Hello,
Can you recommend a piano primer book to teach basic piano to a 4 and 8 year old please. Also, what's the best place to buy the book (or should I buy a whole series)?
BTW, these children have never had lessons and are just getting started.
Thank you,
Z

Why do you want to buy books before you have a teacher?

Gary,
Thank you for answering my post.
Since times are tough right now and before I make a commitment in time and money finding a teacher, I would like to introduce them to the piano myself.
What books would you recommend for such small children?
Thank you.
Z

My son started with piano adventures level 1 books (lesson, technique and performance).

I don't know if you have music and arts stores in your area.
http://www.musicarts.com/
They have music on sale till the end of the month. 30% off if you buy 3 or more.

C.Y.,
Thanks for the recommendation.
Unfortunately, there are no Music and Arts stores in my area (West Palm beach, Florida).
I did see the online catalog and will check it out.
Why Level 1 and not "My First Piano Adventures"?
If other people have other suggestions, please post.
I will have to visit music stores in my area and perhaps the library to in the mean time.
thanks again,
Z

The teacher just started with level 1. Maybe she felt 6 years old kid is old enough for level 1.

I understand that times are rough. They are rough for me too. The problem is that unless you yourself have a background in music, how will you know how to use the books?

Gary,
How sweet that you are showing concern for me and my children. THANK YOU so much.

I do have a background in music.

Are you a piano teacher?
Can you recommend a book or course that you use?
Where in South Florida are you located?

Thanks again for your concern.
Z

I can't recommend a book because I use my own materials. I have never made any attempt to publish them for the simple reason that I am convinced that other people would not understand how I use them and would hurt students even if they tried to do what I do, with the best of intentions.

Yes, I am a piano teacher. I have been teaching since about the age of 21 and will be 61 in October. Yet with about four decades of experience, there are still many things I feel I am only now beginning to understand regarding how people learn (best), what to teach when, etc.

The only recommendation re materials I would make is that it is better to start with things that might appear too easy or two slow-moving rather than with things that go too fast. There are a number of teachers here who use what I think are the best method books available and would be able to give you their ideas of what they prefer, if they so desire.

It would be helpful for us to know whether your musical background is in piano or another area.

I would start the 8 YO with the PA Primer (the book before book 1) , and the 4 year old with MFPA. The CD and music games are fun for those at this age.

For 5-6's, I'd try Fabers' My First Piano Adventure.

www.primamusic.com

www.pianolane.com


You can go to www.pianoteaching.com and do a search for teachers who use Piano Adventures.

Thank you all so much so far.
It seems like the "Piano Adventures" series is favored here?!?
I did watch the flash presentation of My First Piano Adventures and thought it was rather cute and that the kids would enjoy it.
Thank you.
Z

If one had to order a few (4-6) books of Piano Adventures today, where would you go online to order them?
I'm not a teacher, so if there's some club or the like, I would not be able to get in.
I'm looking for the best value and also the material arriving in a reasonable time, not 3 weeks from now.
Thank you,
Z

I buy from Sheet Music Plus mostly. You don't have to be a teacher to order from them. I have also order from Prima Music with success.

Stanny,
Thank you.
Z