Premier Piano Course: Theory Books

Teachers keep coming back to Premier Piano Course, Theory 1A by Dennis Alexander, the most widely adopted title in the series. The Level 1B, 2A, 2B, and 3 books follow the same clear pedagogical approach, so your students move through theory at a pace that matches their playing ability.

Dennis Alexander brought over 400 publications to Alfred Music after joining in 1986, establishing himself as one of the world's most prolific composers of educational piano music. His work spans all student levels and has shaped how teachers approach piano pedagogy for decades.

Gayle Kowalchyk teaches class piano and piano pedagogy at California State University, Northridge, and holds degrees in piano performance and pedagogy from Northwestern University and an Ed.D. in piano pedagogy from Teachers College, Columbia University. Her experience coordinating class piano programs directly informs her approach to theory instruction.

E. L. Lancaster spent nearly 20 years as Professor of Music at the University of Oklahoma, where he taught piano pedagogy and coordinated group piano. His background as former Executive Editor of Piano for Alfred Music shaped how Premier Piano Course theory materials connect pedagogically to the broader method.

Martha Mier is an internationally recognized composer whose educational piano music for all levels has made her work standard in studios worldwide. Her Jazz, Rags & Blues and Romantic Impressions series showcase how theory connects to the styles students actually want to play.