Basic Library
Bastien Piano Basics takes a multi-key, chordal approach. Reading begins in C Major position. Supplementary books are correlated page-by-page with each "Piano" lesson book. This carefully planned curriculum, with its gradual pacing, provides excellent reinforcement, ensuring the success of beginning students. The Primer Level starts with an orientation to the keyboard, specifically targeting groups of two and three black keys. Five 4-8 measure tunes on black keys only kick off this level, with simple rhythms of quarter, half and whole notes in prereading notation (letter names written in noteheads). Next comes an orientation to white keys and their letter names with eight tunes of 4-8 measures each. At this point, one hand plays in the first half of each tune and then the other in the second half, in C Major position. Each staff is then taught individually. The right hand learns to play the treble clef in 4 short tunes. The left hand learns the bass clef in the next 4 tunes. Playing from the grand staff comes next, still in C Major position. Middle C and G Major positions are presented towards the end of the book. Other concepts included in the Primer Level are melodic and harmonic intervals of 2nd, 3rds, 4ths, 5ths; slurs and ties; rests; two eighth notes together; sharps and flats; and staccato.

A treasure of Catholic Hymns selected and arranged for the beginning pianist. All arrangements are in easy 5-finger positions, many in Middle C Position. Optional teachers duets are included. Illustrated in color. Contents include: Jesus, We Adore You; Faith of Our Fathers; Sing of Mary; Holy God, We Praise Thy Name; Come Holy Ghost; Immaculate Mary and more.

When music excites our interest and imagination, we eagerly put our hearts into learning it. The music in the Hal Leonard Student Piano Library encourages practice, progress, confidence, and best of all - success! From the very first lessons in Book 1, students are making their own music as they explore the piano keyboard through fun improvisation pieces called My Own Song. The beginning of the method introduces finger numbers, the black-key and white key groups, and basic rhythmic patterns. Directional reading is taught first by finger number, then by note name, and then by interval (step, skip, and repeat). Once students are introduced to the staff, they learn reading guides bass F and treble G and read by interval in several different hand positions. Supplemental books correlate page-by-page with the respective lesson book. Much of the Hal Leonard Student Piano Library features pieces and songs that are recognizable including popular, traditional, patriotic and movie themes. Their settings are tasteful and include exceptional teaching accompaniments. Instrumental accompaniments for every piece are available on CD and General MIDI disk.

Hymns I Know celebrates the great riches of our spiritual heritage. These cherished tunes and lyrics have been thoughtfully paired with Bible verses and beautiful full-color illustrations to help bring a deeper meaning and understanding to the words of the songs.Arranged for the developing elementary pianist, the music corresponds well with any piano method, and includes optional duets for added enjoyment.Hymns I Know helps to build a firm foundation in sacred tradition, encouraging hymns and sacred music to become a part of children's everyday language, and is sure to be long treasured by students, teachers, and parents. - O How I Love Jesus - Jesus Loves Me - Jesus Loves the Little Children - Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow - Kum Ba Yah - Blessed Be The Name - Down In My Heart.