First Favorite Classics: Accompaniment, Book 2: Piano Book

Warm and supportive, like having an experienced guide moving through familiar masterworks alongside the soloist. The accompaniments respect the simplicity of the melody lines while creating a richer harmonic environment that makes each piece feel complete and professionally realized.

Teachers, parents, and advanced students seeking to add musical depth to elementary and early intermediate solo repertoire. This book is essential for any piano studio where the instructor regularly plays alongside students or where ensemble experience strengthens motivation and musicianship.

• Balance the melody line so it sings through even when the accompaniment fills out the harmonic texture. The student part should never compete for attention.
• Practice hands separately first, then slowly integrate both parts. The accompaniment establishes harmonic context that helps the soloist internalize the piece's structure.
• Communicate tempo and breathing cues through posture and listening rather than counting aloud. Students benefit from learning to follow an experienced musician.
• Use the accompaniment as a learning tool during practice sessions, not just performance. Working with steady harmonic support helps early intermediate students develop confidence and security.

Feature duet performances in studio recitals to showcase how much musical depth students have developed. The 33 pieces across this book offer enough variety to program carefully selected duets throughout the year, mixing familiar classics with pieces students are currently studying.

• Listening and responding to harmonic support while maintaining an independent melodic line
• Ensemble awareness and synchronized phrasing with a collaborating musician
• Understanding how basic melodies fit into fuller harmonic contexts
• Building confidence through experiencing piece completion and musical richness