Premier Piano Course, Performance 1B: Piano
By Dennis Alexander, Gayle Kowalchyk, E. L. Lancaster, Victoria McArthur, and Martha Mier
Level: 1B
Item: 00-PB-0000953
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Description
The audio for this book is also available for download here
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Sample Audio
01 The Spelling Bee (performance tempo)
Sample Video
Additional Details
More about this title
About the Composer: Dennis Alexander

Dennis Alexander has shaped generations of young pianists through his prolific output of educational compositions for Alfred Music Publishing, a partnership spanning nearly four decades. Since 1986, he has created over 400 publications and recordings that establish him as one of the most widely performed composers of pedagogical piano literature worldwide. Alexander taught piano pedagogy at the University of Montana for 24 years before relocating to California, where he served on the faculties of Cal State Fullerton and Cal State Northridge. His career extends beyond the studio and classroom: he made his New York recital debut at Carnegie Hall, has collaborated with internationally recognized soloists and chamber ensembles, and remains an active clinician at state and national music teachers conventions.
Beyond his teaching and performing roles, Alexander has been commissioned by numerous organizations to create works and has judged national competitions internationally. His compositions have been performed throughout Asia, where he has conducted master classes and recitals in Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Indonesia, and South Korea. Based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, he maintains an active schedule as both a composer and touring artist, continuing to shape the landscape of piano education through music that balances accessibility with genuine artistry.
Why we love this
This collection pairs carefully sequenced repertoire with the exact concepts students are learning in the Lesson Book, making the musical payoff immediate and satisfying. The pieces span multiple styles and come with dual-tempo recordings (performance and practice speeds), giving students both a model to emulate and a slower track to build confidence without feeling rushed.
What to expect
These pieces balance melodic charm with musical substance. Whether working through a rhythmic study, a folk-inspired melody, or a short character piece, students encounter music that sounds like real compositions rather than exercises, building both technical security and genuine musicianship.
Who it's for
Beginning pianists at the 1B level who want repertoire that reinforces lesson concepts while introducing genuine musical styles and performance ideas. This book pairs directly with the Premier Piano Course Lesson Book 1B, making it essential for students following that curriculum.
How to get the most out of it
- Listen to the practice tempo recording first to internalize the note sequence and phrasing, then gradually increase speed using the performance tempo track as your target.
- Pay attention to the musical tips included for each piece; they move beyond mechanics and invite you to shape dynamics, articulation, and tempo for expressive effect.
- Use the variety of styles in this book as an opportunity to adjust your touch and pedal approach; a folk melody requires a different interpretive stance than a march or character piece.
How to use it
Assign pieces from this collection as students complete corresponding lessons in the Lesson Book, using them as recital material or informal performance opportunities throughout the year. The dual-tempo recordings make these accessible for students practicing at home, reducing the need for teacher accompaniment while still providing performance models.
Skills your students will build
- Reinforcement of concepts from the Premier Piano Course Lesson Book 1B (note reading, rhythm, hand position)
- Expressive performance choices including dynamic shaping and tempo awareness
- Stylistic differentiation across folk, march, and character piece genres
- Confidence learning from recorded models at practice and performance tempos
- Musical phrasing and articulation appropriate to melody type