The book is structured with an introduction explaining the main features of the instrument and its mechanics, with dampers, sound board and pedals all fully explained by a cast of 11 animals. The book is then split into two parts: Part 1, ‘Why is the piano so special?’ whose 15 topics include ‘Simple Solo’, ‘Acrobat Fingers’, ‘Playing with an Orchestra’ and ‘Screws and Bolts’; and Part 2, ‘How do I play it?’, which includes 11 pieces (one for each animal) to help get students playing. The progression in these is rapid, and perhaps best used to reinforce teachers’ preferred tutor book, or for sight reading at later stages. Rhythmic values include crotchets, minims and semibreves, with quavers introduced later in the book;

These are all frequent questions asked by parents who are interested in starting their child on the piano. There is no definitive age to start that is right for everyone. Firstly, it is vital that the child shows a desire and interest in playing the piano, and is happy to sit and concentrate for a short time, say 15 minutes to start with. It is a lot easier if they can already read a little, so it is probably best to give that a head start, and not to bombard them with too much information all at once! It also helps if they have strong little hands, although this can be improved with practise, if they do have very small hands, it might be better to let them grow a bit! Ready to start First Piano lessons? Introducing The Note Family –The Note family teaches note values with each note becoming a character. This simple idea really appeals to Kids and has lots of scope to develop into stories and movement. This book is an introduction to the piano and early musicianship. The focus is not on the artistry of piano-playing. The aim of the book is to simply provide a gateway to music through the piano.’ My First Piano BookThe books are designed to introduce young children (from the age of around five) to the piano and music-making through ‘fun activities, rhymes, songs and pieces.’ The author writes: Who is this book for? Having done a little trialling with students, I would say that the ‘My First Piano Book’ title needs to be taken in broad terms. A young 7-year-old, just starting piano lessons, might not appreciate or be able to use the book as successfully as an 11-year-old who already plays. Easy-to-follow music notation. Letters for each note, along with some finger numbers, help kids easily learn to play the songs—and build their music-reading skills. My First Piano Sheet Music is the perfect songbook for budding piano players, with 40 beginner-friendly tunes, clear music notation, and helpful hand positions for every song. Compiled by an experienced piano teacher, the songs naturally progress from simple, right-hand-only songs to ones that use both hands. With letter names for each note, your kid can easily learn to play the songs and practice their music reading. Whether your little one is just starting their piano journey or is looking for more songs to add to their repertoire, My First Piano Sheet Music will boost their piano-playing confidence—all while having fun!

Legato and staccato are not included, but there is always the option for individual students to add these where they are capable; Although music is written on the stave and is divided by barlines, no time signatures are included;To accompany the first book, My First Piano Pieces, Puzzles & Activities both follows and supplements this. It provides a range of additional pieces, puzzles and activities for students from around the age of five. Overall, it is designed to reinforce the material in My First Piano Book. The first CD includes 23 pieces of classical music – such as J.S. Bach's Prelude in C major BWV 846 and Scot Joplin's Entertainer, and chamber and orchestral music including Mozart's Piano Concerto No.21 and the second movement of Elgar's Piano Quintet. The second CD includes recordings of the pieces featured in the book, with the author's guided narration. The Dice Game – a fun way to encourage practice –The dice game is in fact a round up game where each activity is selected at random therefore adding a bit of novelty. The First Piano Lessonsare a series of short exercises disguised as games which combine strengthening and co-ordination with note recognition and memory. Presented in a playful and engaging way that doesn’t cause frustration, they’re perfect for introducing your child to piano at home, while bringing a lot of fun and satisfaction along the way.

There are plenty of opportunities for improvisation and teacher accompaniments are provided for most of the songs and pieces. My First Piano Pieces, Puzzles & ActivitiesFrom Collins Music come a set of books in the popular Get Set! Piano series: My First Piano Book and My First Piano Pieces, Puzzles and Activities.

Drawing on the Kodály approach, there is a strong emphasis on singing. Students are initially encouraged to sing short melodies before going on to play them. Divided roughly into four sections, the book covers: With this series, parents can assist their own children in the basic first steps of playing the piano. This will lay the foundations in a fun and easy way, giving children the incentive and confidence to go on to start formal piano lessons when they are ready to do so. Finger Strengthening –Here’s another catchy finger exercise that kids take to easily. In fact it’s so popular that you’ll be begging them to stop! Karen Marshall must be one of the few people who has inspired as many teachers as she has students. It is always a pleasure to review her publications because they have clearly been tried and tested in practice. My First Piano Book is no exception.Hand positions for every song. So kids know where to put their hands and which notes will be played in each song.