Alfred's Self-Teaching Adult Piano Course: Piano Book & Online Video/Audio

This course translates Palmer's teaching wisdom into a self-directed format that feels genuinely supportive rather than rushed. The study guide pages before each section function like guided practice, and the video performances by Gayle Kowalchyk anchor the learning process with clear visual and sonic models. Adding five beloved standards to the core material gives adult learners immediate, rewarding repertoire to perform.

Approachable and encouraging without being condescending. The repertoire moves from simple fundamentals to recognizable melodies like "Over the Rainbow" and "Singin' in the Rain," creating a sense of real musical progress. The combination of written guidance, video support, and audio models removes the isolation of learning alone.

Adult learners who want to teach themselves piano at their own pace, without access to private instruction. This course works equally well for someone returning to piano after years away and for a complete beginner starting from zero.

• Reference the video performance before tackling a new piece; watching Kowalchyk's hand position and movement patterns clarifies technical execution in ways notation alone cannot.
• Use the recording of each example to hear the correct tempo and phrasing, then alternate between playing alone and with the recording to build independence.
• Work through the study guide pages before attempting the corresponding musical examples; this scaffolding prevents frustration and builds confidence.
• Practice the bonus pieces last, once you've completed the core material, so you can apply everything you've learned to music you genuinely want to perform.

Consider recommending this to adult students as a primary text for self-directed study between lessons, or as a standalone resource for those unable to commit to formal instruction. The five bonus standards make it particularly valuable for adults interested in playing familiar music quickly.

• Reading treble clef and understanding note names on the keyboard
• Hand position, posture, and basic touch technique
• Rhythm reading in simple and compound meters
• Interval recognition and construction
• Major and minor scales and chord patterns
• Sight-reading single-line melodies and simple accompaniments
• Pedal technique and its musical application
• Interpreting tempo, dynamics, and expressive markings