Schultz Piano Course: Technique, Level 1: Piano Book

The Schultz Piano Course stands out because it treats technique not as isolated finger gymnastics but as something that grows naturally alongside repertoire and theory. The Level 1 Technique book integrates finger drills with musical studies and creative transposition work, so students experience why technique matters rather than simply executing exercises. Teachers appreciate how the three-part structure (reading/performance, technique, theory) mirrors the way accomplished pianists actually think.

Purposeful and encouraging. The technical exercises are straightforward enough to build confidence quickly, and the inclusion of short musical studies alongside finger drills means students feel like they are making real progress on repertoire, not just practicing mechanics.

Beginning pianists aged 6 through 10 who benefit from a structured, progressive approach to building independence and strength in both hands simultaneously. This book works best for students working one-on-one with a teacher who is also using the Reading and Performance and Theory books from the same level.

• Anchor the hand position during finger drills by keeping the wrist stable and level; focus each exercise on one hand at a time until the motion feels secure, then mirror it on the other hand
• Use transposition activities to reinforce what the student is learning in theory; moving a short study up and down by step deepens understanding of intervals and key relationships
• Rotate through the different technical areas within each lesson rather than spending the entire time on drills; a varied approach maintains focus and shows the student how different skills connect

Integrate this into your private lesson structure as the technical component of your lesson, using it simultaneously with the corresponding Reading and Performance book so skills reinforce each other. The transposition and creative activities naturally extend what the student is learning in theory, creating a cohesive learning experience rather than three separate subjects.

• Finger strength and independence in both hands
• Even tone and consistent control across all five fingers
• Hand position awareness and wrist stability
• Transposition by step and interval
• Technical awareness through short musical studies beyond finger drills