Pieces Are Fun, Book 1: Piano

Hirschberg's commitment to big note notation removes a genuine barrier for visually impaired pianists while keeping the music genuinely musical. These aren't condescending simplifications; they're carefully crafted pieces that respect both the student and the instrument.

These pieces combine straightforward melodies with steady harmonic support, creating a sense of forward momentum and musical clarity. The writing invites students to experience the joy of playing real music, not exercises in disguise.

This book serves piano students with visual impairments who need enlarged notation to read music independently. It's equally valuable for teachers working with low vision students who benefit from scaled-up print without sacrificing musical content.

• Let students hear themselves succeed early by choosing pieces that sit comfortably under the fingers without awkward reaches or position shifts.
• Pair the visual accessibility of large notation with tactile landmarks on the keyboard (raised bump stickers or textured tape on key references) to build spatial awareness.
• Record yourself playing through each piece first so students can establish the musical arc before diving into technical details.

Use Book 1 as a foundational resource in private studio settings or inclusive group piano classes where students have varying visual needs. The 48 pages provide a full year's worth of repertoire that grows naturally with student confidence and technical development.

• Reading enlarged staff notation with accuracy
• Building left hand independence in broken chord accompaniment patterns
• Sustaining consistent tempo through four-bar phrases
• Recognizing and playing simple harmonic progressions
• Developing reliable finger placement without visual verification