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

Marlais understands that early piano students need their hands and minds engaged simultaneously. The balance between structured exercises and open-ended composing activities means students aren't just passively absorbing notation; they're building ownership over what they're learning. The ear training woven throughout catches rhythmic and melodic patterns in context, not in isolation.

Working through these pages feels less like drilling and more like playing. Short exercises keep frustration low while the composing invitations give students genuine creative agency. The thoughtful artwork creates an inviting learning environment that celebrates the joy of making music.

This book is designed for preparatory-level pianists just beginning their journey with keyboard and music literacy. It works equally well for young children and older beginners who benefit from creative composing opportunities alongside traditional method instruction.

• Sit with your student during the ear training sections and sing or clap the patterns back before writing them. This makes the connection between sound and symbol tangible.
• Let the composition activities breathe. Students may need time to sketch ideas before committing to notation, so build in space for exploration rather than rushing to finished products.
• The captivating artwork serves a real purpose: pause occasionally to talk about what the illustration shows musically, making the visual element a teaching tool rather than mere decoration.

Use this as your primary preparatory method if your studio or school program values early composition and student autonomy. It pairs naturally with group piano classes where peer sharing of original pieces reinforces community and confidence. The self-contained nature of each activity also makes it ideal for students progressing at their own pace.

• Recognizing and notating basic rhythm patterns
• Note and interval identification by ear
• Hand position and basic technique
• Reading treble clef notation
• Creating original melodic and rhythmic ideas
• Understanding fundamental music concepts through applied composition