Sally Hopkins

Lightning Piano Book 1 Sally Hopkins

A first piano book for young children which aims to grow a love of music making while developing all the skills needed to be a pianist. The approach is structured but the material is designed to be creative and fun, encouraging experimentation, improvisation and playing by ear alongside learning to read music. Inspired by Paul Harris' books on Simultaneous Learning, new concepts are introduced slowly and logically a step at a time so that theory, aural and practical skills are combined. The book includes Teacher's Parts which are also available as sound files at www.lightningpiano.com. The ear training games suggested in the books promote aural development. Zoltan Kodaly said, "Everyone who learns an instrument should sing first." Many of the tunes in the Lightning Piano books are well known children's songs/nursery rhymes and pupils are encouraged to sing while they play to aid fluency and musicality. Children are encouraged to perform from memory. This further encourages performance techniques and artistry.