Spotlight on Duets, Book 1: Elementary/Late Elementary Piano Book

Marlais writes duets that actually sound like music rather than exercises. Students stay engaged because the parts are genuinely interesting to play together, not relegated to rhythmic padding or simple accompaniment patterns. The progression through the book builds ensemble awareness naturally, preparing students for more sophisticated collaborative work ahead.

These duets have a refreshingly gentle quality. They invite collaboration without tension, letting beginning pianists discover that listening to a partner changes how they play. There's genuine joy in discovering that two simple parts together create something larger than the sum of their pieces.

Young pianists ready to experience ensemble playing for the first time. This book works well for students in the early to late elementary stage who need duets appropriate to their developing technique but are eager to play with others.

• Record both parts separately, then listen to them layered together. Hearing the complete texture helps students understand where their part sits in the overall sound.
• Slow the tempo significantly at first rehearsals. Early duet players benefit from extra time to listen and adjust their part relative to their partner.
• Switch parts between students periodically. Trading primo and secondo deepens their understanding of how each voice contributes to the whole.

Assign duets as regular homework when students reach early elementary level. This removes the performance pressure of solo playing while building the aural skills needed for later chamber work. Many studios also pair these duets with recital performances to showcase student progress in a non-threatening ensemble context.

• Listening to a partner while maintaining their own part
• Matching tone and tempo with another player
• Balancing dynamics between primo and secondo voices
• Coordinating entries and maintaining rhythmic independence
• Responding musically to another performer in real time