A History
After I started reading Mrs. Curwen’s Pianoforte Method – The Teacher’s Guide, I soon wanted to see all the pupil’s books she referenced in her manual. This started my journey of tracking down the student lesson books and supplemental music from the UK, Australia, and throughout the world. I want her philosophy to be accessible to music teachers and parents who would enjoy using her method as well.
After corresponding with Hal Leonard in conjunction with The Music Sales Group, the company who currently owns the Curwen trademark, they have given me permission to reprint her works. Spending so much time searching for these original works was a rewarding endeavor, but I hope others can spend less time searching archives and more time creating music with their students and families as a result of my work.
Please understand I did not pen this method. This method is entirely the work of Mrs. Curwen. I am simply doing my best to make her work accessible to a culture that, in general, was not brought up playing piano. Maybe my efforts can assist in shifting the trend back toward appreciating the finer elements we were given in the gift of music.
A Continuing Journey
Over time, I will be digitizing original documents, re-imaging, and professionally printing in the United States to make available each of the books and supplemental music that are required to learn her method. Many of the originals were well used and with water marks, stains, or pen markings. Being able to hand my own students a beautiful new book free of all of these things has been a joy for me and for them.
I will also fill in missing gaps by linking to other sites that sell current day sheet music and books readily available that aligns with each Step of her method. There is so much music beginner piano music available, but I’ve learned the hard way after teaching other methods for ten years – much of it doesn’t set a young child up for success.
