J. S. Bach taught his children using the music of his day. He didn't think of using styles that were 100 years old to inspire and develop musical skills in his children. Respected piano pedagogues Christopher Norton and Dr. Scott McBride Smith have created American Popular Piano with this premise in mind. They've taken contemporary music styles and written highly motivating, musically sound material for piano students. Best for students age nine through adult, the method begins at the Preparatory Level with tunes on the grand staff in C Major. Each Repertoire book is chock full of tunes in a variety of contemporary dance styles including Blues, Bossa Nova, Cha Cha, Jazz Waltz, and Ska, just to name a few! These styles will grab your students' attention and keep them motivated while they develop a lifelong love of playing the piano. Sophisticated teacher duets are included so the students' ear develops, preparing them for more advanced playing and listening! A CD is included with each Repertoire book, offering equally sophisticated instrumental accompaniments to tunes in the Repertoire and Etudes books. Etudes books at every level offer solid, step-by-step opportunities for improvisation and also include classical and pop etudes.