Premier Piano Course, Performance 1A: Piano
By Dennis Alexander, Gayle Kowalchyk, E. L. Lancaster, Victoria McArthur, and Martha Mier
Level: 1A
Item: 00-PB-0000952
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Description
The audio for this book is also available for download here
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Sample Audio
01 Beep! Beep! (performance tempo)
Sample Video
Additional Details
More about this title
About the Composer: Dennis Alexander

Dennis Alexander established himself as a cornerstone figure in educational piano composition through his sustained collaboration with Alfred Music Publishing, beginning in 1986. His catalog of over 400 publications has shaped how generations of young pianists learn, combining pedagogical clarity with genuine musical appeal across all levels.
Alexander's career spans both academia and performance. He taught piano pedagogy at the University of Montana for 24 years before relocating to California, where he joined the faculties of Cal State Fullerton and Cal State Northridge. His work as a soloist, accompanist, and chamber musician has taken him across North America and Asia, including performances at Carnegie Recital Hall and tours through Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Indonesia, and South Korea. He remains an active clinician at state and national music teachers conventions.
Why we love this
Alexander and his co-composers understand that early repertoire must do double duty: it needs to reinforce specific technical and theoretical concepts while remaining genuinely enjoyable to play. This collection delivers both without compromise. The variety of styles keeps young pianists engaged across a full practice session.
What to expect
These pieces sparkle with charm. You'll find folk-inspired melodies, gentle character pieces, and whimsical moments that make practicing feel less like work and more like discovering something delightful on the page. The writing respects young hands and minds while offering real musical satisfaction.
Who it's for
This is designed for piano students working through the Premier Piano Course Lesson Book 1A who need carefully curated repertoire that reinforces what they're learning in lessons. The pieces are approachable for young beginners while maintaining musical integrity and variety of style.
How to get the most out of it
- Listen to the recorded performance tempo first to hear how the piece should sound musically, then move to the practice tempo to work through technical passages.
- Read the performance tips provided in the book before you play; they offer specific guidance on musicality and interpretation for each piece.
- Play through the slower practice tempo recording while following your score to develop secure rhythm and note reading without rushing.
- Once you master the notes, return to the performance tempo recording and model your phrasing and dynamic choices after what you hear.
How to use it
Build practice sessions by pairing pieces from this book with the corresponding concepts in your Lesson Book, allowing repertoire to reinforce and deepen understanding of new material. Use recordings during the week for ear training and as a model for interpretation before approaching performance tempo. Select pieces that connect thematically or stylistically with your student's interests to maintain engagement over the course of the level.
Skills your students will build
- Reading and performing pieces in multiple keys and styles at early elementary level
- Developing musicality through performance tips and model recordings at practice and performance tempos
- Reinforcing theory and technique concepts introduced in the Lesson Book through well-selected repertoire
- Building confidence and enjoyment in regular practice through appealing, age-appropriate compositions