More Up-Grade!, Grades 0-1: Piano Book

These 17 pieces give pianists exactly what the title promises: genuine stepping stones between grades. Wedgwood refuses the temptation to rehash one style across the collection. Instead, you get contrasting moods and textures from one page to the next, which keeps practice sessions engaging and teaches students to approach each piece on its own terms. The rhythmic vitality in pieces like "Beefburger Boogie" and the harmonic color in "Winter Palace" reveal a composer who respects her young audience.

Wedgwood creates a musical landscape that feels inviting and genuinely fun. From toe-tapping boogie to pastoral quiet and adventurous storytelling, the collection moves between moments of pure joy and genuine tenderness. Students encounter real musical personalities on every page rather than generic patterns.

This collection works beautifully for pianists solidifying their foothold in early elementary repertoire and preparing for transition into later grades. It suits private studio lessons where variety and genuine musical interest are priorities, and it's equally valuable in group piano settings where students benefit from diverse stylistic exposure.

• Distinguish the jazz-inflected pieces from the classical-leaning ones by adjusting your touch and tone quality. "Beefburger Boogie" thrives with a lighter, almost bouncy articulation, while "A Peaceful Moment" and "Winter Palace" call for a rounder, more sustained sound.
• Anchor the rhythmic pieces with a steady pulse, but resist rushing the syncopation in titles like "It's Cool, Man." Play these with precision first, then add swing once the pattern sits securely.
• Bring out the narrative quality of the descriptive titles. "The Little Blind Donkey" and "The Sad Princess" benefit from subtle dynamic shaping that tells their story without overdoing the character.

Draw from this book for recital programming at early elementary level, pairing contrasting pieces to create a satisfying program arc. You might also thread individual pieces throughout a studio year as rewards, technical stepping stones, or morale boosters when students need a musical win. The variety makes it equally useful as a performance collection or a discovery-driven practice resource.

• Stylistic flexibility (jazz elements, classical phrasing, character pieces)
• Rhythmic accuracy in syncopated patterns
• Hand independence and balance between melody and accompaniment
• Dynamic shaping and sustain control
• Reading and interpreting descriptive musical character