John Thompson's Modern Course for the Piano: Second Grade - Book/Audio (John Thompson's Modern Course for the Piano Series)

I wouldn't use anything else. I went to the music store, looked through about 14 different kinds of beginner music teaching programs. Then I bought about 4 of them, and this was the clear winner by a mile. We're into the 3rd book and I'm very pleased. Teaches enough without being overwhelming. Songs are accessible to all ages, and my 8 year old is as engaged with the books as I am. We're both learning to play piano, and I suppose that's good enough for me! Oh - be sure and get the CDs if you are learning from scratch. Knowing how it's supposed to sound makes a big difference.PS - Very occasionally I have to call my mom and ask her what the book means by something, as it assumes some more knowlege than I have. Having a person who knows how to play, that you can consult every once in a while, will make the process a breeze.

It is never to late to pick up these books we used as a child and study and learn ALL the things that keeps us from enjoying the piano.I was too busy being a tom boy when I could have been studying and learning all the things that are on the "ground level".SO I never have learned to "enjoy" my piano.Going back and reviewing the first grade book I had and then I was ready for the second grade.At 63 I am getting more enjoyment from my piano. The "John Thompsom" series are recognized and promoted by most music teachers. The basics are tought so they can be learned. ( with just a little willingness from the student)

Good course if you're looking to learn how to sight read music. Less so if you want to understand how to play. Having the audio download is very helpful, but the MP3 (and Midi) files have a lot of back-up instruments that could confuse students. With the Midi, you can isolate just the student piano part and isolate the right hand and the left hand separately and cut out all the tambourines etc. etc. that may be confusing. Listening to the isolated Midi seems to help learn the songs and get the timings right.

I teach piano to my five grandchildren. One has completed this book and another is well into it. I chose the John Thompson book because the melodies are lovely. The instruction progresses carefully, introducing music theory in a gradual and very understandable manner. Each tune builds on what the child has already learned. I am very satisfied with the quality of the instruction. Our eldest granddaughter is now on Book 2. I'll continue to use this series and supplement with other classical pieces.

i like the book. My 5-6 yrs old finished their book 1 so we got the book two. It includes some chopin and bach pieces which are very nice. One disappointmentis the CD. I was expecting it to be played with piano but it is not. It is like listening to an orchestra or other types. That will get u familar with the melody but not able to compare how u actually play the piano.

I did not get the CD pack i got the keepsake edition . I am a Piano Teacher and very pleased with the spiral binding Just wonderful how it says open so well best I have ever seen wish all music Books had the spiral Binding that way kide can concentrate on their music and not worry about keeping the book open so very happy and pleased

Excellent book for learn to play piano

Me es muy útil para continuar mis clases de piano.

A good book for adult beginners who has the basic exposure to the piano. Book starts with two hand music which is different from other beginner books. It helped me get over from playing with one hand only and move move to two hands

楽しめるメロディーがたくさんある。小学生に適していると思う。好きな曲を選んで楽しくレッスンを進める事ができる。トンプソンファンです。

This is great! I recommend it to some other buyers

The book content is great but the condition is not new. There is scratches on the cover and part of the cover is ripped as well.