Technique 2A continues and expands on the technical and artistic tools learned in Technique books 1A and 1B. The seven new Technique Tools introduced are: dynamic shaping, crossing over the thumb, solid-sounding chords, two-note slurs, seamless melodies, balance between melody and accompaniment, and damper pedal footwork. Artistic Etudes showcase a student's technique in an expressive musical setting, and Hands-Together Workshops focus on developing the skills necessary for coordinating hands-together playing. Each page in the Technique Book correlates with a specific page in the Lesson Book.
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Dennis Alexander has shaped generations of young pianists through his prolific output of educational works. Since joining Alfred Music Publishing in 1986, he has created over 400 publications and recordings that have established him as one of the most respected composers of pedagogical piano literature globally. His teaching career spanned four decades, including 24 years at the University of Montana as both applied instructor and piano pedagogy professor, followed by faculty positions at Cal State Fullerton and Cal State Northridge.
Beyond the studio and classroom, Alexander maintains an active schedule as a clinician, adjudicator, and performer. He has appeared as soloist and collaborative artist at prestigious venues including Carnegie Recital Hall, and has been invited to conduct masterclasses at national conferences and judge international competitions. His work reflects a deep understanding of how students learn, what motivates them to practice, and how to build genuine musicianship from the earliest levels.
Why we love this
This level builds the exact technical foundations that separate fumbling students from confident pianists. The seven new Technique Tools arrive in a deliberate sequence, each one introduced through focused exercises before students apply them in Artistic Etudes that demand real musical thinking. Hands-Together Workshops specifically target the coordination challenges that stall progress at this stage, and the direct correlation between Technique Book and Lesson Book means nothing feels disconnected or arbitrary.
What to expect
Purposeful and musical. Rather than drilling techniques in isolation, students encounter each new tool in a context where musicality matters. The progression from technique-focused exercises to Artistic Etudes creates satisfying moments when abstract finger work suddenly becomes part of a real composition.
Who it's for
Students who have completed Technique 1A and 1B and are ready to expand their palette of technical and artistic tools. Teachers following the Premier Piano Course sequence will find this an essential companion to the corresponding Lesson Book.
How to get the most out of it
Spend at least two days on each Technique Tool before moving forward. These aren't skills to check off; they're foundations that will resurface constantly in repertoire.
Use the Artistic Etudes as informal performance opportunities in studio recitals or group lessons. Students hear immediately why the technique matters when they apply it to expressive music.
Watch the pedal footwork section carefully during lessons. Many students at this level associate the damper pedal with sounding "professional," but unclear footwork creates mud instead of resonance.
How to use it
Integrate the Artistic Etudes into group lesson demonstrations or studio recitals to celebrate technique in a meaningful way. The coordinated structure with the Lesson Book makes it possible to move through both materials simultaneously without duplication, maintaining momentum across the entire curriculum.
Skills your students will build
Dynamic shaping and controlled tone variation
Thumb crossover technique for scalar passages
Chord voicing and solid harmonic foundation
Two-note slur execution with control
Legato melody playing across hand positions
Balancing melody prominence against accompaniment texture
Damper pedal coordination and timing
Hands-together independence and rhythmic alignment
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