Music for piano – Choice
Vol. 1 At the circus (Piano course Book 1)

Using At the circus with Nicola

From the Introduction...

When children first try to play the piano, they are full of enthusiasm and curiosity about the sounds they can make over the full range of the piano keyboard.
Unfortunately, they are sometimes disappointed when formal piano lessons begin. Because of the rigours of learning to read music, they are limited to playing slowly and carefully on only a few keys in the middle register of the piano. Their initial exploratory attitude may disappear and never be recaptured.
This book offers children lots of fun ways of playing music all over the keyboard, whilst allowing them to develop their technical skills and musical perception unhampered by having to read what they play.
However, it does not ignore the importance of learning to read music notation. The pieces which are written on normal-size staves are for five fingers in each hand, centred around middle C. These form a gentle introduction to playing music from the printed score.
The pieces printed on miniature staves are to be taught by demonstration and played from memory. The music on these pages has been written for the information of teachers and parents – it is not intended that the pupil should read these pieces! The patterns to be played are easily absorbed, and each piece has detailed hints, and a keyboard diagram to show the starting position.

Finally, for the clearest idea of how the music is to sound, listen to the CD recording of all the tunes in this book. And sometimes follow the notes on the page as you listen.
Have fun! Esther Cohen

To hear audio clips or view sample pages, click on the appropriate link.
Audio files are mp3.
Sample pages are in .pdf format and will open in a new window.

32 pages
Price including audio CD: £9.40