Alfred's Basic Course Levels 2 & 3 Theory Book

The theory books are crammed with theory games and problems, and students can play songs they help compose.

Very similar to the Prep Course, the Basic Piano Course was designed for the slightly older beginner. The first book also starts at the very beginning, with posture and the black keys. It follows the same basic pattern as the Prep Course, only it is not quite as simplistic and it moves at a slightly faster pace. There are more songs in this series, and they tend to be a bit longer. By the end of this series, students are playing much more advanced pieces. This series also contains many components. In addition to supplemental books, there are combined level books, which contain the best selections from the individual volumes. These combined volumes are especially for those a little older (ages 8-10), and are a little more compact. Also, the complete levels introduce chords a little sooner. If you choose these, you can still go right into book 4 with no problem.

If you want to hear the pieces played, there are CD's available on our website to accompany the lesson and ear training books. CD and Lesson Book sets are available for Level 1A and 1B at a significant savings. As with the Prep course, these items are all available for extra practice, but are not essential. You may choose in what area your student needs more practice. This series is the most complete in Alfred's series, and it takes students farther than all but the adult programs. Though their approx. age range is 7-9, this program could be used by any beginner, especially after level 1. They move a little faster, but it would definitely be suited to an older student, particularly with the levels advancing so far. If someone has had a little experience, they could also jump right into one of the later levels. - Melissa