Introduce your piano students to a captivating new Primer series by Daniel McFarlane, designed to make learning fun and engaging. This series combines Kodály and Dalcroze methods with effective technical development, providing a solid foundation for young pianists.

The series consists of four books, with each book containing ten units designed to be completed within a week (or thereabouts). While most students will progress through all four books, older students can also benefit from using one or two of the books.

A “sound first” approach is employed for teaching all the pieces. Students start by imitating and singing, then progress to singing and signing, and finally to singing and playing. This gradual introduction of singing ensures that even reluctant singers feel comfortable. Additionally, students learn how to construct their pieces on the score, fostering a strong connection between sound and symbol.

The Primer series begins with naming notes using pentatonic solfege (do, re, mi, so, and la), which helps develop a student’s musical ear. Both perfect and relative pitch are emphasized, with letter names introduced in Primer C. Students gain proficiency in working with both sets of names, resulting in remarkable aural sensitivity upon completing the Primer series.

In Primer A, modified notation is used to provide an easy and accessible way for students to interact with the score. Primers B,C and D then progress to standard notation on the stave. The series does not adopt an “off the stave” approach; instead, an extra step is included at the beginning to establish a strong link between sound and symbol.

Rhythm is simplified in the series, focusing on two elements: “playing” and “not playing” (crotchets/quarter notes and crotchet/quarter note rests). This approach ensures a solid rhythmic foundation.

Technical skills are developed both at the instrument and away from it. Each unit includes finger exercises that enhance finger joint proprioception and strength. In Primers A and B, all notes are played with a detached, whole arm technique. Primers C and D introduces simple slurring actions (using only 2nd and 3rd fingers) and wrist staccato. Both hands are engaged from the very first piece to promote balanced technical development.

Primers B,C and D incorporate rote pieces to explore the instrument, develop musical memory, and enhance organizational skills. Students have the opportunity to use the pedal, play glissandos, and explore the piano’s full range, making it an enjoyable experience. For each piece, students create a “map” in their book, fostering efficient mental organization of sounds. Primer A utilizes action songs and rhymes to initiate this skill development.

Each unit features a student composition based on the skills covered in earlier pieces within the unit. Students work on these compositions away from the instrument using solfege, notate them, and then play them. These creative tasks encourage students to understand what makes pieces sound pleasing and help develop their notation skills.

Teacher duets and backing tracks are provided for each piece, fostering a collaborative approach to music-making in lessons and at home. Simplified duets suitable for parents or older siblings are also available for Primer A. Additionally, “singing and signing” videos can be accessed by students for home practice.

Online training videos are available so that you can feel supremely confident teaching the material. Try it out today!   

LOOK INSIDE PRIMER A

Primer A features:

  • Simplified scores for easy understanding
  • Pentatonic performance pieces to enhance musical expression
  • Finger Tricks exercises to strengthen finger joints and improve dexterity
  • Brain Gym action songs to enhance memory and sense of rhythm
  • Engaging creative tasks to foster creativity and musical exploration

(turn your phone sideways to view the samples)

LOOK INSIDE PRIMER B

Primer B features:

  • On-the-stave scores for a more advanced musical experience
  • Pentatonic performance pieces for expressive playing
  • Rote pieces to encourage exploration of the instrument and enhance memory skills
  • Rhythm Challenge exercises to improve finger joint proprioception and rhythm development
  • Engaging creative tasks for fostering creativity and musical growth

(turn your phone sideways to view the samples)

LOOK INSIDE PRIMER C

Primer C features:

  • On-the-stave scores for an advanced musical experience
  • Pentatonic performance pieces for expressive piano playing
  • Two and three note slurs and wrist staccato to develop technique
  • Rote pieces for instrument exploration and memory improvement
  • Rhythm Challenge exercises to refine finger joint proprioception and rhythm skills
  • Scale Challenges to master the letter names of the C major scale
  • Engaging creative tasks to encourage musical creativity and growth

(turn your phone sideways to view the samples)

LOOK INSIDE PRIMER D

* NEW IN 2023! *

Primer D features:

  • A note range of do to la (introducing fa)
  • On-the-stave scores for an advanced musical experience
  • Pentatonic performance pieces for expressive piano playing
  • Well-known nursery rhymes and folk songs
  • Two and three note slurs, wrist staccato and double note playing to develop technique 
  • Rote pieces for instrument exploration and memory improvement
  • Finger Challenges exercises to refine finger joint proprioception and rhythm skills
  • More advanced Scale Challenges to master the letter names of the C major scale
  • Engaging creative tasks to encourage musical creativity and growth

(turn your phone sideways to view the samples)

LOOK INSIDE THE PRIMER RESOURCES BOOK

The Resources book features:

  • all the teacher duets
  • all the rote pieces

All these resources are also available for you to use online as well as backing tracks, teaching videos and singing and signing videos.

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HOW TO PURCHASE