Alfred's Piano Duet Book Question

[mistresstogould]

I know this may seem like a silly question, but I don't know exactly how these duet books work. It says that the student must play an octave higher, but what exactly are they supposed to play an octave higher? Are they supposed to imitate something I am doing? Or do they merely just hit notes in that key to go along with it?

Stephanie

[mistresstogould]

Also, does anyone know of any duet pieces that actually provide the music for the student play along with me?

[misspam]

I'm not sure what you are looking at or why you are confused.  In duet books, when you open the book flat, there are two pages, the left side and the right side.  These two pages are meant to be played together simultaneously.  One side is for the teacher and the other side is for the student.  The music for the student is usually a simple melody that could be played as a solo piece or with the teacher accompaniment.  If played with the teacher as a duet, then the student needs to play their part one octave higher.  Many lesson books have teacher parts that are optional.  I happen to love the duets with Hal Leonard or with Faber and Faber.  Much more interesting harmonies and the students really have fun with the duets.  I also enjoy the duets a lot because it helps the student to keep a steady tempo. 

As the student becomes more advanced there are true duet pieces.  Duets that only sound good when both parties are playing not just an accompany part. 

Does this answer your question? 

[mistresstogould]

Yes, thank you. I apologize for my ignorance about it, but I am a new teacher and have never taught out of duet books or even played out of duet books in this particular format before. Usually the two parts are formatted together in the pieces I have played. Dennis Alexander actually sent me a reply himself (it is copied below this message). His foreword does not explain this so I replied to him that simply labeling WHICH parts the separate parts are, this would avoid any confusion for teachers to whom this is less self-evident. I will try out your recommendations for other duet pieces, after I try out these Alfred's.

Hello Stephanie,
   Thank you for your message.   All of the duet books that I did for the Alfred's Basic series have a "teacher part" (the secondo, which could also be played by
an older student) and the "student part" (which is the "Primo", on the right side of the page).   In the Foreword, just under the "Contents", this is all explained.
The Primo parts have all been notated on the grand staff, (rather than both hands in treble clef) to make it easier for students at this more elementary level to
read the score.   Then, when played with the secondo, they simply play their "part" (which is both hands) one octave higher in order not to conflict with the notes
in the secondo part.   
   I hope you and your students will enjoy these pieces--------the books were written many years ago, and still remain today among my most popular collections.
All best wishes for a wonderful New Year!   Sincerely,  Dennis Alexander
www.dennisalexander.com