The Best of Tom Gerou, Book 1: Piano Book

Gerou knows exactly what students at this level need to hear: pieces with personality and purpose that don't condescend. The 12 solos here balance accessible technique with genuine musicality, drawing from his years of understanding what keeps young players engaged and what contests reward. Each piece has been tested in real studios and classrooms, so you're getting proven, not theoretical, material.

This collection spans storytelling moods. You'll find blues inflections in one piece, playful character sketches in another, and rhythmic confidence-builders throughout. The titles themselves invite students into imaginative territory, so the emotional journey feels connected to their lives rather than abstract.

Early elementary and elementary pianists who benefit from repertoire with genuine character and clear performance contexts. Teachers seeking a graded collection that offers enough variety to suit different students' interests without sacrificing musicianship or technical growth.

• Study the optional duet part beforehand, even if you'll perform solo. Understanding the harmonic and textural context helps you shape your phrasing with intention rather than playing individual lines.
• Pay attention to Gerou's style markings and tempo indications. These pieces cover jazz, character, and storytelling modes, so commit fully to each piece's distinct personality rather than treating all 12 with the same approach.
• Use the varied piece lengths strategically in your practice week. Some titles move quickly while others reward deeper work on sound production, so balance your daily routine accordingly.

Program selections from this collection across the year at different recitals, since the variety supports themed concerts (a "Character Pieces" recital could feature several titles, or pair individual solos with other early elementary repertoire for mixed-level recitals). The optional duet parts also create opportunities for collaborative performance moments in studio or community settings.

• Reading sharps and flats in varied keys
• Rhythmic precision in mixed meters and syncopated figures
• Stylistic differentiation (jazz voicings, character work, narrative phrasing)
• Hand independence and coordination across different textures
• Expressive control and tone shaping at the elementary level