Alfred's Basic Piano Library | Alfred Music
Alfred's Basic Piano Library Technic, Bk 1A: A Review
If you are looking for a piano method that can help you develop your technique, musicality, and reading skills, you might want to check out Alfred's Basic Piano Library Technic, Bk 1A. This book is part of a comprehensive series that has been used by millions of students and teachers around the world for over 60 years. In this article, we will review what this book is about, what it can teach you, how to use it effectively, and where to get it.
Alfred's Basic Piano Library Technic, Bk 1A.pdf
What is Alfred's Basic Piano Library?
Alfred's Basic Piano Library is a piano method that was created by Willard A. Palmer, Morton Manus, and Amanda Vick Lethco. It is designed for beginners of all ages, from children to adults. It consists of several courses and levels that cater to different needs and goals.
A piano method for beginners of all ages
A piano method is a systematic approach to learning how to play the piano. It usually includes books, exercises, songs, and other materials that guide the student from the basics to more advanced topics. A good piano method should be easy to follow, engaging, and comprehensive.
Alfred's Basic Piano Library is one of the most popular and trusted piano methods in the world. It has been praised by teachers and students alike for its clear explanations, progressive exercises, appealing songs, and attractive illustrations. It covers everything from note reading, rhythm, technique, theory, ear training, sight reading, improvisation, and more.
The different courses and levels available
Alfred's Basic Piano Library offers a variety of courses and levels to suit different learning styles and preferences. Some of the main courses are:
Prep Course: This course is designed for students who are five years old and up. It takes into account their attention span and hand size. It introduces them to the keyboard, musical symbols, basic concepts, and simple songs.
Basic Course: This course is the first one ever published in Alfred's Basic Piano Library. It teaches students how to read music by recognizing intervals of 2nds, 3rds, 4ths, and 5ths. It also introduces them to chords, scales, key signatures, and other musical elements.
All-in-One Course: This course combines the lesson, theory, and solo material into one book. It is ideal for students who want a concise and convenient way to learn piano.
Complete Levels Course: This course is designed for students who start piano study later than the average beginner or who show unusual musical aptitude. It covers more material in less time and prepares them for intermediate and advanced levels.
Adult Courses: These courses are tailored for adult learners who want to learn piano for fun or personal enrichment. They feature familiar tunes, classical pieces, and original compositions that appeal to adult tastes and interests.
More Courses: There are also other courses available, such as the Recital Course, the Fun Course, the Praise Course, the Chord Approach Course, and the Group Piano Course. These courses offer different options and themes for students who want to explore different aspects of piano playing.
Each course has several levels, from A to 6, that correspond to the difficulty and complexity of the material. Each level usually consists of a lesson book, a theory book, a technic book, a recital book, a notespeller book, and other supplementary books. The books can be used separately or together, depending on the teacher's and student's preferences.
The benefits of using Alfred's Basic Piano Library
There are many benefits of using Alfred's Basic Piano Library as your piano method. Some of them are:
You can learn at your own pace and level. You can choose the course and level that best suit your needs and goals. You can also progress from one level to another as you master the skills and concepts.
You can develop a well-rounded musical foundation. You can learn not only how to play the piano, but also how to understand music theory, how to read music notation, how to listen and improvise, how to perform and express yourself, and more.
You can enjoy a variety of musical genres and styles. You can play songs from different eras and cultures, such as folk songs, nursery rhymes, classical pieces, pop tunes, jazz standards, and more. You can also discover new composers and artists that you might not have heard of before.
You can have fun and be creative. You can play songs that are catchy, colorful, and humorous. You can also compose your own songs, play duets with others, or join a group class or ensemble. You can make music a part of your life and share it with others.
What is the Technic Book 1A?
The Technic Book 1A is one of the books in the Basic Course of Alfred's Basic Piano Library. It is designed to be used along with the Lesson Book 1A. It provides reading and rhythm drills and exercises that are perfectly paced with each lesson in the Lesson Book 1A. It aims to improve your musicianship and develop your coordination of the hands.
The purpose and content of the book
The purpose of the Technic Book 1A is to help you practice and reinforce the skills and concepts that you learn in the Lesson Book 1A. It also helps you prepare for the next level of difficulty and complexity in the Lesson Book 1B.
The content of the book is divided into 10 groups. Each group corresponds to a section or page in the Lesson Book 1A. For example, Group 1 is to be used with Playing in a New Position (Lesson Book 1A, page 23), Group 2 is to be used with C Position on the Grand Staff (page 33), and so on.
Each group consists of several exercises or drills that focus on a specific skill or concept. For example, Group 1 has exercises on playing legato (smoothly) and staccato (shortly), Group 2 has exercises on playing notes on lines and spaces, Group 3 has exercises on playing intervals of seconds, and so on.
The exercises or drills are written in both treble and bass clefs. They are also written in different keys or positions on the keyboard. This helps you practice reading music in different registers and locations.
The skills and concepts covered in the book
The skills and concepts covered in the Technic Book 1A are essential for any beginner piano player. They include:
Playing legato and staccato
Playing notes on lines and spaces
Playing intervals of seconds, thirds, fourths, fifths
Playing chords (C major triad)
Playing scales (C major scale)
Playing with dynamics (loud and soft)
Playing with articulation (accents)
Playing with expression (slurs)
Playing with rhythm (quarter notes, half notes, whole notes)
Playing with tempo (fast and slow)
The features and format of the book
The features and format of the book
The Technic Book 1A has some features and format that make it easy to use and follow. Some of them are:
Each exercise or drill has a title that describes its purpose or goal. For example, "Play Legato", "Play a Second", "Play Loud and Soft", etc.
Each exercise or drill has a number that corresponds to its group. For example, "1-1", "1-2", "1-3", etc.
Each exercise or drill has a finger number that indicates which finger to use for each note. For example, "1", "2", "3", "4", "5".
Each exercise or drill has a metronome marking that suggests the speed or tempo to play. For example, "= 80", "= 100", "= 120", etc.
Each exercise or drill has a musical symbol or term that indicates the dynamic, articulation, or expression to play. For example, "p" (soft), "f" (loud), ">" (accent), "(" (slur), etc.
Each group has a table-top trick that can be done away from the piano. These are fun and easy activities that help develop finger strength, flexibility, and coordination.
How to use the Technic Book 1A effectively?
The Technic Book 1A is a valuable tool that can help you improve your piano playing. However, it is not enough to just play through the exercises and drills without paying attention to how you play them. You need to use the book effectively and efficiently. Here are some tips on how to do that:
Tips for practicing the exercises and drills
When you practice the exercises and drills in the Technic Book 1A, you should:
Follow the instructions and suggestions given in the book. Pay attention to the title, number, finger number, metronome marking, musical symbol or term of each exercise or drill.
Start slowly and gradually increase the speed as you become more comfortable and confident. Use a metronome to keep a steady tempo and rhythm.
Play with correct posture and hand position. Keep your back straight, your shoulders relaxed, your elbows slightly bent, your wrists flexible, your fingers curved, and your thumb under your hand.
Play with good tone quality and touch. Press the keys firmly but gently, using the weight of your arm and hand. Avoid hitting or banging the keys.
Play with accuracy and precision. Play each note clearly and evenly, without skipping or adding any notes. Avoid making mistakes or errors.
Play with expression and musicality. Play with dynamics, articulation, and expression as indicated in the book. Use your ears and emotions to convey the mood and character of each exercise or drill.
Repeat each exercise or drill until you master it. Practice each exercise or drill several times until you can play it smoothly, fluently, correctly, and expressively.
How to integrate the book with the Lesson Book 1A
The Technic Book 1A is meant to be used along with the Lesson Book 1A. The exercises and drills in the Technic Book 1A reinforce and complement the skills and concepts taught in the Lesson Book 1A. Therefore, you should integrate the two books in your practice sessions. Here are some ways to do that:
Practice both books in parallel. For example, if you are working on Group 1 in the Technic Book 1A, you should also work on Playing in a New Position in the Lesson Book 1A.
Practice both books in sequence. For example, if you have finished Group 1 in the Technic Book 1A, you should review Playing in a New Position in the Lesson Book 1A before moving on to Group 2 in the Technic Book 1A.
Practice both books in combination. For example, if you are working on Group 2 in the Technic Book 1A, you can also play some songs from C Position on the Grand Staff in the Lesson Book 1A.
How to assess your progress and mastery
The Technic Book 1A is a useful tool that can help you measure your progress and mastery of the skills and concepts covered in the book. You can assess yourself by using the following criteria:
You can play each exercise or drill with ease and confidence.
You can play each exercise or drill with correct notes, rhythm, tempo, fingerings, dynamics, articulation, and expression.
You can play each exercise or drill without making any mistakes or errors.
You can play each exercise or drill with good tone quality and touch.
You can play each exercise or drill with expression and musicality.
You can play each exercise or drill from memory.
If you can meet these criteria, you have mastered the exercises and drills in the Technic Book 1A. You can then move on to the next level of difficulty and complexity in the Technic Book 1B.
Where to get the Technic Book 1A?
If you are interested in getting the Technic Book 1A, you have several options to choose from. You can get the book in different formats, prices, and availability. Here are some of them:
The price and availability of the book
The Technic Book 1A is a relatively affordable book that costs $9.99. You can get it from various sources, such as online stores, physical stores, libraries, or piano teachers. However, the availability of the book may vary depending on the location, stock, and demand. You may need to check the availability of the book before you buy it.
The digital and print options of the book
The Technic Book 1A is available in both digital and print formats. You can choose the format that suits your preference and convenience. The digital format allows you to access the book on your electronic devices, such as computers, tablets, or smartphones. You can also print the book yourself if you want a hard copy. The print format allows you to have a physical copy of the book that you can hold, write on, or mark up. You can also scan or photocopy the book if you want a digital copy.
The supplementary materials and resources for the book
The Technic Book 1A is not only a standalone book that you can use by yourself. It also comes with supplementary materials and resources that can enhance your learning experience and outcome. Some of them are:
CDs: These are audio recordings that accompany the exercises and drills in the book. They provide a model for how to play them correctly and expressively. They also provide a backing track for you to play along with.
DVDs: These are video recordings that demonstrate how to play the exercises and drills in the book. They show the correct posture, hand position, fingerings, movements, and expressions. They also provide tips and explanations for each exercise or drill.
Online access: This is a website that provides additional features and functions for the book. You can access interactive exercises, games, quizzes, tests, feedback, scores, progress reports, and more.
Teacher's guide: This is a manual that provides guidance and suggestions for teachers who use the book with their students. It includes lesson plans, objectives, activities, assessments, and more.
Conclusion
Alfred's Basic Piano Library Technic, Bk 1A is a great book that can help you improve your piano playing skills and concepts. It is part of a comprehensive piano method that has been proven to be effective and enjoyable for beginners of all ages. It provides reading and rhythm drills and exercises that are perfectly paced with each lesson in Alfred's Basic Piano Library Lesson Book 1A. It covers essential topics such as legato and staccato playing, intervals, chords, scales, dynamics, articulation, expression, rhythm, tempo, and more. It also has features and format that make it easy to use and follow. It also has supplementary materials and resources that can enhance your learning experience and outcome.
If you want to learn piano in a fun and systematic way, you should definitely get Alfred's Basic Piano Library Technic, Bk 1A. It will help you develop your technique, musicality, and reading skills. It will also prepare you for the next level of difficulty and complexity in Alfred's Basic Piano Library Technic Book 1B.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about Alfred's Basic Piano Library Technic Book 1A:
Q: Do I need to use the Technic Book 1A with the Lesson Book 1A?
Q: Do I need to use the Technic Book 1A with the Lesson Book 1A?
A: Yes, you need to use the Technic Book 1A with the Lesson Book 1A. The Technic Book 1A is designed to be used along with the Lesson Book 1A. The exercises and drills in the Technic Book 1A reinforce and complement the skills and concepts taught in the Lesson Book 1A. They also help you prepare for the next level of difficulty and complexity in the Lesson Book 1B.
Q: How long does it take to finish the Technic Book 1A?
A: It depends on your pace and level of mastery. The Technic Book 1A has 10 groups of exercises and drills that correspond to 10 sections or pages in the Lesson Book 1A. You can finish one group in one or two practice sessions, depending on how well you can play the exercises and drills. You can also review or repeat any group as needed. You can finish the whole book in a few weeks or months, depending on how often and how long you practice.
Q: What if I find the Technic Book 1A too easy or too hard?
A: If you find the Technic Book 1A too easy or too hard, you can adjust your practice accordingly. If you find it too easy, you can challenge yourself by increasing the speed, adding variations, or playing from memory. If you find it too hard, you can simplify it by decreasing the speed, breaking it down into smaller parts, or playing with a metronome. You can also consult your teacher or a more experienced player for guidance and feedback.
Q: Can I use the Technic Book 1A with other piano methods or books?
A: Yes, you can use the Technic Book 1A with other piano methods or books. The Technic Book 1A is compatible with any piano method or book that teaches similar skills and concepts. You can use it as a supplement or a review for your main piano method or book. However, you should make sure that you follow a consistent and coherent curriculum that covers all the essential topics and skills for piano playing.
Q: Where can I find more information about Alfred's Basic Piano Library?
A: You can find more information about Alfred's Basic Piano Library on their official website: https://www.alfred.com/alfreds-basic-piano-library/. You can also find more information on their social media pages, such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram. You can also contact them by email, phone, or mail. 71b2f0854b