Alfred's Basic Adult Piano Course: Greatest Hits Book 1: Piano Book

Playing these popular melodies feels like unlocking permission to enjoy music on the piano from day one. The arrangements respect the simplicity needed for early learners while keeping the recognizable character of each song intact, so students experience genuine musicianship and joy rather than abstract exercises.

Adult piano students working through the Alfred's Basic Adult Piano Course who need engaging supplementary repertoire that matches their current level. This book pairs perfectly with the Lesson Book, offering variety while reinforcing the technique and music reading skills being introduced in class.

• Balance melody and accompaniment so the tune remains clear; the left hand often carries the harmonic foundation, not a competing line.
• Practice hands separately until the coordination feels secure, then layer them gradually at a tempo where both hands can stay together.
• Pay attention to dynamic markings and articulation in the arrangements; they shape the character and help the familiar melodies shine.
• Use the score as your guide for phrasing and breathing points, even on piano, to avoid mechanical playing of these recognizable tunes.

Assign selections from this book as supplementary pieces alongside your Lesson Book material; the stylistic variety breaks up technical drills and lets students apply new concepts to songs they already love. Two pieces appear on the Royal Conservatory of Music Popular Selection List, making them ideal recital or performance evaluation choices for adult students seeking festival experience.

• Reading treble clef in early elementary range
• Playing simple melody with basic accompaniment patterns
• Phrasing and shaping familiar tunes
• Reinforcing hand position and finger independence
• Building sight-reading fluency through popular repertoire