BOOKS, MATERIALS, & RESOURCES
METHOD BOOK SELECTION
Each student is on a unique music journey, therefore the materials and music we use in our lessons will be carefully selected to best support specific goals and interests. Prior to ordering a method book series, we will discuss the student's age, level, interests, and prior music experience to find a method book that will be a great fit.
Regardless of which method book we select, all of the students in Newell Piano Studio receive instruction on several important topics:
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- Piano artistry and technique- playing the piano is more than hitting the correct keys at the correct times. Together we explore correct piano technique and how to play with greater expression to create beautiful music.
- Music theory- from the very first lesson, we learn about the language of music and the "secret code" making it all work. Music reading is an essential skill to develop, which we will learn and strengthen in each lesson.
- Music history and composition- students will learn basic information about composers throughout history and how to compose and arrange their own music.
ALFRED PREMIER, WUNDERKEYS, AND MORE!
As a teacher, I am continually learning about the latest piano pedagogy. Here are a few of my current favorite selections:
For students ages 3-5:
"WunderKeys for Preschoolers" is a fun and engaging way to introduce musical concepts and lay the foundation for piano coursework. Every lesson has a song and game!
For students ages 6-15:
Although I have taught students with several popular piano series (Faber, Alfred, Bastian, etc.), my preference is the "Alfred Premier Piano Series". These are not the original (and outdated) Alfred books, but rather a new series by the same company. I love the emphasis on building note reading confidence, as opposed to memorizing hand positions. One of my favorite elements of these books is the natural integration of music theory and history starting in book one. They also feature pieces in a variety of musical styles and fun student/teacher duets.
For students ages 16 and up:
The method book we select is very dependent on several factors such as prior music experience and performance goals. "WunderKeys for Older Beginners" and "Hal Leonard's Adult Piano Method" are two excellent series that I enjoy teaching from, as well as "I Used to Play Piano" for students returning to the bench.
LESSON BOOK VS COMPLETE SET
My goal as a piano teacher is to help each student develop a love for creating and appreciating music. Because having an abundance of piano books and practice checklist items can become overwhelming (for both pianists and their parents), I follow a "less is more" approach. My students learn primarily out of their lesson books, with supplemental materials such as theory worksheets and scale books added as needed and tailored to each student individually. I also am a big believer in gamification as a teaching tool for younger students, and having less books to work through allows more time for fun music and piano games to make our lessons more dynamic.
PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES
Newell Piano Studios has at least one performance opportunity each semester for students to display their hard work to their family and friends. Recitals are held in-person for the students and their guests. Distant loved-ones will have the ability to watch recitals virtually. Recitals typically have a theme, such as "Sounds of Fall", "Star Wars", "Songs Composed by Students", and more! Stay tuned for upcoming recital information!
Each spring, students have the opportunity to participate in the NFMC Festival performing two piano solos and/or duets. Participating in Festival provides young musicians with an opportunity to perform their two chosen pieces for a panel of judges and receive feedback and a performance rating. After each festival, each musician receives a certificate. After three years (or earning a total of 15 points), students receive a trophy. It is a wonderful learning and performing opportunity!