Side by Side: Part 2B Cover Image

Side by Side: Part 2B: Piano Duet (1 Piano, 4 Hands) Book

$6.95 USD
$6.95 USD
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Side by Side: Part 2B Cover Image
Side by Side: Part 2B: Piano Duet (1 Piano, 4 Hands) Book

Side by Side: Part 2B: Piano Duet (1 Piano, 4 Hands) Book

Duets for the Elementary Pianist

By Ted Cooper and Amy Glennon

Item: 00-0690
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Description
There is nothing more exciting than a young pianist fully expressing a musical idea. The goal of this collection is to provide repertoire that encourages expressive playing using the natural capabilities of the elementary student. Because finding that perfect piece is central to a student's success and motivation, included is a wide variety of styles -- programmatic music, impressionistic music, blues, and traditional melodies. Although designed as duets, the student parts are satisfying when played as solos. Side by Side 2B coordinates with Music Tree 2B of the Frances Clark Library but can be used with any method.

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Additional Details
Series: Frances Clark Library
Publisher: Alfred Music
Page Count: 24
ISBN10: 0-87487-690-7
ISBN13: 978-0-87487-690-1
UPC: 654979086116
SKU: 00-0690

More about this title

Why we love this

Side by Side 2B strikes an uncommon balance: the student part feels genuinely musical and complete, not subordinate to the teacher's role. The variety within one collection (programmatic, impressionistic, blues, and traditional forms) means you can address different compositional styles without hunting through multiple books, and students stay engaged because the repertoire speaks to their actual interests rather than existing only as a training ground.

What to expect

Varied and alive. One moment you are painting an impressionistic scene with shimmering textures; the next you are improvising within a blues framework or discovering a folk melody in a new light. The music honors the student's growing ability to shape a phrase and respond to musical color without demanding virtuosity.

Who it's for

Elementary pianists (approximately levels 2-3) ready to engage with expressively demanding material but still benefiting from the collaborative structure of duet playing. Teachers seeking repertoire that motivates young students by offering real musical substance rather than mere technical drilling.

How to get the most out of it

  • Balance the four hands by listening for the melody line regardless of which part carries it; resist the urge to favor the primo part simply because it's higher.
  • Work out hand independence at slow tempos first. Students often unconsciously mirror their partner's hand position or pedaling, so isolate moments where the hands move in different directions.
  • Explore the character of each style (programmatic storytelling, impressionistic color, blues feel) in rehearsal before polishing mechanics; expressive intention shapes how technique is deployed.
  • When the student plays the part as a solo, listen for which passages need the teacher's harmonic support and which ones already balance well; this reveals what the student has internalized.

How to use it

Reserve these duets for recitals where student performance shines brightest, pairing the primo and teacher so young pianists experience the joy of making music with a skilled partner. They work equally well in studio lessons as confidence builders and preparation for ensemble playing.

Skills your students will build

  • Expressive shaping within elementary technique (dynamics, rubato, phrasing)
  • Listening and balancing within a two-part texture
  • Hand independence and coordination at the keyboard
  • Recognition of style characteristics (impressionistic, blues, programmatic, traditional melody)
  • Confidence playing the same piece as either a duet or a solo

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