Philosophy
How teaching generally works...
I prefer teaching from the Alfred series of books but find they might not work for everyone. I also use the Piano Adventure and other series as well, especially if the student already started with them. Lessons tend to focus on reading and technique. Getting those fingers to work correctly. I once saw a poster quoting J.S. Bach...
"Playing music is easy.
All you need to do is play the right note with the right finger at the right time"
Of course, I'm in total agreement with this. Ahh, if only students would work on their note reading ability more than their fingers! Then learn to count to 4 and remember your "thumbs" are finger "1". A little practice each day, so you don't forget and viola! You're playing music.
For younger students, I generally start them in the Alfred's Prep course. This starts out learning on the black keys by finger numbers but quickly goes into reading the grand staff. The way intervals between notes are stressed is very helpful. After finishing this book, students general go into the book listed below.
For older students (age 8-12), I use the Alfred's Piano series. There are a few pieces we might through in along the way. The goal for any new students should be to finish the first book quickly. Spending only a week or perhaps two on each set of songs.
For students 13 to adult we general use the Alfred's Adult Piano Course. Then we dive into real literature from a variet of sources an example would be the "Paino Literature" books.
