Alfred's Basic Adult All-in-One Course, Book 1: Piano Book & DVD

This course genuinely integrates lesson, theory, and technique without forcing them into separate silos. The DVD performances by Gayle Kowalchyk provide models that help adult learners understand how the written page translates to sound, while the isometric hand exercises and finger drills address physical conditioning that self-taught adults often overlook. The repertoire spans folk songs, classical excerpts, and original pieces, giving students immediate musical payoff alongside foundational skills.

Learning feels purposeful and complete. Each lesson builds logically, moving from simple folk melodies into recognizable pieces like The Entertainer and blues variations that reward effort immediately. The blend of familiar songs with original compositions keeps practice engaging without stranding students in abstract exercises.

Adult learners returning to piano or starting fresh who want a structured, comprehensive resource that combines instruction, repertoire, and physical conditioning in one book. Teachers of adult students will appreciate the integrated format that eliminates the need to supplement with separate theory workbooks or technique guides.

• Watch the corresponding DVD segment before practicing a new piece. Hearing how it should sound eliminates guesswork and accelerates learning.
• Complete the written assignments in the book after each lesson; they reinforce interval recognition and harmonic thinking that strengthen sight-reading.
• Use the isometric exercises on days when you practice for shorter periods, building hand strength gradually without requiring additional practice time.
• Play through the repertoire pieces at a comfortable tempo first, then use a metronome to build consistency once the notes are secure.

Use Book 1 as the spine of a semester or year-long adult piano course, with the DVD introducing lessons at the start of each week and the written work reinforcing concepts between lessons. The familiar repertoire makes it ideal for community music programs or church-based adult music classes where motivation often depends on hearing yourself play recognizable pieces quickly.

• Reading treble clef and basic note names on the grand staff
• Hand position, posture, and technique through isometric and finger-strengthening exercises
• Major and minor scales and basic chord construction
• Rhythm reading in simple and compound meters
• Sight-reading fluency through progressively challenging repertoire
• Understanding of intervals, key signatures, and harmonic function through written assignments