John Thompson's courses.

[faa2010]

What do you think about the grade books from John Thompson? Are they good to learn piano?

[3htohn]

Hi Faa2010,

I was first taught from the John Thompson books (at school) at a very young age. And although I was only 7 at the time, the pictures and the titles of the pieces or songs actually (which I suppose are meant to keep up interest in the child learining) did not do anything for me at all. I can only just remember just sitting there and frowning at them and thinking, is this what playing the piano is? But it may have been just me, or the teacher, or the books, or all three combined. But I know I didn't like them.

My next teacher did not want me to buy any books at all (or very few) and just photocopied things out of books that she already had.

The John Thompson books would have changed in 35 years I suppose, I don't know I havn't seen one. But my advice is to try them out for yourself with a teacher and if you are not moved by them, then I would find a teacher like I did.

Энтони.

[oxy60]

Even when I started piano with the Thompson books during WWII it seemed the titles were a little "too cute." However I went all the way to the last book (8?) before getting real sheet music. If they haven't updated the titles of the exercises I can imagine your reaction!

[3htohn]

Even when I started piano with the Thompson books during WWII it seemed the titles were a little "too cute." However I went all the way to the last book (8?) before getting real sheet music. If they haven't updated the titles of the exercises I can imagine your reaction!

Wow! are there really 8 books? I had not idea. I only just got half way through the first book then when I went to my second teacher she just screwed up her nose and gave me Clementi, Mozart and Beethoven. I digress. But I'm racking my brain... I can remember my first teacher singing to me dolly dear sandmans here, or something like that - but I could never see the connection between dolly and the note(s) on the piano.

Энтони.

[oxy60]

Wow! You bring back long forgotten memories.

In today's world those references seem hopelessly out of date.

Since you are a member here you can pull up and print any grade of piece you choose. In my opinion those grade assignments are very accurate.

[3htohn]

Wow! You bring back long forgotten memories.

Good or bad LOL, not for me in anycase.

In today's world those references seem hopelessly out of date.

Yes, I know what you mean.

Since you are a member here you can pull up and print any grade of piece you choose.

No.

In my opinion those grade assignments are very accurate.

I've got no idea!

[go12_3]

Interesting about John Thompson's courses....I have one 9 year old student that
didn't like the Faber & Faber Piano Adventures course and prefers the John Thompson
because she can relate to the melodies of the pieces.  Mostly she plays by ear and can read
most of the notes also, but I feel whatever works for her and she likes John Thompson, that's fine by me.  I have a diverse selection of piano courses and it's interesting how most of my students feel that John Thompson is more difficult.  I learned from the John Thompson books up to Book 4, and I was self-taught before I took lessons at college as a Piano Performance Major for a couple of years.