Curriculum & Books

My teaching methods utilize a combination of curriculum and materials including Suzuki, Kodaly, & Dalcroze Eurythmics.

The following books and materials may be suggested for use with your child.  After the first few lessons, I will recommend certain books and materials for your child.

Early Childhood Students

For pre-school and pre-reading (both music & English language) students I have been using the following with great results

Bastien Piano Basics: Piano (Primer Level, Wp200)

An easy and visual way for the youngest students to start.  The added benefit is that there’s clear directions for parents to help at home with the lessons.

The Music Tree (Music Tree (Summy))- This a great way to get reading notation without reliance on finger numbers.  It really starts teaching the staff using intervals.  There’s a whole series that starts from here along with activity workbooks.

Teaching Little Fingers to Play: A Book for the Earliest Beginner (John Thompsons Modern Course for The Piano) – I use this mainly as a way to engage the younger students as the tunes are fun and memorable along with words.  As far as reading, it really gets kids too reliant on finger numbers which can be hard to break later on.

Suzuki Piano School Volume 1, Book and CD set.  It’s important to start listening right away everyday.  It can be passive listening in the background.  You will be amazed at how quickly your child will learn new songs after they’ve been hearing them for weeks and months.

Voice Students

The Everything Singing Book with CD: From mastering breathing techniques to performing live—all you need to hit the right notes (Everything Series)

So I was having coffee with my friend and fellow composer Bettina one day and I asked her what books or curriculum materials would she suggest for my voice students?

“Well, mine,” she said.

“I had no idea you wrote one!”

Well it’s wonderful and though it’s aimed at adults who are learning on their own, there are many years of teaching gems hidden in here, including a CD showing all the examples.  I would recommend this for parents teaching their kids or current voice teachers who want some other perspectives.

Computer Software & Games

Sibelius Groovy Shapes - this is an excellent computer game that teaches basic concepts in music to young children. It’s probably most effective for 3 to 6 year olds. I’ve used it with many of my younger students including my son, and it reinforces all the teaching that I’m doing in the lessons. Highly recommended.

Guitar Curriculum

I have my own curriculum for some of the youngest students. After about 6 months we move on to other materials.

I like to use the Hal Leonard Guitar Method Volume 1,2 & 3 with CDs.