Alfred's Basic Piano Library: Fun Book 1A: A Collection of 31 Entertaining Solos: Piano

Level 1A students need variety in their solo material, and this collection delivers exactly that without requiring you to hunt through multiple sources. The pieces are genuinely entertaining rather than merely functional, which means students actually want to perform them and retain them longer in their hands.

These solos combine accessible melodies with straightforward rhythms and manageable hand positions, creating pieces that feel approachable without being babyish. Students discover that elementary-level repertoire can be genuinely musical and worth performing.

This collection is designed for early-stage piano students working through Level 1A material who need fresh solo options for recitals or festivals. It works particularly well when two students from the same family study with you and both need performance material at the same level.

• Encourage students to observe the dynamics carefully; even simple pieces come alive when students shape the musical phrase rather than playing everything at the same volume.
• Have students practice hands separately before combining them, which strengthens confidence and independence at this early stage.
• Use the pieces as opportunities to discuss articulation; staccato and legato markings appear frequently and give students concrete language for musical expression.

Pair this with the Recital Book to ensure every student has a fresh solo ready for each performance opportunity throughout the year. The variety of pieces also works well when you're building a short recital program and want students to have choices in what they perform.

• Reading and performing in 2/4, 3/4, and 4/4 time signatures
• Sustaining legato and controlling staccato articulation
• Recognizing and executing simple dynamic contrasts
• Coordinating independent hand lines
• Maintaining steady tempo and pulse throughout a complete piece