Alfred's Kid's Piano Course 2: Keyboard/Piano Book & Online Video/Audio

The partnership of three animated characters (a classical dog, a cool cat, and a friendly alligator) transforms what could be tedious drill into genuine play. What sets this method apart is the integration of online video lessons taught by Gayle Kowalchyk, giving your students a live teacher inside the book who models every technique and demonstrates each piece, removing barriers for independent practice at home.

Playful and encouraging, like learning with cheerful companions rather than from a stern workbook. The animated guides keep the tone light while the online videos and audio tracks make each lesson feel like a live interaction, building confidence in young pianists who might otherwise feel overwhelmed by traditional methods.

This method is designed for piano students ages five and up who are beginning their musical journey. It works equally well for home learners and classroom group lessons, with the online video providing visual support that makes independent practice feel less isolating.

• Watch the online video explanations together during lesson time so students see hand position, finger placement, and posture modeled correctly before they attempt the exercises themselves.
• Use the play-along accompaniment tracks to build confidence and musicality; hearing the full harmonic context transforms simple melodies into real songs and maintains student motivation.
• Pause and replay demonstrations as needed; there's no rush to move through the book faster than your student can absorb the concepts.

Introduce this method in individual piano study or small-group keyboard instruction for early elementary students. The online video component is particularly valuable for homeschool or hybrid learning models where students practice independently and need consistent visual reinforcement of technique.

• Correct hand position and posture at the keyboard
• Note reading in treble clef
• Basic rhythmic notation and counting
• Finger independence and hand coordination
• Understanding of piano keys, white and black note patterns
• Reading simple melodies and playing with accompaniment