Alfred's Basic Piano Library: Sight Reading Book 2: Piano Book

This book does exactly what students need at Level 2: it reinforces the concepts from the Lesson Book without overwhelming them. The short exercises feel manageable while the rhythm drills and improvisation work build real confidence at the keyboard, not just on the page.

Accessible and encouraging. The music reads smoothly because it mirrors what students already know, while the rhythm work and improvisation sections feel playful rather than academic.

Level 2 students who need consistent, focused practice in reading music without the difficulty jump of the main Lesson Book. Teachers benefit most when using this as a daily warm-up or homework tool that builds sight reading fluency over time.

• Start each practice session with one or two rhythm drills before moving to the sight reading exercises. This primes the brain for rhythmic accuracy and reduces anxiety about reading new pieces.
• Encourage students to play the improvisation exercises with both hands rather than just exploring single notes. This tactile freedom translates directly to their ability to learn pieces independently.
• Assign specific exercises alongside corresponding Lesson Book pages so students see the direct connection. When they encounter a concept in the lesson, the sight reading book reinforces it immediately.

Assign these exercises as regular homework alongside the Lesson Book to ensure students develop solid reading skills before moving to Level 3. The improvisation work also gives students confidence to explore the keyboard freely, which supports their transition into more independent learning.

• Reading note positions in treble and bass clef with accuracy
• Recognizing and executing rhythmic patterns at the Level 2 curriculum level
• Improvising at the keyboard with tactile ease and musical intention
• Reinforcing music theory concepts (intervals, hand position, key signatures) through applied reading