Alfred Basic

[Dzana]

Hello Everyone!

I am a new teacher and I started my first student on the Alfred Basic method... because it is what I learned the basics from.  However, as I build up my student base, I want to make sure that I am using an effective methodology.

Does anyone else use Alfred Basic?  Are there any pitfalls to this method that I should stay away from?  Also, if you do use Alfred Basic - how do you sort through the wealth of books available so that you can keep students focused but still add variety?

Thank you!
Dzana

[Mandy]

I have never used any Alfred books-but I read somewhere that they use all 3 methods of reading, which I think would be benificial because the students won't get stuck in middle c position.  

I teach with the Hal Leonard method and also have a problem with the number of books to sort through.  There are 10 books per level-far too costly for the parents-but as the teacher, I did invest in them and now lend them out to my students.  I find the sup. materials give me enough material to find pieces which cater to all of my students.  They seem to have something for everyone.  I also do not require my students to do every single piece in their lesson books because we do so many others in the sup. books.  I also use them alot for sight reading.

In terms of if there are any pitfalls, well each method has is pitfalls.  In one of my classes, we examined half a dozen methods (I did Frances Clarke: music tree), and as a class came up with Hal Leonard as the clearest, most teacher/student/parent friendly and the most comprehensive method.  So, that might be something to think about.

Sorry I don't have much advice about the Alfred method itself-good luck!

Mandy