Even though I believe that a good teacher can effectively utilize any method or curriculum to help a student achieve success, there is something invigorating about having well-designed resources that capture a teacher’s philosophy and vision for their teaching. That’s how I’ve felt about Piano Safari ever since it’s debut a couple of years ago. It has been the perfect complement to my desire to help students develop creative freedom, technical ability, and musical artistry at the piano while also building a solid foundation of reading and rhythm skills.
I don’t know who has been awaiting the release of Level 3 with more anticipation – me or my students – but it’s finally here! The pack includes a Technique Book, a Repertoire Book, and a set of Sight Reading Cards. I’ve had a blast looking through the materials and preparing to teach it. It’s also exciting to see some of the same Classical Education principles that I’m discovering are essential for true learning applied in this method. Namely, repetition, both of content and of processes, is necessary in order for students to attain mastery. I love how this is emphasized in the Technique Book through the use of cool images that the students are instructed to color one small section at a time for every accurate playing of a scale.
For this reason, I see the Technique Book being used not so much sequentially, but more in a spiral learning approach where a student continues to revisit the previously learned scales and exercises to develop increased speed, fluency, and familiarity. The Technique Book also references the animal techniques to instruct the students how to play each scale. The visuals are attractive and helpful while maintaining a clean, uncluttered page layout. I also appreciate the various practice strategies emphasized throughout the book. Another great feature is the way that each introduction of a new scale/key includes the same process as previously learned, while also incorporating a new accompaniment style, demonstrating to the student how the chords and chord progressions can be used in a musical way. All of this is then woven together into the Technique Extravaganza at the end of the book that gives the student an opportunity to showcase all that they have learned in a fun, energetic duet!
The Level 3 Repertoire Book is a fabulous compilation of original compositions, duets, and Classical pieces in their original form. The pieces are in major and minor keys (C,G,F, and a,e,d), and there are helpful bits of information and questions for the student to consider, along with brief biographical sketches about the various composers. This thoughtfully designed book will leave students well-prepared to continue their exploration of every musical style!
Last, but not least, perhaps the most versatile element of the Piano Safari method – the Sight Reading Cards. Whether or not you use the method in its entirety, these cards are a must-have for any piano teacher! We use them in a variety of ways in our studio, and they have done wonders to help my students improve their rhythm and sight reading skills in a sequential and manageable way. Each card includes a 4-measure musical excerpt for the student to play hands together that incorporates dynamics, articulations, and the rhythms they have learned. There is also a single line of rhythm only that can be tapped, played on single notes, or used for a musical improvisation.
Now, for the best part! If you’d like a chance to check out Piano Safari Level 3 for yourself, Julie and Katie have graciously offered to give away a free Level 3 pack to one Music Matters Blog reader (a $45.50 value!). Just leave a comment below to be entered. One winner will be chosen using a random number generator at noon (CST) on Friday, June 3, 2016. This could be just the thing to re-energize your teaching this summer or in preparation for next fall!
Jennifer smith says
I haven’t used this series but it looks like a great one! Would love to have a copy.
Diana says
I have started using Piano Safari so would love to win!
Mary Folkman says
Your blog gives some very good information on the use of Level 3. I have one student in it, and would very much like to have my own reference copy.
Kerry Drombosky says
I’ve been in search of a new method for a while now and have been hearing good things about this series. I’d love to be able to get a closer look at the materials so that I can decide if this is the direction in which I need to go.
Catharina De Beer says
I started using Piano Safari this year and my students are loving it!
Brianne Loberger says
I love this method, but haven’t used Level 3 yet! Your review got me excited about it, though!
Barb Grout says
I have really enjoyed using the first level of Piano Safari and would a preview of the 3rd level.
Lois O'Brien says
I love Piano Safari! I am starting all of my beginners using this series, but haven’t seen level 3 yet.
Nancy Osborne says
I have used the first two levels but do not yet own Level 3. Would LOVE to win, but I never do, but I’m hoping!!
I think the material is excellent!
Irma Khouw says
I love Piano Safari! Currently I have 2 students working on this series and they absolutely love it. The repertoire selections are awesome and I like how scales, chords, cadences, and accompaniment patterns are presented in the technique book 3. Hope to win level 3 pack.
Nancy Wang says
I am very interested in trying this method. Thank you?
Juanita says
I really like Piano Safari and just started a student on Level 2. I’d love a level 3 set!
Elena Lin says
I saw their webinar a few weeks back through MTNA and loved the way they created a fun way for students to learn technique even through their rote pieces. Would love to try it out with some of my students. Thanks for the chance to win a copy!
Sheila says
I love teaching using Piano Safari!
Brenda P says
I am very interested in exploring Piano Safari and would love to win this giveaway.
Debbie Oliver says
Piano Safari is on my list of must haves – Thanks for a chance to win a copy
Cherie Norquay says
I love Piano Safari and don’t own Bk 3 yet.
Geri says
I would love to receive these Piano Safari books! The method looks superb!
Lizbeth Atkinson says
I have been using Piano Safari for about a year now and have fallen in love. My students are thriving and enjoying their lessons. We are having a great time. A level 3 set would be a great addition to the studio. Thank you for this fabulous review!
LadyD says
I would like to try this. The approach looks great.! Thanks for the opportunity!
Julie says
I would love to try this!
Lana Doncov says
I love Piano Safari and so do my students !
Lauren Sonder says
Excited about Piano Safari 3!
Annalise E says
I have been hearing such wonderful things about Piano Safari! I am excited to explore what this curriculum has to offer!
Lisa says
I have Levels One and Two, and I’m so excited that there is now a Level Three! I have not yet found the right student to begin with Piano Safari, but I plan to begin trying this series out soon. It incorporates all the things I find important to teach my students!
Donna says
I am very interested in this curriculum and would love the chance to learn more about it!!! Keeping my fingers crossed that I’m the lucky winner!!
Tammy says
This looks so exciting!
Katherine Hutchinson says
Level 3 looks an exciting extension of an already great piano method. Thanks for the review.
Ryan says
Piano Safari newbie here. I’ve used Piano Safari a little bit with beginners, and am very curious to check out level 3.
Karen Skelly says
Thanks for the detailed review. I’d love to win a free copy of level three!
Linda Jamer says
I have a student who I started out in another method but I am going to switch him over to Piano Safari. After observing and determining his learning style, I feel this method is a perfect match because he is an auditory learner. I believe this method incorporates learning by rote and is not so focused on note learning initially. Haven’t used it yet but am excited to do so! Hope I win the Level 3 packet. Thank you for the opportunity.
Marjasanders says
After buying the first two books and cards I would love to learn more about the next step and introducing it to my Dutch collegues since they are not familiar with your teaching methods
Marcia says
I am very interested in reviewing the Piano Safari curriculum for possible use in my studio next year! Your reviews have gotten me very excited about this curriculum, but I have not yet had a chance to actually review it.
Kamy K. says
I would love to try this series with my students.
Janice says
I’m interested in finding out more about Piano Safari. Thank you for offering the giveaway!
Helen Grosshans says
I have used the sight reading cards and like the music and rhythmic notation on each card. Short and easy to include in one lesson.
Tiffany says
I haven’t used this method but it does sound intriguing! Thank you for the chance!
Nancy says
I would love to try-out Piano Safari, as I have heard great things about it from one of my piano pedagogy groups.
Nancy N. says
I have heard great things about Piano Safari and would like to try-it-out.
Laurie Sorman says
I have a student in Piano Safari Level 1 and will be moving him to Level 2 in the fall. I’m sure Level 3 is just as great as the rest of the series!
Ann says
I have read lots about this method and would love to try it. Thought the visual example shown for C scale was great and am always open to different ways of teaching important technique. Thanks for the opportunity.
Sylvia Thomson says
I have been reading about Piano Safari for a few weeks now and I’m excited about adopting this new method. I’d love to win a free pack of Level 3 materials.
Elizabeth M Grace says
I just ordered Piano Safari and can’t wait to start using it. Such sound pedagogical material. Thank you!
Lena Purnell says
Always looking for new ideas as each student is different
Joy Blumell says
I’m liking Piano Safari for my youngest beginners. I’m looking forward to trying level 3
Laura Francis says
Started using Piano Safari last summer. I especially love the rote pieces! My students are having a blast and learning so much! Looking forward to Level 3!
Karen Lien says
My students love Piano Safari.
I cannot wait to see what’s in level 3.
Mary Pat Todd says
I’m always drawn to a new method, especially one recommended by fellow teacher Amy Chaplin. The think the idea of a safari will appeal to my young readers.
Barbara Housewright says
My most advanced student is now ready for Level 3. She would love the idea of a safari!
Morgan Weisenburger says
I’m totally in need of some new ideas and approaches!
Nicole says
I started a beginner on Level 1, and am really enjoying it! I also appreciate all the resources on their site. I would love to win!
Linda Wilson says
I am so excited to learn about Piano Safari. From the materials I see, Level 3 will be perfect for 3 students I’m teaching this summer. I’m anxious to learn more about Piano Safari. Thank you for the opportunity to participate in the Safari Level 3 giveaway. 🙂
Evelyn Yearty says
I’ve never used Piano Safari, but am always looking for new, refreshing methods to motivate my students. Would love to win this!
Heidi says
I have a few young students starting with me this fall, and I’m thinking Piano Safari might be a great fit for them!
Anna Fagan says
Studying Levels 1 and 2 this summer, and would love to have Level 3!
Sherrie Johnson says
I have never seen this series and would be excited to give it a try!
Andrea Bentz says
Just started using Level 1 with a student and both of us are loving it! I would love to have level 3 also!
Rebecca says
I would love to have the level 3 set – I only have kids on level 1 so far, but it’s been great!
Jo says
I just started using Piano Safari with some of my students and am loving it so far! Can’t wait to use Level 3 soon!
Lori Supernaw says
I’ve been looking at Piano Safari for quite some time and would love to win this!
Sophi Albert says
Hello,
It would be great for my students to be introduced to other books, materials.
Sophi A.
Tami says
Looks like a fun new book to try!
Julia Andrews says
I’m just starting to explore piano safari with my beginners and would love to see how the ideas are developed in level 3. This is a really useful review – thank you!
Emily says
Id love to try these books!
Elizabeth says
This is my new favorite method series
Lizzy says
I’m curious to see the Piano Safari way to transition from a method to “real” classical music 🙂
Kendra says
I always love trying new materials!
Elisabeth says
I much prefer to use “current” materials where I can contact the authors and ask lots of questions!