Piano World Home Page Forums Our Most Popular Forums Piano Teachers Forum Celebrate Piano

Has anyone used the "Celebrate Piano!" method books put out by Frederick Harris Music? I recently came across them and I was thinking of trying them out but I was wondering if anyone had any insight to share?

I have used them and my students really enjoyed the series. It is well-constructed and while I didn't like all the pieces, the students seemed to. I appreciate the thorough, well-rounded approach.

I do think the music improves considerably at level 3.

I am a student currently using the celebration series. The music is very nice from the very start, though I agree it does get more interesting at level 3. As an adult student I enjoy the selection of pieces far more than the alfred's books I started out with.

The review of the method in Clavier Companion impressed me very much, but I haven't seen or used the series.

Thanks everyone - I'm wondering how it compares to other methods such as piano adventures or music tree or alfred's premiere in how quickly or slowly it progresses?

There is a comprehensive overview here:
Celebrate Piano Site

Yea I've looked at the site too... I'm wondering how they compare with other methods though in terms of how quickly a student moves through the books...

I have tried it with two students and I didn't like it as well as what I was already using (Faber). There were lots of colorful pictures and I liked their landmark approach, but it just didn't work for me.

I think it moves better than the Faber, a bit slow at first, but then faster when the skills are secure.

I have used the Celebrate Piano series for 2 years with nearly all of my students. The landmark and interval approach to learning note names is top notch. I wanted pieces with more depth to them. After researching other options, I am beginning the change over process to the Faber Piano Adventures books. Similiar in many ways, but more repertoire options. My students are enjoying the change (although this could be just having the newness of them too!)

I LOVE the Celebrate Piano series. I find the first book or two is really easy (depending on age and skill level) but that encourages a LOT of good behaviour and confidence in the student. The songs are all really fun and have great teacher accopamiements for them. What I like is that there is an emphasis on pattern reading, not so much note reading. In book two they start out rather quickly with ledger lines, which most students don't see until many many years later. My students who use these books are far better sight readers than any of my other students.