Succeeding at the Piano, Theory & Activity Book - Grade 1B (2nd Edition): Piano Book

This book refuses to separate theory from music-making. The activities (Ear Training, Parrot Play, Time to Compose) aren't supplemental; they're how the concepts stick. The staff sizes and write-on format remove friction, letting first-year pianists focus on understanding rather than struggling with tiny notation.

Playful and intentional. The colorful pages invite exploration rather than obedience, and each exercise connects directly to something a student can hear or create at the keys. Theory becomes tangible.

First-year piano students who respond better to varied activities than to drill-based workbooks. Teachers seeking a method that builds reading fluency while keeping young students engaged through art, composition, and ear work.

• Rotate through the activity types so students don't anticipate what comes next. Switching between ear training and composition keeps attention sharp across the lesson.
• Have students do the writing activities in pencil first, then trace over their answers with a colored pencil. The tactile reinforcement strengthens memory of note names and rhythm notation.
• Pair the Follow the Leader exercises with call-and-response at the keyboard. After completing the page, trade roles so the student leads and you follow.

Use this as your primary method book for elementary piano students, working through one or two units per week alongside your lesson repertoire. The short exercises pair naturally with performance pieces, letting students apply new concepts immediately rather than waiting weeks for review.

• Staff reading and note identification
• Rhythm notation and notation reading
• Ear training and listening discrimination
• Basic composition and melodic creation
• Keyboard mapping and hand position
• Pencil control and music notation handwriting