Teaching method

[kabarie]

Hi there, I've only been teaching for about a year and have used Alfred's basic Piano methods. I don't want to get into religious debate or anything but would love to hear suggestions of some secular teaching methods for the young student per request of the parents. I love Alfred's straight forward method but don't love the odd Jesus song thrown in...don't want to feel like an indoctrinator lol! Thank you.

[m1469]

Definitely don't include anything by Bach, then, because (as some could argue) his is all Jesus music.

There is also Brimhall, Shultz, Bastien, and others to explore.  I don't tend to stick with method books hardly at all, so I am not the best advice giver in this regard.  If you create your own method, you can exclude or include anything you want.  You may also wish to check out this book:  "The Piano Un-Method" by Cassandra Carr

[kabarie]

Thanx for the advice. I just mean songs like jesus loves me or morning prayer stuff.

[m1469]

jesus loves me

Yes, he does.

morning prayer

Yes, good plan!

[pianoteacheruk]

You could always go back to one of the traditional methods such as F. Beyer's Beginning the Piano

[bbannett]

Alfred has a new beginning method called Alfred Premier.  It includes good progressive short pieces, pleasant illustrations and a corresponding Theory book for each level.  No religion!
Other good methods are Hal Leonard, Faber & Faber (they also have a series for older beginners, and one for adults) and Helen Marlais "Succeeding at the Piano".  I use all of these and others to avoid becoming bored by hearing the same material all day!