Each duet is arranged for student-teacher (parent or older student) performance. These charming Duet Books increase motivation and add fun to practice time and lessons. "Autumn Serenade" is on the ABRSM 2025-2026 Piano Syllabus.
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Dennis Alexander has shaped educational piano pedagogy for decades through his prolific work with Alfred Music Publishing. Since 1986, he has produced over 400 publications and recordings that have established him as one of the most widely performed composers of instructional piano music across all student levels. His 24 years teaching piano pedagogy at the University of Montana (1972–1996) grounded his compositional voice in real classroom needs.
Beyond the studio, Alexander maintains an active performance career as soloist, accompanist, and chamber musician, having made his Carnegie Recital Hall debut in 1987 and toured internationally from Southeast Asia to India. He has taught at Cal State Fullerton and Cal State Northridge, served as clinician at state and national conventions, and continues composing from his home in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Why we love this
Alexander writes duets that genuinely motivate students to show up for lessons and practice. The arrangement of teacher and student parts respects the student's developing technique while giving the teacher a rewarding musical line, creating balanced partnership rather than accompaniment.
What to expect
These duets balance charm with genuine musical substance. Melodies are memorable and expressive without condescension, while accompaniment patterns remain accessible to intermediate students. The collection feels like a celebration of progress rather than more exercises.
Who it's for
Students completing Level 4 in Alfred's Basic Piano Library who are ready to expand beyond solo repertoire. Teachers and parents seeking engaging partner pieces that build confidence and provide musical reward beyond the standard method book.
How to get the most out of it
Balance the melody between hands by identifying which part carries the musical phrase at each moment. Student and teacher parts exchange the lead throughout, so shift your listening focus accordingly.
Record a performance together, then listen back as a team. Students hear themselves in a real ensemble context and often recognize rhythmic or dynamic adjustments on their own.
Establish consistent tempo before each duet by counting off together. These pieces reward steady pulse more than interpretive flexibility at this level.
How to use it
Feature duet performances in studio recitals to showcase ensemble playing and boost student confidence. Select individual pieces as rewards after completing method book units, or extract several duets for a student showcase program that demonstrates the social dimension of piano study.
Skills your students will build
Listening to and balancing with another musical line
Maintaining steady tempo while tracking a partner's part
Reading two different rhythmic patterns simultaneously
Transferring method book technique into musical context
Collaborating and responding to another performer in real time
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