Alfred's Baisc Adult Piano Course question

[beach]

Do I need to play every song in these Alfred's Adult books?  I'm on the second book (of 3) and it seems like I don't get much out of playing a few selected pieces.  If it's recommended I play all of the songs do I need to master one before moving to the next?  Does anyone have any opinion about this series?  Thanks!

[jeremyjchilds]

I think the Alfred books are good if a pianist is leaning towards a jazz\improv style playing over a classical\reading style playing. THe songs are interesting, and they progress fairly well.

I do have criticisms though...

1) I hate the "play by number" sections at the beginning... ...give us a staff, we're not idiots...

2) I don't like how they advertise and formalize the 5 finger positions...I agree that 5 finger positions are important for beginners, but I disaprove of how the page says
"G major Position" at the top...I have transfer students who learned from alfred\bastien who constantly ask me what "position" this minuet is in... learn to read notes... and find your own position.

3) I think they introduce 8th notes a little quick

Other than that, just do what your teacher says...you do have a teacher right?

[jeremyjchilds]

I guess I didn't answer your question...

I would lean more towards playing them all rather than lean towards playing a few.

THe reason is that the adult course moves fairly quickly.

Hope I helped...

[timothy42b]

Do I need to play every song in these Alfred's Adult books?  I'm on the second book (of 3) and it seems like I don't get much out of playing a few selected pieces.  If it's recommended I play all of the songs do I need to master one before moving to the next?  Does anyone have any opinion about this series?  Thanks!

I have the Alfred Adult book but my teacher is using a different series.  It might depend on if you are self taught - sounds like maybe you are.

Here is my guess.  Don't play every song, skip ones that are easy or boring, but don't skip any that are difficult.  Play a song that will teach you something.  But if you've decided a song is worth learning, master it thoroughly before going on. 

And someone will probably correct your terminology for calling them songs.  I won't, because as far as I know all the Alfred "pieces" do have words. 

[ako]

I've taught my friend ( a total music beginner) using this series. I had her learn each piece. She moved away after she almost finished the first book though. Anyhow, for total beginners, I'd suggest playing all the pieces. If it gets boring, find a supplemental book to the series. It's my philosophy that while you get to practice the same skills all your life, it's better to master each skill as well as you can before moving onto the next one. This will ensure that you have "learned" it and logged it into your long term memory. These books usually build one skill on top of the one previously introduced so I think it's worth while to follow along. But if you really hate one particular piece, skip it or find a replacement. There's no use practicing something you hate.