Hello, again.

I was wondering if any of you used the series, "A Dozen a Day" by Edna Mae Burnum. I have used it in the past (it is in 6 progressive levels) for developing technique and I really like the logical way that skills were introduced and developed. I have started my 1 new beginner adult student in the series and she really likes the short 4-8 measure "pieces" and the way that they progress. I like the series very much and was wondering if anyone else had any thoughts on it?

Have a terrific day, all. Alan

That would be Burnam with an 'a'.

I've been a full-time musician for most of my life and am very happy to say I started with this series - it must have worked!

Just yesterday I was reading about fictional authors of favorite children's books (Laura Lee Hope was invented as the author of the 'Bobbsey Twins'); I wondered if the same could be true for the cute name of Edna Mae Burnam...

She was indeed real - I found this interesting article.

I used this series as a child, and unfortunately, I hated them. I've never been one to enjoy mindless drills, so my teachers when I was able to choose them have all taught me technique within my repertoire, or assigned technical exercises that applied directly to an issue I was having. I see the value in them as a teacher, however, just not my cup of tea. I only use them sparingly, and only if that student enjoys them.

Dozen a Day was my first technique series. I thought they were great fun!

I loved it as a child, and use them a little with some of my students too.

Such darling, creative, exercises.

I personally do not use them for technique, I have in the passed used them for sight reading.