Beginner Method Books

[iquinn876]

Hello,
Right now I am teaching one elderly lady piano. She did piano for a while when she was a kid, but has forgotten everything but the basics. She has a lot of trouble with rhythms. As a beginner book, I'm using the Suzuki book 1, as it is at a preparatory b RCM level. She already knows whats covered in prep A so this book works perfectly. It also covers some complex rhythms, so it will help break that barrier. After she is done with the book I will transition her into grade 1. I'm not teaching with the Suzuki method! I do have experience learning it (I went up to book 4 Suzuki piano and then switched to RCM) but none teaching it.

Her grandchildren might be interested in playing piano too. They are ages 4-7. I've gotten a few beginner books in case any new students come my way. I like the look of the Faber and Bastien books. My teacher recommended the Bastien ones personally and the Faber books aren't available in my area. I'm just making sure that Bastien books are easy to transition into the RCM.

Thank you so much!

[1piano4joe]

Hi iquinn876,

I did exactly what your asking about. I used the Bastien books and then transitioned to RCM.

I started with the four Bastien primer books. I then used the five Bastien piano basics books of technic, theory, piano, performance and sight reading level 1. Then level 2, then 3 and then 4. For a brief time I switched to repertoire based learning and did not continue with the Bastien intermediate books which I do own. I did read these but did not study them as my repertoire choices included pieces that were in them anyway.

I then started with the RCM Celebration series Preparatory and Level 1 Etudes. It was an easy transition. In fact, so much so that I could have started at level 2 or even level 3. The very easy transition to the lowest RCM level allowed me to move relatively quickly through level 1, learn some new things along the way and get "settled in".   

The bastien covered major/minor scales, alberti bass, chords and their inversions and arpeggios. Much of what I encountered in the RCM I had already seen in Bastien.

For example, Bastien level 3 has a chords and inversion exercise in their technique book. Well RCM uses a Burgmuller piece called "The Wagtail" from Op. 100 No. 11 which requires you to do this. There are some real gems in the RCM using the Alberti bass which again I knew from Bastien. 

I'm in perfect agreement with your teacher in recommending the Bastien books. One can not only transition into RCM but into Burgmuller and many Albums for the Young which I am very fond of.

I hope I have been helpful, Joe.

[iquinn876]

Thanks for your reply! It is nice to have another opinion. I like how there is a theory component to the Bastien books.