Supplementary Books for 1st Step Learners

I’m diving into 1st Step videos right now, and I’m sifting through books outside of Curwen’s that I use with my 1st Step students.

Here are a few points to keep in mind:

1. Curwen’s 1st Step students are just BEGINNING to read music. Most of the student’s work at this point has been done at a desk. They’ve actually done very little playing. Most other Level 1 books from other methods are going to be too difficult for a Curwen Step 1 student.

If you go looking for books on your own, look for Primer level books.

2. I would not recommend intertwining methods. For example, I use Faber books alongside my Curwen books even though I find Faber’s method of learning piano to be very different from Curwen’s method. I use Faber’s books for the music, and I skip over any methodology they may present to the student in the books.

3. A defining feature of Mrs. Curwen’s method is her gradual use of intervals with a beginner pianist. Her 1st Step students are ONLY reading music in intervals of seconds. The Curwen student grows accustomed to this.

Most other beginner piano books do not begin students with intervals of seconds. No matter how simple the song is, the Curwen trained student may struggle reading some of the intervals presented in beginner music from other methods.

4. I would keep the supplemental books for joy and pleasure. If the supplemental book is not ‘easy’ for the child to play, I’d put it aside until the child chooses to pick up the book for enjoyment.

That being said, here are a few of the books I have used for the last two years with my students. I use them alongside the Curwen books. They provide some variety, and I believe some of the music has been well written for children.

5. What do I do when a child’s creativity and joy of playing takes over my preferred order of learning? I allow my students to pick most of their repertoire. I vary their songs often and provide plenty of options for books with different music and songs. BUT, I highly recommend at least staying in line with Curwen’s Step book. I have witnessed gaps that form when there isn’t some semblance of progression. Some gaps are okay, but some gaps deter the student from realizing the full joy of music. In other words, eventually some of the gaps will limit their abilities and knowledge that would allow for great joy and progress.

(affiliate disclosure)

1. Classics. Primer Level. Arranged by Faber & Faber

This book contains some of the most simple arrangements of popular classical pieces. Most of the songs in this book have duets that the teacher can play alongside the child.

2. Hymns. Primer Level. Arranged by Faber & Faber

Once again, this book contains some of the simplest arrangements of hymns and Sunday School songs that many children may find familiar.

3. Piano Adventures Performance Book. Primer Level by Nancy & Randall Faber

I enjoy the Performance Books arranged by the Fabers. There are some folk tunes and popular tunes simply written for children. There are also a number of songs written by the Fabers. I find the Performance Books in their series to have an ample number of musically written pieces for children. I like them. (I personally don’t use their Lesson, Theory, or Technique & Artistry books from their series.)

4. Famous & Fun Favorites by Carol Matz. Book 1

This book contains most simple folk tunes. You will find songs like Camptown Races and The Bear Went Over the Mountain.

5. Playtime Piano Hymns. Level 1 by Faber & Faber

This is the next hymn book arranged by the Fabers. By the end of Step 1 Lessons, I believe most children can begin playing out of this book. I enjoy this book a bit better than the hymn book mentioned above. It contains a few more traditional hymns and fewer Sunday School type songs.

6. Leila Fletcher’s Music Lessons Have Begun

I usually pull this book out if I have a student moving quite slow, and we just need some reinforcement and variety. The first half of this book contains some very short pieces moving in seconds. It provides some good opportunities to keep learning notes that grew foggy after graduating from Preliminary Lessons.

I hope this is helpful. I will continue searching out books and keeping you updated on ones I find myself using with my students!

Are you actively teaching Mrs. Curwen’s Method?  Are there supplemental books you have come to love?  Please share in the comments below!