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Description
Very similar to the Prep Course, the Basic Piano Course was designed for the slightly older beginner. The first book also starts at the very beginning, with posture and the black keys. It follows the same basic pattern as the Prep Course, only it is not quite as simplistic and it moves at a slightly faster pace. There are more songs in this series, and they tend to be a bit longer. By the end of this series, students are playing much more advanced pieces. This series also contains many components. In addition to supplemental books, there are combined level books, which contain the best selections from the individual volumes. These combined volumes are especially for those a little older (ages 8-10), and are a little more compact. Also, the complete levels introduce chords a little sooner. If you choose these, you can still go right into book 4 with no problem.
If you want to hear the pieces played, there are CD's available on our website to accompany the lesson and ear training books. CD and Lesson Book sets are available for Level 1A and 1B at a significant savings. As with the Prep course, these items are all available for extra practice, but are not essential. You may choose in what area your student needs more practice. This series is the most complete in Alfred's series, and it takes students farther than all but the adult programs. Though their approx. age range is 7-9, this program could be used by any beginner, especially after level 1. They move a little faster, but it would definitely be suited to an older student, particularly with the levels advancing so far. If someone has had a little experience, they could also jump right into one of the later levels. - Melissa
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Teaching Method
Traditional
Teacher-centered curriculum commonly used in classrooms that may include a text, teacher manual, tests, etc.
Charlotte Mason
A methodology based on the work of a 19th century educator who maintained that children learn best from literature (Living Books), not textbooks.
Classical
A methodology based on the Latin Trivium (three stages of learning), including the grammar stage (memorization and facts), logic stage (critical thinking), and rhetoric stage (developing/defending ideas).
Unit Study
A thematic or topical approach centered around one topic that integrates multiple subject areas.
Montessori (Discovery)
A methodology based on the work of a 20th century educator that emphasizes student and sensory-driven discovery learning and real-life applications.
Other
Other methodologies
Religious Content
Secular
Contains content contrary to common Christian beliefs (i.e. evolution).
Neutral
Avoids religious or theoretical topics or presents multiple viewpoints without preference.
Christian/Religious
Faith-based or including instructional religious content.
Learning Modality
Auditory
Learns through listening, talking out loud or reading out loud.
Visual
Learns through seeing, prefers written instructions and visual materials.
Kinesthetic/Tactile (Hands-On)
Learns through moving, doing and touching.
Multi-Sensory
Curriculum that employ a variety of activities/components.
Presentation
Sequential
Curriculum progresses through well-defined learning objectives. Emphasizes mastery before moving to the next topic.
Spiral
Topics and concepts are repeated from level to level, adding more depth at each pass and connecting with review.
Conceptual/Topical
Focus is on the “why,” often with a unifying concept as well as specific skills; coverage may be broader.
Teacher Involvement
Low Teacher Involvement
Student-led materials; parent acts as a facilitator.
Medium Teacher Involvement
A mix of teacher-led time and independent student work.
High Teacher Involvement
Teacher-led lessons; may utilize discussions, hands-on activities and working together.
Additional Materials Required
No other materials needed
Everything you need is included.
Other Materials Required
There are additional required resources that are a separate purchase.
Other Materials Optional
There are additional resources mentioned or recommended but are not absolutely necessary.
Consumable
Consumable
Designed to be written in; not reusable.
Non-Consumable
Not designed to be written in; reusable.