Playing With Colour: Book 3: Piano Book

Book 3 trusts students with genuine musicianship while maintaining the scaffolding that made earlier books accessible. The gradual introduction of theory, ear training, and improvisation alongside traditional repertoire means students aren't just playing notes; they're developing the thinking skills that sustain a lifelong relationship with music.

Book 3 maintains the approachable, colorful character of the series while introducing genuine musical depth. Students encounter pieces that feel rewarding to play and exercises that challenge without overwhelming, creating that sweet spot where practice feels like discovery rather than obligation.

This book serves students in their first or second year of piano study, particularly those who responded well to the foundational work in Books 1 and 2. It's equally valuable for students joining a structured method sequence and those learning in flexible private lesson settings.

• Spend time with the graphic illustrations before playing. The hand position diagrams train visual memory and prevent the student from looking down at their hands constantly.
• Use improvisation exercises as confidence builders. Students who feel anxious about reading can explore keyboard patterns freely first, then return to notation with less fear.
• Separate ear training from playing sessions occasionally. Short, focused listening exercises before a practice session sharpen attention and improve accuracy later.
• Let rhythm work breathe. The exercises are designed to be revisited, not rushed through. A student who spends three days on one rhythm pattern will retain it far better than one who races ahead.

Integrate this into a sequential piano curriculum where students progress through the Playing with Colour series across multiple years. The built-in theory and ear training components reduce the need for separate supplementary workbooks, making it efficient for teachers managing multiple students at different stages.

• Reading staff notation with leger lines
• Understanding intervals and basic harmonic progressions
• Rhythmic accuracy in simple meters (2/4, 3/4, 4/4)
• Left hand independence and hand position stability
• Ear training for pitch recognition and melodic contour
• Basic improvisation within defined harmonic structures
• Sight-reading fluency at Grade 1 level