This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.
Reviewed by Randy B. Lichtman for Readers' Favorite
Donna Gielow McFarland has designed a very good piano method titled Intro to Piano: Class Piano for Adult Beginners. The book has been designed to be used in a Group Piano Lesson, as it includes ensemble pieces for two pianos. In an individual lesson, it is possible for the teacher to change the octave and play the second part, but is preferable in a group lesson. Following some introductory lessons on The Keyboard, Intervals, Staff, and Rhythm, there are 10 chapter lessons, each chapter introducing a new interval or concept (example: accidentals, expanded range, etc.).
The chapters are structured well, as each one begins by having the student play the basic lesson based on the objective through melodic exercises, followed by playing a repertoire piece, and ending with a rhythmic exercise. I like the choice of repertoire and the fact that the exercises are melodic in nature. This is an effective design pedagogically, in my opinion, as it quickly moves from exercises into a song which the student will enjoy playing, ending with reinforcement of rhythms. The rhythm section is effective for sight-reading as well. The exercises are melodic and pleasant to play.
Interspersed are ensemble pieces where the class plays two different parts. This allows them to experience harmony and playing in a piano ensemble. McFarland also includes a number of Christmas carols as well at the end for the students’ enjoyment as well as theory and vocal warm-ups, which can be used in a class integrating piano and voice. Students will enjoy the experience of playing repertoire in both a one-part and two-part environment using this piano method. Intro to Piano: Class Piano for Adult Beginners by Donna Gielow McFarland is a very good piano method book to use in both individual and class lessons, especially in the latter.
