PRIMER LEVEL
For beginners ages 6-11, start with the Primer Level four core books. These correlate page-by-page to analyze, create, and express at the piano. Students explore the full keyboard, basic rhythm patterns, and a new language — reading on the Grand Staff. The appealing songs, why of theory, and how of technique present a wholistic music approach.
LEVEL 1 STUDIES
After the Primer, students begin the Level 1 four core books. Theory and Technique Books correlate page-by-page with the Lesson Book to analyze, create, and express at the piano. Note reading expands across the Grand Staff with themes of Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, folk tunes, and Faber originals. Musicianship is built with improvisations, harmonizations, and sightreading.
LEVEL 2A STUDIES
The four core Level 2A Books continue reading by intervals with a musically diverse, multi-key approach. Learning 8th-notes opens up themes of Beethoven, Brahms, Vivaldi, and more. Major and minor 5-finger scales and chords are a framework for finger independence and transposition. Improvisation and composition activities, as well as a first lead sheet build musicianship.
LEVEL 2B STUDIES
The four core Level 2B Books present one-octave scales in the keys of C, G, and F major. Crossing the thumb under allows quick travel up and down the keys. I, IV, and V7 chords offer new opportunities to transpose, harmonize, and compose. Artistry is enhanced with connected pedaling and students play timeless themes of Bach, Beethoven, and Dvořák, as well as spirituals and jazzy pieces.
LEVEL 3A STUDIES
The four core Level 3A Books guide the student’s musical mind with advancing rhythms, scales, pedaling, and musical form. Classical pieces by Turk, Reinagle, Grieg, and Tchaikovsky blend with world folk songs and American ragtime. Composing a mini-sonatina and improvising in D major bring creativity to new understandings of music theory.
LEVEL 3B STUDIES
The four core books of Level 3B provide a smooth transition into intermediate playing. This is the level of contrasts: 16th notes and minor scales build agility and speed while melodies of Beethoven, Liszt, and Pachelbel require a “singing” tone. Major-minor triads and inversions advance chord analysis that includes the 12-bar blues, syncopation, and swing rhythm.
LEVEL 4 STUDIES
The four core Level 4 Books lead the student to essential intermediate piano skills; expanded key signatures, harmonic minor scales, and chord analysis with Roman numerals. Classics of Grieg, Strauss, and Bach pair with ragtime, blues, and colorful Faber originals. Technique includes alignment, balance of arm weight, wrist circles and weighted tone for artistic colors.
LEVEL 5 STUDIES
The core Level 5 Books are a bridge to the great piano literature. Musicianship broadens with the circle of 5ths, flat keys, three minor scale forms, and 2-octave arpeggios. Composers Haydn, Burgmüller, and Saint-Saëns contrast with folk, blues, and a “bearcat boogie.” For technique, students may use the Hanon Faber Book. Transformative warm-ups pair with select exercises for gesture, dexterity, and virtuosity.