Alfred's Premier Piano Course

Description

This is a brand new series from Alfred. The obvious question would be, "How is this series different from Alfred's Basic Piano Course?" Well, there are many differences, from minor changes in the way concepts are introduced to more significant changes such as the fact that this course uses a "non-position" approach (meaning that it doesn't rely on specific fingers for specific keys). Some of the things that make this course unique are: 1) Students learn to name notes without having to correlate them with a position. 2) Bass clef is introduced first, as many students end up weaker in this area. 3) Rhythm is taught using multi-note patterns rather than single notes. 4) Ear training and sight reading are both integrated into the course. 5) Parents are utilized as a key to the success of their child. For additional information, visit www.premierpianocourse.com to learn more about what makes this program different.

This course was developed to be comprehensive, appealing to students, and student-, teacher-, and parent-friendly. It features new music, attractive illustrations, and thoughtful organization. The lesson book is the main focus. It covers note reading, sight reading, rhythm reading, and technical workouts accompanied by fun musical arrangements and colorful illustrations. An included CD or digital downloads contain all of the music at both performance speeds as well as slower practicing speeds. Theory books complement the lesson books and focus on music theory. Performance books offer additional music to play, and At-home books encourage parents to get involved in practice time by seeing what the child is working on and helping them review the concepts they've learned in between lessons. The books are all clearly marked so it's easy to coordinate use between the lesson book and additional books. Flash cards help with sight reading and learning music symbols and patterns. We now offer these components all separately or in Success Kits (only available for Levels 1A and 1B at this time). Success Kits contain all of the components described above (lesson book w/ CD, theory book, performance book w/ CD, at-home book and flash cards) in a vinyl, zippered storage case.

Technique books for Alfred's Premier Piano Course are now available. These books help students develop their playing technique. Technique tools such as relaxed shoulders, arm weight, and strong fingertips are introduced in Level 1A. More advanced techniques such as two-note slurs, heavy damper pedal footwork, and double-note shifts and are covered in later levels. The technique books are especially easy to incorporate as they directly correlate to the lesson books. Please note that the Levels 1A and 1B Technique Books are not included in the corresponding Success Kits.

Also available are Alfred's Christmas Books 1A and 1B. Each book features 10-11 songs, with each song containing an accompanying duet part (this is intended for the teacher to play, as it is significantly more advanced). Each song also contains a colorful illustration and a short paragraph explaining the history of the song.



Teaching Method
Traditional
Teacher-centered curriculum commonly used in classrooms that may include a text, teacher manual, tests, etc.
Charlotte Mason
A methodology based on the work of a 19th century educator who maintained that children learn best from literature (Living Books), not textbooks.
Classical
A methodology based on the Latin Trivium (three stages of learning), including the grammar stage (memorization and facts), logic stage (critical thinking), and rhetoric stage (developing/defending ideas).
Unit Study
A thematic or topical approach centered around one topic that integrates multiple subject areas.
Montessori (Discovery)
A methodology based on the work of a 20th century educator that emphasizes student and sensory-driven discovery learning and real-life applications.
Other
Other methodologies
Religious Content
Secular
Contains content contrary to common Christian beliefs (i.e. evolution).
Neutral
Avoids religious or theoretical topics or presents multiple viewpoints without preference.
Christian/Religious
Faith-based or including instructional religious content.
Learning Modality
Auditory
Learns through listening, talking out loud or reading out loud.
Visual
Learns through seeing, prefers written instructions and visual materials.
Kinesthetic/Tactile (Hands-On)
Learns through moving, doing and touching.
Multi-Sensory
Curriculum that employ a variety of activities/components.
Presentation
Sequential
Curriculum progresses through well-defined learning objectives. Emphasizes mastery before moving to the next topic.
Spiral
Topics and concepts are repeated from level to level, adding more depth at each pass and connecting with review.
Conceptual/Topical
Focus is on the “why,” often with a unifying concept as well as specific skills; coverage may be broader.
Teacher Involvement
Low Teacher Involvement
Student-led materials; parent acts as a facilitator.
Medium Teacher Involvement
A mix of teacher-led time and independent student work.
High Teacher Involvement
Teacher-led lessons; may utilize discussions, hands-on activities and working together.
Additional Materials Required
No other materials needed
Everything you need is included.
Other Materials Required
There are additional required resources that are a separate purchase.
Other Materials Optional
There are additional resources mentioned or recommended but are not absolutely necessary.
Consumable
Consumable
Designed to be written in; not reusable.
Non-Consumable
Not designed to be written in; reusable.