Music for Little Mozarts [Audiobook, CD] [Audio CD] Review

This is a two CD set each CD is 30 minutes long.The second CD is for the "music discovery book", I love this CD, it is just perfect for group music classes and it is a fun CD for kids to just listen to.There are 25 songs: a hello song (mentions mozart mouse and beethoven bear), a goodbye song (could be used for any program), 8 rhythm instrument songs, 5 movement/music appreciation songs, and 8 listening/ear training songs.

The first CD is essentially a "book on CD" of the "music lesson" book and I don't see why you would ever use it because a teacher could read the story herself much more entertainingly.

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Product Description:
Two compact disc recordings (sold as a two-disc set) support the concepts introduced in Level 4. The disc for the Music Lesson Book includes the narration for the story, as well as two performances of each piece-an acoustic piano version and an orchestrated version. The disc for the Music Discovery Book contains all of the songs and the "Listen and Sing" examples in the book performed by a teacher and students. In addition, professional performances of all listening examples for music appreciation and movement activities are included.

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Music for Little Mozarts: Deluxe Starter Kit [Paperback] Review

I am a mom that sings, but not a pianist.The price of piano lessons prevent us from having our kids take lessons at young ages.I looked at one of the lessons from a local studio and they said they use this series, so I ordered it.

I know how to play a little, and this book/cd/notecards, etc... is absolutely perfect for us.My 4-year-old son is learning at an amazing speed and he loves it.The cd that comes with it helped with the excitement.The dry-erase board that you can learn the letters of the keyboard with is wonderful because you can erase and don't have to use papers over and over.Plus, the little magnets that come with it are a great tool in getting them to understand that they can compose their own little measure or two, then I can play it for them.

I'm a huge fan and will be using this for my 2-year-old when she's old enough too, and I'll be ordering the next levels soon.

And we're saving TONS of money.I figure that once they are old enough out of these books, and are still interested and beyond my capabilities of teaching, we'll pay the high price of lessons.

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Product Description:
A student who begins lessons with the Deluxe Starter Kit will have the best chance at success in music lessons because the student has all the key components that provide a comprehensive learning experience and make the course come alive. The vinyl tote bag includes: Music Activity Board with marker, Beethoven Bear and Mozart Mouse, Music Lesson Book 1, Music Discovery Book 1, Music Workbook 1, a CD 2-disc set (for the Lesson and Discovery Books) and Flash Cards for Book 1.

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Masterwork Classics, Level 5 (Alfred Masterwork Editions) [Paperback] Review

The Mastering the Piano series is a boon for teachers and students alike.They are good buys - the CD is certainly helpful for students who no longer are that familiar with repertoire at this level.As with the others, the selection is excellant and pretty much at the same level except for the challenging Grieg, Wedding Day at Troldhaugen.The advantage of having all the pieces at the same level of excellance and ability is that one book can cover a years study, minimizing the expense.This volume contains a Joplin rag as its contempory piece - an appealing choice.

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Product Description:
A progressive repertoire series designed to motivate students while allowing them to progress evenly and smoothly from the earliest classics toward intermediate literature.These pieces are from the standard classical literature, chosen to appeal both to teacher and student. Each volume comes with a corresponding CD.

Pianist Valery Lloyd-Watts studied at the Conservatory of Music in Toronto and the Royal College of Music in London. She earned a Master of Music degree from the University of Wisconsin, where she studied with Paul Badura-Skoda.

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Piano Adventures: Lesson Book Primer Level (Piano Adventures Library) [Paperback] Review

I've been teaching for over 12 years and I use the Faber Piano Adventure series, starting with Primer level for young students, usually 5-7 years old.For younger students, (preK/K), see Music for Little Mozarts by Alfred.For more information see piano and voice teacher drives 2 you web site.

The primer level starts slowly, but shows overall good use of the keyboard, even before the student starts learning the note names.Working on the black keys for a few weeks gives young fingers the opportunity to play sooner, and gain coordination.These books come in a system that you can self select, definitely start with the Lesson book.I always recommend the recital book for extra songs (no one wants to play or hear the same four to eight measure song over and over again for a week between lessons, too much repetition leads to boredom).I love the Popular Repertoire series in all the levels of the books.Just look at the covers for names of the songs.They are all well known tunes the students love.These have come and gone out of print, but have recently come back into print.

I use the Faber books as a bridge with another series called Alfred Basic Piano library.If students find Alfred's pace challenging, Faber helps fill in the gaps.It also teaches "Middle C position" where both thumbs are on middle C (the singing range of most young children), on the staff earlier in the primer level.This allows use of the fabulous set of Faber books in the Pre-time (primer), Playtime (level 1 five finger melodies), Showtime (level 2A-just outside the comfort zone), Chordtime (2B-wait for fingers to mature to play 3 note chord progressions-but are really the best in the series), Funtime (3-more challenging) and Big Time (usually used around level 4-5).These come in a variety of genres like Classical, Popular, Jazz, Ragtime, Rock, Children's Favorites, Hymns, (Hebrew Favorites only in Chordtime),I like to use as many as possible in the early years and then focus in on what student shows an interest in for later study.

Later versions of the Faber books teach higher notes on the treble staff that Alfred misses.But the Alfred books are very good at teaching intervals sight reading.My feeling about these books is that you want more books that keep the pace nice and even, if there are a few songs that seem too similar, and the student is ready to move on, move on, but more often than not, the extra songs give a student many opportunities for sight reading, which is really what I try to teach.Try starting 5 min per year old for the lesson and 1 song per year old per week, and see how it goes.A five year old can sit and play for 1/2 hour on about 5 short pieces, with some singing, clapping, and other activities.Whereas a nine year old can sit for about 45 minutes, and has no problem with 9-10 songs a week.

Give your child the gift of reading music as you would reading books.

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Product Description:
Piano AdventuresPrimer Level orients the student to the piano through black-key pieces that explore the range of the keyboard. This is followed by off-the-staff note reading, which teaches the keyboard letter names and basic rhythms.Contents include:All My Friends; Allegro; Alouette; Balloons; Bells of Great Britain; Best Friends; The Bugle Boys; C-D-E-F-G March; C Position Warm-Up; C Song; Come See the Parade!; Copy Cat; The Dance Band; Elephant Ride; The Escalator; Frogs on Logs; Gorilla in the Tree; Grandmother; Hey, Hey, Look at Me!; Hey, Mr. Half Note Dot!; Honking Cars; I Hear the Echo; The I Like Song; Into the Cave; Lemonade Stand; Let's Play Ball!; March on D-E-F; Men from Mars; Merrily We Roll Along; Middle C March; Mister Bluebird; My Invention; Ode to Joy; The Old Clock; Old MacDonald Had a Song; Once There Was a Princess; Our Team; Partners at C; Petite Minuet; Rodeo; Russian Sailor Dance; A Ten-Second Song; Three Little Kittens; Two Black Ants; Two Blackbirds; Two Questions; The Walking Song; Yankee Doodle.

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Music Tree Time to Begin Activities (Frances Clark Library for Piano Students) [Paperback] Review

My daughter's piano teacher recommended this as a beginner's course for small children (my daughter's 5), since it has child friendly language with illustrations to make concepts clear and at the same time teaches the basic concepts well. The price is not that great however, hence not 5 stars. This goes with the other piano book in the 'Time to Begin" so buying both hurt the purse a bit.

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Product Description:
Time to Begin Activities is colorful, cheerful and a delight for students to complete either at the lesson or at home. Activities reinforce reading, rhythm and theory introduced in Time to Begin. Each unit includes at least one game-like activity. As students near the grand staff, note names direction and intervals become an integrated activity.

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Alfred's Basic Piano Prep Course: Christmas Joy! Level C (Alfred's Basic Piano Library) [Paperback] Review

this book comes from the Alfred's series and is similar to their other books. It is best for students that have been playing for a little while and and read music fairly easily.

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Product Description:
Charming collections of popular Christmas carols arranged for beginning piano students. Carols are arranged in order of difficulty. Each song includes an optional teacher/parent duet part which can be played on the same keyboard.

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Alfred's Basic Piano Library: Prep Course Solo Level B [Paperback] Review

My neigbour is teaching my daughter piano. She herself started to learn when she was very little and so did her older sister. Both used Alfred's back then and she still uses it for my daughter today. We went through 2 books so far and I am amazed how wonderfully my daughter plays already. I had to order a bunch more as my neigbour is teaching 5 of my daughters friends now also. They all use the Alfred books at different levels and love their piano lessons :o)
The great thing is that you look at the age or level of the student and you pick the appropriate Alfred's book level. The next book builds on and so on. Great system!

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Product Description:
Each piece in the Solo Books coordinates page-by-page with the Lesson Books, reinforcing newly learned concepts presented at the lesson. Includes adorable full-color illustrations that enhance each piece.

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David Carr Glover Method for Piano: Lessons, Primer" [Paperback] Review

I grew up using David Carr Glover books when I took piano lessons myself.I still love them for the simplicity and ease of use.I like the way this method book does NOT start on the black keys.It starts right in with real notes in middle C position.This way the students learn the notes and what they look like on the staff.Other methods use the black keys and finger numbers--children end up relying on the finger numbers instead of on what NOTE they're supposed to be playing.
I highly recommend the Glover method--I would also recommend if you use this book to add the Primer level Technic, Performance and Theory books for a well-rounded experience.

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Product Description:
A sound approach to learning the piano, with emphasis on: reading music through interval and note recognition; clapping, singing and counting aloud for proper rhythmical performance; sight reading and ear training. Includes full-color illustrations. Also available from the DAVID CARR GLOVER METHOD FOR PIANO: Lessons, Performance, Technic, Sight Reading and Ear Training, and Christmas at the Piano for each level: Primer, One, Two , Three, and Four. Pre-Reading (Lessons and Theory) and other additional material are available as well.

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Premier Piano Course Theory 2a (Alfred's Premier Piano Course) [Paperback] Review

Great set of books (4 in all).My child has used this series for over 2years now.All books are clear to read and have fun pictures.

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Product Description:
Correlated page-for-page with the Lesson Book, each new musical concept is reinforced through fun-filled writing, listening and playing exercises. With games and puzzles added to compositional and creative activities, students retain concepts more easily and learn more thoroughly.

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Alfred's Basic Piano Library: Prep Course Theory Book Level B [Paperback] Review

I've been using this system (Alfred's Prep Course) with young and adult beginners alike. It's my preferred system!

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Product Description:
Designed to coordinate page-by-page with the Lesson Books. Contains enjoyable games and quizzes that reinforce the principles presented in the Lesson Books. Students can increase their musical understanding while they are away from the keyboard.

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Alfred's Basic Piano Library: Top Hits Solo Book, Level 1B [Paperback] Review

I am a fan of the Alfred method and love the books for teaching my four beginner piano students.I was excited to see some alternate options for the solo/recital book, including this "Top Hits" book.

I currently have two students using this book, and they really seem to love it.I think it makes a difference for kids to be able to play tunes they know and enjoy.I would say that most of the songs were accessible to my 7-8 year old students, although a few are not as appealing to them ("My Heart Will Go On," for one).

My only complaint about the book is that it seems a little difficult compared to other books at this level.Many of the songs are played in the middle C position, which my students aren't as familiar with, and then many of the songs jump positions several times, which is something these kids aren't used to doing at this level.It doesn't correlate with the other 4 books as far as concepts go, although it does seem like the songs get harder as you progress through the book.Overall, it's fun, but I wouldn't use it for a struggling piano student.The very gifted ones will be fine, or perhaps when they are over half-way through the Lesson books at this level, they will be fine.

The kids really love it, and when practicing is fun, it makes a big difference.They are more willing to work hard on the songs because they enjoy them.Really, the challenge is probably good for them!

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Product Description:
Alfred's Top Hits series has overwhelmingly been accepted by students and teachers. This series combines justthe right combination of hits from Broadway, Hollywood, television and recordings! As you might expect from Alfred, this series offers a rare combination of great music arranged with care and creativity. Your beginning and intermediate students can savor the excitement of playing pop music and reap the benefits from making practicing more fun and rewarding.

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Alfred's Basic Piano Course: Lesson Book - Level 3 [Paperback] Review

The item took almost 3 weeks to arrive.Other than that, it was fine.

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Product Description:
This easy step-by-step method emphasizes correct playing habits and note reading through interval recognition. Lesson Book 3 introduces ""overlapping pedal""; new time signatures 3/8 and 6/8; and the primary triads in Major and Minor keys. Concepts include: passing one under two and one under three; playing major scales in contrary motion; the chromatic scale; the minor scale.

For reinforcement of each principle as it is introduced, supplementary material is carefully coordinated, page for page, at each level of instruction. Coordinating supplemental books for Level 3 include: Classic Themes
* Composition
* Duet
* Ear Training
* Ensemble
* Fun
* Hymn
* Merry Christmas
* Merry Christmas Ensemble
* Musical Concepts
* Notespeller
* Patriotic Solo
* Recital
* Repertoire
* Sight Reading
* Technic
* Theory and Top Hits! Solo, Christmas and Duet Book.

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Alfred's Basic Piano Library Lesson Book: Level 2 [Paperback] Review

The Alfred Basic Piano Library is a wonderful series of books for beginning students.I have taught piano for 11 years, and this series has been very successful with many students!Some favorites of students in Level 2: Alouette, Kumbayah, Ode to Joy, Oh Susannah.

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Product Description:
This easy step-by-step method emphasizes correct playing habits and note reading through interval recognition. Lesson Book 2 continues where Level 1B finishes. This book introduces dotted half notes and dotted quarter notes, plus intervals of 6ths, 7ths and octaves. Teaches greater movement of the hands, including crossing two over one and scalework. Students will also learn more about triads, primary chords, and blocked and broken chords. Songs Include: 18th Century Dance * Alouette * Blue Scales * Calypso Carnival * The Can-Can * Cockles and Mussels * The Galway Piper * Get Away! * Got Lotsa Rhythm * Kum-ba-yah! * Lavender's Blue * London Bridge * Lone Star Waltz * Malaguena * Nick Nack Paddy Wack * Ode to Joy * Oh! Susanna! * On the Bridge at Avignon * Our Special Waltz * Prelude * Red River Valley * Sarasponda * Square Dance * When You Grow Up * Why Am I Blue?

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Alfred's Basic Piano Library All-in-One Course, Book 2 [Paperback] Review

I use this book to teach my students, ages 5-11 how to play piano from the most basic level.It has been wonderful.Not only are the songs fun to play, but a lot of them are tunes that the kids know, which makes it more fun for them.It also incorporates the theory in with the playing, so my students never get too bored!I highly recommend these books to any piano teacher looking for a good book to start their students on!

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Product Description:
The Universal Edition is designed for all English-speaking countries outside of the United States, including Canada, the U. K. and Australia. This edition uses the British system of terminology for rhythmic values such as ""crotchet"" for quarter note.

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Alfred's Basic Piano Library: Technique Level 1A [Paperback] Review

I don't know why people give 1 star (as the previous interviewer did) when their transaction was flawed but not the books.I know Alfred books very well and they are the best in music education!Highly recommended.

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Product Description:
The Technic Books provide reading and rhythm drills and exercises perfectly paced with each Lesson Book in Alfred's Basic Piano Library to improve musicianship and develop coordination of the hands.

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All-in-One Course for Children: Lesson, Theory, Solo, Book 3 (Alfred's Basic Piano Library) [Paperback] Review

with the all-in-one you don't need to get the theory book because it is all included.

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Product Description:
The "All-in-One Course for Children" takes all of the pages from "Alfred's Basic Piano Library," Lesson Books 1A, 1B, and 2, plus selected pages from Theory, Recital and Fun Solo Books and combines them into part of a sequential five-book series. At the completion of Book 5, the student will be ready to continue into Level 3 of "Alfred's Basic Piano Library" or "Alfred's Premier Piano Course."

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Keyboard Musician for the Adult Beginner (Frances Clark Library for Piano Students) [Paperback] Review

Both my wife and I have been recommending this book for many years to adults wanting to learn the piano. As part-time piano teachers, we found that the lessons progress at an very good pace for most adults. The choiceof songs used in the lessons are tasteful mixing both folk and classicaltraditions. This book also works well for someone with some music readingbackground but no previous piano playing experience. This book uses theclassical approach and doesn't offer instruction on specific styles likerock, jazz, blues, etc. Overall, I still think it's the best adult pianomethod book that I've come across so far.

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Product Description:
Here is a complete repertoire and textbook for the older or adult beginner. Starting with material appropriate for the first lesson, it moves rapidly through discoveries, music and activities equivalent to The Music Tree and Levels 1 and 2. On completing the book, the student is ready for Level 3 of the Clark Library. The book provides quantities of music, all of it selected or composed to appeal to the older student -- Studies (introducing each of 65 new subjects), Repertoire (155 solos and duets), Accompanying and Transposing (62 melodies to accompany and to transpose to all major and minor keys), Sight Reading (107 one-line pieces that review each of the new discoveries and teach sight reading skills). In addition, the 22 units in 208 pages include: Technical Exercises, Rhythm Exercises, Written Work and Improvising. A Glossary at the end defines all new signs and terms introduced throughout the book.

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