Succeeding at the Piano, Lesson & Technique Book - Preparatory (2nd Edition): Preparatory Piano Book

This book refuses to separate technique from music. The Tissue Box and Drip-Drop-Roll touch releases aren't isolated exercises, they're woven through actual pieces, so students experience proper hand position as a natural part of playing real music. Teachers consistently report that this integration leads to faster progress and fewer bad habits that need correcting later.

Discovering that your hands know how to move and rest at the keyboard feels natural, almost effortless. The music is freshly written and genuinely engaging, never condescending. There's real joy in playing a complete piece, even at this beginning stage.

First-year piano students ready to begin formal study with a teacher. This book works equally well for young children and adult beginners, since Marlais builds everything from a common foundation, Middle C position and healthy technique, without talking down to any age group.

• Demonstrate the Tissue Box release with your own hand before asking students to attempt it. Let them watch your wrist and fingers work together, then mirror what they see rather than simply following verbal directions.
• Assign the teacher duets a week before the student solo. This gives you time to learn your part thoroughly, which means better tempo control and more confident accompaniment during the lesson.
• Rotate between the motivational pieces and technique-focused material within each lesson. A lighter solo followed by a guided exercise keeps energy up without losing focus on proper mechanics.
• Record yourself playing the duet part so students can practice at home with a reliable accompaniment. The security of hearing the full texture often clarifies rhythm and phrasing faster than practice alone.

Use this during the first year of a studio or class piano program to establish consistent technique across all beginners. If you teach mixed ages or restart students, the 2nd Edition's cleaner presentation and simplified technical framework make it easier to bring everyone to the same place quickly.

• Recognition and reading of notes in Middle C position and C position
• Basic interval identification by sight
• Rhythmic reading including quarter notes, half notes, whole notes, and quarter rests
• Dynamic expression (soft and loud playing with intentional sound control)
• Proper hand position and touch release techniques that protect long-term playing health
• Understanding of fundamental musical symbols and notation
• Coordination between hands in simple accompaniment patterns