Alfred's Basic Piano Library: Duet Book 2: Piano Book

Alexander understands what keeps young pianists engaged at the early-intermediate stage. Each duet is crafted to balance musical interest for both the student and the teacher or parent, making practice sessions feel collaborative rather than evaluative. The inclusion of "Sonatina" on the 2025-2026 ABRSM Piano Syllabus confirms that these pieces meet rigorous contemporary standards while remaining genuinely fun to play.

These duets blend charm with purpose. The writing is melodic and approachable without being trivial, offering students the satisfaction of playing real musical lines while building confidence in a supported ensemble setting. Each piece unfolds with clarity and warmth, making the experience of collaborative playing feel natural and encouraging.

This book is designed for piano students at Level 2 (typically progressing beyond first-year material) who thrive when their practice and lesson time includes ensemble playing. Teachers, parents, and older student partners will appreciate how the student parts remain accessible while the duet format keeps pieces musically rewarding for both players.

• Listen first. Play through each part separately before joining together so both players understand the melody and harmony they are supporting.
• Balance the parts according to the musical line. The accompaniment should provide a stable harmonic foundation without overwhelming the student's melody.
• Use the duet format to build musicianship. Ask the student to listen critically to how their part fits with the teacher's part, reinforcing ensemble awareness at a young age.
• Work tempo gradually. Start slowly enough that both players can maintain steady rhythm without tension, then increase speed only when coordination feels secure.

Integrate these duets into studio lessons as regular repertoire alongside solo material. Students can perform duets at studio recitals with teacher or parent, creating a more relaxed alternative to solo performance that builds confidence. The ABRSM-approved "Sonatina" makes this book particularly valuable for students preparing for examination syllabi.

• Reading notation with increasing accuracy and fluency
• Maintaining steady rhythm while listening to another part
• Understanding harmonic function through accompaniment patterns
• Balancing melody and accompaniment in an ensemble context
• Building performance confidence through supported duet playing