Alfred Piano Methods

Choosing a Piano Method

From Professional Piano Teaching, Book 1, 2nd Edition, by Jeanine M. Jacobson (44565)

• The function of a method book is to provide a logical progression for learning concepts and
skills, and music for the practice of these elements.
• Choosing the appropriate method will help students move through the beginning stages with
relative ease, while laying a strong foundation for future study.
• The student’s learning style, experience with music, understanding of the keyboard, aural and
physical development, reading capabilities, and rhythmic maturity are all factors to be considered
when choosing a beginning method.

Table of Contents
Music for Little Mozarts...............................2 Alfred’s Basic Piano Library........................11
Premier Piano Course..................................6 Popular Correlating Materials....................15

Music for Little Mozarts (Ages 4–6)

A Piano Course to Bring Out the Music in Every Young Child
Christine H. Barden, Gayle Kowalchyk, and E. L. Lancaster

About the Core Books

Music Lesson Books Music Discovery Books
Introduces students to new Features songs that allow students
musical concepts as they to experience music through
follow the story of Beethoven singing, movement, and response
Bear, Mozart Mouse, and to rhythm patterns.
their Music Friends.
(Additional materials are available
for the course.)

Music Workbooks Compact Discs

Contains coloring pages Includes all of the music in the
that reinforce the musical Music Lesson Books and Music
concepts introduced in the Discovery Books as well as the
Music Lesson Books. narration for the story.

2 Music for Little Mozarts

 IMAGES FOR THESE GUYS

What Teachers Like About Music for Little Mozarts

• Three comprehensive books at each of the four levels guide the
children through a well-paced approach to music learning.
• Beethoven Bear, Mozart Mouse, and their Music Friends plush toys
stimulate the student’s imagination.

About the Authors

Christine H. Barden is an Dr. Gayle Kowalchyk and her
internationally recognized husband, Dr. E. L. Lancaster,
authority on early childhood have authored more than 400
music, and holds a degree educational piano books based
in piano performance from on their years of experience on
San Francisco State University. college faculties and in their
She currently teaches Music for private piano studio.
Little Mozarts classes as well as
piano and composition students
in Reno, Nevada.

32

Finding
E
16 on the
Key board
Bar Lines  Place Beethoven Bear on BAR liNEs divide the music into equal MEAsuREs.
2 black keys. 53
RH
Wake up! Wake
Bar Bar Bar
liNe ” liNe liNe C D E
 Clap (or tap) Left Hand Walking MEASURE MEASURE 12 3

E
insisted
23 and count aloud evenly. œ œ. œ œ œ œup!”œ Moœ zart Mous
After reading about bar lines in the  Point to the quarter notes “Remem
ber when
e
Magical Music Book, Beethoven Bear below and count aloud evenly. Then we
discovered we first learned
climbed on the keyboard and started  say the finger numbers aloud C?” about D?
“walking in place” on 2 black keys. He Mozart
while playing them in the air. Mouse ea
think we gerly co
thought about how bar lines would help have fou ntinued
 Play one key at a time and key to th nd the E , “Well,
I
him keep his place in the music, and began e RIgh key! E is
say the finger numbers. T of the the white
to hum a tune to himself . . . . two bla
ck keys.
 Play and sing the words. ”

LH
 Find
each E on the
3 2 color it keyboard
RED. below
Left Hand Walking M
i
d
 Place
Mo zart Mo
and

œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ
d
touching use on yo
l
e an E. ur piano
,
GENERAL

24 1 (26)  Play DOUBLE BAR

every

p
E on yo used at
ur piano the end.
keyboard
.
3 2

2 2 2 2
3 3 3 3
lH
sing: left hand walk - ing, 2 3 2 3
count: 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

student plays two times with duet part.

œ œ
1. 2.

œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ
Relaxed
b 4 œ œ œ œ œ
8va

& b bbbb 4 œ œ
3

..
4
2

Teacher

π
or

b 4
& b b b b b 4 œœœ œœœ .. œœœ
Parent
duet œœ œœ ˙˙
Part
1
œ œ 1
œ œ œ
2 3
3

Level 1 Overview:
Concepts Introduced

Œ
• How to Sit at the Piano • 3 Black Keys
• Hand Position • Quarter Rest ( )
• Low and High Sounds • Repeat Sign
• Moving Up and Down the Keyboard • Keys on the Keyboard (D, C, E, B, A)
f p • Half Note ( h )
∑
• Loud Sounds ( ) and Soft Sounds ( )

w
• Finger Numbers • Half Rest (— )

Ó
• 2 Black Keys • Whole Notes ( )
q
• Quarter Note ( ) • Whole Rest (— )
• Bar Lines and Double Bar

Music for Little Mozarts 3

 Level 2 Overview:
44 Time Signature
18

44 Concepts Introduced
 Clap (or tap) Ice Cream and Music has numbers at the beginning
count aloud evenly.

h.
called the TIME SIGNATURE.
 Point to the notes & rests and

 gets one beat.

26 count aloud evenly. means 4 beats to each measure.
“
All that fun we had at the music  Say the finger numbers aloud a quarter note
lesson has made me very hungry!”
Beethoven Bear whispered to Mozart
while playing them in the air.
 Play and say the finger numbers.
• Dotted Half Note ( )
Mouse.

• Keys on the Keyboard (F, G)

4 3
 Play and say the note names.
“Me, too!” Mozart Mouse agreed.
 Play and sing the words.

• Time Signatures ( 4, 4 )
“I wish we could have a snack!”
LHLH RH
Just then, they heard one of the children A BC D E F G
2 3 4

F
ask, “May we stop at the ice cream shop? 3 2 1 2 3 4 5
They have four new flavors!”
To pass the time, the two music friends
Ice Cream 1
5 M
I
D
D

• Mezzo Forte ( )
L
began chanting, “1 - 2 - 3 - 4, 1 - 2 - 3 - 4,” RH E

4f
GENERAL

as they waited. 27 12 (48)

4 œœœŒ œœœ Œ • Line Notes and Space Notes

5
G G
1 F F

• Treble Clef
E E
D D
C C
Sing: Four new fla - vor treats! Ice cream, oh, so sweet!

• Steps and Skips

Count: 1 2 1 2 1 1 1 Rest 1 2 1 2 1 1 1 Rest
or 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4

Student plays one octave higher with duet part.

˙. • Treble Clef Notes

œœ œ œœ œ
5

? 44 œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ
Moderato 1

œ œ œ Œ
3
14581 1 2 2
Music Lesson Book 2
Alfred’s
sic for Little Mozarts
F • Bass Clef
Music for Little Mozarts Lesson 

Teacher
Music for Little Mozarts
? 44
e H. Barden • Gayle Kowalchyk • E. L. Lancaster

Œ
œ˙ œ œœ Œ
or

˙˙ ˙ ˙˙ .. ˙
ear, Mozart Mouse and
A Piano Course to Bring Out the Music in Every Young Child
ds as they learn about music.
Parent
˙
ures from the Play Room and

˙ • Bass Clef Notes

their Piano Lessons, their
ol, the Talent Show and a
itten to provide appropriate 1
•

r 4-, 5- and 6-year-olds,

1 1
Barden/Kowalchyk/Lancaster

prehensive approach to
5 5 2
at develops singing and listening skills simultaneously with an 5
ariety of musical styles. The materials in the course combine to
nd imaginative atmosphere both in the lesson and at home.

oduction of
Coloring Books
Imaginative, music adventure pages to color
Book 1 (19669) Book 3 (19671)
• Grand Staff


7180) Book 2 (19670) Book 4 (19672)

Music Lesson Book

7186)
Halloween Fun!
A Halloween story with performance music
ties reinforcing and related music activity pages Starter Kit
Book 1 (20657) Book 2 (20658) Tote Bag, Beethoven Bear and Mozart Mouse
7181) Plush Toys, Music Activity Board (14586)
7187) Christmas Fun!
A Christmas story with performance music Deluxe Starter Kit
oks
•

and related music activity pages Same as above, plus Book 1 of the
Music for Little Mozarts

ciation, Book 1 (19720) Book 2 (19721) Music Lesson Book, Music Workbook,
es Music Discovery Book, Flash Cards and
7182) Lesson Assignment Book Compact Disc Recording (17194)
Alfred

7188) Assignment pages, practice records,

lesson evaluations and more
Lesson Assignment Book (17488)

9725) Teacher’s Handbooks ISBN 0-88284-969-7

Lesson plans and teaching tips that are useful
to parents and teachers
Books 1 & 2 (14585) Books 3 & 4 (17192)
#38081-BGJCAa Christine H. Barden • Gayle Kowalchyk • E. L. Lancaster

Level 3 Overview: Staccato  Place Nannerl Mouse or Mozart Mouse on the

15

five keys of the C Position for RH; then place

Concepts Introduced
Haydn Hippo or Beethoven Bear on the
five keys of the C Position for LH.
22
STACCATO Indicated by dots

œ œ
T
“ he bus is here!” the music friends  Clap (or tap) Bouncing on the Bus
and count aloud evenly. Short, separated
over or under
the notes:
or detached

• Bass Clef Notes

all cried together. The children carefully


 Point to the notes & rests and
carried them in their music bags to their
count aloud evenly.
seats. Soon they were bouncing up and
down as the bus made its way to school.  Say the finger numbers aloud

• Staccato
while playing them in the air.
“I’ve never bounced like this before!”
 Play and say the finger numbers.
Mozart Mouse said to his sister.
 Play and say the note names.
Nannerl agreed, “It’s just like playing
• Intervals: 2nds, 3rds, 4ths, 5ths staccato on the piano. Staccato is when
you play the notes short and detached.”
 Play and sing the words.
C POSITION for Both Hands

• Legato, Slur
C D E F G C D E F G

Bouncing on the Bus

M
I
D
D
L

• Melodic and Harmonic Intervals

E
GENERAL

23 11 (53)

& 44 ∑
5 4 3 2 1 1 2 3 4 5

∑ ∑ ∑ Œ Œ Œ
LH RH

œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ w
1 5

• Play Hands Together

• f-p 17180
F
?Little  œ œ œ œ œ Œ œ Œ œ Œ w
44 œ œMozarts
Bounc-ing
Alfred’s on the Musicway to school,
Lesson Book 3
on the bus.

∑
Bounc- ing on the

∑ ∑ ∑
way to school, look at us!

Music for

A Piano Course to Bring Out the Music in Every Young Child

5 1

Bouncing happily

              
  Π     j
Both hands one octave higher than written

Œ
œ Œœ œ œœ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ
œ œ Œ
& 44 œœ
œ œ œ œœ œ œ . œ œ œ œœ w œ
1

œœ œ œœ
œ œ œœ œœ
RH
Teacher
œœ œœ œœ œ œœ œœ œœ œœ œœ œœ œœ œœ œœ œœ œœ œ œœ œœ œœ œ ˙
Pœ  œ  ˙
Music Lesson Book 

or

                        
 
Parent 3 2
LH 5 5
•
Music for Little Mozarts

Christine H. Barden • Gayle Kowalchyk • E. L. Lancaster

30
Flat Sign
Level 4 Overview:

FLAT SIGN

Concepts Introduced
 Clap (or tap) Tire Trouble and


count aloud evenly. B
52  Point to the notes and
O
n their way to the lobby, the music count aloud evenly.
Play the next key
to the left,
friends asked Puccini Pooch where they  Say the finger numbers aloud whether black B
were going next.
“We still have a lot to do,” Puccini
while playing them in the air.
 Play and say the finger numbers.
or white.
• Treble Clef Notes
Pooch replied. “We are going to the
Recital Hall now to hear the piano recital.
 Play and say the note names.
And I have a surprise for you. Wait until  Play and sing the words.
you see how we are going to get there!”

• Bass Clef Notes

b
They stepped outside the Civic Center
to find a big limousine waiting for them.
Just as they were about to get inside, J. S.
Tire Trouble
#
• Flat Sign ( )
GENERAL

Bunny noticed something very unusual 53 26 (72)

about one of the front tires.

 œ
G Position (with B )

& 44 œ œ œ b œ œ œ œ w ∑ ∑ ∑ ∑ • Sharp Sign ( )

*
w
1 3 3

f • Tied Notes
? 44 ∑ ∑ ∑ ∑ œ ˙ ˙ ˙
Would you look at that? One front tire is flat! Who can change a flat tire real - ly fast?

œ œ œ b ˙ w • Crescendo ( )

3 3 4
5
*When a flat ( ) appears before a note, it applies to that note for the rest of the measure.

Student plays
Music Lesson Book 4
Alfred’sLH two octaves higher and RH one octave higher with duet part.
• Diminuendo ( )

Music for LittleWithMozarts
energy
          
œ œ Œ œœœ ˙˙˙ Œ œœœ Œ œœœ Œ bb œœœ ˙˙˙ Œ œœ Œ œœœ Œ
5

? # 4 Œ œœ Œ œœ Œ bb œœœ Œ œœœ œœ ˙˙
5 5

Œ œœ ˙˙
5 Young Child
A Piano Course to Bring Out the Music in Every 3 2 3
3 1

œ Ó˙ œ œ ˙˙
RH 1 1

4 œ Œ Œ
1
Teacher
or
œ œ Œ Ó bœ œ Œ Œ œ Œ œ Œ œ Œ bœ Œ Ó œ Œ œ Œ œ Œ
F           
Parent LH

1 1 8va
3
Music Lesson Book 
•
Music for Little Mozarts

Christine H. Barden • Gayle Kowalchyk • E. L. Lancaster

Upon completion of the fourth level of the Music for Little Mozarts series, students should continue piano study in
Alfred’s Basic Piano Library: Prep Course, Level C, or Alfred’s Premier Piano Course, Level 1B.

4 Music for Little Mozarts

Correlation of Materials
In all four levels, the Music Workbook and Music Discovery Book are correlated page by page with the Music Lesson
Book to provide well-balanced lessons. Ideally, pages should be assigned according to the instructions in the upper right
corner of each page. Materials can be used effectively in either group or private lessons.

13 13
Use with page 13.
Right Hand Right Hand Finger Numbers
Finger Numbers
Trace the numbers above each finger with a black crayon.

17  Color finger 1 (Thumbkin) green.  Color finger 4 (Ring Man) purple.

”
L
earning the right-hand finger numbers  Color finger 2 (Pointer) red.  Color finger 5 (Pinky) pink.
should be easy now,” said Mozart Mouse.
 Color finger 3 (Tall Man) blue.
”Yes,” said Beethoven Bear. “Just
remember that the thumb is the first finger
of the right hand, too.”

18
3
 Hold up your rIGHt HAnD and show 2 4
Mozart Mouse how to:
• wiggle finger 1 (thumbkin)
5
• wiggle finger 2 (Pointer)
1
• wiggle finger 3 (tall Man)
—————————Teacher and Parent —————————— • wiggle finger 4 (ring Man)
 Name some right-hand fingers for the student to wiggle. • wiggle finger 5 (Pinky)
 Draw an outline of your rIGHt HAnD rigHt HaNd
 Help the student draw an outline of his/her rigHt HaNd
(rH) in the space above. in the space above. (rH)
 Help the student number each finger of the outline.  number each finger of the outline.

Music Lesson Book 1 Music Workbook 1

14 15

Finger Play Song*

Use with page 13. Use with page 13.

Finger Play Song GENERAL

arr. Christine H. Barden

nœ œ
5 4 (24)
2j
Lively ( œ  = 108)
j j
& b 68 œ œj œ œ œ œ œ Jœ œ œ œ œ œ œ ‰ ‰
Practice your finger numbers with Beethoven Bear and Mozart Mouse. 1 5 4

1. Sing the Finger Play Song. Hold both hands up with fingers open wide;
J
wiggle each finger as you sing about it.
F
2. Keeping your hands open wide, tap each finger on the picture below ? b 68 œ . œ. bœ . œ. œ. œ. œ ‰ œ ‰
as you sing the song again.
1 3

F
4

j j
5
j
& b .. œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ ‰ œ œ œ ‰ œ j
œ œ
‰

j j j
1. Thumb - kin is fin - ger num - ber 1, num - ber 1, num - ber 1.

&b .. œ ‰ ‰ œœ œj œ
‰
5 4

œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œœ œ œ
1 2 1

?b .. œ . œ. œ. œœ .
œ. œ ‰ œ. Œ ‰ . Œ ‰
1 1
1

fi
5 5

j j
9 On verse 5, to Coda
œ j j j
&b œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ
j œ œ œ ‰

j j
Thumb - kin is fin - ger num - ber 1, but where is fin - ger num - ber 2?

œ j j j
(5. now)

&b œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ j ‰
1

œ œ œ œ
4

œ œ
? b œ. œ. œ. œœ ..
œ. œ. œ. œ œ œ Œ ‰
1 1
1 2
5

j j œ œ œ
13

j j ‰ ..
2

&b œ œ œ œ œ
3

œ J rit.œœ œ œ œ
1

œ œ œ
1 1

J
? b œ. g œ œ
Teacher chants

œ. bœ . œ . gg b œ ‰ Œ ‰ Œ ‰ œ ‰ ..
in rhythm: Now get read - y for num - ber 2.


fi
1 3 1 1
4 5 5

Coda

&b œ œ œ j ‰
2. Pointer is finger number 2. . . .

j
œ œ œ œ
3. Tall Man is finger number 3. . . .
4.
5.
Ring Man is finger number 4. . . .
Pinky is finger number 5. . . . œ
j
wig - gle them all and say good - bye.

&b œ œ œ j ‰
5

œ œ œ œ
* For a variation on the words, sing:
œ
? b œœ .. œ .. œœ
“Where is finger number one, etc.?”

œ œ œ œ ‰
As students become comfortable
with identifying numbers, ask them
to show fingers in a random order.
1
5

Music Discovery Book 1

Suggested lesson plans in the Teacher’s Handbook

coordinate the use of all materials.

Music for Little Mozarts 5

 Premier Piano Course (Ages 7–9)
Dennis Alexander, Gayle Kowalchyk, E. L. Lancaster, Victoria McArthur, and Martha Mier

About the Core Books Premier Piano Express

Lesson Book—introduces all new concepts. This series is designed for students
who need a fast-paced approach to
Theory Book—promotes comprehensive musicianship. piano study. Based on the concepts
Performance Book—contains outstanding music written and music from Premier Piano
in varied styles to reinforce new musical concepts. Course, each level of these All-In-
One Accelerated Courses integrates
Technique Book—introduces easy-to-understand technique pages from the Lesson, Theory,
tools and applies them to artistic performance. Technique, and Performance Books.
(Additional materials are available for the course.)

What Teachers Like About Premier Piano Course

• The music of Dennis Alexander and Martha Mier is appealing and accessible.
• The pacing and sound pedagogy produce strong sight readers.
• The musical structure and concepts are presented in a fun and interactive way.
• The emphasis on performing rhythms in patterns helps with reading and memorization.
• The CDs for Lesson and Performance books, beautifully performed on acoustic piano, provide an excellent model.
• The creative orchestrations on the GM disks for the Lesson and Performance books are motivating to students.

About the Authors

Dennis Alexander has
earned an international
reputation as one of the
most prolific and popular
composers of piano music
for students at all levels.
His pieces have been
staples on festival and
syllabus lists for more
than 20 years.
Martha Mier is the Dr. Victoria McArthur Dr. Gayle Kowalchyk and
composer of the popular was Program Director her husband, Dr. E. L.
piano series Jazz, Rags of Piano Pedagogy at Lancaster, have authored
& Blues, the top-selling Florida State University, more than 400 educational
supplemental piano series Tallahassee prior to her piano books based on
in the world. Because she recent retirement. She is their years of experience
taught piano for many a noted expert in several on college faculties and in
years, her compositions areas, including piano their private piano studio.
reflect her keen sense of technique, sightreading,
what students want to play and practice strategies.
and how they learn.

6 Premier Piano Course

Level 1A Overview
Overview of Materials in Lesson Book 1A
Pedagogical Focus
Rhythm Patterns Introduced

Notes Introduced

• Reading skills & w w w w w

Pages: 34 48 48 49 39

w w w w
• Steady, rhythmic pulse
? w w w w
• Basic technical foundation Pages: 44 45 43 36 42 53 53 34

Reading
..
Musical Terms and Symbols

• Landmark notes C, G, F p F f
• Steps and skips up and down from landmark notes
Technique Principles

• Bass clef introduced before treble clef • Firm fingertips

• Natural, rounded hand position
• Strong hand arch
• Varied fingerings to prevent reading by finger numbers • Level wrists
• Good posture
• Finger coordination
• No fixed hand positions • Movement up and down the keyboard

• Short sight-reading examples included in Theory Book

• Flash Cards include sight-reading examples

Rhythm
• New notes immediately used in short rhythm patterns
• Corresponding rest introduced after each new note
• Ten multiple-note rhythm patterns develop sight-reading skills
• Duet accompaniments promote a steady pulse

Technique
• Developed equally in both hands
• Short, effective technical exercises (Workouts) included in Lesson Book
• Entire range of the keyboard is explored through creative pieces

Level 1B Overview
Overview of New Materials in Lesson Book 1B
Pedagogical Focus
w w w w
Notes Introduced

&
Pages: 11 24 22 24

• Gradual expansion of reading range

w
? • Systematic development of playing hands together
w w w
Pages: 26 27 27 38
• Intervals
Musical Terms and Symbols
tie
legato Reading
slur
staccato
melodic and harmonic intervals
of a 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th
• New landmark notes, Treble C and Low G
• 2nds, 3rds, 4ths, and 5ths up and down from
rit.
phrase
8va
fermata
landmark notes
#
half step
sharp

b
incomplete measure
flat
• Sight-reading, Now Play This, and flash card
Technique Principles
examples continue
Playing hands together (pages 9, 11, 13, 39, 40)

Rhythm
Legato
Staccato

4
œ Œœ Œ œ Œ Ó
Rhythm Patterns Introduced

1.
4 • Review of rhythm patterns from Level 1A
(Page 17)

3
2.
4 œ Œ œ œ Œ Œ • Three new rhythm patterns
(Page 21)

4
3.
4 œ ˙ œ ˙ ˙ • Continuation of duet accompaniments for
(Page 38)

rhythmic stability

Technique
• Hands-together coordination developed through a
sequence of pieces and Workouts

4
4

Premier Piano Course 7

 Level 2A Overview
Pedagogical Focus
Overview of New Materials in Lesson Book 2A

w w w
Notes Introduced

&
Page 6 24 22 24

• Expansion of reading range in treble clef

• Eighth notes w
• Tonic and Dominant Musical Terms and Symbols
w w w
crescendo

• Pedal diminuendo


tempo, a tempo, allegro, moderato
accent sign

• Major Five-Finger Patterns tonic (I) and dominant (V)

I andPages:
V7 chords
26 27 27 38

P
block chord and broken chord

Reading w w w
2
Notes Introduced
4 time
Pagesignature

&
6

n
8va lower
Technique Principles
natural sign
• Treble notes E, F, G added Playing hands together (pages 6, 8, 35, 40)

?
pedal sign LH 2 over 1
whole steps and half steps Cross LH over RH and back

• Melodic and harmonic 6ths used to aid in moving transposition

major 5-finger patterns (C, G, D, A)
Moving the hand
Legato and staccato
melodic and harmonic intervals of a 6th
freely around the keyboard
Moving 6ths

• Sight-reading, Now Play This, and flash card examples

4
4 œ œ œ œ œ
Rhythm Patterns Introduced

1. (Page 20)

Rhythm 4
2.
4 œ œ œ œ œ
(Page 20)

• Eighth notes introduced for the first time allowing for 4

3.
4 œ œ œ œ œ
(Page 20)

greater rhythmic security 4

4.
4 œ œ œ œ œ œ
(Page 21)

• Eighth-note rhythm patterns added to other rhythms

of gradually increasing complexity
3 Œ Ó
Technique 4

• Workouts continue developing skills for playing

hands together, hand-over-hand crossings, and
finger crossings

Level 2B Overview
Overview of New Materials in Lesson Book 2B
Pedagogical Focus
w
Notes Introduced

? ?
Page 5 Page 6 Page 8

w & • Continuing expansion of reading range using

ww ledger line notes
• Systematic development of legato pedaling
Musical Terms and Symbols

..
A-B form
.. • Minor Five-Finger Patterns
andante
minor 5-finger patterns (A, D, C, G)
arpeggio
• Major scales
melodic and harmonic intervals

Reading
of a 7th, 8th (octave)
D. C. al Fine

π, ƒ
pedal sign
Technique Principles

A-B-A form
natural sign
Moving the hand
Hand-over-hand arpeggios • Ledger line notes between the staves, E, A, and B
Legato pedaling

• Melodic and harmonic 7ths and 8ths (octaves)

major scales (C, G) Scale fingerings—
three-note V7 chords (in C, G) pass-under and cross-over
key signatures (C, G) Fingering—stretch
used to aid in moving freely over the keyboard
• Sight-reading, Now Play This, and flash card
4
œ œ ‰ œj œ œ
Rhythm Patterns Introduced

1.
4 examples continue
(Page 40)

œ œ œj ‰ œ
4
2.
4 œ • Key signature for G major
(Page 40)

4 j
3.
4 œ. œ œ œ Rhythm
(Page 42)

4
œ. j
4.
4 œ œ œ œ
(Page 43)

• Dotted quarter-note and eighth-note patterns added

to other rhythms of gradually increasing complexity
3 Œ Ó
4 Technique
• Workouts continue the development of skills,
including one-octave scales, chord patterns,
hand-over-hand arpeggios, and legato pedaling

8 Premier Piano Course

Level 3 Overview
Overview of New Materials in Lesson Book 3
Pedagogical Focus
w
w w w w
Notes Introduced

• Reading with ledger lines ?

Page 26 Page 27

w w w w &
• Additional major scales w

• Subdominant
Musical Terms and Symbols

Reading
IV chords (C, G, F, D)
primary chords (C, G, F, D)
1st and 2nd endings

• Ledger lines above and below the staff added c

syncopation
common time
swing style (eighth notes)

• Entire grand staff major scales (F, D)

key signatures (F, D)

• Sight-reading and Now Play This examples continue waltz-bass accompaniment

poco
Technique Principles
molto

• Key signatures for F and D major chromatic scale

adagio
Changing fingers on same note
Chromatic scale fingering
Scale fingering—
D. C. al Coda pass-under and cross-over

Rhythm
3 6
• Patterns in 8 and 8 meter meter added to other rhythms 4,ƒ 3 j
Rhythm Patterns Introduced

1. π
4 œ œœ œ œ œ (Page 8) 5. 8 œ œ œ. (Page 34)

of gradually increasing complexity 2. c œj œ œj œ œ (Page 14) 6. 6

8 œ œ œ œ œ œ ˙. (Page 36)

3
8 œ œ œ œ.
6
8 œ
j j
• Syncopation 3.
(Page 34) 7.
œ œ œ ˙. (Page 36)

j
œ œj œ .
3 6
• Swing-style eighth notes 4. 8 œ œ œ. 8. 8 œ. œ.
(Page 34) (Page 36)

Technique
• Workouts continue the development of skills,
including one-octave scales, chord patterns in
new keys, waltz bass, and more complex
fingering principles

Level 4 Overview
List of Compositions Notes
Overview of New Materials in Lesson Book 4
Pedagogical Focus
Lesson Book 4 is available in two versions:
Book with CD (#30202) or Book without CD (#29036).
Teachers may use the CD in their
studios with students who have the
CD Performances by Scott Price Lesson Book without CD.

• Continued development of musical and technical skills

Musical Terms and Symbols CD Track Page Each selection on the CD is
Alberti bass accompaniment Amazing Grace . . . . . . . . . . . . 29/30 . . 36 performed twice. The first track
number is a performance tempo.
allegretto The second track number is a
Arabesque . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37/38 . . 42
cantabile
cadenza
• Practice plans for longer pieces
Argentine Tango . . . . . . . . . . . 11/12 . . . 17
slower practice tempo.
The publisher hereby grants
the purchaser of Lesson Book 4
dolce
leggiero • Relative Minor
Ballad of Gilligan’s Isle, The . . 17/18 . . . 24 (#30202) permission to download
the enclosed CD to an MP3 or
minor scales (A, E—natural and harmonic) Burleske . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35/36 . . 41 digital player (such as an Apple
primary chords (A and E minor) • Chords in root position, first inversion, and
Great Smoky Mountains, The . . 39/40 . . 44
iPod®) for personal practice and
performance.
relative minor
risoluto
Technique Principles
second inversion
Greensleeves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5/6 . . . . 10

Gypsy Earrings . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3/4 . . . . . 8

3
scherzando
Arpeggios—one octave
sforzando

Reading
Blocking Little Scherzo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31/32 . . . 39
Ÿ
simile
Changing fingers on same note
tenuto mark Marmalade Rag . . . . . . . . . . . . 25/26 . . 32
Finger substitution
tranquillo

• Sight-reading and Now Play This examples continue

Natural and harmonic Moonlit Snow . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19/20 . . . 26
triads (root position, 1st inversion, 2nd inversion) minor scale fingering
triplet New Orleans Jazz . . . . . . . . . . 1/2 . . . . . . 4

• Key signatures for A and E minor

Ocean Breezes . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13/14 . . . 18

Rhythm Patterns Introduced Olympic Procession . . . . . . . . . 9/10 . . . . 14

 
 žžž ž žžžž  ž žžžž Rhythm
3 3 3
(Page 34) (Page 34) Peaceful Night . . . . . . . . . . . . 27/28 . . 35

Premier Sonatina. . . . . . . . . . . 15/16 . . . 20

 
 ž ž ž ž ž ž  žžž ž ž
3 3 3

• Triplets and sixteenth-note patterns added to rhythms

(Page 34) (Page 34)
Race to the Finish . . . . . . . . . . 33/34 . . 40


Rock Fever!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7/8 . . . . 13
 ž ž ž ž ž ž ž ž ž ž ž ž of increasing complexity
(Page 38)
Scenes of Granada . . . . . . . . . 23/24 . . 30


 ž ž ž ž ž ž ž ž ž ž
Waterfall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21/22 . . . 29

Technique
(Page 38)


 ž ž ž ž ž ž ž ž ž ž ž
(Page 38)

• Workouts continue the development of skills, including

one-octave arpeggios, scales and chord patterns in
new keys, blocking, changing fingers on the same
note, finger substitution, and Alberti bass

Premier Piano Course 9

 Level 5 Overview
Overview of New Materials in Lesson Book 5
Pedagogical Focus
List of Compositions
Lesson Book 5 is available in two versions:
Book with CD (#32022) or Book without CD (#30897).
Musical Terms and Symbols
primary chords (A and BB major,
CD Performances by Scott Price
accelerando (accel.)
• Elements of style in Baroque and Classical periods allegro ma non troppo D and G minor)
ritenuto (riten.)
CD Track Page

arpeggiated chords Autumn Afternoon . . . . . . . . . . . 31/32 . . . . 36

• Practice plans for longer pieces

sempre
augmented triads
sostenuto Barcarolle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39/40. . . . 46
Baroque period

Ÿ>
vivace

cut time or alla breve $

Carnaval de Buenos Aires . . . . . . 13/14 . . . . 16
• Augmented triads
Classical period
wedge accent sign
Caro nome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25/26. . . . 30
D.S. al Coda

• Major sharp key signatures D.S. al Fine

grace note Ÿ
IŸ Technique Principles
German Dance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19/20 . . . . 23
Even moves Greek Festival. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23/24. . . . 28

• Two-octave scales key signatures (major sharp keys)

major scales (A, E, B, BB)
Finger holds
More complex hand and finger independence Hava Nagila. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29/30. . . . 34
marcato il basso Note-against-note coordination If I Only Had a Brain. . . . . . . . . . 33/34. . . . 40

Reading
minor scales (D, G—natural and harmonic) Off-beat accompaniment patterns
ostinato Singing tone In the Hall of the Mountain King. 35/36. . . . 42
poco moto Two-octave scale fingering
Jazz Miniature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3/4. . . . . . . 7

• Sight-reading and Now Play This examples continue La petite étude. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7/8. . . . . . 10

I
Rhythm Patterns Introduced

Little Softshoe, A . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15/16 . . . . 19
• Key signatures for B-flat major, D and G minor  Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ
(Page 10)
 Manhattan Blues . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1/2 . . . . . . . 4


 Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ
(Page 27) Minuet in G Major . . . . . . . . . . . . 11/12 . . . . 14

Rhythm


3 6
Minuet in G Minor. . . . . . . . . . . . 37/38. . . . 44
$ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ
• Sixteenth notes in 8 and 8 meter
(Page 32)
 Ragtime Rally . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17/18 . . . . 20


 Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ
(Page 36)
Rondino . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9/10 . . . . . 13


I
Sonatina in C Major . . . . . . . . . . 27/28. . . . 32
• Dotted eighth and sixteenth-note patterns added to 
 Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ (Page 36)
! Song of the Cello . . . . . . . . . . . . 5/6. . . . . . . 8

other rhythms of gradually increasing complexity 

 Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ
Teasing Song . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21/22 . . . . 24
(Page 36)
"


Technique  Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ
(Page 46)
#

• Workouts continue the development of skills,

including two-octave scales beginning on white
keys, grace notes, off-beat accompaniment patterns,
note-against-note coordination, and more complex
fingering principles

Level 6 Overview
Pedagogical Focus
Overview of New Materials in Lesson Book 6

Musical Terms and Symbols

• Elements of style in Romantic and Contemporary periods

animato presto
calore primary chords (E b, A b and D b major, C minor)
chords (root position V7) rallentando
chord progression
Contemporary period
(ii–V7–I) robusto
Romantic period
• Section on popular music tracing its history
diatonic triads
diminished triads
subito
and development
espressivo
key signatures (major flat keys)
Technique Principles
Finger substitution
• Practice plans for longer pieces
lento maestoso
loco
LH cross-overs
Two-octave arpeggios • Diminished triads
major scales (E b, A b, D b, G b) Two-octave scales
melodic minor scales (A, E, B, D, G, C)
minor scales (B, C—natural and harmonic)
• Major flat key signatures
• Two-octave scales
misterioso
mixed meter
popular music

• Diatonic triads
Rhythm Patterns Introduced
• ii-V7-I chord progression
3 4
1. 4 ˙ œ œ 4œ œ œ œ œ œ
(Page 6)

Reading
6 3
8 œ œ œ œ œ œ 4 œ œ œ œ œ œ
(Page 24)
2.
• Sight-reading and Now Play This examples continue
2 Œ
4 œœœœ œœœœœ œœœœ œœœœœ œ
5 5
(Page 29)
3.
• Key signatures for E-flat major, C and B minor
2
4 œ œ œ œ œ
(Page 50)

Rhythm
4.

• Mixed meter
• Syncopated eighth and sixteenth-note patterns added
to other rhythms of gradually increasing complexity

Technique
• Workouts continue the development of skills, including
two-octave scales beginning on black keys, two-octave
arpeggios, note-against-note coordination, and more
complex fingering principles
10 Premier Piano Course
Alfred’s Basic Piano Library (Ages 7–9)
Willard A. Palmer, Morton Manus, and Amanda Vick Lethoco

About the Core Books All-in-One Course

Lesson Book—introduces all new concepts. This series combines all the pages
Theory Book—contains enjoyable games and quizzes to from the Lesson Books 1A, 1B,
reinforce concepts and increase musical understanding. and 2, plus selected pages from
the corresponding Theory, Recital,
Recital Book—provides correlated repertoire to Lesson and Fun Solo Books, to create a
Books that are based on concepts already learned. sequential five-book series.

Technic Book—includes rhythm & reading drills to improve

musicianship and develop coordination of the hands.

(Additional materials are available for the course.)

What Teachers Like About Alfred’s Basic Piano Library

• It is an easy step-by-step method that emphasizes
correct playing habits and note reading through
interval recognition.
• It provides students a solid foundation in music theory.
• In the first book, entertaining pieces are included
along with clever lyrics that help the student play and
understand the intervals of 2nds, 3rds, 4ths, and 5ths.
• There are supplementary instructional and performance
publications that correlate page-by-page to the
Lesson Books.
• Alfred’s Basic Piano Library offers four complete
beginning piano methods that use the same reading
approach and theory sequence. See bottom of
page 14.
• At the discretion of the teacher, students may switch
from one of the courses to another to match the
student’s rate of progress.

About the Authors

Dr. Amanda Vick Lethco held a
Bachelor of Music degree in Piano
Performance, a Master of Music
degree in Piano Performance and a
Bachelor of Music Education degree.
In addition to workshops on numerous
college and university campuses,
Dr. Lethco played recitals and was
a clinician at many conventions
throughout the United States
and abroad.
Morton Manus was president of
Alfred Music Publishing Co., Inc.,
founded in New York in 1922 by
composer and musician Alfred
Piantodosi. A clarinetist and pianist
who received extensive musical
training in his youth, Morty felt
inspired by the need for quality music
education products. Drawing upon
his musical experience, he oversaw
the development of Alfred’s Basic
Piano Library.
Willard A. Palmer, a world-renowned
musician, scholar, and music teacher,
wrote 789 published works, including
this piano method. He was a child
prodigy; he played the piano on the
radio at age 13 and studied piano and
accordion, which formed the basis of
his musical endeavors.

Alfred’s Basic Piano Library 11

 Level 1A Overview
Concepts Introduced
• Introduction to playing
• Keyboard orientation and finger numbers
f p F f-p
• Dynamics ( , ,
4 3
, )
• Time Signatures ( 4 , 4 )
q h hk, w)
• Quarter, half, dotted half, and whole notes ( , ,
• Treble and bass clefs
• Hand Positions (Middle C, G)
• Grand Staff
• Intervals (2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th)
• Melodic and harmonic intervals

Œ ∑ Ó
• Ties, slurs
• Quarter, whole, and half rests ( , — ,— ) Alfred’s Basic Piano Library
2112

Alfred’s Basic Piano Library

Theory Book
• Legato and Staccato Level 1A
Recital Book · Level 1A

• Sharps and flats P i a n o P i a n o Thirteen 4-part Ensembles for 4 Keyboards

• Crescendo and diminuendo *Insert Photo Here*

• Repeat, D. C. al Fine
Lesson Book .Level 1A
Alfred’s Basic Piano Library

P i a n o . .
.
Willard A. Palmer Morton Manus Amanda Vick Lethco

Lesson Book Level 1A

Ensembles arranged by
Gayle Kowalchyk E. L. Lancaster

. Alfred’s Basic
. .
Willard A. Palmer Morton Manus Amanda Vick Lethco

Level 1B Overview
Concepts Introduced
• Incomplete measure

;‰
• Accents, tempo markings, fermata

2
• Eighth notes & eighth rests ( , )
• Time signatures ( 4 )
• New G Position
• Damper pedal
• 8va
• Middle D Position
• Half steps and whole steps
• Tetrachords & the major scale
• Mixed hand positions
• C and G Major (key signature & scale)

Alfred’s Basic Piano Library Alfred’s Basic Piano Library

Theory Book Recital Book·Level 1B

Level 1B
P i a n o
P i a n o

Denis Alexander . Martha Mier Willard A. Palmer . Morton Manus . Amanda Vick Lethco

12 Alfred’s Basic Piano Library

Level 2 Overview
Concepts Introduced
• Dotted quarter notes
• Intervals (6th, 7th, 8th)
• Crossing 2 over 1
• Dynamics ( , , ) Pƒπ
• Major Scales (C, G & D)
• Primary triads in major keys
• The V7 chord
• Chord Progressions (I–IV–V7)
• Blocked and broken chords
• D Major (key signature & scale)

2114

Lesson Book. Level 2 Theory Book.Level 2

Alfred’s Basic Piano Library Alfred’s Basic Piano Library Alfred’s Basic Piano Library

Recital Book · Level 2

P i a n o P i a n o
P i a n o
*Insert Photo Here*

. .
Willard A. Palmer Morton Manus Amanda Vick Lethco Willard A. Palmer . Morton Manus . Amanda Vick Lethco June C. Montgomery

Level 3 Overview
Concepts Introduced
• Extended hand positions
• Passing 1 under 2 and 1 under 3
• Contrary motion
• Chromatic scale
• Minor Scales
• Intervals (Major, minor, perfect)
• Major and minor triads
• Overlapping pedal
• Primary triads in minor keys
• F Major, D minor, A minor (key signature, scale,
3 6
primary chords)
• Time signatures ( 8 , 8 )

2115

Lesson Book.Level 3 Theory Book.Level 3

Alfred’s Basic Piano Library Alfred’s Basic Piano Library Alfred’s Basic Piano Library

Recital Book · Level 3

P i a n o P i a n o
P i a n o Six 4-part Ensembles for 4 Keyboards

*Insert Photo Here*

. .
. . .
Willard A. Palmer Morton Manus Amanda Vick Lethco

. .
Ensembles arranged by

Willard A. Palmer Morton Manus Amanda Vick Lethco Gayle Kowalchyk E. L. Lancaster
Willard A. Palmer Morton Manus Amanda Vick Lethco

Alfred’s Basic Piano Library 13

 v

Alfred’s Basic Piano Library Alfred’s Basic Piano Library Alfred’s Basic Piano Library

Theory Book Theory Book Theory Book · Level 6

Level 4 Level 5
P i a n o
P i a n o P i a n o
*Insert Photo Here* *Insert Photo Here*
2116

Alfred’s Basic Piano Library Alfred’s Basic Piano Library Alfred’s Basic Piano Library

Recital Book · Level 4 Recital Book · Level 5 Recital Book Level 6

P i a n o
P i a n o P i a n o
*Insert Photo Here* Martha Mier . June Montgomery *Insert Photo Here* Allan Small
Willard A. Palmer . Morton Manus . Amanda Vick Lethco

Martha Mier . June Montgomery Allan Small

Willard A. Palmer . Morton Manus . Amanda Vick Lethco

Level 4 Overview Level 5 Overview Level 6 Overview

Concepts Introduced
• Eighth note triplets
• Chords (root position, 1st
inversion, 2nd inversion)
• Arpeggiated chords
(rolled chords)
• Parallel motion
• Syncopation
• Two-part writing (melody and
counter-melody)
• 7th chords and inversions
• Sixteenth note and
dotted eighth note ( ,
• B-flat Major, E minor, G minor
(key signature, scales,
primary chords)
Concepts Introduced Concepts Introduced
• Ornaments (long & short • Ostinato bass
appoggiaturas, trill, mordent) • Symmetrical patterns
2
• Sonata form • Finger pedaling
• Cut time (Alla Breve or 2 )
8
• Atonal music
• New time signature ( 4 )
• A Major, E-flat Major, B minor,
C minor (key signature, scales,
• Diminished triads & 7th chords
primary chords)
• Augmented triads
• Arpeggios
• F-sharp minor, C-sharp minor,
A-flat Major, E Major
(key signatures, scales,
primary chords)
) x eK • Polytonal and atonal music
• 32nd notes, dotted 16th notes

*To switch between courses:

Young Beginner After Prep B, you may go to Basic 1B.
Prep Level Level Level Level Level Level
After Prep D, you may go to Basic 2.
Course A B C D E F
After Prep F, you may go to Basic 3.

Beginner
Alfred’s Level Level Level Level Level Level Level After Basic 1A, you may go to Prep C.
Basic 1A 1B 2 3 4 5 6 After Basic 1B, you may go to Prep E.

Beginner
All-In-One Book Book Book Book Book After All-in-One 3, you may go to Basic 2.
Course 1 2 3 4 5 After All-in-One 5, you may go to Basic 3.

Later Beginner
Alfred’s Complete Complete After Complete 1, you may go to Basic 2.
Basic Level 1 Level 2/3 After Complete 2/3, you may go to Basic 4.

14 Alfred’s Basic Piano Library

Popular Correlating Materials
Alfred’s Basic Piano Library
Alfred’s Basic Piano Library

Composition Book
Complete Levels 2 & 3
For the Later Beginner

P i a n o

Valerie Cisler . Deanna Walker-Tipps

Classic Themes Books Hymn Books Repertoire Books

Composition Books Merry Christmas! Books Sight Reading Books
Duet Books Merry Christmas! Ensemble Books Top Hits! Christmas Books
Ear Training Books Notespeller Books Top Hits! Duet Books
Ensemble Books Patriotic Solo Books Top Hits! Solo Books
Flash Cards Popular Hits Books
Visit alfredsbasicpiano.com to see a
Fun Books Praise Hits Books
full listing of supplementary materials.

Premier Piano Course Music for Little Mozarts

At-Home Book Character Solos
Christmas Books Flash Cards
Duet Books Halloween Fun!
Flash Cards Little Mozarts Go to Church
Jazz, Rags & Blues Books Little Mozarts Go to Hollywood
Masterworks Books Notespeller & Sight-Play Books
Notespeller Books Sticker Book
Pop & Movie Hits Books Teacher’s Handbooks
Sight-Reading Books
Visit musicforlittlemozarts.com to see a
Visit premierpianocourse.com to see a full listing of supplementary materials.
full listing of supplementary materials.

A student who completes

Alfred's Basic Piano Library Level
would begin
Premier Piano Course Level
Alfred Piano Leveling and Method Correlation
Alfred’s Basic Alfred’s Basic Alfred’s Premier
1A 1B Skill Level Pop Level Prep Course Piano Library Piano Course

1B 2B Early Elementary (EE) Levels A and B Level 1A Level 1A

2 3 Elementary (E) FF = 5 Finger (E/LE) Levels C and D Level 1B Level 1B
3 4 Late Elementary (LE) BN = Big Note (LE/EI) Levels E and F Level 2 Level 2A and 2B
4 5/6 Early Intermediate (EI) Level 3 Level 3
5 Standard literature Intermediate (I) EP = Easy Piano (I/LI) Levels 4 and 5 Levels 4 and 5
6 Standard literature Late Intermediate (LI) Levels 5 and 6 Level 6

Compare Methods 15
Item # 106832