A Piano Learning Method That Works at Your Pace

There are many excellent piano courses and teaching methods available, but over many years of teaching I have found Alfred’s Premier Piano Course Lesson Book, Bk 1A particularly effective. It provides a structured approach to learning while giving me plenty of flexibility to adapt lessons to each individual student.

The course is available in several formats, including the Prep Course, Basic Course, All-in-One Course and Complete Levels Course. You can find out more about the different options on the official Alfred Music website.

One of the things I particularly like about the course is the range of supplementary books available at each level. These allow me to reinforce the concepts being taught while choosing music that is appropriate for each student’s ability, interests and rate of progress.

Learning at your own pace

One of the biggest challenges for piano students is finding enough time to practise between lessons. This is particularly true for adults, who may be balancing piano lessons with work, family and other commitments.

Rather than expecting every student to progress through the material at exactly the same speed, I can keep them at a particular level for as long as necessary. There is plenty of music to explore, so students can build their skills and confidence without constantly being faced with pieces that are beyond their current ability.

This is important because successful piano learning isn’t about rushing through a course. It is about developing a secure foundation and making steady, enjoyable progress.

Preparing for ABRSM piano exams

The course also provides a useful foundation for students who want to work towards ABRSM piano examinations.

Once a student has completed Levels 1A and 1B, they have developed many of the skills needed to begin working towards ABRSM Grade 1. At this stage, if the student wants to take the examination, we can introduce the appropriate Grade 1 repertoire, scales and other requirements alongside their normal piano studies.

We can continue progressing through the Alfred course at the same time, or focus more specifically on exam preparation depending on the student’s goals.

Similarly, after completing Levels 2A and 2B, students can begin preparing for ABRSM Grade 2, and continue through the grades as their playing develops.

The important thing is that exams are an option rather than a requirement. Some students enjoy having a clear goal to work towards, while others simply want to learn piano for enjoyment. The course can accommodate both approaches.

Suitable for adults as well as children

Although Alfred also produces courses specifically designed for adult learners, I have found the Alfred’s Basic Piano Library works very well for many adult students too.

Adults often have less time available for practice than children, but that doesn’t mean they can’t make excellent progress. Having a wide range of music available at each level means that we can choose pieces that are achievable and enjoyable without having to spend weeks struggling through a single piece before moving on.

Whether you are a complete beginner, returning to the piano after many years, or hoping to work towards an ABRSM piano exam, my aim is to help you develop your playing steadily, confidently and at a pace that works for you.