Accelerated Piano Adventures:
Top 10 things to know
Book 1 Concepts
- A reading system of intervals (2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th), patterns, and notes across the grand staff
- Rhythms:
- Legato and staccato articulation
- C and G five-finger scales
- Tonic, dominant, I and V7 chords
- Reading sharps, flats, naturals
- Transposing, harmonizing, improvising, composing
- Teacher duets
- Nine Accelerated Book 1
Technique Secrets
Part 1
– Rounded Hand Shape
– Firm Fingertips
– Correct Thumb Position
– Arm Weight
– Relaxed Wrist
Part 2
– Finger Independence
– Light Hand Bounce
– Light Thumb
– Wrist Float-off - For play-along Audio fun: pianoadventures.com/audio
Top 5 things to do
Book 1 Teaching Actions
- For the older beginner, learning to read music quickly and confidently is essential. Begin the Sightreading Book promptly for note immersion! Consider using the online Sightreading Coach for deeper practice.
- Learn more 5-finger scales at any point in Accelerated Book 1.
- Memorize one piece from each unit.
- Always do the Discovery Questions to look deeper into the score—analysis!
- Accelerated Book 1 students will find success based on how many pieces they are able to play. Consider a PlayTime book mid-way through the level, letting the student choose the style.
The best advice
The older beginner is a joy to teach with analysis, creativity, and expression. Teach a piece using analysis to engage the older beginner’s thinking skills. Then follow with expressing the character of the piece. Often a quick creative foray can round out the learning process.