Barb,

Do you think that skipping pieces in a method book indicates that the book was not a good fit for the student and the teacher?

Have you asked him why he thinks his teacher allowed him to skip pages in the book before moving to a higher level?

His age might have something to do with no proficiency in scales and key signatures. You say "young", but yet he is at level 4.

I think we were very hard to "catch" the students where they are when they transfer and to be able to keep the music moving ahead some while also doing some "repair" work. Not an easy balancing act for them or for us.

His comfort level and cooperation with you will make it all possible.

Good luck!

Betty

Skipping pages in method books is risky business, regardless of series. They are, by design, meant to present each topic in a coordinated order. Lv 4 of this series is roughly high elementary or lowest intermediate, ie the simplest Bach dances, Beethoven G major sonatina or Clementi C major. If the student is struggling, try Snell's piano repertoire series level 2 and see how he does.

You're in a better position to answer that. You don't say how old he is, but students are very sensitive to "levels." Even though you and I know they do not correlate at all. That's why I suggested a repertory series - it's different and any one looking at it can immediately see that level 1 isn't the same as PA level 1. Celebration is another similar series, and FJH has several.

Oh, the repertoire series look more "grown up" so you might get a bit more enthusiasm as a side benefit.

If he hasn't done the Performer/Technique books of Piano Town, you could always back track to level 3 Performer as a "review" without deflating him too much.