What is a "method" piece? It's mentioned all the time and I have no idea what you all are referring to. Thanks in advance for taking me by the hand and walking me along this path...

pianoobsession - a "method piece" (as I understand & have used the term) is simply a "piece" or "work" or song (usually relatively short) found in one of the standard piano "methods" - the graded series of instructional books used by many to learn how to play the piano.

Popular methods are those by Alfred, Faber & Faber, Thompson, Hal Leonard, etc.

However, there might be other "method pieces" - I'm not sure. But I assume you'll hear about them soon right here.
Regards,

JF

I am on about lesson 8 with the Alfred Adult Beginner, Book 1. Each lesson consists of a new piece of 8 to 16 measures that emphasizes a new technicque, e.g., melodic intervals, a new chord, LH, RH, HT, melody in treble or bass clef, etc. Songs so far have included "Jingle Bells," "Brother John," "Largo," "Mary Ann," "Merrily we Roll Along," "What Can I Share," and "When the Saints Go Marching In."

I think these would all be referred to as "method pieces." My understanding is that many folks in the forum find them somewhat tedious and boring and for that reason don't particularly like the "method" books like Alfred.

However, I find each new skill challenging and find sufficient reward in accomplishing each one that I don't mind the sometimes simple, repetitive tunes, that I'm sure must drive my wife up the wall after about the 50th time.

I feel as though they are a key to making progress for those of us not so naturally talented.

I've never heard it quite referred to this way, but believe you are referring to songs found in method books.

It is common for beginning piano students to learn from these type of books. Typically, they are divided into levels, the first level, being for the beginner who is sitting down at the piano for the first time. As you 'graduate' (i.e. complete the book), you move on to subsequent levels, with the pieces, exercises and concepts becoming progressively more complex.

Essentially, its purpose is to teach you the fundamentals of learning how to play the piano with one skill building upon previous ones learned.

Hope that helps.