First Favorite Classics: Accompaniment, Book 1: Piano Book

Warm and encouraging. These are pieces that students know and love, now enriched with genuine harmonic support that makes even simple melodies feel full and expressive. Playing with an accompanist transforms a practice-room exercise into a musical conversation.

Elementary and late elementary piano students ready to experience ensemble playing in a structured, musical way. Teachers, parents, and advanced students who want to provide meaningful accompaniment support without arranging or adapting on the fly.

• Balance the melody line so it emerges clearly over the accompaniment; the second keyboard should support rather than compete for attention.
• Establish a steady tempo before the student enters, and use the introduction as your chance to lock in the groove together.
• Experiment with different dynamic relationships between the parts; sometimes the accompanist can voice the harmony higher to create a richer blend.
• Practice the accompaniment independently first so you can listen intently to your student's phrasing without reading ahead.

Use these pieces in studio recitals, festivals, or student showcases where duet performance adds variety and sophistication to the program. They also work beautifully in master classes or group lessons where ensemble experience strengthens listening skills and confidence.

• Playing steadily while listening to a partner's phrasing
• Maintaining independence in the melody against harmonic movement
• Recognizing and responding to tempo and dynamic cues from an accompanist
• Understanding how melody and accompaniment work together to create fuller texture