Mikrokosmos or alternative learning pieces?

[Petter]

Has anyone used Mikrokosmos in teaching/studying purposes? I honestly don´t think I can take these Burgmuller songs much longer... What about Kablevski? I heard he wrote childrens pieces. Intended for study I assume.

[slobone]

I haven't used Mikrokosmos, but I've played a lot of them. They're certainly more interesting than the Schaum books I had as a kid, and they start at quite an easy level. Whether they cover all the things you want a beginner to know, I couldn't say.

And PS, I believe that in Hungary, they're practically the Bible for piano students. So unless you think Hungary isn't turning out enough top pianists...

[indutrial]

I haven't used Mikrokosmos, but I've played a lot of them. They're certainly more interesting than the Schaum books I had as a kid, and they start at quite an easy level. Whether they cover all the things you want a beginner to know, I couldn't say.

I've arranged a few of them (and a few of Bartok's studies for two violins) for two guitars (teacher/student) and used a few of them to help improve a kid's reading (since no student could possibly recognize any of the melodies ahead of time). They are definitely a massive step up from the Schaum books, but the students might not latch onto them as easily. A German composer named Johannes Rovenstrunck recently posted a massive book of teaching pieces for free download at www.copy-us.com that might also be interesting to look at, while we're on the topic of progressive piano-teaching collections.


http://www.copy-us.com/?opus=1375

Check it out and let me know what you think!

[jabbz]

Mikrokosmos by Crumb?

[slobone]

I should mention also that the Bartok pieces contain a lot of (mild) dissonances and unusual rhythms, which might be shocking to American ears that have grown up on pop music. But I think it's all to the good to get kids used to stuff like that early -- maybe modern music will make a comeback?

[indutrial]

Mikrokosmos by Crumb?

Isn't his called "Macrocosmos"?

[Petter]

I´m talking as a student. I relate alot more to pieces like Mikrokosmos and possibly the pieces on that site musically. Question is if any teacher does. Or more important if my teacher does. She suggested Burgmuller and I understand their worth, I just find them abit ...corny. Guess I should just ask her
 I mostly wanted to hear some experiences from a teacher or student angle on "alternative" learning piano litterature. The study on the site seems interesting but wouldn´t do me much good without guidance unfortunately. However, from a swedes perspective the name "Rövenstrunck" is really amusing. 

[slobone]

However, from a swedes perspective the name "Rövenstrunck" is really amusing. 

Aww, come on -- tell us!

And PS use a capital letter in Swede or we'll think you're a rutabaga!

[Petter]

I wouldn´t mind being one of those. Looks like they are at peace.
 Röven means "The ass"  . Definite form singular. (If that exists in english)
Back on topic!

[slobone]

I wouldn´t mind being one of those. Looks like they are at peace.
 Röven means "The ass"  . Definite form singular. (If that exists in english)
Back on topic!

Well I've seen some very singular looking asses in my time...

[danny elfboy]

I should mention also that the Bartok pieces contain a lot of (mild) dissonances and unusual rhythms, which might be shocking to American ears that have grown up on pop music. But I think it's all to the good to get kids used to stuff like that early -- maybe modern music will make a comeback?

I don't think they're very shocking because they're dissonances solved on consonances which is the oldest basis of all music: create contrast/solve contrast. We may not have many examples of that on very smooth and melodic lyrical music but it's not unheard of on blues, jazz, progressive, rock, tribal, techno, soundtracks, videogames, folk and more.

[slobone]

I don't think they're very shocking because they're dissonances solved on consonances which is the oldest basis of all music: create contrast/solve contrast. We may not have many examples of that on very smooth and melodic lyrical music but it's not unheard of on blues, jazz, progressive, rock, tribal, techno, soundtracks, videogames, folk and more.

Well yeah, nobody loved dissonances more than Bach for example. But the ones in Bartok aren't always resolved...