Year 'Round Fun, Book 1: Elementary/Late Elementary Piano Book

These pieces capture the character of each season without sentimentality. Costley's use of register and texture creates vivid snapshots, sometimes playful, sometimes introspective, always intentional. The absence of eighth notes keeps the pacing uncluttered, letting the harmonies and touch choices shine.

Elementary and late elementary piano students who are solid note readers and ready to move beyond method books. This collection works especially well for students transferring from another teacher, since the one-page format removes intimidation and the variety keeps attention sharp.

• Explore the full range of the keyboard in pieces that jump registers. Students often stick to middle C territory, so these pieces naturally encourage them to discover the piano's geography.
• Let the pedal be a learning tool, not a crutch. When pieces call for it, experiment with when to change the pedal so students hear the difference between muddied harmony and clear resonance.
• Vary touch from piece to piece. The short length of each work makes it realistic to practice different articulations and weights without the fatigue that longer pieces demand.

Assign one or two pieces from each season throughout the year to match your concert calendar and student progress. Since each piece stands alone, you can program them in spring recitals, winter concerts, or studio classes without needing to perform the entire book as a suite.

• Pedal control and listening to harmonic resonance
• Reading across multiple registers and hand positions
• Tonal color and touch differentiation
• Sight-reading fluency through exposure to varied textures and harmonies
• Musical interpretation beyond notation