Premier Piano Course, Technique 1B: Piano Book

The Hands-Together Workshops are a standout feature that directly addresses a common stumbling block for students at this level. Rather than assuming students will coordinate their hands through isolated pieces, these focused exercises build that independence systematically. Each technique tool introduced here (legato, staccato, wrist motion, phrasing) connects to real artistic goals, so students understand they're not drilling for the sake of drilling.

Clean, purposeful, and musical. These exercises feel like real music rather than mechanical drills, with flowing legato passages that sing, crisp staccato moments that sparkle, and phrasing that teaches students their hands can communicate intention. The etudes showcase technique in context, proving that good technique serves artistic expression.

Students progressing through Level 1B of the Premier Piano Course who are ready to deepen their technical foundation and coordinate both hands with intention. This book serves students ages 6-8 typically, though age varies with individual readiness and prior study.

• Approach the patterned exercises with rhythmic precision before adding expression. Once the hand position and motion feel secure, layer in the phrasing and dynamics the etudes require.
• Use the Hands-Together Workshops to diagnose coordination issues early. If a student struggles with a particular workshop, isolate that problem before moving forward rather than hoping the next piece will click.
• Connect each new technique tool to the artistic etudes. Show your student how the staccato patterns they practice become the sparkle in a piece, or how legato exercises serve the singing quality of a melodic study.
• Correlate daily work with the Lesson Book. Having both books open builds a cohesive picture of what the student is learning and prevents the Technique Book from feeling like a separate chore.

Integrate the Technique Book as the spine of your weekly lesson structure alongside the Lesson Book, allowing each page to reinforce the other. Reserve the artistic etudes for recital programming when students reach them, as they provide excellent early performance opportunities that build confidence without demanding excessive memorization or performance anxiety.

• Smooth legato playing with controlled hand position
• Crisp staccato articulation in both hands
• Rising wrist motion for larger intervals and jumps
• Shaping phrases with dynamic nuance and pacing
• Coordinating hands with independence and clarity
• Recognizing and executing patterned movements across different keys and positions