Everybody should be able to play the Classics

Even the little ones!

Faber and Faber designed this book appeal to the earliest beginner, provided they can read notes on the staff.  This book is designed to fit with the primer level of instruction, using no eighth notes and keeping the hands mostly in Middle C position.

There are many fun and recognizable songs in this book.  I know sometimes the earliest books are filled with pieces that fit within the parameters (such as easy rhythms and no hand movement) that are not easily recognized.  That's not so with this book.

You'll find inside:
Ode to Joy
Morning
Bridal Chorus
London Symphony Theme
Horn Call
Trumpet Voluntary
The Can-Can
A Little Night Music
Shepherd's Song

The inside back cover is a dictionary of Musical terms.  It defines all you'll find in the book:
p, mp, mf, f, crescendo, quarter rest, staccato, tie, 4/4 time signature, 3/4 time signature, sharp, quarter, half, dotted half, and whole note.

These songs also feature a teacher duet.  The first few songs feature a diagram of the hand position on the keys.  (After that it is noted in words.) There are some skips (melodic thirds) in the melodies of these pieces, which may need to be explained to the student who is used to playing only steps.  There are no rests other than an occasional quarter rest.  The melody is split between the two hands.  If the hand is not playing for the measure, the measure is left blank.  You can look inside this book here.

This book is available on Sheet Music Plus for $4.95.

I find this is a breath of fresh air for some students to play these pieces.  I know at the Primer level, many students don't necessarily need anything beyond the method.  However, many like it, and while the popular books and kids songs books are nice, it's great to introduce students to classical pieces of music literature.