Third Grade Velocity Studies: Mid-Intermediate Level Paperback – July 1, 2005

I just started using this supplement, and am already loving it. I never used it as a child, but bought it now that I’m playing again as an adult. They are exercise pieces, but as usual, John Thompson uses real music to teach, which is so much better than other methods that “baby” students to death.. My daughter will also be using this when she reaches this level. Highly recommend.

This book was a real find. I am a mostly self-taught adult, and have taken up playing regularly again after being mostly away from the piano for over 10 years. I wanted to fill in gaps in my technique, and I have found this to be a perfect resource. The studies are very well chosen, and take you through a wide variety of technical and musical problems pitched at the intermediate level. The studies are from generally well-known and respected study composers like Czerny, Heller and Burgmueller. There are 50 studies, and in general they are pleasant enough to play, with a number of studies being quite appealing in their own right. Brief yet valuable pointers on how to master the technical problems accompany each study. The emphasis, as the cover indicates, is velocity, with scales, passage work, arpeggios, chords, etc all being very well represented. Both hands get a work out. If you are a developing intermediate pianist with an interest in classical music, I can't imagine you being disappointed in this little gem.

This is one of the best finger study books out there. All my advanced students find something that challenges them and something that they can feel quick success. I love that the studies are helpful and labeled so we can choose pieces that are actually helpful for the area they are needing improvement in, Need left hand fast fingers, there are several for that, Need right hand arpeggios, there is a study for that I order these every year and ask that my students order them every time I find them.

This velocity studies book met my needs as an older adulty who is getting back into piano. The velocity studies were actually fun and melodic as well as great exercises.

I ordered this for a piano student as I could no longer find it in a local music store. I had an old copy and the music content is the same in both books. The quality of the book is quite different. The cover is much lighter weight than the original and it arrived not stapled on to the book, so it is repeatedly falling off. The paper and print quality are also definitely lower than the original. That being said, my student can use it fine - same content as original. It meets the need - just not the quality I would like.

Very interesting little pieces, that encourage agility, and speed. They are much more interesting than Hanon exercises, though I use those, too, with some students. These advance rather quickly, but the pieces are not very long, so make great warm-ups at the piano.

Love this book of dexterity exudes and would highly recommend to anyone looking to improve their piano playing. My ability level is 4.5out of 10.

Wonderful refresher exercises for this used-to-be pianist. Lots of variety, fun to do!