The completion of a Lesson Book and graduating to the next level is a very important step in the growth of a piano student. At times, it is beneficial to take a short break to play some new pieces that use the skills recently perfected. The Graduation Books contain captivating solos that students can perform without having to learn something new. Because the students will know everything needed to play any piece in their level, they may play them in any order they wish.
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Dennis Alexander has shaped educational piano pedagogy for nearly four decades through his prolific output with Alfred Music Publishing. Since 1986, he has composed over 400 works that have become foundational texts for piano students worldwide, earning him recognition as one of the most influential voices in educational music composition.
Alexander's background as a piano pedagogy professor at the University of Montana for 24 years, combined with his active performance career as soloist and collaborative artist, gives his compositions deep roots in both the studio and the concert hall. He has served as clinician at state and national conventions, judged international competitions, and conducted master classes at the MTNA national convention. His work continues to emerge from a genuine understanding of how students learn, what engages them, and what builds lasting musicianship.
Why we love this
Alexander and Mier understand that progression doesn't always mean pushing forward; sometimes it means consolidating joy. These pieces let students celebrate what they've mastered rather than immediately confront new technical demands, which is precisely when confidence compounds into genuine musical growth.
What to expect
These pieces breathe. They offer the satisfaction of playing real music with familiar technical tools, allowing students to focus on phrasing, tone, and interpretation rather than finger mechanics. The collection feels like a celebration of arrival rather than a bridge to somewhere harder.
Who it's for
Early elementary piano students who have completed Level 1B fundamentals and are ready to consolidate their skills through varied solo repertoire. Teachers seeking performance material that doesn't demand new technique while still offering musical substance and variety.
How to get the most out of it
Assign pieces out of order to keep students engaged with choice and autonomy rather than the lockstep progression of a lesson book.
Use this collection as performance repertoire for studio recitals, where students can deliver polished solos without the pressure of simultaneous learning.
Encourage students to play through the entire book over several weeks to discover pieces that speak to their developing musical personality.
How to use it
Slot this into studio recitals during the transition months between levels, or use individual pieces as encore material when students need confidence-building repertoire. The variety within these pages means you can select a single piece for a young performer who needs a dependable solo, or program multiple selections from the collection if you're featuring several early elementary students on the same recital.
Skills your students will build
Sustaining musicality within technically comfortable material
Score interpretation and expressive phrasing at the elementary level
Developing repertoire ownership through piece selection and repeated performance
Building recital confidence through familiar technical vocabulary
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