The Conservatory Piano Course consists of these books

• Methods to explain ideas and to use for future reference.
• Etudes for technical application.
• Repertoire for performance application.
• Exercises to practice patterns.

The Method is a complete reference from which to introduce new ideas in progressive order. The Exercises, Etudes, and Repertoire books develop what is learned in the Method. There is no targeted age or ability level for which The Conservatory Course is intended. It is suitable for any age.

Division A, Level 1 and 2
Practical Method A - the core for Level 1 and 2
Technical Exercises A - the core for Level 1 and 2
Progressive Etudes 1
Pedagogical Repertoire 1
Progressive Etudes 2
Pedagogical Repertoire 2a
Pedagogical Repertoire 2b

Division B, Level 3 and 4
Practical Method B - the core for Level 3 and 4
Technical Exercises B - the core for Level 3 and 4
Progressive Etudes 3
Pedagogical Repertoire 3a
Pedagogical Repertoire 3b
Progressive Etudes 4
Pedagogical Repertoire 4a
Pedagogical Repertoire 4b

Division C, Level 5 and 6
*Available Summer 2004

The Practical Method
The Methods A, B, and C are the core of The Conservatory Course. The Method includes text for introducing musical concepts with a study on which to apply what is being learned. Approaching music progressively with readily understandable studies, the Practical Method is suitable for students of all ages.

Practical Method A (Level 1 and 2): Method A treats music study in a straightforward manner, as opposed to learning and relearning modified explanations. Students gradually grow from simple to complex ideas that link naturally in progressive order. Students achieve reading comprehension of melodies and harmony, along with technical instruction as a means to play with expression. Studies progressively develop beat and rhythm, various fingering combinations, and observation of many musical signs and terms. Beginning students of all ages and most transfer students should start with Method A.

Practical Method B (Level 3 and 4): Method B is a source of complete piano instruction larger than an entire series of most piano methods. It is a practical source for an overall understanding of music theories that includes analyzing intervals, scales, and chords in all major and minor keys; and various rhythmic patterns and technical combinations. Studies include piano literature and popular improvisation systems for reading lead line and chord symbols.

Practical Method C (Level 5 and 6): Method C reviews a broad range of educational and piano repertoire with biographies of the composer and explanations of musical periods and styles. Compositions are analyzed and improvisational ideas are expanded with more elaborate harmonies and rhythms.

Technical Exercises A, B and C
Exercises are designed to develop and maintain dexterity that normal activity cannot accomplish. Technical exercises are specific drills of repeating finger patterns and essential technical elements that thoroughly perfect the patterns and touch found in piano literature. These include legato and nonlegato, finger strength and independence, arm coordination, and wrist flexibility; in patterns of steps, skipping steps, and various motions. They also provide practice on any number of variations of single notes, double notes, scales, chords, and octaves. The Technical Exercises include studies in the style of Schmitt, Hanon, Czerny, and others.

Progressive Etudes
Etudes are melodious pieces on which to practice technical patterns of importance in piano music.

Progressive Etudes 1: Level 1 Etudes give additional practice playing legato and nonlegato in five-finger position and changing positions by octave jumps and finger extensions.

Progressive Etudes 2 - 6): These timeless melodious etudes are written by the teachers of the 19th Century such as Clementi, Kohler, Gurlitt, Schytte, Czerny, Streabbog, Concone, and others. Use them in progressive order with Levels 2 - 6 of The Conservatory Course. Their interesting melodies and patterns quickly become favorites of every piano student.

Pedagogical Repertoire
The standard pedagogical literature is not only interesting but immediately gives students experience applying the principles of technique and fingering used in all piano music. The Conservatory Piano Course is considered classical training and provides original piano literature arranged progressively for convenient assigning.

There are two volumes of graded literature at each level, with the exception of Level 1, which has only one volume.

Pedagogical Repertoire 1 and 2a: Repertoire 1 and Repertoire 2a consist of traditional and enjoyable songs from around the world that every child should know.

Pedagogical Repertoire 2b - 6b: The piano has a huge amount of delightful literature for beginners. The literature for The Conservatory Course is chosen for its educational and historic value from the countless pieces written for students by master composers. Such timeless works include Bartok’s "First Term at the Piano," Burgmuller’s "Easy and Progressive Studies," Kabalevsky’s "Pieces for Children," Bach’s "Little Notebook for Anna Magdalena," and "Two and Three Part Inventions," Clementi’s Sonatinas, Schumann’s "Album for the Young," Debussy’s "Children’s Corner," as well as Beethoven, Clarke, Clementi, Hook, Purcell, Rebikoff, Schubert, Tchaikovsky, Telemann and many others.

The Teaching Manual
The Teaching Manual for The Conservatory Piano Course provides a lesson plan with simple and direct explanations to help teachers effectively prepare students for practice and achieve the objectives of the lesson. Detailed strategies for developing reading and technique are also included.

• This course will not be successfully taught without using the manual because it provides teachers with a proactive approach in which to prepare students for practice.

The entire Conservatory Piano Course for Division A is shown page by page in the Teaching Manual along with annotation for teaching and working them out at the lesson.