Repertoire by Rote: Piano Book

Alexander understands exactly what elementary pianists need: pieces they can learn without relying on reading notation, paired with a teaching structure that actually works in the studio. The memory maps give students a concrete visual tool, while the rote-based approach frees up cognitive energy so pianists can focus on technique, musicality, and building confidence in their hands. These solos work beautifully for recitals and build repertoire quickly.

These pieces capture the American Southwest in sound: open, colorful, and direct. From the shimmering repetition of black-key patterns to the bright energy of "Jubilation!" and the gentle ringing of "Bells Are Ringing!", the collection balances simplicity with genuine musical character. Each solo has personality without pretense.

This collection serves elementary and late elementary pianists who are building their foundation in technique and repertoire. It's ideal for studio teachers who want to develop musicianship and memory skills without making notation the bottleneck, and for students who thrive when they can hear and feel music first.

• Teach the piece hands separately at first, then layer them together once each hand is secure in muscle memory. The memory maps guide this progression naturally.
• Focus on consistent tempo before worrying about expression. Once the student owns the piece rhythmically, musical shaping emerges more easily.
• Encourage students to look at their hands rather than at a notation page. This builds kinesthetic awareness and keeps their eyes where they need to be.
• Use the black-key pieces early in the book as confidence builders; their tactile geography makes them feel accessible, and students often finish them quickly.

Include these pieces in student recitals as both showcase solos and as encore material; their accessibility means students can learn them confidently while you develop other parts of the program. The variety of moods and titles also makes them excellent for themed recitals or demonstrations of rote learning in community events.

• Playing by ear and muscle memory
• Reading and using memory maps as a learning tool
• Black-key and scale-based keyboard geography
• Maintaining steady tempo without notation
• Building hand independence and coordination
• Performing with musical expression and phrasing