piano adventures catalogue

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TEACHER’S DESK REFERENCE - 2012

FABER

Welcome to

2nd EditionsIntroducing Levels 2A and 4

PreTime® to BigTime® LibraryUpdated and better than ever!

®

COMPLETECATALOG

Level by LevelResource Guide

Complete Listingof Publications and

Song Titles

Tips for Teachingwith Analysis,

Creativity, Expression

Pedagogy Articles

for Insights and Applications



FABER

visit www.PianoAdventures.com our website has a wide array of teacher support materials

chat Piano Club Discussion Forum

connect with our online community of piano teachers

join Faber Teaching Adventures Club

call 877-322-3741 to joinget new releases, latest news, priority registration for events

learn Faber Piano Adventures Workshops

check the Events section of our website for the current scheduleof workshops and appearances

call 877 FABER 411 (877-322-3741)

talk with our teacher support team about using or purchasingour publications

like facebook.com/PianoAdventures

like us on Facebook to get the latest news and share your ideas

email [email protected]

send us your questions, suggestions, and teaching experiences

write Faber Piano Adventures

3042 Creek Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48108

We truly enjoy hearing from you and your students.

Resources



Welcome to Faber Piano Adventures . . . . . . . . . . 2 – 5

My First Piano Adventure® . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 – 13

Primer Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 – 21

Level 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 – 29

Level 2A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 – 37

Level 2B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 – 43

Level 3A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 – 49

Level 3B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 – 55

Level 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 – 63

Level 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 – 69

Accelerated Piano Adventures® . . . . . . . . . . 70 – 73

Adult Piano Adventures® . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74 – 75

Piano Literature Collections . . . . . . . . . . . . .76 – 79

About the Fabers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

Index

by Nancy and Randall Faber

FABER



Approach to Reading The ability to read music is developed by effectively

integrating three skills: 1) discrete note recognition,

2) intervallic reading, and 3) a multi-key understanding.These are carefully sequenced and reinforced in

Piano Adventures® to...

n Prevent the student from equating a particular

note to a particular finger.

n Teach the precise relationship between a note

and the keyboard.

n Allow for a free and balanced drop of the arm and

hand into the finger.

n Avoid the overuse of two thumbs on C.

n Reduce the dependence on preset hand positions.

Pianistic MusicPianistic arranging is one of the hallmarks of the Fabers’

material. All of the music in Piano Adventures® is

specifically written or arranged for the piano.

n The pieces feel right and sound right at the piano.

n Easy and effective use of the damper pedal opens up

the rich sonority of the instrument.

n The pieces incorporate essential pianistic gestures—

the motions and phrases that are integral to playing

the piano.

n Pianistic pieces develop fluent piano technique byencouraging freedom at the keyboard, promoting a

relaxed wrist, and introducing gestures that carry the

hand across the full range of the instrument

Artistic MusicThe pieces included in Piano Adventures® are eminently

musical. The course combines technique and artistry

which bring out maximum expression in the student’s

playing. Parents notice the musicality…students thrive on

it…and teachers appreciate the artistic results.

The Technique & Artistry books are unparalleled in

teaching technical gesture for artistic playing. “TechniqueSecrets” and exercises deliver the pianistic tools to play

with ease and expression. The “Artistry Hint” and

“Artistry Piece” that conclude each unit heighten student

awareness of sound and musicality.

Student Appeal Students are attracted to the pieces and sounds of Piano

Adventures®. Ten years of painstaking pilot testing has

ensured that the method has wide student appeal. Over

one hundred pieces that did not pass the test of student

enthusiasm were discarded and replaced, until the method

met the standards and musical taste of both piano student

and teacher.

Supplementary LibraryThe PreTime® to BigTime® Piano Supplementary Library

correlates with Piano Adventures® to provide a broad

selection of music to meet each individual student’s

interest—at the precise level of difficulty. With styles that

include Popular, Classics, Rock ‘n Roll, Jazz & Blues,

Kids’ Songs, Ragtime & Marches, and Hymns, the

teacher can choose the style that motivates the student and

be assured that it is arranged to meet the pedagogical

demands of the level.

Teacher Support Faber Piano Adventures is dedicated to supporting piano

teachers by offering a wide array of teacher support

materials:

n Online resources at www.PianoAdventures.com.

n Piano Club Discussion Forum provides an online

community for Piano Adventures® teachers.

n New, pioneering Primer Teacher Guide is a one-of-a-

kind resource for piano teachers. This guide features

lessons plans, pedagogy pointers, duets for

improvisation and a comprehensive DVD of model

teaching for each piece in the Primer Lesson Book.

n Faber Piano workshops and clinics on musical artistryand talent development inspire audiences of music

educators around the world.

n A-C-E™ Instructional Theory: Analysis, Creativity,

and Expression comprise a model of artistry with

implications for our teaching. In upcoming pages,

we’ve included specific tips for each level.

We hope these ideas may assist in developing the personal

artistry of your students, as you help

each one become a “piano ace.”

OVERVIEW FABER PIANO ADVENTURES



PreTime®

Primer Level

PlayTime Level 1

“I Just Can’t Waitto Be King”

“SleepingBeauty Waltz

Motivation at Your FingertipsThe right piece at the right time makes all the difference!

It creates a magical moment when student motivation,

hard work, accomplishment, and fun come together in

a remarkable way.

The right piece means:

n A style that appeals to the student

n Correct leveling for progress

n A well-crafted arrangement

n The pride of peer approval

PRETIME® TO BIGTIME® PIANO Supplementary Library

4

Almost every student loves a particular style of

music. When a teacher finds that style and connects

the student with appropriately-leveled repertoire,

the student’s intrinsic motivation is captivated.

The PreTime® to BigTime® Piano Library

contains a wealth of exciting selections to challenge

and motivate students of all ages and abilities. A

variety of musical styles are offered at six levels—

making it possible for teachers to offer engaging

material for every student.

Popular

Classics

Kids’ Songs

Favorites

Rock ’n Roll

Jazz & Blues

Ragtime & Marches

Hymns

Christmas

Teachers are sometimes tempted to march students

quickly up the levels, always playing pieces of

increasing difficulty. Often, however, students needmore time to play the notes and patterns at a

particular level. This solidifies the students’ reading

fluency and pattern recognition at that level. Adding

the appropriate supplementary material also allows

the student and teacher to focus on expression and

the pure enjoyment of music.

Visit www.PianoAdventures.com/video for a video

tour of the PreTime® to BigTime® Piano Library.



MY FIRST PIANO ADVENTURE®

for the young beginner (ages 5-6)

THE “A” BOOKSPre-Reading

five musical “friends at the piano”

basic rhythms (Œ, Ó, „)

white key names: A B C D E F G

creative discovery at the keyboard

directional pre-reading notation

technique through games and songs

folk, blues, and classical sounds

eye-training and ear-training

The LESSON BOOK and WRITING BOOK include:

Writing Book AFF1620 00420260 $6.95

About the CDThe CD for this book offers a unique listening experience with outstanding

orchestrations and vocals. The recordings demonstrate a key principle of

the course: when children listen, sing, tap, and move to their music, they

play more musically.

Christmas Book ATreat your pre-reading students to an adventurous firstChristmas book! Young players will be delighted with familiarcarols such as “O Christmas Tree” as well as new favoriteslike “Rudolph’s Little Brother.” First players will benefit fromthe clean presentation of pre-reading notation and festiveteacher duets. The Christmas Music Calendar encouragesstudents to count down the days until Christmas!

Christmas Book AFF3001 00001471 $4.95

Lesson Book AFF1619 00420259 $9.95



MY FIRST PIANO ADVENTURE®


A look inside the “A” Books . . .

Songs

Technique is developed with chants,games, and songs.

Catchy pre-reading songs move handsaround the keyboard.

Technique

Students improvise from the firstlessons.

Improvisation

Blinker, the owl, loves toLOOK and leads the eye-training.

Eye-training

Tucker, the dog, loves to LISTENand leads the ear-training.

Ear-training

The Little Yellow Practice BookFF3009 00420330 $3.50

New!

Young students will be delighted withtheir first practice book featuring the“friends at the piano.”



MY FIRST PIANO ADVENTURE® THE “B” BOOKS

for the young beginner

THE “B” BOOKSSteps on the Staff

“friends at the piano” return

notes from Bass C to Treble G

composer friends, Beethoven and Mozart

music history Fun Facts and Games

step-wise reading on the staff

technique through games and songs

classic themes, pop, and jazz sounds

ear-training and eye-training


Lesson Book B

FF1621 00420261 $9.95

Writing Book BFF1622 00420262 $6.95

About the CDThe CDs for the A and B Books are a hallmark of the series. The child

may listen to the CD from beginning to end at home or in the car. After a

piece is learned, the CD track may be used as an optional play-along

accompaniment. Enjoy!

Christmas Book BJoin the My First Piano Adventure® “friends” as they playChristmas songs on the grand staff. Students celebratewith merry melodies such as “A Ten-Foot Icicle,” “JingleBells,” the hit song “Must Be Santa,” and carols fromaround the world.

Christmas Book BFF3002 00001472 $5.50



MY FIRST PIANO ADVENTURE® THE “B” BOOKS


A look inside the “B” Books . . .

7

18 | WRITINGBOOK 14-15 FF1621

TrebleD looksa little likeMiddle C—exceptthere ’sno whisker!IsD a LINEor SPACEnote?

TipsfromKatie:

1.Yourteacherwillmake up a rhythm(s)on trebleclef D.Copyit back. Now do one foryour teacher.

2.Play and singletternames, then words.

&?

Brightly

1

p œ 2

repeated notes

d ˙T uc k - er d o g,

Prepare L.H. finger3 on the LOWESTF .

œ œ ˙w h er e a r e y ou ?

œ œ œ œ Y ou ’ re h i d - i n g f r om m e. W oo f !

f 3F

Playthe LOWESTFon the piano.

& wTreble Clef D

Tub Time!

D

MID

DL

E

C

Songs

Technique Games like “Silent Jumps” and“Star Crossing Over” make technique fun!

New notes are introduced systematicallywith appealing songs.

&?

44

44

Brightandhappy

WOLFGANG’SPART

Shout, (2 - 3) “I’llf1 on

__?

.˙ œ fin d y ou !”˙ ˙ Shout, (2 - 3) “I’ll

3

.˙ œ fin d y ou !”

5

˙

&?

NANNERL’SPART5

p2

œ Whis - per so ft - ly ,

1

œ œ œ

Shhh!3

œ whis - per so ft - ly ,œ œ œ

5œ “H id - i ng i s s oœ œ œ

31 play together

wwfun!” (2 - 3 - 4)

72 | WRITINGBOOK 52-53 FF1621

A NotefromMozart:

Mysister Nannerland I loved to playHide-and-Seek.Help Nannerlhide byplaying “thumb whispers.”

ThumbWhispers:

1.Tap yourL.H. thumb quicklyand lightly 8 times on your• head • shoulder • knee

Atthe keyboard:

2.Play and notice thef and p signs.

3.Use a “whisperthumb” at measures5-7. 40 Hide-and-SeekWolfgangAmadeusMozart

(fromSonata forFour Hands, K19d)

T h u m b W h i s p e r s

T E C H N I Q U E G A M E :

C a n y ou sa y the c ha nt?

Technique

Music history about Mozart andBeethoven is taught with Fun Factsand Games.

FF1622 |LESSON 12 9

Beethoven’s

Fun Facts and Game

Beethoven’sMessage:

“There are a thousand princes;there isonly one Beethoven.”

Circle each letterin Beethoven ’sname thatis a note in music.

Ex.

L U D W I G

V A N

B E E T H O V E N

Game: Numberthe pictures 1 2 3 to showBeethoven growingup.

Fun Fact: Macaroni and cheese wasone ofBeethoven’s favorite foods.

Whatisone ofyourfavorite foods?

Fun Fact: Bythe time Beethovenwas12, he wasearninga livingforhisfamilybycomposingandplayingthe organ.

Whatare some ofthe waysyouhelp yourfamily.(Your teacherorparent canhelp youwrite.)

Fun Fact: Beethoven composed hisgreatestmusic after he had gonedeaf. Overtwentythousand peoplecame to hisfuneral.

Would you like to learn more music

ofMr. Beethoven?

(write)

(write)

(write)

Music History

Blinker, the owl, loves to LOOKand presents CLAP for SIghtreading -Count-Look-Attention-Play!

20 |LESSON 24 FF1622

CLAP for Sightreading

— Count

— Look

— Attention

— Play

&? ....f

1 on __?

œ œ ˙

Hint: Keep youreyes on the music. Notice theforte sign!

œ œ ˙ œ œ œ œ œ œ ˙1

LOOK

The word sightreadingmeansto playthrough a piece forthe first t ime.

Follow these 4 steps.

Eye-training:

1. and clap the rhythm.

2. at the firstnote.Isiton alineor space?Find iton the piano.

3. on what’snext!Up, down, orsame?

4 . . To begin , se t a s teadybea tbysaying“1-2-3 GO.”

COUNT

LOOK

ATTENTI ON

PL AY

Eye-training

Tucker, the dog, loves to LISTEN.Enjoy “Same or Different,”“Playback,” and more activities.

& 43 1

F œ œ œ œ œ œ ? 44 Œ

fœ - œ - œ - wb - & 44 4

fœ . œ . œ . œ . œ œ˙ ? 44f 1

œ >œ œ œ œ >œ œ œ & 43 f5œ > œ > œ > .˙ ? 44 p 5œ . œ . œ . œ . œ . œ . œ .

& 43 5

Fœ œ œ œ œ œ

? 44 Œ

fœ - œ - œ - wb - & 44

4

fœ . œ . œ . œ . œ œ˙ ? 44

f 1

œ > œ œ œ œ . œ . & 43f5œ > œ > œ > .˙ ? 44

p 5œ . œ . œ . œ . œ .

FF1622 |LESSON 47 39

Apples or OrangesHearing Same or Different Ear-training:

Yourteacher willplay two shortmelodies.Listen! Iftheyare the same, circle the two apples.Iftheyare different , circle the apple and orange.

1. 2. 3.

4. 5. 6.

or or or or or or

LISTEN

For Te a c he r Use Only : (The e xa mple s ma y be pla y e d in a ny orde r. The te a c he r ma y c re a te more “sa me ” or “di f fe re nt” e xa mple s for the stude nt. )

Ear-training

The Little Blue Manuscript BookFF3010 00420331 $3.50

(To Be Released)




MY FIRST PIANO ADVENTURE® THE “C” BOOKS


THE “C” BOOKSSkips on the Staff

“friends at the piano” are growing up

skips: line-line and space-space

music history Fun Facts and Games

composer friends: Beethoven, Haydn,

Mozart, Tchaikovsky, Brahms

C and G 5-finger scales

continuation of Technique Games

classic themes, pop, and jazz sounds

ear-training and eye-training


Lesson Book CFF1623 00420263 $7.95

Writing Book C

FF1624 00420264 $6.95

Supplement the C books with the Primer Gold Star Performancebook. The Gold Star CD has children’s vocals and orchestrations,as well as solo piano recordings. Delightful!

Book with CDFF1602 00420255 $7.95

Primer Gold Star Performance

Christmas Book C It is an exciting time for the “musical friends” in Christmas Book C! Students play joyfulmelodies such as “Dance around the Christmas Tree” and “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”as they continue to build pianistic skill and a love of music. Teacher duets expose studentsto more sophisticated rhythms and harmonies.

Christmas Book CFF3003 00001482 $5.50



MY FIRST PIANO ADVENTURE® THE “C” BOOKS


A look inside the “C” Books . . .

? 44 ..R.H.

L.H.

F

Œ

51

œ œ

. Œ œ œ

.

5œ . 1

œ

. œ .

œ

.

Œ œ œ

. Œ œ œ

.

œ .

œ

. œ .

œ

.

Œ œ œ

. Œ œ œ

.

5

œ .> 1

œ .

5

œ .>

œ .

Fineœ œ

>.œ œ

>.œ œ

>. Œ

œ

œ >.

œ

œ >.

œ

œ >. Œ

30 !| WRITING BOOK 30–31 FF1623

Leap for the Piñata

Find these keys!

Tipsfrom yourfriends:

1. Name and find the first note.Hint: Thinkof the name ofthe little mouse!

2. Notice the opening leap fromfingers 1 to 5.

Te a c he r D ue t: (Stude nt pla y s 1 o cta v e h igh er .)

&?44

44

..

..

With energy

1

fœ

5œ 5œ 1

œ Leap

Treatsforin

thethe

pi -pi -

˙ ˙ña -ña -

ta,ta,

3œ 4œ œ œ

H a p - p y, h a p - p y ,

Repeat!1

œ > œ > œ > Œ

h a p - p y d a y!

15

b

e

> œ œ > œ œ > Œ

M

I

D

D

L

E

E B C E F G A B

L . H. R . H.

5 1 1 2 3 4 5

Songs

Technique is developed with games suchas “Falling Elephant,” “Fingertaps,” and“Mouse House.”

For a firm foundation in note-reading,the pieces move the hands around thekeyboard.

48 FF1623

F a l l i n g E l e p h a n t

Whatisthe heaviestthingyou can imagine?

an elephant? a tuba? a bigtruck?

(youridea)

1. Hold yourLEFTARM straightin frontof you.Pretend you are holdingan elephant!

2. When you can’thold the elephantany longer,letyourarm dropfreelyintoyourlap.

3. Did you feel the weightof yourarm comefallingdown?

4. Repeat FallingElephant with yourRIGHT ARM.

T E C H N I Q U E G A M E :

F a l l i n g E l e p h a n t

Technique

Improvising with F-A-C skips iscelebrated with a rock-blues duet.

FF1624 35

? b 44R.H.

L.H.

Œ 1

35

œ œ œ b œ œ œ Ó

F 1

œ Œ

5

œ œ 3

œ b 2

œ n Œ œ œ œ b

œ œ œ Ó

1

œ Œ œ œ œ b œ n Œ œ œ œ b

œ œ œ Óœ Œ œ œ œ b œ n

Œ œ œ œ b œ œ œ Ó

œ Œ œ œ 3

œ b

5

œ

2

œ b 3

œ n5

œ 2

œ b œ n œ 2

œ b œ nœ Œ œ Œ

5

œ 1

œ

2

œ b 135

œ œ œ nb ˙ ˙ ˙

œ Œ œ œ 3

œ b 2

œ n

? b ..

532

œ œ œ # œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ

1

œ Œ

5

œ Œ

Œ

1

œ

4

œ 5

œ 2

œ b 1

œ nœ Œ œ Œ

532

œ œ œ # œ œ œ œ œ œ œ 3

œ b 4

œ œ Œ Ó

1

œ 4

œ A3

œ b

1

œ

>

˙

1

œ

2

œ A

3

œ b

5

œ >

˙

w » wb

w

Te a c he r D ue t: (Stude nt pla y s L . H. on a HIGHER F-A-C . )

Rockin’ with Skips!L.H. Improvisation with F-A-C

improvise — to make up

TipsfromMillieandMarta:

1. First, setL.H. fingers 5-3-1 overthese keys.Listen and feelthe beatof the teacherduet.

2. Now improvise an F-A-C tune with the duet.Use the keysin any order!

3. To end, playa long note onF, A , or C.

Let’srock,everybody.

Feel the beat!

L.H. 5 3 1

F A C

Improvisation

Young students explore the metronomewhile tapping rhythms.

4 |LESSON 4–5FF1624

44

œ œ œ œ L.H.

down-stems

R.H.up-stems œ œ œ œ

œ œ ˙ œ œ ˙

˙ ˙ ˙ ˙

Time for Rhythms

1. Tap these rhythmson the closedkeyboard.Countaloud!

A metronome clicksat differentspeeds

and helpsusfeelasteadybeat. Try

itout!

Unit1

q = 76

2. Yourteachermay askyou to tap to the steadytick ofthe metronome.Draw a “happyface” to show you did it!

q = 100

Rhythm

Students learn about A B A form whilereinforcing skips.

36 |LESSON 36–37FF1624

&?

44

44 This is sec-tio nf

1 on__?

œ œ œ œ A. ( 2 - 3 - 4 )w This is sec-tio nœ œ œ œ A. ( 2 - 3 - 4 )

w p

1 on __?

˙ ˙Sec - tion

˙ ˙B w il l

&?

71

˙ ˙cha nge, y o u see! ( 2 - 3 - 4 )

1

w Can you name thefœ œ œ œ form? ( 2 - 3 - 4 )w Can you name theœ œ r i t a r d a n d o

œ œ form? ( 2 - 3 - 4 )

w

A Song with Form

Musical Form:Music ismade up ofdiffer entsections.

1. First, playthis songand notice the words.

2. Now, above measure1, draw a squarewith an A inside it. This is section A .

3. Where does section B start? The music changes.Draw a circle and write B inside.

4. Where does section A return? Labelit!

The form is

Theory

The Next Step...After completing the “C” booksstudents are ready to start

Piano Adventures® Level 1.

The Little Blue Manuscript BookFF3010 00420331 $3.50

(To Be Released)




12

MY FIRST PIANO ADVENTURE® COURSE


The Young Beginner: Keys for Connecting

As piano teachers, we’re quite adept at bridging our adult

world to that of the typical seven- or eight-year-old beginner.It requires only modest effort because most 1st and 2nd grade

students also try to bridge their world to ours. The attempt

to “bridge worlds” is two-way, so teaching and learning are

fluid and reasonably predictable.

It is a different matter, however, when we work with children

at ages 4 and 5. Not only is this young beginner’s world

substantially different than the adult world and qualitatively

different than ages 7-8, the young beginner does not “meet

us halfway.” 4-5 year olds require us to find and enter their

world . The young beginner is not inclined to adapt to us, so

we must adapt to the world of the young beginner.

Spirit of PlayWhat is this world of the young beginner? It is fun, fantasy

and exploration. Seriousness? Teacher-driven rules? Tight

control? These close down a young learner’s intrinsic

interest. Playfulness? Creativity? Adventure? These drive the

youngster’s learning. And the multi-sensory world of music

makes a perfect context for such a playful adventure. We

take the child into a musical “playground” that engages the

emotions and the senses. In this world, we explore, we hear,

we look, we learn. To be fully effective, we combine visual,

auditory and kinesthetic (feel/touch) experiences with a spiritof play, including playmates—the “friends at the piano” of

My First Piano Adventure®.

The student’s “musical friends” pose a new adventure with

each piece: swimming with a whale, climbing a treehouse,

dreaming of the Tooth Fairy. Engage with each page as a

new encounter, a new surprise. Take in the visual; catch the

emotion. Hear what the child says about the context. This

adds personal meaning that engages attention and primes

memory. Then listen to the CD track. Now the engagement

is auditory, yet with emotion. Next, make it tactile. Feel

the keys; listen to the sounds. Smile and sing. Engage thesenses, and engage the child with a playfulness of spirit.

Attention

We’ve all heard of the young child’s short attention span.

While this is a valid characteristic to which we adapt, let’s

be equally impressed with the young child’s tenacity when

emotionally engaged. Have you heard a youngster say,

“Again! Again!” prodding far beyond our own point of

tedium? (What might this say about our own attention span?)

So, the capacity for sustained attention is there, even in

the young child. We simply must recognize when attention

is engaged and when it is not. If attention wanes during a

visual activity, shift to an auditory or kinesthetic action. And

when attention is wholly captivated, reap all the rewards of

this “teachable moment.”

Activity-based learning—this is key. Each student responds

with personal favorites, which makes this level such a joy

to teach. The antidote to a short attention span isto get off the bench: move to the table, sit on

the floor, move to the board, back to the bench.

Activity-based teaching allows adaptation,

repetition, and variation. Not every page is

essential, but having the student’s attention

is. Celebrate student favorites and repeat

them from week to week to glean all their

capacity for musical development. Use

creative variations for fun and challenge.

12

Wendy the Whale moves her big tail, then dives lower and lower.

17

Start on aMIDDLE3-black-key group.

30 FF1619

Wendy the WhalePlaying L.H. Fingers 2-3-4

2 2 2

L.H. 2 2 2

Wen - dy the whale

Note: The teac her may peda l

as the student plays.

moves her big tail

deep, down, and low.

playtogether

2

34

234

2 2 2 234

Move DOWN tonext lower group.

L.H.

3

3

2

2

4

4

f



13

MY FIRST PIANO ADVENTURE® COURSE


TechniqueNoodle fingers, small hands, no coordination… maybe we

should wait until the child is older? This fallacy is remedied

by recognizing that a child will never “grow” a pianistic

hand. A pianistic hand is developed through guidance and

practice. So the undeveloped hand physique of the youngster

is ripe for guidance and presents an ideal time to start

on technique. We just need to adapt our teaching routine

and introduce activities that appropriately guide physical

development of the hand.

As a priority for this age, we want to develop the hand

structure. (Teaching a floppy wrist and relaxation would

be an unproductive starting point.) We need a physicalframework that is sorely lacking in the undeveloped hand.

The use of braced finger 3, with a relaxed wrist and a free-

fall drop (arm weight) is perfect because it models the hand

structure and alignment of finger, wrist and arm. Unique and

effective, “Stone on the Mountain” introduces sophisticated

aspects of piano technique. Then we work on the fingertip

with Cookie Dough (pushing chocolate chips into imaginary

cookie dough), which sets up the next several pages for using

only a braced finger 3 (Dipping L.H. and R.H. Donuts, and

Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star).

rhythm mascot. “Tap” introduces the Monster Bus Driver

(for imitating rhythms), Dancing Feet and Band Practice

(for tracking the beat and rhythm notation) and the

repeating, notated rhythm patterns of Monsieur Mouse

and Mouse Rhythms.

The tunes and audio recordings also emphasize pitch.

Student voices—girl and boy alike—are carried from

“chants,” which open the book, to singing of melodies,including famous classical themes of Beethoven and Mozart

in Book B. (Haydn, Brahms and Tchaikovsky in Book C.)

Special emphasis is placed on the hearing of tonality and the

expressive power of music.

SummaryThe joy and reward of teaching young students more

than offset the challenges. And the challenges are readily

addressed with the right curriculum and the right attitude.

My First Piano Adventure® provides the curriculum. The

teaching attitude is—keep it fun! The child’s life at this age

revolves around fun for good reason. Fun motivates play,

and play is the child’s “magic formula”

for learning.

My First Piano Adventure® allows you to

step into the child’s world and, together,

explore the joy, challenge, and beauty of

music. With fun as your watchword, seek

to draw out your student’s full attention

and vibrant spirit. The child just may give

the same gift back to you.

13

46 !| WRITING BOOK 38 FF1621

Tip from Tucker:

“Walk up” to the F and balance on a firm fingertip.Your hand should be round like a scoop of ice cream!

&?43

43

Merrily

1

f œ œ œ Let’s get a

4

( 2 - 3 )

.˙cone!

1

p œ œ œ Let’s get a ( 2 - 3 )

.˙cone!

&?

..

..

5

f œ œ œ

Let’sLet’s

getget

aa

œ œ œ d ou -t ri -

b le -p le -

dipdip

œ œ œ s traw -c ho c -

b er -o -

rylate

( 2 - 3 )

( 2 - 3 )

.˙cone!cone!

& w

Treble Clef F

21 Ice Cream Dog

M

ID

D

LE

C D E F G

1 1 . _ 1 1 1 1 4

Stepping up to finger 4, then checking for a firm fingertip.

“Is the hand round like a scoop of ice cream?”

An upward (and/or forward) wrist motion that drives the

“bridge” over the fingers is practiced in Mitsy’s Cat Back.

This wrist motion is then developed into an expressive

“rainbow” gesture that carries that hand across the keyboard.

Rhythm and PitchWhile it is exciting to see the child develop good techniquehabits at a young age, it is even more exciting to observe the

young student’s development of rhythm and pitch perception.

These perceptual skills develop most effectively with early-

age exposure, so My First Piano Adventure® puts special

focus on this aspect of brain development with the enclosed

audio CD.

For rhythm, we emphasize feeling the steady beat in the

body. We are going for a kinesthetic response, as in Roll Call,

which introduces the Friends. “Tap,” the music firefly, is the



PRIMER FABER PIANO ADVENTURES

PRIMER LEVEL

Performance

PreTime® PianoPrimer Supplementary Series

TheoryTechnique& Artistry

LESSONBOOK

Popular

Gold StarPerformance

PopularRepertoire

Christmas Pre-Reading Christmas

Christmas

DuetTime® Christmas

Classics Favorites Rock ’n Roll

Jazz & Blues

AchievementSolo & Duet Sheets

Bluebird on My Shoulder (duet)

Jesus Is My Friend

Once I Caught a Fish

Particularly Pleasing Piano Piece

Pete, the Repeat Bird

Pony Express

Wee Small Bear

Zoom, Zoom, Witch’s Broom

Hymns Kids’ Songs

Flashcards

I Can Read MusicBook 1

Teacher Guide

New!

Sightreading

New!

New!

Primer Level Lesson Book CD Audio & MIDI




Welcome to the Second Edition of the Primer Level!

33

based on Lesson Book p. # SIGHTREADING

&?

44

44˙15

Guess what˙2

f˙

hap pened then?œ œ œ œ œ œ

That in ven tionœ œ ˙

saved the day!œ œ - - -

&?

..

..

5

Joined our soc cer

œ œ œ œ

œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ team and helped us win the game. Hoo

œ œ œ œ

wwray!- -

DAY 6: My Invention

based on Lesson Book p. 41 SIGHTREADING

This new edition is a progressive evolution of the time-tested Primer Level. The Piano Adventures®

hallmarks have been retained and enhanced with these exciting new highlights:The Lesson Book opens with a progress chart for quick reference and easy lesson planning.

A new reading strategy is introduced with new pieces for learning Bass C-D-E-F-G notes.

The Theory Book tightly parallels the artwork, subject, and pedagogy of the Lesson Book, offering

more cohesive teaching and learning.

New improvisation activities in the Theory Book help guide musical exploration and encourage

student creativity.

More pages with new repertoire—pieces which are destined to become student favorites!

Primer Level Lesson Book CD

Teachers and students will be delighted by newly orchestrated background

accompaniments for the pieces in the 2nd Edition Primer Lesson Book, featuring new

improvisation opportunities and a variety of musical textures.

Each selection in the book is played twice: first at a slow practice tempo and then at

performance tempo.

The Enhanced CD includes both the audio files and standard MIDI files. When used

with software, electronic keyboard, or synthesizer, the MIDI files allow users to adjust

tempos, isolate track playbacks, and transpose to different keys.

As a special bonus, MIDI files for the Primer Performance and Technique & Artistry

books are also included on this CD.

Primer Sightreading Book

This inventive sightreading course uses sets

of exercises based on melodic and rhythmic

patterns from the Primer Lesson Book.

Students play one exercise a day, completing

one set per week. After completing each

exercise, students are encouraged to draw a

large X over the music. This instruction and

the “Don’t Practice This” motto are so out ofthe ordinary that students find it immensely

satisfying to mark their progress in this way.

Entertaining musical art helps guide the sightreading process.

Penny Piano, Freddy Forte, Little Treble, Little Bass, and the

other characters captivate the beginning reader with musical

questions, antics and requests. Each page presents a new

“learning vignette” in a spirit of fun.

N e w !

Primer CD Audio & MIDICD1001 00420068$10.95

New!

Primer Sightreading Book

FF3006 00420328$6.95




Gold StarPerformance - with CD FF1602, 00420255$7.95Bluebird on My Shoulder(Duet)

Cartoon Stories

Chugging Choo-Choo

Eternally Music

French Cathedrals

Hello to the Drum

I Found a Penny

I Love Rain!

A Particularly PleasingPiano Piece

Pony Express

Pterodactyls, Really Neat

A Rainbow Is a Smile(Turned Upside Down)

Roller Skate Ride

Squinchy-Pinchy Shoes

Theme and Variations

Zoom, Zoom, Witch’sBroom

ChristmasFF1137, 00420205$3.95Away in a Manger

Go, Tell It on the Mountain

Good King Wenceslas

Jingle Bells

Jolly Old Saint Nicholas

We Wish You a MerryChristmas

Sightreading Activities

Primer CDCD1001, 00420068

$10.95 (accompaniments in two tempos plusMIDI files for Lesson, Performance,Technique & Artistry books)

Other BackgroundAccompanimentsPopular Repertoire CDCD1017, 00420084 $10.95

Popular Repertoire MIDIGM1013, 00420275 $10.95

I Can Read Music,Book 1FF1048, 00420157$5.50Beginning note speller

PracticeTimeAssignment BookFF1167, 00420217$5.50

Lesson BookFF1075, 00420168$6.95All My Friends

Allegro

Alouette

Balloons

Bells of Great Britain

Best Friends

The Bugle Boys

C-D-E-F-G March

Come on, Tigers!

Come See the Parade!

Copy Cat

The Dance BandDriving in the G Clef

Elephant Ride

The Escalator

Football Game

Frogs on Logs

Gorilla in the Tree

Grandmother

Hey, Hey, Look at Me!

Hey, Mr. Half Note Dot!

I Hear the Echo

The I Like Song

Into the Cave

A Joke for You

Lemonade Stand

Let’s Play Ball!Magic Rhyme for Bass D

March on D-E-F

Men from Mars

Merrily We Roll Along

Middle C March

Mister Bluebird

My Invention

Octavius the Octopus

Ode to Joy

The Old Clock

Old MacDonald Had aSong

Petite Minuet

Princess or Monster?

RodeoRussian Folk Song

Sea Story

Ten-Second Song

Three Little Kittens

Tightrope Walker

Two Black Ants

Two Blackbirds

Walking Song

Yankee Doodle

TheoryFF1076, 00420169$6.50Writing Games

Eye Training

Ear Training

Improvisation

Technique & ArtistryFF1096, 00420189$6.50Technique Secrets

Artistry Magic Pieces:

All the Stars Are Shining

Canoeing Upstream

Catch Me If You Can!

Finger Hops

Leading the Parade

Peaceful Sunset

A Special Ending forAlouette

Wheels Going ‘Round

PerformanceFF1077, 00420170$6.50Are You Sleeping?

Banana Split

Chimes!

Classical March

Cowboy Joe

Dancing with Frankenstein

Donkeys Love Carrots

The Doorbell

The Happy Stream

Horseback Riding

Hot Cross Buns

I Like Roller Skating

In the Jungle

Inchworm

Let’s Boogie!

Listen to the Drums

Lullaby and Goodnight

The Opposite Song

Rain, Rain, Go Away

Rex, the Tyrannosaurus

School Bell Is Ringing!

Shepherd’s Flute

A Song About Cats

Train’s A-Comin’

Trumpet Song

Twinkle, Twinkle Little StarWind in the Trees

New!

SightreadingFF3006, 00420328$6.95Melody Patterns

Rhythm Patterns

Entertaining Musical Art

Popular RepertoireFF1256, 00420234$6.95Catch a Falling Star

Happy Birthday to You

I Got Rhythm

I’d Like to Teach the Worldto Sing

Lean on Me

The Lion Sleeps Tonight

The Planets (Animaniacs)

The Rose

Star Wars (Main Theme)

Activity Pages

FlashcardsFF1168, 00420218$6.9580 color flashcards

Note drilling

Intervallic reading

NFMC

CHOICE

NFMC

CHOICE

New!

Primer Teacher GuideFF3007, 00420327$39.95Lesson Plans

Pedagogy Pointers

Duets for ImprovisationComprehensive DVDof Model Teaching

New!




PreTime® PopularFF1042, 00420151$4.95The Candy Man(Willie Wonka and theChocolate Factory)

Groove Tune

I Just Can’t Wait to BeKing (The Lion King)

If I Only Had a Brain(The Wizard of Oz)

It’s a Small World

The Merry-Go-RoundBroke Down

Oompa-LoompaDoompadee-Doo (WillieWonka and the ChocolateFactory)

Part of Your World(The Little Mermaid)

The Pirates Who Don’t DoAnything (Veggie Tales)

Scooby Doo Main Title

PreTime® ClassicsFF1017, 00420126$4.95Bridal Chorus

The Can-Can

Horn Call

A Little Night Music(Eine Kleine Nachtmusik)

Morning

Ode to Joy

Shepherd’s SongTheme from the “London”Symphony

Trumpet Voluntary

PreTime® Favorites

FF1012, 00420121$4.95Alouette

Baa! Baa! Black Sheep

Hush, Little Baby

London Bridge

On the Bridge

Pop! Goes the Weasel

Row, Row, Row Your Boat

Shoo, Fly

Ten Little IndiansThe Muffin Man

Wheels on the Bus

Yankee Doodle

PreTime® Rock ’n Roll

FF1107, 00420198$4.95Celebrate with Rock ‘nRoll!

Engine Number Nine

Hard Rock Candy

Old MacDonald Had toRock

Pebbles, Stones, and Rocks

Recess Rock

Rockin’ in Your Socks

Rockin’ on the Soccer Field

Stegosaur Rock

Practice & ProgressLesson NotebookFF1024, 00420133$5.95

PreTime® Jazz & Blues

FF1047, 00420156$4.95Cool Breeze Waltz

Dinosaur Stomp

A Fishy Story

Hound Dog Blues

Ice Cream Blues

Jazz Man

Jazz Walk

King of Hearts

Penguin Blues

So Many Toys

PreTime® Kids’ Songs

FF1032, 00420141$4.95A-Tisket, A-Tasket

Bingo

The Dwarfs’ Yodel Song(The Silly Song)


Mail Myself to You

Mickey Mouse March

On Top of Spaghetti

The Train Song

Winnie the Pooh

PreTime® Hymns

FF1028, 00420137$4.95The B•I•B•L•E

Deep and Wide

God Is So Good

I’ve Got the Joy, Joy, Joy

Jesus Wants Me for a

Sunbeam

O, How I Love Jesus

Praise God, from WhomAll Blessings Flow

Praise Him, Praise Him

Rejoice in the Lord Always

Whisper a Prayer

Hymns MIDI DiskGM1030, 00420291 $9.95

PreTime

®

Christmas

FF1015, 00420124$4.95Away in a Manger

Good King Wenceslas

I Saw Three Ships

Jingle Bells


Over the River andThrough the Woods

Silent Night

Up on the Housetop

We Three Kings ofOrient Are

Pre-ReadingChristmas


Counting the DaysDeck the Halls

Good King Wenceslas

Jingle Bells


Merry Christmas to You

Ring the Bells!

The Perfect Christmas Tree

The Tree Hunt

PreTime® Piano - Primer Level Supplementary Series Solos/Duets

Achievement Solo& Duet SheetsBluebird on My Shoulder(Duet)AD3002, 00420001 $2.50

Jesus Is My FriendASA7006, 00420021 $2.50

Once I Caught a Fish!

A2033, 00420060 $2.50A Particularly PleasingPiano Piece

A2003, 00420032 $2.50

Pete, the Repeat BirdA2037, 00420063 $2.50

Pony Express

A2019, 00420046 $2.50

Wee Small BearA2032, 00420059 $2.50

Zoom, Zoom,Witch’s Broom

A2024, 00420051 $2.50

DuetTime® Christmas, PrimerFF1025, 00420134$4.95Good King Wenceslas


Jingle Bells

O Come, Little Children

Go, Tell It on the MountainGod Rest Ye Merry,Gentlemen


New!

The Little YellowPractice BookFF3009 00420330$3.50

NFMC

CHOICE

NFMCCHOICE




Synergy at the Primer Level

There is much to share with our beginning students. With

limited lesson time, how do we maximize our results?

Fortunately, the Primer Level presents three elements of

pedagogy that have exponential value when taughtin combination:

n introducing new notes with varied fingerings to develop

note-reading skill

n utilizing arm weight for tone production and technique

development

n using a braced third finger for rounded hand shape and

firm fingertip

While each element has a unique function, the three concepts

reinforce each other in synergistic fashion when the teacher

conscientiously integrates them.

Varied Fingering

One of the hallmark features of Piano Adventures® is the

introduction of new notes using varied fingerings. This

allows us to teach a specified set of notes without a fixed,

preset hand position. Middle C March, for example,

introduces Middle C as played by fingers 1, 2, then 3.

Consequently, the student does not equate Middle C with

finger 1.

Treble G, the next note introduced, is played with finger 3

as often as with finger 5. Similarly, Bass F is played by LH

finger 3 in upcoming songs, as well as with finger 5. Using

this varied fingering enhances note recognition and prevents

equating a finger number with a given note. In addition,

varied fingering has technical value when related to the

concept of arm weight .

Arm Weight The Primer Technique & Artistry Book introduces arm weight

as Technique Secret 4, using an exercise called Heavy Wet

Ropes. The student experiences the feeling of heavy arms byimagining them as waterlogged ropes. The release of heavy

arms into the lap gives the sense of dead weight.

The ability to release the weight of the arm into the keyboard

is essential. Failure to use arm weight in piano playing places

excessive burden on the fingers. Instead of over-taxing the

finger muscles and tendons (with the risk of inuring physical

problems like tendinitis), the pianist should use gravity

efficiently to overcome the weight of the key. The weight

of the arm can be dropped, thrust, tossed, balanced on the

fingertips, and transferred finger to finger. This effective

handling of arm weight forms the basis for good toneproduction and an effortless, virtuoso technique.

There is ample opportunity to apply the concept of arm

weight in the Primer Lesson book, beginning with the

pre-reading pieces that traverse the range of the keyboard.

In each of these, a brief

pattern is initiated with

a drop of arm weight,

and is finished with

a lift of the hand that

initiates a new drop

into the next octave.The Old Clock is

played using a steady,

rhythmic drop of arm

weight into alternating

arms: right-left right-left. This delivers a strong sense of

pulse and puts the student in touch with the larger motions of

piano playing. All the Stars Are Shining in the Technique and

Artistry book explores arm weight applied to a grand gesture

and the implications of arm weight for dynamic change.

In discussing varied fingering, we observed the frequent use

of finger 3 for a given note. Finger 3 invites a drop of armweight. In contrast, fingers 1 and 5 tend to tense the hand and

pull the wrist down. Finger 3 also promotes a tall knuckle,

which itself carries the weight of the arm. Contrast this to

fixed hand positions, which foster tension and minimize

coordinated involvement of the arm.

Two Black An

• Use Left Hand fingers 2 an

Play on the 2-black-key grou

Your teacher will demonstra

Black keys are in groups of

2’s 3’s.and

On the KEYBOARD

• Count all the groups of TWO. _____ groups

• Count all the groups of THREE. _____ groups

Start in the

MIDDLE

of the piano.

2

3

23

Two black ants

play

together

2

3

23

dig - ging down

LOW

g o i n g l o w e r

Move down to next

LOWER group.

2 3

2

3

to their home 2 3

2

3

in the gro

3 2

3 2

L.H.




Braced Finger 3

The thumb can be a useful brace for a flattened fingertip.

Placed behind the tip of an offending finger, just below the

last knuckle, the bracing thumb rounds the hand and firms apotentially collapsing fingertip. The student’s first activity at

the keyboard occurs in the Lesson Book with The Pecking

Hen and The Pecking Rooster. Here the braced finger 3

is used to round the hand as the student explores pitch

direction—pecking higher, then lower, up and down

the keyboard.

In the Technique & Artistry Book, the bracing technique is

hinted at in Making O’s, the exercise for Technique Secret

3—firm fingertips. This drill accentuates a firm fingertip by

bringing the thumb and each fingertip together, then looking

for the “O.” With just a slight adjustment of the thumb,

Making O’s becomes effectively synonymous with the braced

finger technique of The Pecking Hen. Making O’s and the

braced finger 3 reinforce each other to make the concepts of

rounded hand shape and firm fingertip more vivid and the

exercises more effective.

Integration

While varied fingering, use of arm weight, and the braced

fingertip are each effective in individual context, these three

concepts work together for great results.

To understand this integration, we need to explore the

concept of alignment. When the arm, hand, and playing

finger are in a straight line, arm weight can flow directly

into the fingertip. If the playing finger and forearm show an

angle at the wrist, there is a misalignment which breaks the

distribution of arm weight. The tall knuckle and rounded

hand shape facilitate use of arm weight by preventing a

collapsed knuckle and collapsed wrist. The finishing touch

is to align a tall knuckle over the playing finger to provide

a platform for balancing the arm.

If this sounds esoteric, don’t be dismayed. The bracedfingertip and/or Making O’s handle the issue of alignment

beautifully. And it can be done on the keyboard—right when

the problem occurs. If a fingertip collapses or the finger

and arm appear out of alignment, ask the student to “Make

an O” with the finger still on its key. Making an O not only

curves the errant fingertip, but it brings the arm, wrist, hand,

knuckle, and finger into alignment, restoring a balanced

platform for arm weight.

We have seen that bracing finger 3 implicitly aligns the

finger, hand, and arm. Thus a braced finger 3 is ideal for

experiencing a drop of arm weight into the key. At thesame time, the concept of varied fingering provides ample

opportunity to use a braced finger 3. Notice the value, for

example, of using finger 3 to kick off the downbeats in

My Invention and The Dance Band. A braced finger 3 can

be used here to ensure alignment and to increase the

sensation of arm weight.

“Right” from the Beginning

It takes effort and concentration for the student to recognize

and associate a note with its corresponding key—but much

less effort than having to erase learned finger-numberassociations. It also takes effort and concentration to help

a student balance arm, wrist, and finger in coordinated

fashion—but much less effort than having to undo years of

practiced tension. The creative combination of pedagogical

elements in the Primer Level will help your students “get it

right” the first time.

Online Teacher Resources

www.PianoAdventures.com



LEVEL 1 FABER PIANO ADVENTURES

LEVEL 1

PerformancePlayTime® PianoLevel 1 Supplementary Series


LESSON

BOOK

Classics

Popular

Jazz & BluesFavorites

Kids’ Songs


The Bunny With No Name

Happiness Runs (Duet)

I’m Ready!

Look What I Can Do!

Plurals!

Prayer at the Piano

Shout Boo!

Flashcards


Gold StarPerformance

AchievementSkill Sheet #1Major 5-fingerpatterns(challenging)

PopularRepertoire

Christmas

Hymns Christmas

Rock ’n Roll

Once Upona RainbowBook 1

DuetTime® Christmas

Sightreading

New!New!

Level 1 Lesson Book CD Audio & MIDI




Level 1 Concepts

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5

wœ œ . œ œ . œ œ . œ œ .

wœ œ . œ œ . œ œ . œ œ .

4 œ œ œ œ w

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2 0

F F 10 9 7

D i f f e r e nt D Y N AM I C S ( p , P , F , f ) he l p t o ma k e a p i e c e i nt e r e st i ng .

I n t hi s p i e c e , y o u c a n c ho o s e t he d y n a mi c s . • F i r st , r e a d t he w o r d s a nd p l a y t he musi c .

• T he n w r i t e d y na mi c ma r k s i n t he b o x e s g i v e n.

• N o w p l a y t he p i e c e a nd e n j o y y o ur v e r si o n o f L e g e n d o f t h e B u f f a l o !

L e s s o n

p .

3 5

L i g h

t l y R

o w

? b 4 4 ..

..

1 5

14

.. ˙ ˙

2 5

œ œ . .. ˙ ˙ œ œ .

ww Œ

13

œ œ 2 5

˙ ˙

9

w. ˙ œ

? b w

1

œ 2

œ 1

œ œ

13

2 - 1

w2

˙ œ œ 15

ww œ

œ . > œ œ . >

˙ ˙ >

? b

17

14

.. ˙ ˙ œ œ .

.. ˙ ˙ œ œ .

ww Œ

13

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∑œ œ œ œ Ó

2 5

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T e a c he r D u e t : ( S t u d e n t p l a y s a s w r i t t e n )

N o t e : F o l l o w t he d y na mi c ma r k s c ho se n b y t he st ud e nt .

L e g e n d o f t h e B u f f al o N . F a b e r

reading across the grand staff

2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th, and octave

half steps, sharps and flatstonic and dominant notes

legato and staccato touches

quarter, half, and whole rests

C and G 5-finger scalesI and V7 chords in C and G

Teach with...AnalysisBegin pieces with an analysis of various musical elements. The student

might name the 5-finger scale used, find a rhythm pattern, or discover

why a forte dynamic makes musical sense. Begin to use the word

“analyze” at lessons and compliment students for good thinking!

“Michael, can you discover the 5-finger scale used for this piece?”

“Emily, let’s analyze. Does the L.H. begin on the tonic

or the dominant note?”

Teach with...Creativity Creative activities engage students and bring

smiles. Short creative forays at the lesson allow

the student’s personality to emerge, reinforce

theory skills, and are fun to do!

“David, will you read the words as I demonstrate the piece?

Then choose your own dynamic marks to write in the boxes.”

“Megan, will you write the last sentence of Legend of the

Buffalo to complete the story?”

Teach with...ExpressionUse technique secrets with imaginative similes

to draw students into the music.

“Patrick, imagine your left hand is

weightless—as if it was in outer space!

Let it float up and over your right hand

for the final E.”

“Melissa, pretend your fingers areastronauts skipping over the craters.

Keep firm fingertips as you travel.”




Welcome to the Second Edition of Level 1!

More and more students now move into Level 1 after completing the My First Piano Adventure® series.

Many of the Second Edition updates help smooth that transition, and enhance the learning experiencefor all students.

Level 1 Lesson Book CDTeachers and students alike will be delighted by the newly orchestrated

background accompaniments for each piece in the Level 1 Lesson Book.

The Enhanced CD features new improvisation opportunities and a variety

of musical textures.

Each selection in the book is played twice: first at a slow practice

tempo and then at performance tempo. The piano part is muted on the

performance track, allowing the student to be the featured performer.

The Enhanced CD includes both the audio files and standard MIDI

files. The audio files can be played on a CD player or computer.

When used with software, electronic keyboard, or synthesizer, the

MIDI files allow users to adjust tempos, isolate track playbacks, and

transpose to different keys.

Special bonus: The MIDI files for the Level 1 Performance and

Technique & Artistry books are also included on this CD.

N e w !

Level 1 Lesson Book CD Audio & MIDICD1002 00420069$10.95

The Lesson Book opens with “E-G-B Mouse” (from My First Piano Adventure®)

for very effective review and a head-start orientation to smart notes on the bass clef.

These pages may be revisited regularly to ensure “mission accomplished.”

The completely revised Theory Book offers creative thematic tie-in with the

Lesson Book. For example, after playing Dinosaur Stomp in the Lesson Book, the

student improvises a Dinosaur Dance in the Theory Book, for review of the

G 5-finger scale.

New improvisation pieces and exercises throughout the book foster creativity

and increase the joy of playing.

Exciting new pieces! Selections from the great composers—Mozart, Beethoven,

and Haydn—introduce students to the lives of these composers through fun facts

and activities. Seven new pieces in the Performance Book also offer engaging

new repertoire.

New transposition exercises are presented. Firefly, the much-loved review

piece, offers an opportunity for students to transpose the piece using a

G 5-finger scale. Students have fun chasing the firefly in another key!

A new Challenge Section at the end of the Lesson Book offers flexibility to

further explore transposition and other creative activities. This offers the option

of introducing 5-finger scales in D, A, E and F, taught “off-the-staff.”




Level 1 Sightreading BookBoost reading skills with this inventive series based on melodic and rhythmic

variations of the Level 1 Lesson Book pieces. Students play an exercise a day whileenjoying the entertaining, instructional art that reinforces Level 1 reading concepts.

Chord Guy, Penny Piano, Freddy Forte and their friends turn each page into a

sightreading adventure.

The Level 1 Sightreading Book is carefully written to match the Level 1

difficulty and to provide appropriate challenge. It builds confident readers through

recognition of individual notes and perception of note patterns.

The book is organized into sets of 5 exercises, for 5 days of practice.

Students play one exercise a day, drawing a large X over each completed

exercise. This instruction is so out of the ordinary that students find it immensely

satisfying to mark their progress in this way.

The “Don’t Practice This!” motto captures students’ attention and reminds

them that sightreading is indeed “the first time through.”

Entertaining, instructional art guides student progress, making it fun and productive. Chord Guy,

Penny Piano, Freddy Forte and their friends turn each page into a fun-filled sightreading adventure!

New!

Level 1 SightreadingFF3013 00420338$6.95

58

SIGHTREADING based on Lesson Book p. 39

&?

44

44œ œ œ œ

Who is walk ing

∑

1

f œ œ ˙down the street?

∑

œ . œ . ˙Grump y troll,

Ó Œ œ œ .14

4

œ . œ . ˙grump y troll.

Ó Œ œ œ .- - -

&?

..

..

5

Stomp ing on his

∑

œ œ œ œ 5

grump y feet,

∑

œ œ ˙

œ . œ . œ œ grump y troll is

∑

4

œ œ ˙march ing home.

∑

- - - -

DAY 1: Grumpy Old Troll

82

SIGHTREADING based on Lesson Book p. 54

&?

43

43∑

œ œ œ p

5

optional pedal

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13

∑

œ œ œ ..˙∑

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.

.

5

.˙Shep

œ œ œ

3

P5

.˙herds

∑.˙

watch

œ œ œ

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∑- -

DAY 1: Shepherd’s Song




Level 1Lesson Book

FF1078, 00420171$6.95Blocked Chord Study

Bongo Drummers

Boogie on Broadway

Boy on a Bicycle

Broken Chord Study

The Bubble

C’s Rock

Chords in G

Classic Dance

Dinosaur Stomp

The Dreydl Song

Ferris Wheel

Firefly

Flute of the Andes

Forest Drums

Girl on a Bicycle

Grumpy Old Troll

Half-Time Show

The Haunted Mouse

Jazzy Joe

The Juggler

Kites in the Sky

Li’l Liza Jane

Lightly Row

Little River

“London” SymphonyTheme

The Lonely Pine

Merlin’s Wand

Mexican Jumping Beans

Mixed-Up Song

Mozart’s Five Names

My Pony

No Moon Tonight

Paper Airplane

Party Song

Rain Forest


Runaway Rabbit

Russian Sailor Dance

Sailing in the Sun

Scarf Dance

Shepherd’s Song

Skipping in Space

Song for a Scarecrow

Super Secret Agent

This Is Not Jingle Bells

Traffic Jam 2nds

Two-Note March

Warm-Up in G

Young Hunter

Theory

FF1079, 00420172$6.50Writing Games

Eye Training

Ear Training

Improvisation

Technique & Artistry

FF1097, 00420190$6.50Technique Secrets


Carousel

Floating Balloon

Journey by Camel

Kaleidoscope Colors

Legend of the Buffalo

Roses Are Red

Soccer Victory

Tom Cat Howl

Trading Baseball Cards

The Wild Colt

Performance

FF1080, 00420173$6.50500-Year-Old Melody

The Clock Shop

The Crawling Spider

The Crazy Clown

Handbell Choir

Hill and Gully Rider

I’m a Fine Musician

I’ve Got Music

Jack and the Beanstalk

Jumbo’s Lullaby

A Merry March

Miniature Sonatina

Painting with Pastels

Peter Peter

Pop! Goes the WeaselRain Dance

Rusty Old Bike

The San Francisco Trolley

Showboat

Silver Moon Boat

Sleeping Beauty Waltz

The Spanish Guitar

Square Dance

Two Little Marches

New!

Sightreading

FF3013, 00420338$6.95Melody Patterns

Rhythm Patterns

Entertaining Musical Art

Popular

RepertoireFF1257, 00420235$6.95Fiddler on the Roof

I Taut I Taw a Puddy-Tat

Matchmaker

Once Upon a December

Over the Rainbow

Superman (Theme)

The Boogie Woogie March

This Is It!

We’re Off to See the Wizard(The Wonderful Wizard of Oz)

Activity Pages

Gold StarPerformance - with CD FF1603, 00420256$7.95Bullfrog Blues

Canoe Song

Chinese Painting

Colorful Sonatina

Dance of Two Seahorses

Haiku

Happiness Runs (Duet)

Little Bunny Foo FooMonster’s Midnight March

Most of All I LikeRainbows

Mouses or Meese

Three Pirates

Christmas

FF1138, 00420206$4.95Angels We Have Heardon High

Deck the Hall

Jingle Bells

O Come, All Ye Faithful

O Come, Little Children

Up on the Housetop



Level 1 CDCD1002, 00420069$10.95 (accompaniments in two tempos plusMIDI files for Lesson, Performance,

Technique & Artistry books)

Solos/DuetsSheet MusicThe Bunny With No NameA2035, 00420062 $2.50

Happiness Runs (Duet)AD3003, 00420002 $2.95

I’m Ready!A2018, 00420045 $2.50

Look What I Can Do!A2009, 00420038 $2.50

Plurals!A2006, 00420035 $2.50

Prayer at the PianoASA7001, 00420016 $2.50

Shout Boo!A2025, 00420052 $2.50

Once Upon aRainbow - Book 1

FF1103, 00420194$4.50At the End of the Rainbow

A Double Rainbow

I’m a Walking Rainbow

Most of All I LikeRainbows

A Rainbow Is a Smile

Rainbow, Rainbow

Storm and the Rainbow

I Can Read MusicBook 1FF1048, 00420157$5.50Beginning note speller

Achievement SkillSheet #1: Major5-finger Patterns

AS5001, 00420022$2.95

Flashcards

FF1168, 00420218$6.95

Other BackgroundAccompanimentsPopular Repertoire CDCD1018, 00420085 $10.95


NFMC

CHOICE

NFMC

CHOICE

NFMCCHOICE

New!




PlayTime® Popular

FF1001, 00420110$5.50ABC

Do-Re-Mi

(Meet) the Flintstones

Music Box Dancer

Puff, the Magic DragonRocky Top

Star Wars

Supercalifragilisticexpiali-docious (Mary Poppins)

Take Me Out to the BallGame

This Land Is Your Land

PlayTime® Classics

FF1018, 00420127$5.50Country Dance

The Elephant

Finale, Brahms

Finale, Dvorák

Finale, Saint-Saëns

La Cinquantaine

LullabyMarch Slav

Romance


The Trout

Turkish March

PlayTime® Favorites

FF1013, 00420122$5.50Are You Sleeping

Aura Lee

Camptown Races

Down in the Valley

Good-Night, Ladies!Grandfather’s Clock

Home on the Range

Oh! Susanna

Oh Dear, What Can theMatter Be?

Reveille

She’ll Be Comin’ ’Roundthe Mountain

Sleep, Baby Sleep

Snake Dance

Sweetly Sings the Donkey

Taps

This Old Man

When the Saints GoMarching In

PlayTime®

Rock ’n RollFF1019, 00420128$5.50Blue Suede Shoes

Come Go with Me

Cool Strut

The Green Mosquito

Peanut Butter

The Purple People Eater

Rock Around the Clock

Rockin’ Robin

Surfer Girl

Walk Right In

PlayTime® Jazz & Blues

FF1044, 00420153$5.50Ain’t She Sweet

The Blues Monster

Boogie-Woogie Fever

Don’t Sit Under the AppleTree

Five Foot Two, Eyes ofBlue

I’m Always ChasingRainbows

It Don’t Mean a Thing If ItAin’t Got That Swing

It’s Only a Paper Moon

Jeepers Creepers

Moon River

Sugarfoot Rag

The Way You Look Tonight

PlayTime® Kids’ Songs

FF1039, 00420148$5.50

Bob the BuilderC Is for Cookie

Ferdinand the Bull

I Can Be Your Friend

I Swallowed My Gum!

Let’s Go Fly a Kite

The Lord Is Good to Me

M-I-S-S-I-S-S-I-P-P-I

Oh, What a BeautifulMorning

Scooby Doo

Ten Chocolate Cookies

PlayTime® Hymns

FF1000, 00420109$5.50Come Thou AlmightyKing

Do Lord

Fairest Lord Jesus

For the Beauty of the Earth

Holy, Holy, Holy

Jesus Loves Me

Joyful, Joyful We AdoreThee

O Worship the King

Stand Up, Stand Upfor Jesus

This Little Light of Mine

What a Friend We Havein Jesus

PlayTime® Christmas


The First Noel

A Holly Jolly ChristmasJingle Bells

Joy to the World

The Night BeforeChristmas


Rockin’ Around theChristmas Tree

Rudolph the Red-NosedReindeer

Silent Night


When Santa Claus GetsYour Letter

PlayTime® Piano - Level 1 Supplementary Series

DuetTime® Christmas, Level 1


The Holly and the Ivy

Jingle Bells

Joy to the WorldO Little Town of

Bethlehem

Pat-A-Pan

Silent Night

Up on the Housetop

PlayTime® AccompanimentsChristmas CDCD1036, 00420101 $10.95

Classics CDCD1008, 00420075 $10.95

Favorites CDCD1009, 00420076 $10.95

Christmas MIDIGM1042, 00420301 $10.95

Classics MIDIGM1018, 00420280 $9.95

Favorites MIDIGM1017, 00420279 $9.95

Hymns MIDIGM1031, 00420292 $9.95

AssignmentNotebooksPracticeTimeAssignment Book

FF1167 00420217$5.50

Practice & ProgressLesson NotebookFF1024 00420133$5.95

The Little YellowPractice BookFF3009 00420330$3.50

NFMC

CHOICE

NFMC

CHOICE

NFMC

CHOICE

NFMC

CHOICE




Articulation and the Wrist

Articulation and the Wrist An essential concept of Level 1 is beginning articulation,

specifically legato and staccato. These terms are so

familiar to us as music teachers that we might overlook theimportance of these touches in developing technique and

musical expression.

Perhaps you have noticed that there are no articulation marks

at the Primer Level—no slurs and no staccato marks. We

delay teaching legato to ensure that a modicum of finger

independence develops before insisting on connected touch.

When a student’s finger and small muscle coordination

is undeveloped (common, and not a cause for concern),

an insistence on legato playing can cause tension in the

hand. This happens when pressure is maintained against

the keybed. In most cases, the playing of a key shouldbe followed by immediate relaxation, maintaining only

sufficient balance of the hand and arm to keep the

key depressed.

We commonly hear young primer-level students play all

notes detached, poking at each key with a pump of the wrist

or a stab with the elbow. While we want to minimize (but

not necessarily eliminate) the wrist pumping, this non-legato

touch inserts a relaxation between each note, which can be

beneficial. The student is naturally building coordination

by practicing a relaxation response after each finger plays.

Granted, it doesn’t sound good to a musician’s ear, but it doesseem to improve coordination (and rhythm as well).

Wrist GestureWhat does it mean to play legato? Yes, it is a connected

touch, but—more importantly—it is the playing of several

notes in a single gesture. It is initiating a phrase with a drop

of arm weight and passing (transferring or “rippling”) that

weight from finger to finger.

In Piano Adventures®, the component parts of the legato

touch are isolated and sequenced over several levels in the

Technique and Artistry books, so that each element canbecome an automatic skill. This spiral approach offers both

review of a previously learned skill and expansion of the

technical concept, polishing the gesture and practicing its

applications over advancing levels.

n Height of the wrist This is established at the Primer

Level with the Technique & Artistry secret called “Thumb

Perch.” Playing on the side tip of the thumb (instead of a

horizontal thumb) eliminates a sagging wrist, which is socommon at this level.

n Range of wrist motion “Relaxed Wrist,” the Level

One Technique & Artistry Secret No. 2, establishes the range

of motion for the wrist in the exercise “Wrist Float-Off.”

With hands on the closed keyboard lid, an imaginary balloonpulls the wrist upward until only the tip of finger 3 is in

contact. This precludes a locked wrist and models the gesture

for a phrase ending.

n The wrist gesture At Level 2A (Technique & Artistry

Secret No. 5), the exercise “Moon Walk” applies the Wrist

Float-Off to playing keys across the keyboard.

n The slur gesture The drop and release of arm weight

through several notes is specifically practiced at Level 2B

with the Technique & Artistry exercise called “Painter’s

Brush Stroke.” Here the student perfects the “down-and-up”

motion of the slur gesture.

n The tapered ending At Level 3A, the focus is on

“rounding off” the phrase ending. The wrist gesture carries

the weight off the key to soften the last note of the slur.




Legato and the Wrist

So what do we expect of the student at Level One? We

want a flexible, relaxed wrist that freely moves up within

an established range of motion. We don’t focus on down motions of the wrist here, as these tend to collapse the

fingertip and lock the wrist low. We do focus on the up

motion. It is the flip side of the arm-weight drop. The student

drops into the phrase with arm weight and releases the

weight with the Wrist Float-Off. This needn’t be complex.

We simply encourage the student to apply the wrist float-off

at certain points in the music.

There are countless applications when we look beyond just

phrase endings. The Wrist Float-Off is tremendously valuable

for preparation. The rising wrist can carry the hand to its new

placement in crossovers, octave leaps, and position changes.

It also lends grace to closing chords. And, long-held notes

come alive by replacing a static hand with a wrist that slowlyrises through the duration of the note.

Staccato and the Wrist

There is no single way to play staccato. Staccato playing

is always contextual—that is, the execution of the staccato

depends on the musical context. For this early level we

choose the wrist staccato (Secret No. 3, “Light Hand

Bounce”), a technique that essentially dribbles the hand from

a slightly elevated wrist. Notice how well this complements

the Level 1 theme of relaxing the wrist and finding its

appropriate range of motion. With the exercise WoodpeckerTaps, this staccato technique applies fittingly to the repeated

notes and repeated intervals that characterize much of the

repertoire at this level. This gentle hand bounce not only

relaxes the wrist, but also provides a technique for playing

soft, accompanying chords.

This has big payoff at Unit 8 where chords are first

introduced. Instead of loud, clunky chords that overwhelm

the melody, the left hand effectively plays soft, staccato

chords in the first pieces with block chord accompaniment.

This is possible because of the technique acquired early

in the level (and the compositional placement of the

accompanying chords on beats where the melody is

sustained, not played).

Summary

In summary, the Wrist Float-Off and the Light Hand Bounce

constitute essential wrist gestures that derive from their

counterparts—legato and staccato. These gestures provide a

technical foundation on which more refined technique can

be developed. And, importantly, whether through shaping

a phrase, softening an accompaniment, or adding elegance

to an ending, these gestures add a great degree of musical

artistry . . . which is especially appreciated at this early level.



LEVEL 2A FABER PIANO ADVENTURES

LEVEL 2A

PerformanceShowTime® PianoLevel 2A Supplementary Series


LESSON

BOOK

Popular

Jazz & BluesAchievementSolo & Duet Sheets

Home Run Harry

Lullaby for aGrizzly Bear

There’s NothingLike a Circus

They’ll Be Back

Toytown

Walk in a Rainbow

Flashcards

I Can Read MusicBook 1 (remedial)

Gold StarPerformance(challenging)

DevelopingArtistPreparatoryPianoLiterature(challenging)

AchievementSkill Sheet #1Major 5-FingerPatterns

PopularRepertoire

Christmas

Hymns ChristmasDuetTime® Christmas

Classics

Rock ’n Roll

New!

Favorites

Kids’ Songs




Introducing the Second Edition of Level 2A!

We are delighted to present the 2nd edition of Piano Adventures® Level 2A!

This new edition is a progressive evolution of the time-tested Level 2A books.

The following hallmarks of Piano Adventures® have been enhanced for exciting musical outcomes:

A systematic approach to music reading and transposition

Pianistic repertoire that invites technical gestures

Varied styles from jazz to classical

Engaging pieces with teacher duets

Increased opportunities for exploration through Creative and Discovery questions.

Books from the previous edition can easily be interchanged with books from the new edition.

For tips and correlation charts, please visit: www.PianoAdventures.com/secondedition

Level 2A Lesson BookThe Lesson Book opens with a progress chart that includes full page-by-page correlations of the four core

books. Sixteen added pages allow for a smoother sequence.

Students make an easier transition into Level 2A with the new Note Reading

Guide and new review piece, When the Saints Go Marching In.

Additional pieces include well-known classics from the great composers

including Bach, Brahms, Haydn, Beethoven, and Vivaldi. Teachers and students

will also enjoy a new duet by Beyer.

Jazz Blast, a student favorite, now offers opportunity to improvise

cool new sounds. The concept of a lead sheet is explored.

Students are introduced to chord studies and drills: blocked and broken in

the keys of D, A, Cm, Gm, Dm, and Am.

A new Challenge Section at theend of the book offers teachers

the flexibility to introduce alltwelve major 5-finger scales,

and invites the student to exploretransposition of favorite pieces

to many keys.




Level 2ALesson BookFF1081, 00420174$6.95Aardvark Boogie

Changing Moods

Clock Strikes Thirteen!

Elf’s Silver Hammer

Famous People

Go Tell Aunt Rhody

I Am the King

Ice CreamIn an Old Castle

Jazz Blast

Kitch-iti-kipi

Leftover Popcorn

Minuet for Mr. Bach’sChildren

Moonlight Melody

More Ice Cream

Mr. Brahms’ FamousLullaby

Mr. Haydn’s Theme

My Daydream

Ode to Joy

Our Detective Agency

Peter Pan’s FlightPirate of the North Sea

Puppet Show

Queen’s Royal Entrance

Skip to My Lou

Snake Charmer

Spring, Vivaldi

Storms on Saturn

Sword Dance

This L.H. Old Man

This R.H. Old Man


Whirling Leaves

Theory

FF1082, 00420175$6.50Writing Games

Eye Training

Ear Training

Improvisation




Colorful SunsetHummingbird Wings

Malagueña

Race Car Rag

The Riddle Song

Spotlight on the Left Hand

Spotlight on the RightHand

Star Traveler

BackgroundAccompaniments

Lesson BookEnhanced CDCD1003, 00420070 $10.95(accompaniments in two tempos plusMIDI files for Lesson, Performance,Technique & Artistry books)

Popular Repertoire CDCD1019, 00420086 $10.95


Performance

FF1083, 00420176$6.50Coconut Shuffle

Dance of the Irish

Dance Theme and Variation

Green Frog Hop

Home on the Range

Horseman’s Night Ride

Italian Children’s Game

Juggler

Loch Ness MonsterMarch of the EnglishGuard

Mr. McGill’s Boop Sha-Bop!

Pachyderm Caravan

Rhino in the Mud

Rocky Mountain Train

Snow Fort Hideout

Storm and the Rainbow

Popular Repertoire

FF1258, 00420236$6.95If I Were a Rich Man

(Meet) The Flintstones

Merrily We Roll Along

Merry Old Land of OzSplish, Splash

Tiger Rag (Hold ThatTiger)

Tomorrow

Will You Be There

Activity Pages

Gold StarPerformance - with CD FF1604, 00420257$7.95Concert Sonatina

First Snowflake of Winter

Five-Note Sonatina

Grandpa Leprechaun

Home Run Harry

Hunters’ Chorus

I Love the MountainsLittle Ghost’s Recital

Morning Has Broken(Duet)

Snappin’ Harriet

There’s Nothing Like aCircus

Toy Town

ChristmasFF1139, 00420207$4.95The First Noel


Jingle Bells

O Christmas Tree

Pat-a-Pan

Silent NightWe Wish You a MerryChristmas


Flashcards

FF1168, 00420218$5.50

I Can Read Music

FF1048, 00420157$5.50Note speller

Beginning reading level

Achievement SkillSheet #1: Major5-finger Patterns

AS5001, 00420022$2.95

Achievement Solo& Duet SheetsHome Run HarryA2020, 00420047 $2.50

Lullaby for a Grizzly BearA2008, 00420037 $2.50

There’s Nothing Like aCircusA2010, 00420039 $2.50

They’ll Be Back!A2026, 00420053 $2.50

ToytownA2022, 00420049 $2.50

Walk in a Rainbow

A2001, 00420030 $2.50




ShowTime® Popular

FF1043, 00420152$5.50Happy Birthday to You

Hedwig’s Theme (HarryPotter)

I Just Can’t Wait to BeKing (The Lion King)

It’s a Small World

La Bamba

Olympic Fanfare

Over the Rainbow

Part of Your World (TheLittle Mermaid)

Perfect Nanny (MaryPoppins)

ShowTime® Classics

FF1052, 00420161$5.50Canon

Egyptian Ballet Dance

Liebestraum

Merry Widow Waltz

Minuet

Prince of Denmark’s March

SpringSuitor’s Song

Theme from Don Giovanni

Theme from SymphonyNo. 1


Hymns MIDI DiskGM1032, 00420293 $9.95

Christmas CDCD1037, 00420102 $10.95

Christmas MIDI DiskGM1043, 00420302 $10.95

ShowTime® Favorites

FF1035, 00420144$5.50The Ash Grove

Bill Groggin’s Goat

Boom Boom!

Centipede and the FrogGive My Regards to Broadway

Go Tell Aunt Rhody

Irish Washerwoman

Li’l Liza Jane

Michael Finnegan

Music Alone Shall Live

My Ma Gave Me a Nickel

Off to Bed, Now

The Old Gray Mare

Old King Cole

Peter, Peter

Shave and a Haircut

The Three Doughs

ShowTime® Jazz & BluesFF1045, 00420154

$5.50Blue Moon

Bye Bye Blackbird

Mama Don’t ’low

Oh, You Beautiful Doll

Pumpkin Boogie

Rainbow Connection

Smokie Blue

Surrey with the Fringe onTop

What’ll I Do

When the Red, Red RobinComes Bob, Bob Bobbin’Along

You Are the Sunshine ofMy Life

ShowTime® Hymns

FF1036, 00420145$5.50Come into His Presence

Come Thou Long-ExpectedJesus

Dona Nobis Pacem

Ezekiel Saw the Wheel

Jesus Tender Shepherd,Hear Me

Little David, Play on YourHarp

Lord, Speak to Me, That IMay Speak

Michael, Row the BoatAshore

Praise God, from WhomAll Blessings Flow

Rock-a My Soul

Send the Light

Simple Gifts

This Is the Day

Wasn’t That a Band?

New!

ShowTime® Rock ’n Roll

FF3008, 00420329$5.50Ain’t No Mountain HighEnough

At the Hop

Baby Elephant Walk

Groovy Kind of Love

Lava Lamp

Loco-Motion

Lollipop

Twist and Shout

Undercover Rock

Yakety Yak

ShowTime® Kids’ Songs

FF1040, 00420149$5.50Bling-Blang (Build aHouse)

Chim Chim Cher-ee

The Hokey-PokeyJig Along Home

Mail Myself to You

Oompa-LoompaDoompadee Doo

The Pirates Who Don’tDo Anything

Shaggy Dog Bop

Tomorrow

What Do Witches Eat?

ShowTime® Christmas


Coventry Carol

Ding, Dong Merrily onHigh

Frosty the Snowman

God Bless All

It Came Upon the MidnightClear

The Little Drummer Boy

Little Elf’s Christmas

Must Be Santa

Santa Claus Is Comin’to Town

Silent Night

Up on the Housetop

We Three Kings of OrientAre

ShowTime® Piano - Level 2A Supplementary Series

DuetTime® Christmas, Level 2


French Carol

Fum, Fum, FumJingle Bells

O Christmas Tree

There’s Something Underthe Christmas Tree


We Wish You aMerry Christmas

Developing ArtistPreparatory PianoLiterature - with CD FF1027, 00420136$5.95Allegretto, Köhler

Ancient Dance, Praetorious

Circle Dance, Beyer

Country Ride, KöhlerEchoes, Köhler

Five-Note Sonatina, Bolck

Hero’s March, Vogel

In an Old Castle (Duet),Beyer

Little March, Türk

Melody, Beyer

Ponies, Löw

Sonatina, Wilton




Pattern Recognition and Five-Finger Scales

Pattern Recognition

Why are five-finger positions a necessary part of piano

pedagogy? Because our hands have five fingers. So the

relevance of five-finger patterns applies at virtually anylevel of piano playing.

Major and minor five-finger patterns are taught in Level

2A of Piano Adventures®—after the basics of reading are

acquired in the Primer and Level 1. With the fundamentals

of note recognition and intervallic reading firmly in place,

this multi-key approach can take hold without liability.

After students learn the basics of reading, we can use five-

finger positions to enhance reading skill by eliciting visual,

kinesthetic, and aural pattern recognition.

Contour and Context

A student who reads only note-by-note misses the musical

picture. Why? Because music is coded in contour and

context . Contour of musical line depicts phrasing and the

expressiveness of changing pitch. Contour is decoded

through recognition of pitch direction and interval.

Context suggests another level of pattern recognition.

Context provides harmonic meaning through recognition of

chords, key, tonic/dominant relationships, and so on. Context

provides artistic meaning through recognition of form and

motivic relationships, as well as more subtle relationships

found through conscientious study of the score.

From the standpoint of artistry, understanding of contour

and context can reduce a dense score to relative simplicity,

and thus provide musical meaning that leads to expressive

playing. From the standpoint of reading skill, an ability to

grasp contour and context simplifies the reading process by

allowing visual information to be processed in “chunks”

through recognition of familiar patterns.

Piano Adventures® systematically builds skill in pattern

recognition:

n The Primer introduces intervallic reading and Level 1reinforces it.

n Level 1 introduces five-finger tonality in C and G, with

emphasis on tonic and dominant scale steps.

n Level 2A addresses multi-key playing with transpositions

to D, A, and to minor five-finger patterns.

n Level 2B adds meaning to triad recognition with

awareness of key, key signature, the full major scale, and

recognition of primary chord functions—I, IV, and V7.

n Level 3A reinforces and expands recognition of chord

names and chord function.

n Level 3B introduces chord inversions and minor

tonalities.

n Level 4 reinforces these minor key patterns with special

focus on the V7 in root position, and reviews chord inversion

recognition.

n Level 5 introduces new flat-key patterns and recognition

of I, IV, and V chords in any inversion and any key.

Intervallic Reading

Decoding contour requires recognition of direction (up,

down, same) and interval span (step, skip, fourth, fifth,

and so on). This reading skill is not a substitute for note

recognition, but a skill to be learned concurrent with note

naming. For this reason, the Primer level merges note-namerecognition with intervallic/directional reading. These skills

go hand-in-hand.

Note-name recognition is essential for student confidence.

Yet, directional/intervallic reading is not of secondary

importance. It is essential for grasping musical contour

and for fluent sightreading. Intervallic reading is pattern

recognition in its most elemental form, and rests on a

foundation of note recognition.




Five-Finger Scales

The importance of major and minor five-finger patterns may

be obvious, but let’s cite three reasons:

n Major and minor five-finger patterns (pentascales)

reinforce recognition of major and minor triads.

n Major and minor five-finger patterns prepare the student

for major and minor scales.

n Major and minor five-finger patterns highlight the tonic

and dominant notes.

Because five-finger patterns lie stepwise under the hand, this

context is ideal for reinforcement of intervallic reading and

for transposition. Many pieces at Levels 1 and 2A require

moving the hand between familiar positions. This movementbetween positions sharpens the student’s reading, mitigates

position dependence, and invites motion that can prevent a

locked wrist.

There are three modalities involved with five-finger pattern

recognition:

n Staff recognition is visual

n Keyboard topography is kinesthetic

n Aural perception of five-note tonality is auditory

Since music making involves these modalities in

combination, the pedagogical use of five-finger scales

provides a playing field for exploring the integration of

elementary patterns—visual, kinesthetic, and auditory.

Occasionally, it’s helpful to spotlight a specific modality.

For instance, the shift from major to minor (or vice versa) is

aurally striking. We introduce five-finger patterns in terms

of black and white, which is visual. We also stress the feel

of the pattern. The pairing of D and A Major highlights both

their visual and kinesthetic similarities.

Rhythmic “Chunking” Eighth notes are not presented in Piano Adventures®

until Level 2A. This allows the student to be at ease with

rhythm at the Primer and Level 1. The beat can be quite

fast, unhampered by intruding eighth notes. This promotes

a rhythmic fluency based on meter, instead of a slow,

interrupted beat. Teachers readily recognize the increase in

musicality.

By not yet subdividing the beat, these early levels present a

limited set of rhythmic values which the student can readily

“chunk” into macro patterns, such as 1 1 1-2 or 1-2 1-2.

When eighth notes are introduced at the beginning of Level2A, they are presented in rhythmic groupings.

Thus the student is led to read eighth notes, not as individual

counts or sub-counts, but in the context of a meaningful

rhythmic pattern that is felt kinesthetically, not just

intellectually.

Summary

Repetition of predictable patterns leads to recognition of

these patterns. We can’t assume that random occurrence of

principal patterns will lead to recognition. We need to equip

students with tools of pattern recognition through systematic

presentation of patterns and a matching repertoire.

Through transposition, “question and answer,”

harmonization, ear training, and a carefully conceived

repertoire, five-finger patterns lay a foundation of pattern

recognition that ultimately leads to a keen sense of tonality

and intelligent, fluent music reading.



LEVEL 2B FABER PIANO ADVENTURES

LEVEL 2B

PerformanceChordTime® PianoLevel 2B Supplementary Series


LESSON

BOOK I Can Read MusicBook 2

DiscoverBeginningImprovisation

DevelopingArtistPreparatoryPianoLiterature

Developing ArtistPiano LiteratureBook 1 (challenging)

AchievementSkill Sheet #2:Minor 5-FingerPatterns

AchievementSkill Sheet #7:Elementary I-V-ICadences(challenging)

Classics

Popular

Favorites

Hymns Kids’ Songs

Jazz & Blues

Gold StarPerformance(challenging)

Jewish Favorites

Ragtime & MarchRock ’n Roll

Christmas


Cat Prowl

Classic Sonatina

Jazz Pizzazz

Land of Dreams

Little Tin Soldier (Duet)

The Notorious Pirate

PopularRepertoire

Christmas


Flashcards




five Cs across the grand staff

interval of a 6th

connected pedalingeighth rest, dotted quarter note

cross-hand arpeggios

C, G, and F major scales

I, IV, and V7 chords in C, G, and FMusical form (AB and ABA coda)

Level 2B Concepts

Teach with...AnalysisTeach to make the students’ grasp of a new concept (ex. major scale)

flexible so that they can both understand the idea and apply it to a

variety of contexts.

“Katie, let’s play Twinkle, Twinkle by ear. How are tonic and dominant

notes used at the beginning of the tune?”

“Bryan, let’s make up a L.H. accompaniment pattern

that uses the tonic note moving DOWN to the

dominant note.

Teach with...Creativity Children grow musically with short creative

encounters that relate to the larger concepts

being taught. Each new musical concept is an

opportunity for a creative encounter.

“Philip, will you play your G major scale from memory and

say the letter names? Now, let’s complete this melody that isbuilt from the G scale. Tell me, does the B section end on the

tonic or dominant?”

“Patrick, could you harmonize your G scale melody with

I and V7 chords?”

Teach with...ExpressionFull understanding of terms and concepts

such as articulation, dynamics, and

forward motion is an ongoing

process. Students move from

shallow to deeper knowledgethrough their exposure to

artistic teaching and expressive

repertoire.

“Michael, in which measures

do you have a sense of

swirling, forward motion

over the bar lines?”

“Sarah, where would

you use a light hand bounce as

part of the articulation?”

T h e o r y

p .

1 0

1 4

F F1 0 8 4

C

C

d e

f g

a b

D I S C O V

E R Y

1 6

F F1 0 9 9

&?4 3

4 3

3

fœ b > œ

1

œ 2

œ 3

œ 2

œ

5

œ > 1 3

˙ ˙ b

3

œ b > œ œ 2

œ 3

œ 2

œ

5

œ 1

3

˙ ˙ b

3

œ b > œ œ œ œ œ

œ ˙ ˙ b

&?

4 5 .˙ œ œœ b . œœ.

∑ Fœ œ œ b œ

1

œ 2

œ #

Œ 5 4 1

œœœ. œœœ.

1

.˙

∑

1

œ 2

o ver

œ b 1

œ 2

œ 3

œ b œ

A l l e g r o

L

e

s s o

n

s

p .

2 0

A r t i s t r y Q u i z

: ( C i r c l e a o r b f o

r e a c h o f t h e f o

l l o w i ng. )

1. A r t i c u l a t i o n r e

f e r s t o ( a ) t h e d

y n a m i c s

( b ) t h e s l u r s, s

t a c c a t o s, a n d a c c e n t

s

2. D y n a m i c s r

e f e r s t o ( a ) t h e

l o u d a n d s o f t s o

u n d s i n t h e m u s i c

( b ) t h e s h a r p s,

f l a t s, a n d n a t u r a

l s

3. F o r w a r d m o

t i o n r e f e r s t o ( a )

p l a y i ng h e a v i l y, h e s i t

a t i ng a t e a c h b

a r l i n e

( b ) t h e f o r w a r d

d i r e c t i o n o f t h e

n o t e s; m u s i c a l f l

o w

W i n t e r W i n d

( C m i no r )

N. F a b e r

P r a c t i c e W a r m

- u p:

F i r s t p r a c t i c e s

- l - o - w - l - y f o r

n o t e s, a r t i c u l a t

i o n, a n d d y n a m

i c s.

W i n t e r W i n d

C h a l l e n g e:

P l a y allegro! C r e a t e

t h e m o o d o f a h o

w l i ng

w i n t e r w i n d w i t h

e x c i t i ng d y n a m

i c s a n d f o r w a r d

m o t i o n.




Level 2BLesson Book

FF1084, 00420177$6.95Almost Like a Dream

Amaryllis

America

Auld Lang Syne

Beach Party

Boom Boom!

Boxcar Rumble

Camptown Races DuetCanoeing in the Moonlight

Carefree Waltz

Cathedral Chimes

Cross-Hand Arpeggios

Down by the Bay

Duke of York

Horse Drawn Carriage

Jumpin’ Jazz Cat

Lazy Chord Blues

London Bridge

New Orleans Celebration

New World SymphonyTheme

Pedal Power

Pumpkin BoogieRiding the Wind

Shave and a Haircut

Sounds from the GumdropFactory

Spanish Caballero

Taps

Turkish March

TheoryFF1085, 00420178$6.50Writing Games

Eye Training

Ear Training

Improvisation




Autumn Colors

Carillon Bells

Etude in C

Grand Waltz in F

The Hurdy-Gurdy

Rip Roarin’ Rag

Sunshine, RaindropsSwiss Music Box

Water Skiers

Winter Wind

Performance

FF1086, 00420179$6.50Brahms’ Lullaby

The British Grenadiers

Come Sail Away

A Day at the Carnival

The Dragon Hunt

Everybody Loves SaturdayNight

Für Elise

In My Red Convertible

Kum Ba Yah

The Milky WayMinuet

Music Box Waltz

Pagoda Tree

Sunburst Waltz

Theme by Haydn

The Time Machine

Tingalayo

Flashcards

FF1168, 00420218$5.50

Popular Repertoire

FF1259, 00420237$6.95Ashokan Farewell

Ding-Dong! The Witch IsDead

Don’t Cry for Me,Argentina

I Want to Hold Your Hand

The James Bond Theme

Linus and Lucy

Over the Rainbow

The River

Activity Pages

Gold StarPerformance - with CD FF1605, 00420258$7.95Aria (La Traviata)

Banuwa

Cat Prowl

Festive Sonatina

Gypsy Dance by Firelight

The Little Tin Soldier (Duet)

Misty Midnight Garden

The Phantom Complainer

Rainbow Sister

Tijuana Tambourine

Treasure Island





Christmas

FF1140, 00420208$4.95Deck the Halls

Jingle Bells

Joy to the World

Mary Had a Baby

Silent Night

Twelve Days of Christmas

Up on the Housetop

What Child Is This?


I Can Read Music

Book 2FF1060, 00420167$5.50Elementary note speller

Achievement SkillSheet #2: Minor5-finger Patterns

AS5002, 00420023$2.95

Achievement SkillSheet #7: Elementary

I-V-I Cadences AS5007, 00420028$2.95

Discover BeginningImprovisation

FF1051CD, 00420160$8.95Imaginative exercises toexplore improvisation

Developing ArtistPreparatory PianoLiterature - with CD

FF1027, 00420136$5.95See Level 2A for content

Developing ArtistPiano LiteratureBook 1 - with CD

FF1030, 00420139$6.95See Level 3A for content

Achievement Solo& Duet SheetsCat ProwlA2027, 00420054 $2.50Classic SonatinaA2005, 00420034 $2.95Jazz PizzazzA2030, 00420057 $2.50Land of DreamsA2031, 00420058 $2.50Little Tin Soldier (Duet)AD3004, 00420003 $2.95The Notorious PirateA2023, 00420050 $2.50

Once Upon

A Rianbow - Book 2FF1104, 00420195$4.50I Love a Rainbow

Purple Rainbow Swirls

Rainbow Dreams

Rainbow Ice Cream

Rainbow in My Pocket

Walk in a Rainbow




ChordTime® Popular

FF1004, 00420113$5.95Angel of Music (Phantom ofthe Opera)

Can You Feel the LoveTonight? (The Lion King)

Circle of Life

Do-Re-MiThe Entertainer

Heart and Soul

Lean on Me

(Meet) the Flintstones

She Loves You


We’re All in This Together(High School Musical)

ChordTime® Classics

FF1020, 00420129$5.95Aria

La Donna e Mobile

Largo

Laughing Song

Little Man in the Woods

March Militaire

OverturePizzicato Polka

Polovetzian Dance No. 17

Rage Over the Lost Penny

Roses from the South

Theme from “The Surprise”Symphony

Theme from Trumpet Con-certo in E Flat

Trepak

ChordTime® Favorites

FF1014, 00420123$5.95America

Auld Lang Syne

Down by the Riverside

Duke of York

Everybody Loves SaturdayNight

The Great Meat Pie

Hot Cross Buns

Long, Long Ago

Mexican Clapping Song

Rise and Shine

Skip to My Lou

Three Blind Mice

Turkey in the Straw

Where Has My Little DogGone?

ChordTime® Rock ’n Roll

FF1021, 00420130$5.95Chantilly Lace

Come Sail AwayCrazy Little Thing CalledLove

In the Midnight Hour

Long Tall Texan

Lost in the Fifties Tonight

Mr. Tambourine Man


Surfin’ Safari

Wipe Out

Witch Doctor (Alvin andthe Chipmunks)

Yesterday

You Really Got Me

ChordTime® Jazz & Blues

FF1046, 00420155$5.95Ain’t Misbehavin’

Baby Face

Dill Pickle Stomp

Doo Wah Diddy DiddyGod Bless the Child

Left-Hand Louisian’

Ol’ Man River

Tea for Two

Tuxedo Junction

Watermelon Man

When the Saints GoRockin’ In

Where Is the Love?

Whistle Stop Blues

ChordTime® Ragtime & Marches

FF1133, 00420204$5.95Alexander March

Alexander’s Ragtime Band

Astronaut MarchThe Caisson Song

Colonel Bogey March

Dalmatian Rag

The Entertainer

Marines’ Hymn

Original Rags

Raincoat Rag

Stars and Stripes Forever

The Thunderer

You’re a Grand Old Flag

ChordTime® Piano Supplemental Series Classics MIDIGM1021, 00420283 $9.95Favorites MIDIGM1020, 00420282 $9.95Hymns MIDIGM1033, 00420294 $9.95

ChordTime® Hymns

FF1003, 00420112$5.95Amazing Grace

Battle Hymn of the Republic

Blest Be the Tie That Binds

Come Bless The Lord

Give Me Oil in My Lamp


Hallelujah, Praise The Lord

He Leadeth Me

I’ve Got Peace Like a River

Lord, I Want to Bea Christian

This Is My Father’sWorld

Praise to the Lord,The Almighty

and more...

ChordTime® Christmas

FF1005, 00420114$5.95Away in a MangerDeck the Hall

Good King Wenceslas

Holly Jolly Christmas

Jingle Bells


Joy to the World

Night Before Christmas Song



Silent Night


When Santa Claus Gets YourLetter

ChordTime® Kids’ Songs

FF1041, 00420150$5.95Catch a Falling Star

Ding-Dong! The Witch IsDead


I Can’t SpellHippopotamus

In a Cabin in the Woods

Mama Paquita

New River TrainOh! Susanna

Pizza Time!

Rubber Duckie

Teddy Bears’ Picnic

Tingalayo

ChordTime® Jewish Favorites

FF1192, 00420225$5.95Artza Aleenu

Hanukah

Hanukah Candle Blessings

Hatikva

Havah Nageela

Hayvaynu Shalom A’layhem

Hinay Mah Tov

Maoz Tzur

My Draydl

Seeman Tov

Shabbat Shalom

Tumbalalaika

ChordTime® Accompaniments

Christmas CDCD1038, 00420103 $10.95Classics CDCD1014, 00420081 $10.95Favorites CDCD1015, 00420082 $10.95


NFMC

CHOICE

NFMC

CHOICE

NFMC

CHOICE

NFMC

CHOICE

NFMC

CHOICE

NFMC

CHOICE

NFMC

CHOICE




The Power of Primary Chords

Perhaps the favorite application of music theory in piano

instruction is the teaching of I, IV and V7 chords in that

familiar cluster surrounding the root-position I chord. This

aspect of piano pedagogy is a guiding concept for Level 2Bof Piano Adventures® and the corresponding ChordTime®

Piano series.

This simple chord formula is favored for good reason:

n The chords are easily accessible

n They reduce the harmonic language of many diverse

styles to a common denominator

n They provide a basis for creative applications in arranging

or composing.

Staging the V7 Chord The earlier levels of Piano

Adventures® work with a two-note

V7 chord that lies readily under the

hand. This allows for easy and rapid

switching between I and V7 chords.

Using the more common three-note V7 chord at early

levels can sabotage the student’s rhythm at the bar line

because of the difficult shift of finger five. In contrast, a

two-note V7 chord allows the student to maintain rhythmic

fluency and, importantly, the musicality of a flowing meter.

Thee next steps toward using three-notes for the V7 are

presented in stages at Level 2B: the interval of a 6th and the

leading tone. In teaching the major scale, we help the student

hear the leading tone move by half step to the tonic. Then we

help the student hear the leading tone of the V7 chord resolve

to its tonic note. Indeed, this leading tone is the new note of

the V7 chord. By addressing the V7 in stages across Levels

2A and 2B, we eliminate the technical hurdle and promote a

heightened aural sense of the V7.

The Chord Accompaniment

It is not enough merely to read the notes of a chord, or

even to recognize the notes as a chord. A student needs to

understand the role of chords in accompanying a melody. So,immediately after introducing the three-note V7, we present

a two-hand accompaniment for Camptown Races with the

melody displayed on a third staff. This “piano/vocal” score

provides much insight for the student: conceptualization

of melody and accompaniment, the utility of I and V

harmonies, the concept of chord progression, and exposure

to ensemble playing.

Reading Chord Symbols

With each new key (C, G, and F), chord patterns are

presented under the heading “Reading Chord Symbols.”After the student blocks the chords, have him or her play

an accompaniment that follows the given chord progression.

The teacher can draw bar lines between the chord symbols

(see above) to show a chord chart more specifically.

Time spent listening, memorizing, and transposing these

chord progressions is time well spent. Then, let your student

loose to create melodies and various accompaniment patterns

based on the chord progressions. The creative questions

that end each unit will provide nudges toward such work.

For most students, though, you’ll want to push the creative

activities even more. It’s amazing how much similarity there

is among chord progressions, and how much value is derived

from working them over and over.

The IV Chord The hip, barrelhouse LH of Boxcar Rumble reinforces

the 6th and hints at an alternating I-IV pattern. You might

revisit this piece after the IV chord is learned, adding the

omitted chord tones to the LH pattern. For a somewhat easier

variation, repeat each chord before changing harmony. You’ll

still want to play a chord on every beat, but the harmonic

rhythm slows to a change of chords every two beats instead

of every beat.

? # 44 ....œ œ œ œ œ œ

œ œ œ œ œ œ

? # 44 ....œ œ œ œ œ œ

œ œ œ œ œ œ




Accompaniments That Dance

We have all heard plenty of thumping thumbs in left-hand

accompaniments. Yes, the left-hand accompaniments can use

repetitive practice, but they also require the right technique.That’s where the Technique & Artistry Books shine. For

example, Technique Secret No. 3 at Level 2B specifically

works for a light thumb to remedy—or better—to prevent the

thumping thumb. In fact, all of the “technique secrets” at this

level converge to provide coordination and beauty in a left-

hand accompaniment:

n A drop of arm weight (Heavy Arms) initiates the

LH pattern.

n The energy flows through a slur gesture (Painter’s

Brush Stroke).

n The Weightless Thumb ensures a lightness for the

non-downbeats.

The entire level is designed to achieve beauty and efficiency

by playing several notes with a single gesture. This is

applied specifically to left-hand accompaniments through a

combination of “drop” and “up” touches.

Tipping over “Snowman” Chords

Students typically recognize chords on the staff only

when notes are stacked in thirds. I call this the “snowman

chord” syndrome. Our goal is to tip the chord over so thata harmony is recognized when it spans horizontally across

the measure and vertically over both treble and bass clefs.

The first tool in this perceptual transformation is the Cross-

Hand Arpeggio, which distributes chord tones over several

measures and between clefs. The skill continues to be

sharpened as the student moves through the higher levels of

Piano Adventures®.

Whether we synthesize accompaniments

from a given chord pattern as in

Reading Chord Symbols, or

we analyze to find chordpatterns in an otherwise

complex piece, primary

chords provide a common

denominator to which we

can relate aurally, visually,

and kinesthetically. The

power of primary chords is

in their simplicity. And, as a

watchword for both the student

and professional artist, “Always

look for the simplicity.”




LEVEL 3A

PerformanceFunTime® PianoLevel 3A Supplementary Series


LESSON

BOOK

Classics

Popular

Hymns Christmas

Jazz & BluesAchievementSolo & Duet Sheets

Classic Sonatina in G

Willow Tree Waltz

Discover BluesImprovisation


Christmas

PopularRepertoire

Ragtime &Marches

Rock ’n RollFavorites

DevelopingArtistPianoLiteratureBook 1

Developing ArtistPiano SonatinasBook 1 (challenging)

AchievementSkill Sheet #3:

1-Octave MajorScales and Arpeggios

Kids’ Songs

New!




Level 3A Concepts

P e r f o r m

a n c e

p .

6

T e c h n i q u e

p .

3 ( P e

d a

l

R h y

t h m

s ) , p .

1 0

T h e o r y

p .

6 ,

7 ,

8

1 2

F F1 0 8 7

l l i

.

2 8

F F11 0 0

&?

C

C

Ó 1

œ 3

œ # 1

œ 2

œ

Co u n t: 1 a n d 2

a n d

5

p 1 3

˙ ˙

3œ # 1œ 3œ # 1œ 2œ 3œ # 1œ 3œ #

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œ # 1

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1 2

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o ( Ó = 7 2 - 8 0 )

T he m is t is so t

h ic k i t is h ar d to

see.

L e

s s o

n

s

p .

4 1

S o f t P l a y i n g

D i d y o u k n o w t h

a t i t t a k e s m o r e s

k i l l a n d j u s t a s f

i r m f i ng e r t i p s

t o p l a y s o f t l y ( p

i a no) a s l o u d l y

( f or te) ?

A r t i s t r y Q u i z :

1. W h a t i s t h e

lo u des t d y n a m i c

m a r k i n t h i s p i e c

e ? _ _ _ _ t h e so f

tes t ? _ _ _ _

A s y o u p l a y t h i s

a t m o s p h e r i c, m i

s t y p i e c e, u s e a l

ig h t, “ f e a t h e r t o u

c h ”

w i t h y o u r r ig h t h

a n d.

2. F i n d a n d m a

r k 3 p l a c e s i n t h

e m u s i c w h e r e y

o u c a n u s e a “ r o u

n d o f f. ”

( W r i t e R. O

. f o r “ r o u n d o f f.

” )

Y e l l o w M o o n o n

a M i s t y La g o o n

A R T I S T R Y MA G I C

binary and ternary form

interval of a 7th

´≤ ,

¥≤ , the triplet

swing rhythm

ostinato and alberti bass

common time and cut time

ledger linesone-octave arpeggios

Teach with...AnalysisAnalysis is not just for the student; it also applies to us as teachers.

Reflective analysis of our own teaching leads us to improvements

that keep our students winning at piano.

Ask yourself. Would my student be able to describe an Alberti bass

pattern? Is my student ready to transpose the A section to the key of

G major? Would my student rise to the challenge of

a more difficult piece with the Alberti bass, such as

Canario from the Developing Artist Preparatory

Piano Literature book?

Teach with...Creativity To select an appropriate creative activity,

first assess the difficulty of the underlying

concept being taught. Is the challenge rhythmic?

Technical? Theoretical?

“Kristin, let’s choose chord tones to build a melody over the

Alberti bass. Now play it very high and turn it into a music

box. Or, perhaps it is an old-fashioned ice-cream truck!”

“Ryan, well done on composing Your Own Sonatina!

For next week, can you transpose it to G Major?”

Teach with...ExpressionGiving names to the technical gestures makes them

memorable and helps the teacher and student

communicate more easily. The named

gestures provide a technique

toolbox for expressive playing. “Vivian, how does the sound

change with the round-off

gesture? Find and mark three

places in the music where you

can use a round-off.”




Level 3ALesson Book

FF1087, 00420180$6.957th St. Blues

Amazing Grace

Campbells Are Coming

Cool Walkin’ Bass

Cossack Ride

Echoes of the Harp

Eine Kleine Nachtmusik

Ice Dancing

Joshua Fought the Battle ofJericho

Land of the Silver Birch

Looking-Glass River

Lunar Eclipse

March Slav

Mockingbird

Morning (from Peer Gynt)

Night of the Tarantella

Promenade

Sakura

Scarborough Fair

Snowflake Rag

Sonatina in C

Song of Joy

Wedding March

Theory

FF1088, 00420181$6.50Writing

Sightreading

Ear Training




Back-up Singers

Chariot Race

Eagle on the Wind

The Kentucky Derby

Olympic Torch

Scale Monster

Snowy RiverTropical Fish

Yellow Mood ona Misty Lagoon

Performance

FF1089, 00420182$6.50Allegretto

America, the Beautiful

Carnival of Venice

The Erie Canal

Fanfare Minuet

The Fly’s Adventure

Funiculì, Funiculà

The Great Wall of China

Hot Summer Blues

MalagueñaMorning Has Broken

Novela

Persian Market

Song of Kilimanjaro

Vivace

Popular Repertoire

FF1260, 00420238$7.50Animaniacs

From a Distance

I Swear

I Will Always Love You

Puff, the Magic Dragon

Superman (Theme)

That’s the Way It Is

The Pink Panther

Tiny Toon Adventures Activity Pages

ChristmasFF1141, 00420209$5.50Angels We Have Heardon High

Bring a Torch, JeannetteIsabella

Carol of the Bells

Dance of the Sugar PlumFairy

Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring

Jingle Bell Boogie

O Holy Night





I Can Read Music,Book 3FF1227, 00420233$6.95Early intermediatenote speller

Achievement SkillSheet #3: 1-OctaveMajor Scales &Arpeggios

AS5003, 00420024$2.95

Discover BluesImpovisation -with CD

FF1155CD, 00420215$8.95Blues improvisation,ear-training, theory andtechnique. Includesenhanced CD with back-ground accompaniments(audio and MIDI)


FF1030, 00420139$6.95Adagio and Allegro, J.C.Bach & F.P. Ricci

Bagatelle, Hook

Busy Machine, Dubliansky

Canario, Von der Hofe

Gavotte in C, Telemann

The Highlander, MouretThe Hunt, Gurlitt

Little Dance, Türk

Little Prelude, Schytte

Melody for Left Hand,Schytte

Minuet, Hook

Morning, Diabelli

On the Ocean Floor, Alt

Pantomime, Faber

Procession in G, Praetorius

Quadrille, Haydn

Shepherd Pipes,Salutrinskaya

Sonatina in G, Attwood

Tarantella, LynesTwo Preludes, Spindler

Waltz for Four Hands,Wohlfahrt

Developing ArtistPiano SonatinasBook 1

FF1110, 00420199$5.95Sonatina, Biehl

Sonatina, Czerny

Sonatina in C, Gurlitt

Sonatina in C, Biehl

Sonatina in C, Duncombe

Sonatina in D,Salutrinskaya

Sonatina in G, Attwood




FunTime® Popular

FF1007, 00420116$6.50Colors of the Wind

Eleanor Rigby

He’s a Pirate (from Piratesof the Caribbean)

I Saw Her Standing There

La Bamba


Moonlight Sonata(Beethoven)

Music Box Dancer

Pachelbel Canon

Phantom of the Opera


A Whole New World(Aladdin)

FunTime® ClassicsFF1022, 00420131$6.50Barber of Seville

Blue Danube Waltz

Dance of the Sugar Plum

FairyEine Kleine Nachtmusik

In the Hall of the MountainKing

Light Cavalry Overture

Musetta’s Song

Peter and the Wolf Theme

Pomp and Circumstance

Scheherazade Theme

Toreador’s Song

“Unfinished” SymphonyTheme

Waltz

FunTime® Favorites

FF1054, 00420163$6.50Arkansas Traveler

Chopsticks

Give My Regards toBroadway

Glow Worm

Greensleeves

Hello, My Baby

I’ve Been Working on theRailroad

Scarborough Fair

Skaters’ Waltz

Song of the Volga Boatmen

Two Guitars

FunTime® Rock ’n Roll

FF1023, 00420132$6.50All I Have to Do Is Dream

Bye Bye Love

Come Go with Me

Hey, Jude

Hound Dog

Howl at the MoonLast Night of Summer

Mumbo Jumbo

Rockin’ Pneumonia and theBoogie Woogie Flu

Rockin’ Robin

Runaround Sue

Stand by Me

Achievement Solo& Duet SheetsClassic Sonatina in G

A2015, 00420044 $3.50

Willow Tree WaltzA2002, 00420031 $2.50

FunTime® Jazz & Blues

FF1010, 00420119$6.50Come On, Summer

Dallas Blues

Frankie and Johnny

House of the Rising SunIn the Mood

Love Potion No. 9

Misty

Piano Playin’ ChocolateEater’s Blues

Royal Cat Blues

St. James Infirmary

This Masquerade

Tuxedo Junction

FunTime® Ragtime & MarchesFF1008, 00420117$6.50American Patrol

The Ants Came Marching

DixieThe Easy Winner

The Entertainer

Glad Cat Rag

Maple Leaf Rag

Parade of the Tin Soldiers

Snowflake Rag



FunTime® Hymns

FF1033, 00420142$6.50Amen

America

Christ The Lord is RisenToday

Every Time I Feel The Spirit

Fairest Lord Jesus

Glory Be to The Father

Go Down, Moses

In The Cross of Christ IGlory

Jesus in the Morning

Joshua Fought the Battle ofJericho

Now Thank We All Our God

Rejoice, Ye Pure in Heart

Saviour, Like a ShepherdLead Us

Standin’ in the Need of Prayer

Swing Low, Sweet Chariot

Take My Life and Let It Be

While by the Sheep

FunTime® Christmas

FF1006, 00420115$6.50Angels We Have Heard onHigh

Carol of the Bells

Deck the Halls

God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen

I Heard the Bells onChristmas Day

Jingle Bells

Let It Snow! Let It Snow!Let It Snow!

The Most Wonderful Dayof the Year

O Christmas Tree

FunTime® Piano Supplemental Series


O Little Town of Bethlehem



Silent Night

The Night BeforeChristmas Song


New!FunTime® Kids’Songs

FF3004, 00420324$6.50The Addams FamilyTheme

Arabian Nights (Aladdin)

Be Our Guest (Beauty andthe Beast)

Consider Yourself (Oliver)

Edelweiss (The Sound ofMusic)

Hello Muddah, HelloFadduh!

Walking on Sunshine

Yellow Submarine

You’ve Got a Friend in Me(Toy Story)

Audio Products

Christmas CDCD1039, 00420104 $10.95

Classics CD

CD1011, 00420078 $10.95Favorites CDCD1012, 00420079 $10.95




Hymns MIDIGM1034, 00420295 $9.95




Expanding Theory AptitudeThe primary chords (I, IV, V7) that characterize Level 2B are

reviewed in Unit 1, then explored in expanded contexts: with

syncopation, with expressive articulations, and usingAlberti Bass.

The interval of a 7th is introduced by highlighting its

notational similarity to 3rds and 5ths, all notated as line-to-

line or space-to-space.

The chromatic scale builds on the half-step presentation at

Level 2A, expanding the chromatic fragments to the

full octave.

Simple binary form introduced at the beginning of Level 3A

expands to ABA; then, by the end of the level, to ABA with

both Introduction and Coda.

Building Expressive TechniqueThe carefully sequenced handling of the wrist in the

Technique & Artistry Books reaches a culmination at Level

3A with the Round-Off. The Thumb Perch at the Primer

Level established the wrist height. The Wrist Float-Off at

Level 1 established the range of wrist motion. Levels 2A and

2B established the slur gesture. The Round-Off at Level 3A

refines the phrase ending, adding polish to both sound

and gesture.

Rotation, an important Technique Secret at Level 3A,incorporates a throwing of arm weight with rebound, thus

building on the Arm Weight secret taught at both the Primer

and 2B levels.

The “pedal by ear” secret, Pedal Rhythms, builds on the

connected pedaling technique secret of Level 2B, now

requiring the student to depress the damper pedal more

quickly—on the “and” of the beat, and asking for more

careful listening. Pedaling is approached in stages throughout

Piano Adventures®: holding the pedal throughout a piece at

the Primer and Level 1, up-down pedal notation at Level 2A,

connected pedal at Level 2B, and more refined pedaling atLevel 3A.

There is a continuing progression toward playing multiple

notes in a single gesture. The three-note slur of Painter’s

Brush Stroke at Level 2B expands to 5-Note Scoops in

Level 3A, and even to the playing of a full one-octave scale

in a single gesture (8-Note Scoops). Notice how expression

is developed through gesture.

Repertoire to ReinforceWe want our students to develop a depth of skill . . . and this

takes time. With the leveling, 2A-2B, 3A-3B, the student

feels a sense of accomplishment by graduating from one

book to the next, but doesn’t encounter too much difficulty

too soon.

The FunTime® Piano series also offers an opportunity to

consolidate skill, through familiar tunes in a variety of

musical styles. A teacher can harness this series to adjust the

method pacing. We frequently put a student through several

FunTime® books, one at a time, before moving up to Level

4 or BigTime® Piano. Students often discover a favorite

musical style while becoming increasingly comfortable with

the process of reading music.

Deeper Understanding and Broader Application

Yes, we maintain high aspirations for our students. But

instead of being concerned about speedy progress up the

levels, we should focus our teaching on developing depth

and breadth at the student’s current level.

The payoff is not just in the student’s future success, with

the ease in which repertoire will be mastered. There is payoff

here and now. Theory comprehension isn’t deferred untiladvanced study, but occurs with each piece at the current

level. Artistry is not postponed for later piano literature.

Artistic playing can be heard now—in the next piece your

student plays.




LEVEL 3B

Performance


LESSON

BOOK

Classics

Popular

Hymns Christmas

Jazz & Blues

Discover BluesImprovisation(easier)

Ragtime &Marches

Rock ’n RollFavorites

Developing Artist

Piano LiteratureBook 2 (challenging)


Achievement Skill Sheet#4: 1-Octave Minor Scalesand Arpeggios

AchievementSkill Sheet #8:Intermediate

Cadence Booklet(challenging)

DevelopingArtist PianoLiteratureBook 1 (easier)


Etude Drammatico

Hallelujah Chorus

Millions of Stars

Whispers of the Wind

Would You Go In?

Christmas

PopularRepertoire


Kids’ Songs

New!

FunTime® PianoLevel 3B Supplementary Series




Level 3BLesson Book

FF1180, 00420220$6.95Andante

Fiesta España

Gavotte

Highland Jig

House of the Rising Sun

Humoresque

Minuet in F

Pachelbel Canon

Phantom of the Keys

Rage Over a Lost Penny

Sea Chantey

Snowfall

Swing Low, Sweet Chariot

Tropical Island

Tum-Balalaika

Westminister Chimes

Theory

FF1181, 00420221$6.50Writing

Sightreading

Ear Training




Cat Patrol

Deer in the Woods

Etude Energico

Gypsy Camp

Loxodanta Africana

Nightfall

Sonatina Theme

Performance

FF1182, 00420222$6.50All Through the Night

Bagatelle in G

Fascination

Funeral March of aMarionette

Glad Cat Rag

Guitars of Seville

Hava Nagila

Legend of Madrid

Minuet in G

Piano Concerto No. 1

The Piano Playin’Chocolate Eater’s Blues

The Return

The Star-Spangled Banner

The Tempest

Popular Repertoire

FF1290, 00420241$7.50Angel Eyes

Honky Cat

I Believe I Can Fly

I Got Rhythm

I’ll Be There for You

Inspector Gadget

Jeopardy Theme

The Rose

Sunrise, Sunset Activity Pages

ChristmasFF1201, 00420226$6.50Coventry Carol

God Rest Ye Merry,Gentlemen

Hallelujah Chorus

Joy to the World


Silent Night

Toyland







Achievement SkillSheet #4: 1-OctaveMinor Scales &Arpeggios

AS5004, 00420025$2.95

Achievement SkillSheet #8: CadenceBooklet

AS5008, 00420029

$3.95

Once Upon aRainbow, Book 3

FF1105, 00420196$4.50Amber Rhapsody

Crystalline Rag

Rainbow Splendor

Shimmering Waterfalls

To Have a Rainbow

Valse Indigo


FF1030, 00420139$6.95See Level 3A for contents


FF1034, 00420143$7.50Air in D Minor, Speer

The Bear, Rebikov

Bourrée, Graupner

Dance in F Major, Mozart

Ecossaise, Beethoven

The Happy Farmer,

SchumannIn the Garden, Gurlitt

King William’s March,Clarke

Long Gone Blues, McKay

Mazurka, Szymanowska

Menuet en Rondeau,Rameau

Minuet in C Major, Mozart

Minuet in G Major,Penzold

Old French Song,Tchaikovsky

Polka, Hummel (Duet)

Prelude in A Minor,J.C. Bach

The Return, GurlittRussian Folk Dance,Beethoven

Soldier’s March, Schumann

Sonatina in G Major,Beethoven

Waltz Macabre, Faber

Yi-Ki, A MesopotamianElephant, Poe






FunTime® Popular

FF1007, 00420116$6.50Colors of the Wind

Eleanor Rigby

He’s a Pirate! (from Piratesof the Caribbean)


La Bamba


Moonlight Sonata(Beethoven)

Music Box Dancer

Pachelbel Canon

Phantom of the Opera


A Whole New World(Aladdin)

FunTime® ClassicsFF1022, 00420131$6.50Barber of Seville

Blue Danube Waltz

Brahms Waltz

Dance of the Sugar PlumFairy



Light Cavalry Overture

Musetta’s Song

Peter and the Wolf Theme


Scheherazade Theme

Toreador’s Song

“Unfinished” SymphonyTheme

FunTime® Favorites

FF1054, 00420163$6.50Arkansas Traveler

Chopsticks


Glow Worm

Greensleeves

Hello, My Baby

I’ve Been Working on theRailroad

Scarborough Fair

Skaters’ Waltz

Song of the Volga Boatmen

Two Guitars

FunTime® Rock ’n Roll

FF1023, 00420132$6.50All I Have to Do Is Dream

Bye Bye, Love

Come Go with Me

Hey Jude

Hound Dog

Howl at the Moon

Last Night of Summer

Mumbo Jumbo

Rockin’ Pneumonia and theBoogie Woogie Flu

Rockin’ Robin

Runaround Sue

Stand by Me

FunTime® Jazz & Blues

FF1010, 00420119$6.50Come On, Summer

Dallas Blues

Frankie and Johnny

House of the Rising SunIn the Mood

Love Potion No. 9

Misty

Piano Playin’ ChocolateEater’s Blues

Royal Cat Blues

St. James Infirmary

This Masquerade

Tuxedo Junction

FunTime® Ragtime & MarchesFF1008, 00420117$6.50American Patrol

The Ants Came Marching

DixieThe Easy Winners

The Entertainer

Glad Cat Rag

Maple Leaf Rag


Snowflake Rag



FunTime® Hymns


FunTime® ChristmasFF1006, 00420115$6.50See Level 3A for contents

New!FunTime® Kids’Songs

FF3004, 00420324$6.50The Addams Family Theme

Arabian Nights (Aladdin)

Be Our Guest (Beauty andthe Beast)

Consider Yourself (Oliver)

Edelweiss (The Sound ofMusic)

Hello Muddah, HelloFadduh!

Walking on Sunshine

Yellow Submarine

You’ve Got a Friend in Me(Toy Story)

FunTime® Piano Supplemental Series

FunTime® Accompaniments

Christmas CDCD1039, 00420104 $10.95

Classics CDCD1011, 00420078 $10.95

Favorites CDCD1012, 00420079 $10.95




Hymns MIDIGM1034, 00420295 $9.95

Achievement Solo

& Duet SheetsEtude DrammaticoA2038, 00420064 $2.50

Hallelujah ChorusASA7002, 00420017 $2.50

Millions of StarsASA7003, 00420018 $2.95

Whispers of the WindA2012, 00420041 $2.50

Would You Go In?A2028, 00420055 $1.95

Discover BluesImpovisation - with CD FF1155CD, 00420215$8.95Blues improvisation,ear-training, theory andtechnique. Includes en-hanced CD with backgroundaccompaniments (audio andMIDI)




Playing Fast

This is what the student has been waiting for—a chance

to play fast. “Now I can really show off!” Then we tell the

student, “The first lesson in playing fast is … slow practice.”

We’ve just taken the wind out of their sails. Well … almost.There are secrets to playing fast. And if we let students in

on these secrets, they are usually more than willing to go

through the necessary paces to achieve fast playing.

Building Speed It is tempting to push for virtuoso playing when we see

potential, but pushing into big repertoire almost always

backfires if we fail to ramp up through prerequisite stages.

In fingerwork, for example, the student must develop

coordination that allows instantaneous contraction followed

by relaxation, and precise contraction that does not alsotense up neighboring muscles. This takes time to develop

and requires specific practice routines. Virtuosity cannot be

forced; virtuosity unfolds from well-practiced repetitions that

are based on correct information and appropriate monitoring.

Pulsing

The Level 3B Lesson Book opens with Beethoven’s Rage

Over a Lost Penny, providing a review of cut time. Why

does cut time so effectively increase speed? Because it

invites pulsing every two beats instead of pulsing every beat.

Consider a set of four eighth notes. If we provide a metric

pulse on both quarter-note beats, the passage bogs down with

heaviness, as if running with boots in the sand. If we pulse

only on the first of the four eighth notes, we get fluency

and musicality.

Measure 3 invites a drop of arm weight into the first of the

four eighth notes (beat 1) and a wrist float-off at the end of

the slur (beat 3). Match this “down-up” motion in the left

hand. The four quarter-note chords are played as “DOWN-

and-UP-and.” The down-up motions match that of the right

hand and the “ands” are played with a light ripple. Notice

how the half-note pulsing of this down-up gesture matches

the feel of cut time. It propels the beat, not only through half-

note pulses, but from measure to measure.

Rotation

Rotation refers to the back-and-forth turning of the forearm,

as if turning a doorknob or a key in a lock. The efficacy of

forearm rotation is that it plays two notes with the effort ofone. In Interval Review the tenuto notes are played with the

forearm rotating toward the thumb and the recurring Cs are

played effortlessly on the rebound. The many notes of the

passage are thus reduced to a simple descending major scale.

Efficiency is gained by employing the natural fall of a turned

hand and its rebound.

& 44R.H.

F5Jœ 4œ - œ 3œ - œ 2œ - œ

1

œ - œ 2nd 3rd 4th 5th

œ - œ œ -œ œ . œ .

6th 7th 8ve(octave)

ww

Gesture

Much of what enables speed at the keyboard is the playing

of several notes in a single gesture. For example, in Phantom

of the Keys, the RH eighth-note passages should be initiated

by a single drop of arm weight that carries through the entire

passage. This drop takes the wrist rather low as it transcribes

the lower half of a “wrist circle.”

What do pulsing, rotation, and slur gesture have in common?

All of these techniques carry many notes on a single

impulse. This gives efficiency and motion, technical fluency,

and musical artistry.

Slow Practice

So, how do you practice slowly, yet execute the gesture?

The simplest way is to use slow practice to exaggerate

the gesture. Slow practice just for finger work has limited

workability because the gesture required for speed and

expression may be absent. Bringing the gesture into the slow

practice makes slow practice exponentially more valuable.

Sometimes you need to “sprint” with a passage to find the

gesture, then execute it in slow motion.

With a facile technique, this can all be done in very littletime. But students need yet to develop a facile technique.

Developmental steps need to be taken to build fundamental

finger coordination.

Note, however, that we’re not going for building muscles or

“finger power.” We’re looking for instantaneous, precision

“firing” of very specific muscles, with simultaneous

relaxation of the surrounding muscles. Thus, coordination

is key; strength is not. (Arm weight, rotation, and forearm

thrust provide sources of impact that are much more

effective than finger strength.)




For students at the early stage, the firing of a finger generates

many contractions in a generalized area. Specificity is

weak; generalized tension is high. Slow practice can

provide a relaxation immediately after the note is played,thus allowing the inappropriate contractions to relax. Over

time, generalized tension diminishes and finger contractions

become very specific with concurrent relaxation of proximate

muscles. This is how slow practice, done correctly and over

time, can build the neurological basis for speed.

In Piano Adventures®, we accelerate the development of

this sophisticated neurology through specially developed

exercises. We help build “fast fingers” by incorporating the

process of “play-relax” with slow practice and repetition.

(See the Technique Secrets of Levels 2A and 2B.) Adding the

correct gesture provides the formula for expressive virtuosity.

Alignment We open the Level 3B Technique & Artistry Book with a

secret called “Closed, Cupped Hand for Scale Passages.”

Here we contract the hand, bringing the fingers close

together with visibly tall knuckles. This contracted position

allows the arm and bridge of the hand to align with the

finger that plays. We avoid any angle between the playing

finger and arm, preferring straight alignment. In this way the

weight of the arm can transfer finger-to-finger for efficiency

and evenness of touch. The contracted, closed, cupped hand

invites continuous alignment through stepwise passages. A

slight adjustment is made by the wrist and forearm for each

finger being played. You can easily check the alignment at

any time by touching the thumb to the tip of the playing

finger, then releasing. This brings the hand (with its tall

knuckle) and the forearm into balance over the fingertip.

This is an advanced application of the Primer Level

technique-secret “Making Os,” which builds a firm

fingertip. At Level 3B, the “closed, cupped” hand-

shape essentially brings the “O” to the keyboard for

effective passagework.

Uptouch

We’ve discussed arm weight at previous levels. But

efficient playing also utilizes what we call the “uptouch.”

Here the hand springs from the surface of the key, with

active fingers and a thrust of the forearm. The spring of the

up-touch sends the hand and fingers to upcoming notes,

in precise preparation for the next chord or passage. The

touch is effective for either loud or soft chords, and makes a

wonderful counterpart to the “drop-touch” of arm weight.

In summary, we work slowly with smart practice to build

speed. Students want to play fast, so let’s give them the toolsto do it correctly. We can harness our students’ motivation

for speed to elicit hours of practice.

Then students can indeed show

off—with flying fingers and the

groundwork for virtuosity.

1 4

3

4

1




LEVEL 4

Performance


LESSON

BOOK

Classics

Popular

Hymns

Christmas

Jazz & Blues


Ave Maria

Halloween Sonatine


Nocturne

Shimmering Waterfalls


AchievementSkill Sheet #5:2-Octave MajorScales and Arpeggios

AchievementSkill Sheet #8: IntermediateCadence Booklet

Christmas

PopularRepertoire

Ragtime &Marches

Favorites

DevelopingArtist PianoSonatinasBook 2

Developing ArtistSelections from theNotebook of AnnaMagdalena Bach

DevelopingArtist Piano

LiteratureBook 2 (easier)

DevelopingArtist PianoLiterature

Book 3(challenging)

Kids’ Songs

BigTime® PianoLevel 4 Supplementary Series

New!

New!

Rock ’n Roll




Welcome to the Second Edition of Level 4!

This new edition delivers a robust and exciting path into the intermediate levels. The four core books are

Lesson, Theory, Performance, and the new, dynamic Technique & Artistry Book! When using this edition,you will note...

Smooth integration of technique and artistry for the intermediate student

Repertoire that reinforces music theory

Appealing compositions in a variety of musical styles

Books from the previous edition can easily be interchanged with books from the new edition.

For tips and correlation charts, please visit: www.PianoAdventures.com/secondedition

Level 4 Lesson BookThe Lesson Book opens with a progress chart that includes full

page-by-page correlations of the four core books. The second edition

Lesson Book is now organized in related major and minor keys.

Increased emphasis on root position V7 chords and two-octave scales

links applied theory to the pieces being studied.

Many new repertoire pieces invigorate the book and build a

stronger foundation in harmony and technique.

Power scales, arpeggios, and V7 chords ground the repertoire.

Students develop skills in accompanying and reading chord

symbols with a Lead Sheet of The Blue Danube.

Level 4 Theory BookThis completely revised Theory Book provides reinforcement and creative exploration of intermediate

theory concepts. Ear-training and eye-training exercises add aural and visual skills.

Level 4 Performance Book

The Performance Book offers a variety of pieces that reinforcethe concepts presented in the Lesson Book. This second edition

includes the best of the original edition plus exciting new

pieces—from the jazzy music of the malt shop to the haunting

sounds of the Scottish Moors.




Level 4Lesson Book

FF1090, 00420183$6.95Allegro Grazioso, Biehl

Aurora Borealis

The Blue Danube

Bourée, Graupner

Ceremony for Peace

Chanson

French Minuet, Lully

Gigue in A Major

Grand Central Station

Great Barrier Reef


Maple Leaf Rag

Mazurka in F Major

Medieval Fair

Prelude in C, JS Bach

The Spy

Summer Solstice

Volga Boatmen

Wild Flowers

Theory

FF1091, 00420184$6.50

WritingSightreading

Ear Training

New!Technique & ArtistryFF3012, 00420339$6.50Technique Secrets

Scale and Arpeggio Appendix


Caspian Sea

Excalibur

A Midsummer Night’s

DreamMoonlight Sonata

Silver Rain Etude

Year of the Lioness

Performance

FF1092, 00420185$6.50Arabesque

Dance in F Major, Mozart

Distant Bells

Farewell to Fiunary

Greensleeves

Gypsy Legend

Polka, Hummel

Seaside Suite

Sonatina in C, Lynes

Strawberry MaltThree Blue Pieces

Popular Repertoire

FF1315, 00420244$7.95Ashokan Farewell

Change the World

The Greatest Love of All

I Will Remember You

If You Believe

Jurassic Park

King of the Hill Etude

Mr. Bojangles

New York, New York The Way It Is

Activity Pages

Popular Repertoire CDCD1029 00420095 $10.95

Popular Repertoire MIDIGM1037 00420298 $10.95

ChristmasFF1142, 00420210$5.50Ave MariaFum, Fum, FumHousetop BoogieIt Came Upon the MidnightClear

Silent NightWaltz of the FlowersWe Wish You a MerryChristmas


FF1034, 00420143$7.50See Level 3B for contents

Developing ArtistPiano LiteratureBook 3 - with CD FF1056, 00420165$9.50See Level 5 for contents

Achievement Solo &Duet SheetsAve MariaASA7005, 00420020 $2.50

Halloween SonatineA2034, 00420061 $2.50

Jesu, Joy of Man’sDesiringASA7004, 00420019 $2.50

NocturneA2004, 00420033 $2.95

Shimmering WaterfallsA2021, 00420048 $2.95


AL6003, 00420007 $2.95

Achievement SkillSheet #5: 2-OctaveMajor Scales andArpeggios

AS5005, 00420026$2.95


AS5008, 00420029$3.95

Developing ArtistPiano Sonatinas,Book 2

FF1111, 00420200$6.95Sonatina (Op. 157, No. 1),Spindler

Sonatina (Op. 36, No. 1),Clementi

Sonatina (Op. 39, No. 1),Lynes

Sonatina (Op. 55, No. 1),Kuhlau

Sonatina in A Minor,Jacoby

Sonatina in C, Latour

Sonatina in C, Haslinger

Sonatina in F, Diabelli

Sonatina in F, Attwood

Sonatina in G, Beethoven

Sonatina in G, Latour

Developing ArtistSelections from theNotebook of AnnaMagdalena Bach

FF1049, 00420158$4.95Minuet in G, Pezold

Minuet in Gm, Pezold

Minuet in Dm

March in D, C.P.E. Bach

Minuet in G

Musette in D

Polonaise in Gm

Minuet in Cm

Minuet in G, attr. to Boehm

March in G, C.P.E. Bach

Polonaise in Gm, C.P.E.Bach




BigTime® Popular

FF1009, 00420118$6.95100 Years

Dancing Queen (MammaMia)


Lean On Me

The Medallion Calls(Pirates of the Caribbean)

The Music of the Night(Phantom of the Opera)

On Broadway

Pachelbel Canon

Pure Imagination

Star Wars

You Raise Me Up

BigTime® ClassicsFF1031, 00420140$6.95Arioso

Canon in D

Danse Macabre

The Great Gate of Kiev

HabaneraHornpipe

Hungarian Dance No. 5

Liebesfreud

Rondeau

Russian Sailor’s Dance

Songs of India

Spring Song

Tales from the ViennaWoods

Theme from SymphonyNo. 40

BigTime® Favorites

FF1191, 00420224$6.95Beautiful Dreamer

Bill Bailey, Won’t YouPlease Come Home?

Cielito Lindo

Clair de Lune

Fanfare on America

Good Morning Blues

Halloween Sonatine

I Love a Piano

I’m Henery the Eighth,I Am

Morning Has Broken

Oh! You Beautiful Doll

The Spy

Tarantella Italiana

Theme from the MoonlightSonata

BigTime® Rock ’n Roll

FF1029, 00420138$6.95

Bad, Bad Leroy BrownThe Game of Love

Great Balls of Fire

I Feel the Earth Move

I Heard It Through theGrapevine

I May Have Lost MyGirlfriend, But I’ve StillGot My Car

My Special Angel

Piano Man


Strawberry Malt

When a Man Loves aWoman

BigTime® Jazz & Blues

FF1011, 00420120$6.95All the Things You Are

Autumn Leaves

Big City Blues

Cast Your Fate to the WindDesafinado

Equinox

Georgia on My Mind

Locomotive Blues

Lullaby of Birdland

Misty

Night Train

Perdido

Satin Doll

Take the “A” Train

A Taste of Honey

BigTime® Ragtime & MarchesFF1144, 00420211$6.95

Champagne RagChatterbox Rag

“Dill Pickles” Rag

Entrance of the Gladiators

The Entertainer

Funeral March of aMarionette

March of the Toys

Solace

Washington Post March

Wild Cherries Rag

Yanlee Doodle Boy

New! BigTime® Kids’ Songs

FF3005, 00420325$6.95Can You Feel the LoveTonight (The Lion King)

Cruella De Vil

Flight of the Bumble BeeHakuna Matata (The LionKing)

I’m a Believer

In Dreams (The Lord ofthe Rings)

Linus and Lucy

(Meet) The Flintstones

My Favorite Things

Once Upon a Dream(Sleeping Beauty)

The Pink Panther

Thank You for Being aFriend

BigTime® HymnsFF1435, 00420251$6.95

All Hail the Power ofJesus’ Name

All Night, All Day

Break Thou the Bread ofLife

Come, Ye Thankful People,Come

Crown Him with ManyCrowns

Deep River

Glorious Things of TheeAre Spoken

It Is Well With My Soul

Jesus Shall Reign

Just As I Am

A Mighty Fortress Is

Our God

BigTime® Piano Supplemental Series

O Master, Let Me Walk withThee

The Old Rugged Cross

Praise God, from Whom AllBlessings Flow

Rock of Ages

Shall We Gather atthe River

Sweet Hour of Prayer

BigTime® ChristmasFF1016, 00420125$6.95Carol of the Bells

The First Noel

Hallelujah Chorus

Hark! The Herald AngelsSing

A Holly Jolly Christmas

I Heard the Bells onChristmas Day

It Came Upon the MidnightClear


Let It Snow! Let It Snow!Let It Snow!

O Come, O Come,Emmanuel

O Holy Night



Silent Night

What Child Is This?

Winter Wonderland

BigTime®

Accompaniments

Classics CDCD1023 00420090 $10.95

Classics MIDIGM1026 00420288 $9.95

Favorites CDCD1022 00420089 $10.95

Favorites MIDIGM1027 00420289 $9.95

Christmas CDCD1040 00420105 $10.95

Christmas MIDIGM1046 00420305 $10.95

NFMC

CHOICE

NFMC

CHOICE

NFMC

CHOICE




Lyric Playing and “Personal Sound”

At Level 3B, we appealed to the student’s interest in fast

playing. At Level 4 the student learns lyric playing—the

ability to project and beautifully shape a melody. We

positioned lyric playing after fast playing because it requiresmore mature expression. We like to discuss the excitement

of speed and the expressive quality of lyric playing as

contrasting modes of expression—both powerful in

different ways.

Almost every student can relate to facile speed at the

keyboard, but most need to be coached into the expressive

mode. With exposure, most students find the more subtle

expression personally rewarding.

Lyric playing isn’t entirely new to the student. Back in Level

2A we even devoted a unit to Shaping the Phrase. Building

on the Level 1 Wrist Float-off, the Technique & Artistrysecrets gradually develop more sophisticated wrist gestures.

Painter’s Brush Stroke at Level 2B particularly addresses

shaping the slur. At Level 3A, the Round-Off ensures the

student hears a softened phrase ending, and the Wrist Circles

of Level 3A employ the wrist to shape a longer phrase. Level

3B Technique & Artistry worked with Voicing the Melody

to develop melodic projection. Now, here at Level 4, the

repertoire is specifically tailored for beautiful handling

of melody.

Variety of Repertoire In most teaching studios, there is a range of musical tastes

among students. Some students tell us their preference

upfront, but, generally, we have to explore a range of sounds

to find the style that really resonates with the individual.

Broad exposure to various sounds and styles helps the

teacher and student uncover a special interest—a personal

sound. Once identified, we might celebrate this interest with

a tailored supplement from the PreTime® to BigTime®

library or from literature collections in The Developing

Artist Library.

The motivational impact of this customization canbe dramatic. In addition to harnessing the magnetic

attraction to an individual’s favorite musical sounds,

this process personalizes piano study. This shift in “locus

of control” from teacher to learner constitutes a major move

toward intrinsic motivation. We find more attentiveness,

better retention, more practice, and a significant change

in the communication dynamics. The right music makes

all the difference.

Motivation isn’t the only benefit of exploring many styles.

A variety of styles invites a range of fundamental

competencies which coalesce into the essentials of

intermediate piano playing: note-reading, chord recognition,steady tempo, dynamic contrast, pedal coloring, coordination

of fingers, wrist, arm and torso, technical gestures, long line,

melodic shaping and projection, and so on.

While this list is not intended to be comprehensive, even

for elementary piano pedagogy, it nonetheless suggests a

range of skills with an implication of sequence. The method

levels provide proper sequence, and the special repertoire

characteristics of each level help provide focus.

Focus of Repertoire

It is easy to assume that once taught , a concept is learned .Experience tells us otherwise. Neuroscience informs us

that cognitive patterns and motor skills must be repeated

to be retained. If at level 3B we didn’t immerse the student

in the coordinated movements of fast playing, motor

patterning would not become automatic. If we taught I, IV,

V only in a single unit, there would be little or no recall

of this a year later. So the entirety of Level 2B focuses on

the primary chords, the bulk of Level 3B focuses on fast

playing, and Level 4 focuses on lyric playing. By immersing

the student in the defining character of the level, motor

patterns, perceptual patterns, and cognitive patterns become

reasonably lasting—not yet robust, perhaps—but sufficiently

stable for the move to the next level.

Lyricism

Let’s examine the Level 4 characteristic—lyricism. The

lyric is the text of song, so lyricism refers to the singing

quality in instrumental playing. The pianist does not simply

accompany the singer; the pianist

emulates the singer. We breathe the

phrase, project the phrase, shape

the phrase, and we imbue it

with meaning—just as the

voice does so naturally.




In lyric playing, we give meaning to each phrase without

words. Our goal in lyric playing is to bring the melody to

the fore with intention and sensitivity. We don’t just play the

melody, we speak the melody through our instrument. Whenwe give each note meaning—as in the spoken word—

a melody takes on special magic. It becomes a personalized,

poetic communication—indeed, a song without words.

The magic of melody often comes from its context. In other

words, a melody derives its character, in part, from the colors

of the accompanying voices. The setting critically frames the

melody. How is the melody set against the accompaniment?

To what degree does it contrast in dynamic? Does the

accompaniment invoke the mood?

Invariably, students play the melody too softly. Students

need to be taught to project the melody way above thebackground setting. Not just louder—a lot louder. This

is accomplished with the drop of arm weight and its roll

through the melodic phrase, but also with the softening of

the accompaniment. We’re after big projection, but also big

contrast, which is made possible by intentionally softening

the accompanying voices.

Lyricism requires sensitivity to the contour of the melody.

Are there expressive leaps? If so, might we stretch time

through the larger interval?

Does the melody fall away (characteristic of Viennese

Classical) or move toward (as in the late Romantics)? How

does the wrist assist phrase shaping? Does the passage invite

wrist circles that can help transfer arm weightfinger-to-finger?

Consider, for example, Chanson (French, meaning “song”),

which is explicitly melody over accompaniment. The melody

is intentionally long and beautiful. Though the first gesture is

a simple 3-note slur, the melody continues to unfold across

seven measures. Use the pedal to sustain the D and take a

new drop into the continuing phrase (pickup to measure 2).

The long line invites awareness of direction in melody.

Probably the highpoint of expressive lyricism would be the

coloratura soprano singing an operatic solo cadenza. So we

give this to the student pianist in Wild Flowers.

The expressive quality of the cadenza is enhanced by the

color tones of the forte chord at measure 27 which sustain

beyond the fermata. The singer ascends freely to the high B

with a crescendo, but also with subtle 2-note diminuendi in

the appoggiaturas B-A, E-D, G-F, A-G. Soften the secondnote in each of these stepwise pairings while maintaining

a legato throughout. Remind the student of the expressive

quality of the FΩ that begins the resolution. It is borrowed

from the parallel minor (and from the B section) and also

forms a tritone (three whole steps) against the preceding B.

The finishing expressive gesture places the V chord atop

the I chord (E major atop A major) through a

molto ritardando.

The student learns that expression derives from the musical

content, and yet needs to be infused by the performer. We

find hints for expression in our analysis—our analysis ofphrase shape, and even our theory analysis. Informed by the

simplicities and subtleties of the score, we add the warmth

and expressive power of human emotion.




LEVEL 5

Performance

Beyond Level 5


LESSON

BOOK

Christmas

PopularRepertoire

AchievementSkill Sheet #6:2-Octave MinorScales and Arpeggios

AchievementSkill Sheet #8: IntermediateCadence Booklet

DevelopingArtist PianoSonatinasBook 4(advancing)

Developing ArtistPiano Literaturefor a Dark andStormy Night


Book 3(easier)


Book 4(challenging)

DevelopingArtist PianoSonatinas

Book 3

Achievement Solo & Duet Sheets

American Frontier

Dance Brillante

Für Elise, Beethoven

Ghost in Our Piano

Sonata in C Major

Prelude in C, J.S. Bach

Solfeggietto, C.P.E. Bach

Sonata in G Major, Beethoven

T o B

e

R e l e a s e d

Achievement Literature Sheets

Claire de lune, Debussy

Tarantella, Pieczonka

Rondo alla Turca, Mozart

Prelude in D-at Major, Chopin

La flle aux cheveux de lin, Debussy

Achievement Solo & Duet Sheets

Pachelbel Canon, Pop & Jazz Arrangement

Chinese Dragons (Duet)

Egyptian Rhapsody

Toccata in Morse Code

The Keyboard Artist

Three Easier Waltzes, Chopin

Three Mazurkas, Chopin

Four Lyric Pieces, Grieg

AdvanceTime® PianoLevel 5 Supplementary Series




Level 5 Concepts

Teach with...AnalysisRecognition of triads in all inversions is important at the early

intermediate level. At Level 5, work with the student’s recognition of

the primary chords (I, IV and V) in any inversion. This is not achieved

by playing the music, but only through deliberate analysis.

“Steven, let’s find the chord names and label them

above each measure. Look across both the bass and

treble clefs. Can you bring the chord tones together

under the hand?”

“Laura, what is the chord function of C7 in this

context? Does it resolve to I? Below each of

these measures, let’s write I, IV or V7.”

Teach with...Creativity In addition to reading chords, we want the student to

feel and manipulate chord tones under the hand. The ability

to see chord tones across the keyboard can be a basis for

improvisation and composition.

“John, let’s move this LH pattern to other chords.

Staying within our key signature, can you play the

pattern a step higher?”

Teach with...ExpressionThe piano lies silent until the hands are placed

on the keys. The music unfolds and expression

becomes the artist in action.

“Tim, let’s make this LH

accompaniment a watercolor

backdrop for the melody. Think

muted LH tones so the RH

melody can soar over top.”

1 4

F F1 0 9 5

&

?

#

#

4 3

4 3

A nd a n t e ( Œ = 7

2 - 8 4 )

5

π

œ 2œ 1

œ 4

œ 2

œ 1

œœ

1

R. H.

L. H.

2

œ 2

œ 4

œ 1

œ 2

œ

&?

#

#

3

œ 2

œ œ 4

œ 2

œ œœ

1

1 R. H.

L. H. œ 2

œ 4

œ 1

œ 2

œ

&?

#

#

5 5

p c a n t a b ile

œ œ 1œ

5 !œ

2

œ 1

œ œ œ œ

5œ œ œ

!œ œ

œ œ œ œ

2˙ œ œ

!œ

2

œ 1

œ œ œ œ

&?

#

#

8 4˙ .

!œ œ

œ œ œ œ

1

˙ 2

œ 3œ

! 5œ 1

œ 2

œ Œ

1œ œ 3œ 1œ œ 3œ

!œ

2

œ 1

œ œ œ œ L e s s o n s

p .

2 8

T h e S wa n

( f r o m t h e C a r n i v a l o

f t h e A n i m a l s )

C a m i l l e S a i n t

- S a ë n s

( 1 8 3 5 - 1 9 2 1, F

r a n c e ) P e r f o

r m a n c e H i n t s :

• P l a y s m o o t h

l e f t - h a n d a r p eg

g i o s f o r t h e h a

r p - l i k e o p e n i ng

.

• B r i ng o u t t h e

e x p r e s s i v e c a n

t a b ile* m e l o d y

o v e r t h e s o f t,

m u r m u r i ng l e f

t h a n d.

C ar n i v al o f t he

A n i m als i s a s e

t o f p i e c e s f o r

t w o p i a n o s

a n d o r c h e s t r a.

E a c h p i e c e i s n

a m e d f o r a d i f

f e r e n t a n i m a l.

T h e b e a u t i f u l m

e l o d y o f T he S w

a n i s p l a y e d b y

t h e c e l l o.

a r r a ng e d

* c a n t a b ile ( p r

o n o u n c e d c o n -

TA H - b e e - l a y ) –

m e a n s s i ng i ng

5• i t_ F F 0 9 5• i t 3/

/ 0 : 3 P P

I, IV, V7 chord inversion studies

812 time signature

perfect intervals (4th, 5th, octave)circle of 5ths

flat key signatures

three forms of minor scales

cadences in major and minor keys

more repertoire in E major

major/minor intervals (2nd, 3rd, 6th, 7th)two-octave arpeggios: C, G, D, A, E, B

two-octave flat scales: F, B≤, E≤

changing time signatures




Harmony of the Angels,Burgmüller

A Little Flower, Gurlitt

March in D Major,C.P.E. Bach

Melody, Schumann

Minuet in A Minor, Krieger

Minuet in D Minor, Lully

Minuet in G Major, Anon.Minuet in G Major, Haydn

Minuet in G Minor, Pezold

Moons of Jupiter, Faber

Musette in D Major, Anon

Playing Soldiers, Rebikov

Rondo for Four Hands,Diabelli (Duet)

Solfeggio in D Major,J.C. Bach

Sonatina in C Major,Clementi

Sonatina in C Major,Haslinger

Sonatina in G Major, Diabelli

Sonatina, Jacoby

Song of the Range Rider,McKay

Spinning Song,Ellmenreich

Tambourin, Gossec

Two German Dances,Beethoven

Wild Rider, Schumann

BigTime® Piano...Level 4 and Beyond!

Students at Level 5 and above often work

on increasingly difficult repertoire—

pieces that can take weeks or months to

learn and polish. It is important to pair

that repertoire with shorter pieces that

can be learned in a week or two.

For that reason, consider assigning a

sequence of books from the BigTime®

Piano Library to your advancing

students. They can learn pieces quickly,

often completing an entire book in just

a couple of months. While developing

facile reading skill, the contrasting styles

and sounds allow work on the essential

elements of tone and expression. And,

it is fun for the teacher and the student!

Level 5Lesson Book

FF1093, 00420186$6.95Around the World

Autumn Ballad

Ballade

Blue Etude

Carillon Fantasia

The Chase

Choral Reef Etude

Fanfare on America

Hot Pursuit

Jazz Reflection

Naming Intervals


Rhythm Flight

Risoluto

Rolling River Etude

Shenandoah

Smoky Mountain Prelude

Sonatina

St. Louis Blues

Tumbleweed Blues

Two Guitars

When the Sun Rises…

Whirlwind

TheoryFF1094, 00420187$6.50Writing

Sightreading

Ear Training

Performance

FF1095, 00420188$6.50Allegro in A Major

Appalachian Trail

Bearcat Boogie

Come Back to Sorrento

The Danube Waves

Gypsy Prayer

Mazurka in G Minor

Poetic Theme and

VariationsSimple Gifts

St. Anthony’s Chorale

The Swan

Waltz in E Flat

Popular Repertoire

FF1323, 00420245$7.95Butterfly Kisses

Candle in the Wind

Hedwig’s Theme

Over the Rainbow

Summertime

Take Five

Tears in Heaven

There You’ll Be

Viewer Mail ThemeWind Beneath My Wings

Activity Pages



Achievement SkillSheet #6: 2-OctaveMinor Scales &Arpeggios

AS5006, 00420027$3.95


AS5008, 00420029$3.95

Achievement Solo &Duet SheetsAmerican Frontier

A2011, 00420040 $2.95Dance BrillanteA2007, 00420036 $2.95

Für Elise, BeethovenAL6002, 00420006 $2.95

The Ghost in Our PianoA2029, 00420056 $2.95

Prelude in C, J.S. BachAL6006, 00420010 $2.95

Solfeggietto, C.P.E. BachAL6004, 00420008 $2.50

Sonata in G Major,BeethovenAL6009, 00420013 $3.95

Sonata in C Major,Mozart AL6008, 00420012 $3.95


FF1056, 00420165$9.50Allegro in A Major,L. Mozart

Allegro in F Major, Haydn

Arabesque, Burgmüller

Avalanche, Heller

Ballade, Burgmüller

Chinese Figurine, RebikovCowboy Song, McKay

Fanfare in C Major,Dumcombe

Gavotte, Reinecke

German Dance in D Major,Haydn




Developing ArtistPiano LiteratureBook 4- with CD

FF1282, 00420239$15.95Adagio and Furiant, Fibich

Allegro in A Major,W.F. Bach

Bourrée in E Minor,J.S. Bach

Bronco Bill, McKay

Canoeing, BeachConcerto in C, Haydn

Dance with a Bell, Rebikov

Distant Sierras, McKay

Folia, Scarlatti

Für Elise, Beethoven

Giant Purple Butterflies,Rossi

In the Forest, Rebikov

Intrada, Graupner

L’Orage, Burgmüeller

Little Prelude in C Major,J.S. Bach

Little Prelude in F Major,J.S. Bach

Mazurka in F Major,Chopin

Miniature, Gurlitt

Minuet in D Minor,Buttstedt

Minuet in G Major,Beethoven

Musette in G Major,J.S. Bach

Prelude in B Minor, Chopin

Prelude in C Major,J.S. Bach

Prelude in E Minor, Chopin

Presto, Pescetti

Ride of Pegasus, Faber

Sailor’s Song, Grieg

Scherzo in D Minor, GurlittSolfeggietto, C.P.E. Bach

Sonatina in A Minor,Benda

Sonatina in C Major,Kuhlau

Sonatina in G Major,Clementi

Sweet Dream, Tchaikovsky

Waltz in A Minor, Chopin

Watchman’s Song, Grieg

Winter Painting, Faber

Developing ArtistPiano Sonatinas,Book 3

FF1112, 00420201$8.95Sonatina (Op. 157, No. 4),Spindler



Sonatina (Op. 36, No. 3),ClementiSonatina (Op. 4, No. 10),Wesley

Sonatina (Op. 49, No. 1),Lichner


Sonatina in A Minor,Benda

Sonatina in C, Mozart

Sonatina in D, Camidge

Sonatina in F, Beethoven

Developing ArtistPiano Sonatinas,Book 4FF1113, 00420202$9.95

Rondo à la Turk, MozartSonata (Hob. XVI/13,3rd Movement), Haydn

Sonata (K. 545), Mozart

Sonata (Op. 49, No. 2),Beethoven



Sonatina (Op. 54, No. 1),Gurlitt

Sonatina, Keller


Sonatina (Op. 88, No. 3,3rd Movement), Kuhlau

Developing ArtistPiano Literature fora Dark and StormyNightFF1175, 00420219$4.95Allegro con Fuoco,Diabelli (Duet)

Avalanche, Heller

Etude in C Minor, Bertini

The Ghost in the Fireplace,

Kullak Storm and Stress, Gurlitt

The Wild Horseman,Schumann

AdvanceTimeChristmasFF1124, 00420203$6.50Auld Lang Syne

Celebration of Carols

Dance of the Reed Pipes

Go Tell It on the Mountain

God Rest Ye Merry,Gentlemen

Jingle Bells

March (Nutcracker Suite)

Over the River andThrough the Woods

Silent Night

Skaters’ Waltz


Beyond Level 5

Egyptian Rhapsody

A2014, 00420043$3.50

Pachelbel Canon,Pop-JazzArrangement

A2013, 00420042$2.95

Toccata in MorseCode

AD3001, 00420000$3.50

Chinese Dragons(Duet)

AD3005, 00420004$5.95

Four Lyric Pieces,Grieg

FF1187, 00420223

$4.50

Three EasierWaltzes, Chopin

FF1154, 00420213$4.50

Three Mazurkas,Chopin

FF1153, 00420212$4.50

Clair de lune,Debussy

AL6007, 00420011$2.95

La fille aux chevex delin, Debussy

AL6011, 00420015$2.50

Prelude in D-flatMajor, Chopin

AL6001, 00420005$2.95

Rondo alla Turca,Mozart

AL6005, 00420009$2.95

Tarantella,Pieczonka

AL6010, 00420014$3.50




As we read and create

music, we weave through

a I-IV-V tapestry of

primary chords. At Piano Adventures® Level 5, we

ensure that the student

can see and feel this

structural tapestry for

each tonal piece.

Scales

“Why learn scales?”

students ask. Our

answer? A scale reduces

88 keys to seven. Five keys are eliminated in each octave(12 chromatic tones minus five leaves seven diatonic scale

steps), and each of these seven tones retains its own meaning

regardless of octave.

So when playing the Pachelbel Canon in D, for instance,

we can ignore one third of the keys on the keyboard and

visualize a simple thread of the D major scale weaving

through seven tones per octave, across the entire keyboard.

Whether reading or improvising, attention is delimited to this

D major thread for security, predictability, and confidence.

Consider When the Sun Rises . . . from the Level 5 Lesson

Book (p. 36). The piece is essentially an “improvisation” inB-flat major, excepting a brief color detour with the A-flat

in measures 6-9. By delimiting the keyboard to the notes of

the B-flat major scale, and imagining this “scale thread” of

two black keys interspersed with five white keys, the piece

becomes easy to read and easy to play. Furthermore, there is

little chance of a bad note sounding because the scale tones

all relate to the tonality.

The last three measures of this piece offer opportunity for

improvisation. Taking the short rhythmic motive given,

explore any tones from the B-flat major “thread.” It is

surprising to see—and to hear—how easy this can be.

Well, yes, there is that issue of fumbled fingering.

Fortunately, the flat-key scales give special opportunity to

simplify fingering, which is why we devote Level 5 to the

flat key signatures. Here’s the rule:

For RH flat-key scales, the thumb plays on C and F.

So we always have RH fingers 1-2-3 on C-D-E, and fingers

1-2-3-4 on F, G, A, B.

n Without shifting this image,

let’s flat the B under finger 4.

n Now also flat the E in the

3-finger pattern up from C.

n Now add A-flat to the

4-finger pattern.

n Back to the 3-finger pattern for D-flat, etc.

And so we go around the flat

side of the circle of 5ths: C-F-

B≤-E≤-A≤-D≤-G≤.

In every case, the RH fingering

is consistent: three fingers built

up from C, and four fingers built

up from F. Work this over in blocked fashion—three fingers,

four fingers—without beginning on the actual keynote.

Then block it out in this same fashion, but going up several

octaves. Now play the actual scale. (It’s not really important

which finger plays the black key opening tonic.)

With this fingering in mind, let’s revisit When the Sun Rises

and improvise on measure 6, where we find an A-flat chord

over the B-flat pedal point. Place RH fingers over C-D-E≤

and/or F-G-A≤-B≤ and improvise over the LH ostinato. One

might return to B-flat major accompanied by the

opening ostinato.

Also consider exploring alternative scale passages modeled

after those in measures 13 and 14. (See Level 5 Lesson

Book p. 37.) We composed these scale passages to begin

with thumb on F (measure 13) and thumb on C (measure 14)

The I-IV-V Tapestry




to reinforce the flat-key fingering rule. In improvising, one

might use the prescribed hand placements, but begin on

any note.

Chord Etudes

Scales are invaluable, but it is the combining of scale tones in

thirds that gives tonal music its harmonic structure. Recalling

our metaphor, we use the scale “thread” to weave the chord

tapestry. First and foremost, we weave the tapestry of I, IV,

and V chords—in all inversions.

As Level 5 progresses through various keys, each piece is

preceded by a short etude, disguised by a title. Coral Reef

Etude, for example, opens the book as a primary-chord study

in C, featuring all inversions of I, IV, and V. To maximize the

effectiveness of this and similar etudes:

n Play by memory. Encourage students to look at their hands

for these etudes so that the keyboard patterns are

visually imprinted.

n Play with eyes closed. Highlight the feel of the keys and

the feel of the thirds and fourths.

n Transpose. Use Coral Reef Etude as a generic warm-up for

every piece, in any key, whether major or minor.

Coral Reef Etude is the harmonic grid, the primary-chord

tapestry. It is essential for the student to grasp these chord

patterns that combine the student’s understanding of primary

chords with understanding of chord inversions. This is the

bridge to the intermediate repertoire.

Notice that Blue Etude (p. 11) is a primary-chord etude

in F, preparing for Tumbleweed Blues (p. 12). Similarly,

Rolling River Etude (p. 14) drills the primary chords in A

major using the LH pattern of Shenandoah (p. 15). As thestudent progresses to new keys, come back to Blue Etude,

transposing, for example, to B-flat (especially for those

pre-jazzers who will be playing in B-flat with brass players).

Revisit Rolling River Etude as preparation for the pieces in

C minor and G minor when these are encountered later in

the book.

Popular Repertoire

A look at Piano Adventures® Popular Repertoire Level 5

gives insight into the importance of chord comprehension.

Consider Elton John’s Candle in the Wind. The entire verse(mm. 5-20) simply alternates between I and IV chords

(G and C in the key of G major). Yet, how many students fail

to recognize this simple chord pattern and struggle to decode

150 notes instead of two chords? So we pair the arrangement

with an “Accompanying Activity” that drills I-IV chords in

a pop accompaniment style. The arrangement then reduces

to simplicity.

In a different context, we again explore the repetition of

I and IV in Wind Beneath My Wings. The corresponding

activity page, titled “The Bass Beneath My Wings,”

explores aural recognition of the bass line and various

accompaniments for the I-IV chord progression.

The Power of Primary Chords

In the Level 2B, we discussed “The Power of Primary

Chords.” Indeed, one can’t overestimate the value of

recognizing fundamental harmonies—for reading, for

memorization, and for musical creativity. We recapitulate

this concept here at Level 5 by weaving an elementary

understanding of primary chords into a patterned “I-IV-V

Tapestry” that includes chord inversions.

The warm-up etudes in Piano Adventures®

Level 5 providesome very effective tools. But learning the etudes once, in

the key written, will not make a real musician. We need

to roll up our sleeves and help students transpose these

etudes to many, if not all, keys. Do so in conjunction with

learning each new scale and each new piece. With this higher

expectation, we can indeed develop a “I-IV-V Tapestry” that

won’t fade by next week’s lesson.



ACCELERATED COURSE FABER PIANO ADVENTURES

Theory

FF1206, 00420228$6.95Writing

Sightreading

Eartraining


FF1420, 00420250$6.95Alaska Sled Team

Contrary Motion Study

Dance of the Irish

Double Ferris Wheel

Finlandia

Good Music to You!

Jazzy Saints

Painter in the Park

Perilous Midnight Ride


Swan Lake Theme

Viking Ship

Performance

FF1207, 00420229$6.50Allegro

Alouette

Backpacking

Boogie in 3rds

Carousel Melody

Clock Tower Bells

For He’s a Jolly GoodFellow

GreensleevesThe Handbell Choir(Duet)

Horse and Sleigh

La Cinquantaine

March of the English Guard

A Merry March

Miniature Sonatina

Mr. McGill

Painting with Pastels

Party Time

Reveille

Showboat

Simple Gifts

Snake Dance

Square DanceStrike Up the Band!

The San Francisco Trolley

The Spanish Guitar

Theme by Mozart

Popular Repertoire

FF1470, 00420252$6.95Fiddler on the Roof

Hedwig’s Theme

In Dreams


Over the Rainbow

Soak Up the Sun


Video

What a Wonderful World

BackgroundAccompanimnts

Lesson Book 1Enhanced CDCD1016, 00420083 $14.95(accompaniments in two tempos plusMIDI files for Lesson, Performance,


Popular RepertoireBook 1 CDCD1041, 00420106 $10.95

Popular RepertoireBook 1 MIDIGM1047, 00420306 $10.95

Christmas


Deck the Halls

Good King Wenceslas

Jingle Bells

Joy to the World


Silent Night


We Wish You a MerryChristmas (Duet)

for the older beginner

Accelerated Book 1Lesson Book

FF1205, 00420227$8.95Aloha Oe

Amazing Grace

Bagpipes

Bus Stop Boogie

Camptown Races

Chant of the Monk

Chant of the Monks

Chinese DragonDreamscape


English Minuet

Fife and Drum

Forest Drums

French Minuet

Go Down Moses

Guide Note Pinball

Gypsy Band

Halftime Show

Hard-Drivin’ Blues

Hungarian Dance

I’ve Got Music

Irish Washerwoman

Journey by CamelThe Lonely Pine

Melody on C and G

Midnight Ride

Minuet

Morning

Musette

My Invention

No Moon Tonight

Ode to Joy

Oh! Susanna

Pep Rally

The Piano Tuner

Planetarium

Polovtsian Dance


Promenade

Racecar Rally

Rhythm and Blues

Roman Trumpets


Russian Folk Song

Scenic Train Ride

Sugarfoot Rag

“Surprise” Symphony

Toccatina

Two-Hand Conversation

Waltz


Zum Gali Gali

Discover Beginning ImprovisationFF1051CD 00420160 $8.95 book with enhanced CD

The ability to improvise can be developed rather easily. Discover

Beginning Improvisation is designed for students of all ages who

have had no previous experience improvising. The book lays the

foundation for composition and improvisation using the simplest

possible exercises in imaginative settings. It features:

• solo and duet improvisations

• written assignments

• theory review

• teacher accompaniments.

The enhanced CD provides audio background accompaniments as well as MIDI files.

Exercises in Discover Improvisation are virtually foolproof, inspiring student creativity

and offering fun-filled exploration for both student and teacher. Students should have an

elementary music-reading proficiency, completing Piano Adventures® Level 2A.




ACCELERATED BOOK 2

Performance spans...ShowTime® and ChordTime®

TheoryTechnique & Artistry

LESSON BOOK


Walk in a Rainbow

Cat Prowl

Classic Sonatina

Jazz Pizzazz

Land of Dreams

AchievementSkill Sheet #2:Minor 5-fingerpatterns

Discover BluesImprovisation

Once UponA Rainbow,Book 2

PopularRepertoire

Developing ArtistPiano LiteratureBook 1(challenging)

I CanReadMusicBook 2

ChordTime® PopularChordTime® ClassicsChordTime® Favorites

ChordTime® Rock ‘n RollChordTime® Jazz & BluesChordTime® HymnsChordTime® Christmas(see pg. 31 for song lists)

ShowTime® PopularShowTime® ClassicsShowTime® Favorites

ShowTime® Jazz & BluesShowTime® HymnsShowTime® Christmas(see pg. 25 for song lists)

Developing ArtistPreparatoryPiano Literature


Flashcards





Accelerated Book 2Lesson Book

FF1210, 00420231$9.9550’s Jukebox

Almost Like a Dream

America

American Fiddle Tune(Turkey in the Straw)

Beach Party

Beethoven’s 5th Symphony

Blues TrainThe Boogie Machine

Brahms’ Lullaby

Can-Can

Cathedral Chimes

Classical Dance

El Matador

The Entertainer

Evening Guitars

The Flight

French Dance


Jazz Blast

Jumpin’ Jazz Cat

The King’s Royal EntranceKum Ba Yah

Lazy Chord Blues

Magnolia Waltz

Malaguena

Minuet in G

Mysterious Casbah

New River Train

New World Symphony

Parasailing

Pumpkin Boogie

Rise and Shine

Rowing on a Stormy Sea

Rustic Dance

Silent Movie Music

Sounds from the GumdropFactory


Summer Stars

Taps

Waltz

Wayfaring Stranger

Whirling Leaves

William Tell Overture

Theory

FF1474, 00420253$6.95Writing

Sightreading

Ear Training

BackgroundAccompanimnts

Lesson Book 2Enhanced CDCD1024, 00420091$9.95(accompaniments in two tempos plusMIDI files for Lesson, Performance,


Popular RepertoireBook 2 CDCD1042, 00420107$10.95

Popular RepertoireBook 2 MIDIGM1048, 00420307$10.95


FF1746, 00420265$7.50Captain Hook’s Rockin’Party

Dancin’ to the CD

Etude in C

Gusts of Wind

The King’s Royal Exit

Long, Long Ago (Variation)

Long, Long Ago, (Theme)

Mirage

Musette

Mystery Waltz

The Potato Chip Thief

Track Meet

Winner’s Waltz

Zebras Running

Performance

FF1212, 00420232$6.50African Celebration

Club Jazz

Down by the Riverside

Everybody Ought to Know

Gallop on the Moor

German Dance

Holiday Fanfare

Mysterious Cavern

Niagara Falls

O Sole Mio!

Pale Moon Serenade

Peppermint Rag

Prelude in F


Ride of Paul Revere

The Snow Castle

“Surprise” Symphony

Tambourin

The Time Machine (A Stopat the 18th Century)

Waltz in D Major

Popular Repertoire

FF1479, 00420254$6.95Because You Loved Me

Bring On the Rain

Empire State of Mind

The Game of Love

Hero

I Will Remember You

The James Bond Theme

A New Day Has Come

Thank You

You

Discover Blues ImprovisationFF1155CD 00420215 $8.95 book with enhanced CD

Discover Blues Improvisation offers piano students a chance to explore

the blues, and improvise in other styles such as popular music and

jazz. The enhanced CD includes real blues band accompaniments, as

well as standard MIDI files.

Students should have an elementary music-reading proficiency,

completing Piano Adventures® Level 2B or Accelerated Piano

Adventures® Book 2.

The exercises and pieces in this book nurture creativity and self-expression through the

framework of the 12-bar blues. The improvisation exercises are simple, effective, and fun for

both student and teacher. This comprehensive approach features:

• instruction in improvisation and theory

• appealing pieces with improvisation options

• blues technique

• blues ear training.



PIANO LITERATURE FABER PIANO ADVENTURES

THE KEYBOARD ARTIST Edited by Randall Faber

Chopin:Three Easier Waltzes FF1154 00420213 $4.50Waltz in A Minor (Op. Posthumous)Waltz in B Minor (Op. 69, No. 2)Waltz in A-flat Major (Op. 69, No. 1)

Grieg:Four Lyric Pieces FF1187 00420223 $4.50Waltz (Op. 12, No. 2)Watchman’s Song (Op. 12, No. 3)Puck (Op. 71, No. 3)Sailor’s Song (Op. 68, No. 1)

Chopin:Three Mazurkas FF1153 00420212 $4.50Mazurka in F Major (Op. 68, No. 3)Mazurka in G Minor (Op. 67, No. 2)Mazurka in B-flat Major (Op. 7, No. 1)

Classical C.P.E. Bach: Solfeggietto

AL6004 00420008 $2.50Beethoven: Für Elise AL6002 00420006 $2.95

Beethoven: Sonatina in G Major AL6003 00420007 $3.50

Beethoven: Sonata in G Major AL6009 00420013 $3.50

Mozart: Rondo alla Turca AL6005 00420009 $2.95

Mozart: Sonata in C Major AL6008 00420012 $3.95

Romantic Chopin: Prelude in D-flat

Major “Raindrop” AL6001 00420005 $2.95

Pieczonka: Tarantella AL6010 0042001 $3.50

Baroque J.S. Bach: Prelude in C AL6006 00420010 $5.95

Impressionistic Debussy: Clair de Lune

AL6007 00420011 $2.95Debussy: La fille auxcheveux de lin AL6011 00420015 $2.50

The Developing Artist

LITERATURE SHEETSPiano Repertoire from Baroque to Contemporary • Edited by Randall Faber



COLLABORATIVE ARTIST FABER PIANO ADVENTURES

CURIOUSER AND CURIOUSER

CHRISTMAS CHAMBER MUSIC

Composed by Nancy Faber, this unique piece was commissioned by the Music Teachers

National Association (MTNA) to celebrate the organization’s Year of CollaborativeMusic, and was debuted at the 2011 MTNA National Convention.

Written for late intermediate to early advanced students, this chamber trio features

a “curious” one-note opening followed by a quirky, merry melody that leads the

performers to unexpected musical places. The piece ends as mysteriously as it

begins—with a final flourish.

Available in five orchestrations:

B-Flat Clarinet, E-Flat Saxophone, PianoFF7001 00420319 $16.95

Flute, Viola, Piano

FF7002 00420320 $16.95Flute, Violin, PianoFF7003 00420321 $16.95

Flute, Cello, PianoFF7004 00420322 $16.95 (To Be Released)

Violin, Cello, PianoFF7005 00420323 $16.95 (To Be Released)

This piece is suitable for piano students

who have completed Piano Adventures® Level 5.

Celebrate the joy of the holiday season with this advanced-

level trio arrangement of a beloved carol. This expansive

concert arrangement by Nancy Faber offers sparkling

melodic interplay and captivating harmonies for flute,

cello, and piano.

Joy to the World

FF7006 00420335 $9.95

This serene presentation of Silent Night offers an expressive

chamber music performance for flute, cello, and piano.

Arranged by Nancy Faber. (moderately advanced)

Silent Night

FF7007 00420336 $9.95

COLLABORATIVE ARTIST FABER PIANO ADVENTURES



80

About the Fabers Nancy and Randall Faber have combined their backgrounds as composer and

performer to become leading supporters of piano teachers and students. The husband

and wife team has authored over 200 publications, including the bestselling Piano

Adventures®

method and the PreTime®

to BigTime®

Piano Supplementary Library.

Nancy Faber was named “Distinguished Composer of the Year” by the Music

Teachers National Association for her award-winning composition Tennessee Suite for

Piano and String Quartet. Her flute quartet Voices from Between Worlds was the

winning composition for the National Flute Association’s Professional Chamber Music

Competition. Nancy’s music has been heard on network television and public radio.

Teachers of composition include Joan Tower, William Albright, and British composer

Nicholas Maw; piano studies were at the Eastman School and Michigan State

University.

Randall Faber performs extensively as a classical pianist and lectures on musical

artistry and talent development around the world. His performances have aired on

television and public radio. He was a master teacher for the Music Teachers National

Association Conference and the National Conference on Keyboard Pedagogy, and has

presented as guest artist at universities throughout North America and Asia. Randall

holds three degrees from the University of Michigan and a Ph.D. in education and

human development from Vanderbilt University.

The Fabers advocate piano study not only for personal expression and performance

success, but also as a vehicle for the student’s creative, cognitive, and personal

development. Their philosophy is reflected in their writing, their public appearances,

and in their own teaching..



New 2nd Editions!

3042 Creek Drive

Ann Arbor, MI 48108

Level 2ASee page 32 for details.

Level 4See page 58 for details.

Exciting New

Publication!

New!

Level 4Technique & Artistry

piano adventures catalogue

Documents