Accelerando, Book 1: Beginner (all ages) Piano Book

Accelerando Book 1 respects the beginner's timeline without sacrificing musicality. The progression from hands alone through to hands together is methodical enough that students actually feel their improvement, and the creative reinforcement throughout means you're not grinding through mindless repetition.

Purposeful and encouraging. Each study has a specific reason for existing, and students can sense that progression. The consistent quarter-note motion and expanding range create a natural momentum that keeps beginners engaged without overwhelming them.

This book serves both children beginning their first lessons and adults starting piano later in life. The design acknowledges that beginners of any age benefit from clear structure and achievable goals rather than one-size-fits-all pacing.

• Start with hands separately and establish secure finger placement in Middle C position before combining hands. This builds the muscle memory that makes the transition seamless.
• Introduce the metronome early and use it consistently. The "master the metronome" section in the book gives students a framework for understanding tempo, not just speed.
• Alternate between legato and staccato studies deliberately. Students need to feel the physical difference at the keyboard, not just understand it conceptually.
• Use the keyboard diagram and staff paper included in the book during lessons. Visual reinforcement accelerates the connection between what students see on the page and what their hands do.

Use this as your primary technical foundation during the first year of piano instruction. The studies work alongside whatever repertoire you're assigning, providing the daily technique work that translates directly to better performances.

• Hand position and finger independence in Middle C position
• 5-finger patterns and their application in C Major
• Legato and staccato articulation with consistent control
• Step and skip reading in the treble staff
• Rhythmic stability with quarter-note motion
• Metronome awareness and tempo management
• Hands together coordination with secure keybed orientation