The Pianokids® Course:

A BIG advantage to the Pianokids® Course is the pages coordinate in all of the books! For example, if you are playing a piece on page 30 in the Lesson Book, the student should be working on page 30 of the Activity Book and page 30 of the Fun Book.  No more confusion on what page coordinates with which page in another book!  Hassle-free teaching!  The books are attractive spiral bound, allowing the books to be folded back for greater concentration on one page.  Descriptions and illustrations are kept to a minimum to reduce distractions for children with "attention deficit" disorders.

 Level 1:  Middle C position is learned, one note at a time, reinforcing note-reading skills.  The quarter, half, whole and eighth notes are introduced as well as the dotted half note.  Staccato touch is learned in
addition to basic dynamics.  The emphasis is on note-reading, accurate rhythm and logical fingering. 
Details regarding articulation, such as slurs are omitted, allowing the teacher to add them as the student
develops.  This also reduces the amount of distraction on the page, allowing very young students to focus on the notes themselves.  Concepts learned in the Lesson Book are reinforced in the Activity Book which features writing and ear-training exercises.  There are some coloring activities to further the enjoyment.  The Fun Book continues to reinforce concepts with additional coloring activities and repertoire.  There are "finger builders" which focus on specific concepts in the corresponding pieces in the Lesson Book.  Flash cards have been included in the final pages. 

           

Lesson Book 1                              Activity Book 1                             Fun Book 1

  
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Level 2:  Begins with a review of Middle C position and proceeds on to "C position" (C-D-E-F-G in both hands.)  Hands together playing is further explored as are articulation and dynamic markings.  The hands begin to move "out of position", one note at a time.  The C major scale is introduced as well as pieces that feature the scale.  G position is presented later in the book as well as the G major scale and later the
A minor harmonic scale.  Students are introduced to 6/8 time and counting is developed in the Activity Book.  The Fun Book continues to feature additional creative exercises and pieces to further enhance
concepts presented in the Lesson Book.

          

Lesson Book 2                   Activity Book 2                         Fun Book 2

  
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Level 3: The emphasis in this book is for the student to gain confidence and fluency in reading notes.  There is also greater emphasis on details in the music, i.e. articulation and details of dynamics.  The damper pedal is used in many pieces.  The D major and F major scales are introduced as well as pieces in those keys.  Tonic, Subdominant and Dominant chords are presented in C major and utilized in the in the
accompaniment patterns of pieces.  The Activity Book continues to develop ear-training and theory
concepts.  The Fun Book has supplementary activities, however the emphasis later in the book is to present additional repertoire for the young student.  There is a selection of Baroque dances which we believe are integral to the learning process as well as a description of the dances and what life might be like during the Baroque Era.  The Fun Book could serve as a supplementary book to any method series.

             

Lesson Book 3                   Activity Book 3                         Fun Book 3
 

   
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Christmas Book 1                                            

   
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We hope you enjoy these books with your students as they proceed through their Musical Journey!

Eleanor Gummer and Marie-Therese Gummer