Up-Grade! Piano, Grades 1-2: Piano Book

Wedgwood understands that students at the Grades 1-2 boundary need to feel accomplished, not intimidated. This book delivers exactly that: pieces that sound genuinely interesting when played well, with enough stylistic variety that both student and teacher stay engaged through repeated rehearsals. The jazz-influenced material especially sets this collection apart from the typical classical-only progression books.

A collection that balances discipline with discovery. The classical pieces carry sophistication and poise; the jazz selections spark energy and swing. Throughout, the writing remains transparent and focused, never cluttering the page with unnecessary notes or overly complex fingering patterns.

Students finishing Grade 1 or early in Grade 2 who are ready to expand their musical vocabulary but still need material that builds confidence through achievability. This book also suits students who've been working exclusively in classical idioms and benefit from exposure to jazz and contemporary styles at an accessible level.

• Let the jazzy pieces breathe. Students often rush swing feels and syncopation, so establish a comfortable tempo in the practice room before the student ever sits down. Mark a steady beat in the score if needed.
• Pay attention to dynamic contrast within each piece, however short. Wedgwood doesn't waste notes, so when volume changes appear, they're there for a reason.
• Classical pieces in the collection warrant traditional phrasing work. Show students where the phrases naturally begin and end, and avoid the trap of playing too mechanically because the technical demands are modest.
• Record yourself playing a few pieces for the student to hear. Hearing an adult's musical interpretation early in the learning process shapes how students listen to their own playing.

Assign pieces from this collection as supplements to a core method book during the transition between grades, or use it as a standalone book for students who progress faster than a linear method allows. The stylistic variety also makes it ideal for recital preparation, since teachers can match pieces to individual student personalities and strengths.

• Playing swing feel and syncopated rhythms in jazz contexts
• Phrasing and shaping in classical-style pieces
• Navigating tempo changes and dynamic contrast
• Building independence between hands in moderate-complexity textures
• Recognizing and executing stylistic differences across genres
• Developing consistent rhythm in both straight and swing meters