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 three decades of piano pedagogy expertise to her teaching positions at California State University, Northridge, where she instructs class piano, applied piano, and pedagogy courses. Her academic preparation spans performance degrees from Ohio University and Northwestern University, culminating in an Ed.D. in piano pedagogy from Teachers College, Columbia University. She has held faculty positions at Eastern Illinois University, where she directed the preparatory piano program and coordinated class piano offerings, as well as at Oklahoma Baptist University and the University of Oklahoma.
Kowalchyk's influence extends through hundreds of published educational works co-authored with her husband, Dr. E. L. Lancaster, including the Premier Piano Course and Music for Little Mozarts series. A regular clinician at national conferences and symposia, she has shaped piano pedagogy discourse across MTNA conventions, the National Group Piano Symposium, and the World Piano Pedagogy Conference. Her practical understanding of how young pianists learn informs every exercise and progression in her coursework.
Why we love this
Notespeller 1A works because it meets students exactly where Lesson Book 1A leaves them, with targeted drills that transform note-reading from a struggle into a habit. The QR code integration lets students access video explanations instantly, turning a traditional workbook into an interactive learning tool that reinforces without requiring constant teacher redirection.
What to expect
Straightforward and focused. The exercises feel like natural extensions of the lesson material rather than busywork, grounding abstract note names into concrete visual patterns students recognize and internalize.
Who it's for
Beginning pianists using the Premier Course sequence benefit most from this companion, especially those learning at home without frequent studio time. Parents and independent teachers will appreciate the structured approach and built-in video support that reduces prep work while maintaining pedagogical rigor.
How to get the most out of it
Work through the exercises in order rather than skipping around; each section deliberately builds on the previous concepts to cement pattern recognition.
Have students complete one page per practice session to maintain momentum without overwhelming their developing reading skills.
Reference the QR code videos when a student hesitates on a concept; the visual reinforcement often resolves confusion faster than re-explaining.
How to use it
Assign one page per week alongside your Lesson Book 1A instruction to deepen note-reading fluency without adding complexity. For students who struggle with staff reading, these drills provide the repetition necessary for automaticity while keeping practice sessions short and confidence high.
Skills your students will build
Note identification on the grand staff
Interval recognition and naming
Treble and bass clef fluency
Visual pattern matching for staff placement
Written reinforcement of reading concepts
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