Be A Star!, Book 1: Early Elementary/Elementary Piano Book

Costley's approach shifts students away from the laborious note-by-note reading that can stall progress in early elementary. The pieces in this book are genuinely engaging to play, which means students stay motivated while their interval recognition and pattern awareness develop naturally through repetition.

These pieces feel approachable and rewarding. The writing respects students' developing hands while offering musical moments worth hearing, creating the kind of satisfaction that turns practice into something students actually want to do.

Early elementary and elementary pianists building reading fluency at the primer and early method book level. Students benefit regardless of which method book series their teacher uses, making this collection ideal for supplemental work in both group and private lessons.

• Have students identify and circle interval patterns before playing. Spotting the shape of a third or fourth on the page transforms it from an abstract concept into a visual habit.
• Use blocking exercises to anchor finger placement. Playing hands separately first, then combining them, gives students the security to focus on reading intervals rather than coordinating hands.
• Encourage directional reading by asking students to name the direction of each interval jump before playing the measure. This metacognitive step accelerates pattern recognition significantly.

Assign selections as weekly supplemental reading throughout the year, rotating through the book as students move through their primary method. The emphasis on interval patterns pairs well with studio recitals where students showcase their growing independence as readers.

• Interval identification and recognition (seconds, thirds, fourths, fifths)
• Reading pitch directionally rather than note-by-note
• Pattern recognition and retention
• Finger placement and hand position awareness
• Blocking technique for coordinating hands