Also known as the "Piano Party" series, this group of books is specially designed and written for very young children. There are three books that make up the Invitation to Music series: "Piano Party," "Theory & Ear Training Party" and "Performance Party." Each of these books comes in four levels, and all books of any given level correspond with each other. For example, the concepts taught in "Piano Party Book C" will go along with the lessons taught in "Theory & Ear Training Part Book C" and "Performance Party Book C." These books take preschool aged children through a fun and colorful introduction to music and note-reading.
"The Very Young Pianist" series is comprised of three books containing lessons that will teach the basics of notation and the keyboard to young beginning piano players. The first book introduces children to the seven note names, simple rhythms, and an introduction to key signatures. Book 2 teaches the concept of intervals and more advanced note reading. The last book finally introduces the musical staff, taught through many simple and enjoyable folk songs and other short pieces.
This two-book course is similar to "The Very Young Pianist" series, but caters to a slightly older age range. Students will go through similar lessons and be taught the same concepts, starting with note basics and moving on to reading off a basic musical staff.
Bastien's "Piano Basics" method covers all aspects of the piano for beginners, using a comprehensive set of five separate books. The books that make up the course are entitled "Piano," "Theory," "Technic," "Performance" and "Sight Reading," and are available in five levels, primer through Level 4. All method books within each level are correlated page by page, so that a student going through the method will be doing a lesson or assignment from all five books at any given period of time. Also available is an accompaniment CD, enabling students to play their assignments along with a MIDI orchestra soundtrack.
The "Older Beginner Piano Course" is a method that was specifically designed with teen or adult beginners in mind. The books assume there's no previous musical knowledge, and start right from the very beginning. Along with two levels of course books, the method is also supplemented by music flashcards and music books that incorporate the lessons and concepts that are being taught into folk songs, hymns and classical pieces.
Great for parents of young piano students or any adult who wants to learn the piano, the "Piano for Adults" method is formulated to be used by beginners. With lessons and exercises in theory, sight reading, performance, technic and more, these books will keep any adult moving forward. Accompaniment CDs are also available to supplement many of the songs given throughout the course.