Review: Little Gems for Piano Primer Level

Lesson resources, Reviews

About a year and a half ago, I had the opportunity to review Paula Dreyer’s Volume 1 and 2 of Little Gems for Piano. If you missed that review, you can read it here.

This time, I am excited to let you know about the primer level in the Little Gems for Piano series. The primer level is perfect for your beginner students. Students learn the pieces by rote. Each book includes access to audio downloads and video tutorials. When students are home, they can listen to the audio files or study the pieces through the online video tutorials.

In the primer level, you will not only find 10 expressive and musical solo pieces for students to play but there are 10 pieces that have duet parts included as well. Throughout each piece, students will learn to play expressively, with good technique and pieces that are enjoyable to hear again and again.

Inside the primer level, there is a thoughtful sequence of technique including non-legato, legato pairs and groups, staccato, and perfect 5ths. It is a wonderful supplement for any beginning method and makes a perfect companion book to Irina Gorin’s Tales of Musical Journey method if you are familiar.

As with levels 1 and 2, you will find little snippets below the piece called, “Did You Notice” where questions and practice suggestions can be found. In addition to the primer level is another snippet called, “Creative Suggestion” where students are free to explore the piece in different ways. Anytime we can encourage these creative explorations, is a big win in my book!

If you have never taught a piece by rote, Paula shares some tips for you in the front of the book.  While I am what I consider myself to be newer to the rote teaching process myself, I have found the big benefit to teaching a piece by rote is that it allows the students more freedom of expression and musicality.

Want to hear some of the pieces in Little Gems for Piano Primer Level? Here is a video sample.

I would encourage you to like the Little Gems for Piano Facebook page where Paula will occasionally share videos of her students playing the pieces from the books as well as notify of upcoming sales, helpful rote teaching articles, podcasts, etc… Be sure to visit the new Little Gems for Piano website too!

 

 

Disclaimer: I was provided with a free sample in return for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are of my own and not influenced by the composer. The affiliate link included helps me share reviews such as this one. It does not affect my opinion, your purchase price or the authors’ royalties in any way.  Thank you for your support and happy teaching! 

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