These three books belong to the first level of the Celebrate Piano! Series. A comprehnsive piano method, the very first pages Solos 1 and Lesson and Musicianship 1A have exercises on hearing and tapping a steady beat. This sends a message to the young beginner about the importance of counting. The beginning pages are also filled with many eye-hand coordination exercises that will enable the teacher to focus on establishing good habits from the very start. Introducing these three books at the same time should make the student eager to learn the concepts introduced in the first two books and to move on the next, IB. Both 1A and 1B have pages that enable the student to practice writing musical notation. Midway through Solos 1, lessons coincide with concepts taught at the beginning of 1B, so it should not take more than a few months tor the average child to embrace the learning skills taught. This course should serve as a steppingstone to progress through the beginning months of piano study for the young beginner. They are excellent method books, with colorful illustrations and easy-to-read large notes, which will provide the piano student with a solid foundation needed to pursue more advanced study later on. Familiar folk tunes, technical exercises, activities that reinforce reading and theory, and rhythmic exercises are introduced in an interesting way to foster a love of the piano. There are appealing teacher accompaniments that should provide the student with an added incentive to count. Exercises developing aural awareness and activities that will inspire the students to compose and improvise are also presented in a step-by-step, comprehensive manner. Solos 1 supports and strengthens Lessons and Musicianship 1A and 1B, and that is why they were grouped together in this review. There are also CD and MIDI accomaniments to books 1A and IB.
(Cristina Randolph, reviewer) (Frederick Harris Music, $6.50, $12.95, $12.95)
.Celebrate Piano! Solos 2 and Lesson and Musicianship 2A, Cathy Albrego, J. Mitzi Kolar, and Mark Mronzinski.
Solos 2 and Lessons and Musicianship 2A, the second level of a method book series that consists of four levels, provide rcinforcement of the concepts introduced in the
first three books of the series. Easy, original classics and contemporary compositions are introduced in large-note notation that is easy read. There are numerous teacher accompaniments throughout both books that enhance solos composed by well-known guest composers. The last page of the Solos 2 book provides interesting biographies of the composers. Concepts introduced in the first books are developed through a series of musical experiences that nurture musical growth and facilitate learning through reinforcement. A new concept is never rushed. The student will emerge ready and eager to engage in more difficult piano study through the skills taught in these method books. There are also CD and MIDI accompaniments to the book 2A. These books are valuable early learning tools for the average-to-gifted beginning piano student.
(Cristina Randolph, reviewer) (Frederick Harris Music, $6.50, $14.50)
Celebrate Piano! Solos 1 and Lesson and Musicianship 1A and 1B, Celebrate Piano! Solos 2 and Lesson and Musicianship 2A
Published on February 8, 2003 in Piano Guild Notes