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

This workbook treats theory as something to do, not just something to know. The rotating activity types keep students engaged across multiple learning styles while building the conceptual bedrock they need to sight-read fluently and understand what they're playing.

Like watching a student suddenly understand why a piece is shaped the way it is. The workbook has the clarity and forward momentum of a well-planned curriculum, with enough creative space built in that students feel ownership over what they're learning.

Grade 2B pianists ready to move beyond pure mechanics into the theory that makes sense of what their hands are doing. This book works best for students who benefit from structured, varied activities that reinforce concepts from their lesson repertoire without feeling like busywork.

• Spread the written work across the week rather than assigning the entire book at once. Students absorb theory best when they encounter concepts in short bursts alongside their pieces.
• Have students complete the ear training exercises aloud with you present. Their hesitations and errors reveal exactly which intervals or chord qualities need review.
• Use the composition prompts as springboards for improvisation at the keyboard before students commit anything to paper. This bridges the gap between understanding theory and applying it creatively.

Assign this as the primary theory reinforcement alongside your lesson repertoire throughout the grade 2B year. The tiered activities allow you to differentiate: stronger readers can tackle the compositional and analysis work, while all students solidify their understanding through matching and fill-in exercises.

• Scale construction across multiple octaves and key signatures
• Recognition and completion of authentic and plagal cadences
• Interval identification and notation
• Time signature comprehension and rhythmic dictation
• Basic melodic composition within harmonic constraints
• Ear training for chord quality and harmonic function
• Reading and notating rhythmic patterns in mixed meters