Notespeller 1A reinforces note-reading concepts presented in Lesson Book 1A through written exercises. Note and interval identification exercises are presented to provide systematic reinforcement to help the student read and write notes on the staff. QR codes are included and link directly to Premier Online Assistant videos that further support and increase understanding of the concepts.
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Dr. Gayle Kowalchyk brings decades of piano pedagogy expertise to her work at California State University, Northridge, where she teaches class piano, private lessons, and pedagogy courses. Her academic preparation spans performance degrees from Ohio University and Northwestern University, plus an Ed.D. in piano pedagogy from Teachers College, Columbia University. She has held faculty positions at Eastern Illinois University, Oklahoma Baptist University, and the University of Oklahoma, and spent summers teaching at the National Music Camp in Interlochen.
Kowalchyk's impact on music education extends far beyond the university classroom. As a clinician and adjudicator, she regularly presents at national conferences including MTNA, MENC, and the World Piano Pedagogy Conference. Working alongside her husband, Dr. E. L. Lancaster, she has authored over 300 educational piano books, among them the widely adopted Alfred's Premier Piano Course and Music for Little Mozarts. This Notespeller workbook reflects her understanding of how young pianists learn to decode the staff with clarity and confidence.
Why we love this
This workbook does the heavy lifting of reinforcement without feeling like busywork. The systematic progression of note and interval identification exercises gives students the focused practice they need to internalize staff reading, while the embedded QR codes connecting to Premier Online Assistant videos create a bridge between written work and visual, kinesthetic learning.
What to expect
Scaffolded and straightforward. Each exercise builds logically on the previous one, asking students to identify notes, then intervals, with room for written responses. The workbook feels manageable rather than intimidating, designed so a young pianist can work independently or with teacher guidance.
Who it's for
Beginning piano students in the 1A level who are working through Premier Lesson Book 1A and need structured written reinforcement of note-reading concepts. It also works well for homeschooling families and independent study, where supplemental materials must be clear and self-contained.
How to get the most out of it
Work through the exercises at the student's own pace rather than rushing through pages. Some students may need to spend two weeks on interval identification before moving forward.
Have the student write out answers in pencil so corrections can be made without frustration. Erasure is part of learning at this level.
Pair completed exercises with pieces from Lesson Book 1A so the student sees how note-reading skills transfer directly to repertoire they're playing.
How to use it
Assign pages as homework between lessons, or reserve time in the studio each week for completing a section while the teacher observes and offers feedback. Homeschooling parents can work through one or two pages daily as the core of their piano curriculum, using the video links when a student needs clarification.
Skills your students will build
Note identification on treble and bass staves
Interval recognition and naming
Staff reading accuracy and fluency
Written music notation understanding
Independent learning through QR code video references
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