Suzuki Piano School International Edition Piano Book and CD, Volume 3: Piano Book & CD

Volume 3 anchors the transition from early-intermediate to intermediate repertoire with pieces that genuinely reward musical growth. The inclusion of Schumann, Gurlitt, and Bartók alongside Bach and Clementi gives students access to Romantic and 20th-century voices they'd otherwise miss until much later, while Azuma's recorded performances set a standard for phrasing and voicing that students can reference as they work through each piece.

This collection spans four centuries of keyboard writing, from Bach's contemplative counterpoint through Romantic character pieces to Bartók's modern playfulness. Each piece carries its own mood and technical demand; you'll move from the elegant architecture of Clementi's sonatinas to the spirited energy of The Wild Rider to the rhythmic intrigue of Teasing Song, finding fresh challenges and rewards in each style.

Students in their intermediate years who are ready to explore sonatina form, multi-movement structures, and music beyond the Baroque and Classical periods. Teachers using the Suzuki method will find Volume 3 essential for students transitioning to greater independence and stylistic awareness, particularly those progressing through the standard sequence in sequential order.

• Listen to Azuma's interpretation of the sonatinas before beginning score study; his approach to articulation and voicing in the Clementi and Kuhlau pieces will clarify textural priorities you'll build into your own playing.
• Shape the Schumann and Gurlitt pieces with attention to the singing quality Azuma models; these Romantic pieces demand a different touch than the Classical sonatinas and benefit from careful listening to how he balances melody with accompaniment.
• Use the Bach minuet to refine your understanding of baroque ornamentation and voice leading; the recorded performance shows how restraint and clarity serve the counterpoint rather than obscuring it.

Volume 3 serves as the natural progression for students completing Volumes 1 and 2, offering recital repertoire at the intermediate level that stands up to concert performance. The diverse style content makes it ideal for student recitals that showcase range across historical periods, and the companion CD ensures that reference performances are always available for home practice and listening.

• Understanding sonatina form and multi-movement structure
• Baroque ornamentation and voice leading in counterpoint
• Romantic-era phrasing and singing tone at the keyboard
• Reading and interpreting character pieces from multiple musical periods
• Stylistic differentiation between Classical, Romantic, and 20th-century writing
• Building technical facility through progressively demanding figurations