Comments on: Monday Mailbag – Adult Method Series

By: Mikaela

Mikaela — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 18:37:18 +0000

I started my first adult student last year, knowing very little about what I was doing. I am amazed, however, to see that I am almost exactly following your methods!
I use the Faber Accelerated Piano Adventures and am very happy with it, though I don’t use Faber with any of my other students.
I wasn’t prepared for all the questions from my student as she sought to understand the “why” behind things, and I think I’ve overwhelmed her at times with my in-depth answers. I’m learning to sometimes say, “The reason ‘why’ is pretty complicated, but as you progress it will make more sense.” Is that OK? Do you always answer their questions?
Finally, do you use a theory book with your adult students? I want them to practice drawing all the musical elements and such, but most theory books (even Faber’s) can be beneath the adult at times.

By: Lydia

Lydia — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 06:07:55 +0000

I’d like to add that I avoid chords first though. I want to make sure they are comfortable with their handshapes and develop some independence of their fingers before introducing chords. I want to avoid the army boot stomping chord playing. So they develop playing line (5 finger scales works fine), intervals, and then chords.

By: Lydia

Lydia — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 06:04:47 +0000

I currently have two adult students, one is a graduate student who wants to play beautifully and but also like pop music. For him I use Artistry (linear) and Faber Adult (more chordal) as a start. I also use sheet music as needed. Another is a student’s mom who is avid classical music listener and she wants to learn the right way. I use Artistry with her to begin, and will add Thompson Modern Piano course and later classical literature. One time I had a retiree lady who just wanted to learn to play and loved songs in all genre, Faber Adult worked fine with her.

By: Leanne

Leanne — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 13:46:44 +0000

Hi Natalie,
I agree with your thoughts on adult method books. I am currently using the Faber Adult Beginner book, and while I don’t mind it, it is incredibly chord-based, which is a bit overwhelming for some students as they struggle to gain a concept of keys. In addition to supplementary repertoire books, I’m finding it helpful to have a separate technique book as well. Often adults have difficulty achieving even tone across the fingers or developing solid finger independence. I’m experimenting with the Dozen a Day series and receiving positive feedback from my adult students. Does anyone else have suggestions for supplementary technique books for adults? Thanks for your blog!