John Thompson's Modern Course for the Piano

The First Grade Book is recommended for students who already have an elementary-level knowledge of the piano keyboard, note names, and reading from the grand staff. It begins with Music Land, an eight measure piece in C major position which has a melody of half notes in the right hand and harmony of half and whole notes in the left. Phrasing, articulation and form are emphasized from the beginning. Students move from the elementary to the intermediate level as they learn such concepts as accidentals, half and whole steps, syncopation, chords in inversions, the C Major scale and pieces in the following keys: C, G, D, A, E, F, Bb, Eb, Ab Major. Hand positions vary widely depending on what key you're in. This First Grade Book includes folk tunes, originals and arrangements of classics by the author. Finger numbers are provided liberally, for every new note, in every piece of this book.