Fantastic Fingers, Book 2: Elementary Piano Book

Goldston's attention to articulation variety keeps early learners engaged with more than simple legato playing. The pieces work within C position to build hand security while introducing rhythmic variety and character, so students actually feel like they're playing music rather than executing exercises. Five distinct titles mean every student finds something that catches their ear.

These pieces sparkle with personality. From the swagger of a cool cat to the soar of a brave hawk, each one carries its own mood and texture. The colorful settings match the musical intent, making the page itself inviting to young hands.

Elementary piano students ready to venture beyond single-note exploration and engage with rhythmic variety and articulation control. Teachers seeking a collection that maintains technical simplicity while offering genuine musical interest and character.

• Compare how each piece uses articulation differently. Cool Cat Strut and Snake Charmer likely favor staccato or detached playing, while Brave Hawk and Luck of the Irish may call for more legato passages. Having students identify these differences before they play develops listening awareness.
• Anchor the eighth note rhythms by tapping the beat first. Since these pieces introduce eighth notes in an elementary context, isolating the rhythmic pattern separate from pitch reading prevents rushing.
• Let the titles guide interpretation. London suggests a particular character, Brave Hawk another. Invite students to describe what they hear and shape tempo and dynamics to match those images.

Scatter these throughout a studio recital; their contrasting characters provide natural variety when sequenced thoughtfully. They also work well as sight-reading material in group lessons, since the consistent C position framework means students can focus energy on the articulation and rhythmic differences rather than hand position shifts.

• Eighth note rhythm reading and execution
• Articulation control (staccato, legato, and mixed)
• Hand security and independence within C position
• Musical character interpretation based on title and notation
• Finger independence for varied touch