Take Note, Book 1: Piano Book

Vandall understands that early elementary pianists need variety, not just technical exercises dressed up as songs. This collection delivers genuine musical styles (blues, jazz, descriptive character pieces) that keep students engaged while building real musicianship. The embedded "Take Note" sections transform each piece into a mini-lesson on form, harmony, or rhythmic patterns, so practicing becomes thinking.

Each piece is a small world with its own mood and personality. Some are playful and energetic; others are introspective and imaginative. Together, they demonstrate that piano music can be both fun to play and genuinely expressive, whether you're depicting a barn dance or the morning mist.

Early to late elementary pianists ready to move beyond simplified folk songs and methodical exercises. This collection works well for students with 1-2 years of study who are developing independent practice habits and beginning to recognize musical styles.

• Isolate the "Take Note" section before playing through the full piece. Understanding what pattern or concept you're listening for makes the piece feel less like memorization and more like discovery.
• Use contrasting dynamics and touch to highlight the style of each piece. "Blue Boogie" needs swing feel and loose articulation; "Morning Fog" requires sustained, legato playing to create atmosphere.
• Record yourself and listen back, especially for pieces with programmatic titles like "Scary Story" or "Robot on the Keys." Your musical choices become clearer when you hear them outside the moment of playing.
• Work with a teacher to set a comfortable tempo for each piece before focusing on dynamics and expression. Rushing these pieces obscures the compositional details Vandall included.

Assign pieces from this book as recital solo options, or use them to structure a "Piano Styles" unit where students explore one contrasting piece per week. The variety of keys and tempos makes it easy to select pieces that suit different readiness levels within a group lesson setting.

• Recognizing and performing jazz rhythms and swing feel
• Reading in varied keys and time signatures appropriate to elementary level
• Understanding song structure and musical form through analysis
• Developing tone control and articulation appropriate to musical style
• Building independence in identifying practice strategies based on musical content