Alfred's Basic Piano Library

Written By Doniell Cushman

Piano teachers have to stay up to date on the latest literature and methods for their students and their studio. Alfred Publishing is one of the foremost publishers of music and music literature in the world today. As such, Alfred has a firm footing in the methodology of piano. Alfred presents several great classic and contemporary series. Below is a list of those series, the levels incorporated, the age groups they are intended for, and the type of material they incorporate:

• Music for Little Mozarts - 4 to 6 - Prep Course - Very Early Beginner
• Alfred's Basic Piano Prep Course - 5 to 7 - A - F - Early Beginner to Early Intermediate
• Alfred's Basic Piano Library - 6 to 9 - 1A/1B - 6 - Beginner to Intermediate
• Alfred's Basic Piano Library Complete - 8 on up - 1 to 2/3 - Beginner to Early Intermediate
• Alfred's Basic Adult Course Adult - 1 to 3 - Beginner to Intermediate
• Alfred's Premier Piano Course - 1A to 6 - Beginner to Intermediate

There are of course other methods put out by Alfred such as the All-in-One courses and the Chord Approach. The only reason I do not include these is for the reason that they do not offer substantial material sufficient to learning music in the rich environment all students deserve. They lack the tools available in all other methods listed.

What are the benefits of Alfred Methods? Good question. Alfred approaches music with a strong emphasis on the following:

Comprehensive and attractive formatting, illustrations reflect the material, printing size is appropriate, continuous presentation with concepts introduced logically, students explore the entire keyboard, beginning off the staff allows for rhythmic development, reinforcement of each concept, intervals emphasized for reading music, key signatures are introduced with a definite plan, logical introduction of rhythm patterns and meter signatures, technique is a systematic part of development, allows for development of both hands, emphasis on common musical articulations, appealing music and lyrics, predictable original music combined with twists on classics everyone knows, wide range of musical styles, duets, in-depth musical theory program, countless supplementary materials.

These are just the broad highlights of the Alfred's method. As a teacher, I enjoy the Alfred's method immensely. Music is introduced logically and chronologically making it very approachable for over 80% of new piano students. The likelihood of successful development as a musician with using the Alfred's method is high, making it the number one choice among most piano teachers today. In addition, the students really enjoy Alfred books and literature. I have many requests to play favorite songs at recitals. Rarely, do students have a difficult time with this series.

My preference for most students is the Alfred method. Most students begin in the Alfred's Basic Piano Library (ABPL), or in the ABPL Prep Course depending upon their age. The books are inexpensive, easy to find at all music dealers, and very worth the investment.

You can find a complete listing here:   www.alfred.com/