Michael Aaron Piano Course: Technic, Grade 1: Piano Book

Aaron's Technic books do exactly what a first-grade supplement should: they isolate and reinforce the technical concepts students encounter in the lesson books without feeling like busywork. The integration with his original lesson series means you're not piecing together mismatched materials from different pedagogical philosophies.

Focused and purposeful. These short technical studies feel like building blocks rather than drills; each one targets something specific and moves quickly so students stay engaged.

Beginning piano students (typically ages 6-8) who are working through Grade 1 of the Michael Aaron lesson series. Teachers using the Aaron method will find this book essential for students who need extra reinforcement in finger independence, hand shape, and basic pattern work.

• Have students observe their hand position and posture before playing each exercise; technical habits form fastest when physical awareness comes first
• Work through one brief section per practice session rather than attempting an entire page, which prevents fatigue and builds confidence
• Connect each technical exercise to a corresponding passage in the accompanying Aaron lesson book, so students hear how technique serves the music

Assign exercises alongside the corresponding lesson book material to accelerate progress on weak technical areas. Many teachers use one exercise per week as homework between lessons, pairing it with the musical piece the student is learning.

• Hand position and finger independence
• Legato and staccato articulation control
• Basic five-finger patterns across the keyboard
• Consistent tone production at the keyboard
• Rhythm accuracy in simple meters