Piano Method Books

[ojkojbgoj]

Greetings all. I need some help in updating my choice of method book for piano instruction.
So far I have been teaching piano for about 6 yrs and have been playing for 20 yrs. I'm using the same method books that I had been taught on, namely, the John Thompson series. As I am in Karachi, Pakistan - it's impossible to get any piano materials that aren't dated and/or second hand (left behind since the time of the British Raj!), thus making researching the matter even harder. Thankfully though I can buy online.
What's more is that I teach an array of ages, from 7 till 50, so i'm not sure one method book will suffice for all ages. I do however use other supplementary materials, from the Hanon Exercises to scale and duet books. 
Any thoughts?

Regards,
Omer

[nagatomo]

Hi.
I teach children as young as 5 years old.  My fav method book for this age group is Pauline Hall's Tunes for Ten Fingers, published by Oxford University Press.  For 7 - 8 years old, this may be a bit too "babish" but, they could go through the book quickly and gain confidence, too.  Piano Time book 1 by the same auther may be better suited for 9 - 12 years beginners...

I think most music books are available on line; either directly from the publishers or even Amazon!!

[point of grace]

hey, do you know where i can find the Pauline Hall's Tunes ? did you download it from the internet? thanks, id love to have it...

[Bob]

Clavier or something Clavier-like is diong a series where they evaluate method books.  I think they're on their third article in a six part series.  Something like that.  Basically it's the author's opinions, but still useful.

[gracehaven]

Artistry at the Piano, published by Artistry Press is sold online https://www.artistryalliance.net/.  This is includes not only a series of piano method books for students of all ages, but also has supplementary materials and teaching aides.  The best note name flash cards are from this company (an 88-key piano is on the back of each card locating the precise note).  The music is not babyish, but simple enough for a 4-year-old and sophisticated enough for an adult.  The website is not as flashy as other website, but the content of the materials is heads and shoulders about the rest, teaching rhythm, intervallic reading, and daily rhythm writing on staff paper from the very beginning.

Thank you, Bob, for the tip about Clavier Companion Magazine, in which they review piano methods.  https://claviercompanion.com/You can order back issues here.

[Bob]

Yes it was Clavier Companion.  I think they sent me a free demo copy.  I got promo offer a week later.

[drorperl]

Hello Omer,

for method books I personally prefer the alfred piano series. I like the music, the teacher duets, and  I think that there's less fingering/numbers and therefore the students don't get to dependent on the numbers& positions and get better at sight-reading.

also, if you are looking for supplemental repertory, which i think is at least as important to keep your students excited about piano, and of course for recitals...check our website 

Cheers

Dror Perl. Pianist, Composer, Teacher.

https://www.sheerpiano.com/

Sheer Piano: The First Full Color Piano Music Books
simple jazz & contemporary compositions that are fun for beginner pianists & up

[avguste]

Personally I like the Faber series.
For adults, I would recommend you check https://pianoencyclopedia.com/ ,especially the free music fundamentals

[sonatainfsharp]

I always vote for the Faber & Faber Piano Adventures series and they just updated them, too!

[tdow]

I too vote for the Faber and Faber books.  They are both teacher friendly and student friendly.  Teacher friendly in that the series suits all ages of beginners (My First Piano Adventure for ages 4/5, Piano Adventuers for 6 and up, Older Beginner and Adult) and there is a real sense of continuity between the levels that doesn't have students scrambling to fill in the blanks.  They offer great companion books that includes a popular repertoire book for every level that is a great motivator for kids who need a balance of musical styles.  The best part, for me, is that they avoid dependance on hand positions so students don't get "stuck" in positional playing.

They're readily available on amazon.com if your music store doesn't carry them.
_________________________________________
The Art and Business of Piano Teaching
www.teachpianotoday.com