” Sound Better, Faster
1. We Are Obsessed With Pedagogical Principles
Just as we did in Level 1A, in Level 1B we’ve created unique ways for students to engage with notated music based on research that shows that learning improves when skills are accessed and explored in different ways.
The interactions students have using our music activities, exercises and games before they reinforce skills with our repertoire is where the magic happens. The repertoire section in each of the units in Level 1B is preceded by technical exercises, sight-reading activities, ear training games and rhythm exploration to create a foundation of understanding that allows for a smooth transition when its time to make some music.
When kids begin to play our repertoire, they do so with the confidence that comes from knowing they have the skills to play the music successfully and without frustration.
2. We Are Not Afraid Of Eighth Notes
Many level 1 method books wait too long to introduce eighth notes. Because of this, kids get bored with the lack of rhythmic variation in their repertoire. And when kids get bored, they quit piano lessons.
In WunderKeys Elementary Piano Level 1B, eighth notes are introduced in Unit 5, giving your students the opportunity to enjoy a plethora of new sounds. But don’t worry! Our careful introduction to eighth notes ensures that kids find eighth notes fun, not frustrating.
3. G 5-Finger Scales Are Not An Afterthought
As is the case with eighth notes, traditional method books also wait a long time to begin their exploration of G 5-finger scales. Students need to be comfortable moving their hands around the piano to start exploring various 5-finger scales, but many level 1 books stay in the C 5-finger “comfort zone” for a long time. As a result, G 5-finger scales become daunting as the accompanying “G repertoire” is tossed in at the end the book; students aren’t given the same resources and time to learn these new notes as they were given when learning to read notes in the C 5-Finger Scale.
But, with the WunderKeys program, starting in our primer series, our carefully-structured lessons have been allowing kids to play in comfortable hand positions, while slowly integrating “Move And Groove” pieces that get them playing all over the piano.
It is for this reason that we start exploring piano pieces in the G 5-finger scales earlier than most method books; once again, allowing for varied and exciting music that keeps kids coming back for more while building rock-solid note-reading skills across the grand staff.
4. Better Note Readers Bring Music To Life
WunderKeys students have fewer problem reading notes and intervals. For this reason, when it comes time to practice their repertoire, instead of using their mental power to crunch notes, they can focus on the dynamic markings and articulation that bring the music to life. Plus, our story-based format encourages students to organically add expression to their playing.
Kids who play with passion enjoy their music more. And when kids enjoy their music more, they stick with piano lessons!
Have A Listen And Make The Switch
Below you can listen to a small sampling of the tunes from WunderKeys Elementary Piano Level 1B. In a few days, we’ll be sharing a visual preview but for now, if you want an idea of what the book will look like, check out this video walkthrough of WunderKeys Elementary Piano Level 1A.
Linda Kirkconnell says
Love the video walkthrough! So helpful. Can’t wait to use this book. Kids will love it as much as the previous books!
Andrea says
So glad you are excited about it! We are too!
Mary McGovern says
I love how you incorporated the classics into some of your pieces. Looking forward to getting my students started on this!
Andrea says
Hi Mary! We have so many goals for these books but one of them was to bring folk songs and well-known classical music themes into the ears of students who may not have heard them before (as well as introducing kids to fairytales and fables – with a piano theme, of course!) 🙂 So many children now just haven’t been exposed to this music or this literature and we think that’s so sad! Our Level 1 books are a fun way to give them that exposure so these “treasures” don’t disappear.
Linda Hyland says
The songs sound great! And I agree with introducing new rhythms and hand positions earlier on than the other method books do. I don’t care for the methods that hop all over the place as far as hand position, but adding one at a time at a moderate pace works for me! Also, yes! with the eighth notes!! At the earliest lessons I teach the Suzuki method “jello blue, jello blue” clapping, tapping, etc. They CAN play them!! Thanks for another good book!
Andrea says
Hi Linda! We totally agree – hand movement is important, but it should be scaffolded and have a sense of progression (otherwise you just frustrate your students and they adopt coping strategies that don’t contribute to note reading). Also, yay for eighth notes! They’re completely capable and it gives them access to music that sounds much more motivating 🙂 We hope you enjoy the new 1B book!