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Piano Adventures


Synopsis


(Faber Piano Adventures ). The 2nd Edition Level 2A Lesson Book follows Piano Adventures Level 1. The book opens with a Note Reading Guide and an introduction to eighth note rhythm patterns. Students work with 5-finger transposition, functional harmony, and musical phrases. Exploration of C, G, D and A major and minor 5-finger positions builds on intervallic reading skills that were introduced in the earlier level. Appealing repertoire reinforces key concepts and encourages students to explore musical expression through varied dynamics and tempos. Selections include well-known classics from the great composers and original compositions.

Nancy Faber (composer), Randall Faber (composer)

Summary

Chapter 1: Introduction to the Piano

* Teaches basic parts of the piano and proper posture
* Introduces the finger numbers and the white keys on the keyboard
* Example: The finger numbers are 1 (thumb) to 5 (pinky), and the white keys from left to right are C, D, E, F, G, A, B

Chapter 2: Finger Exercises and Note Reading

* Provides finger exercises to strengthen and coordinate the fingers
* Introduces note values (whole, half, quarter, and eighth notes) and time signatures (4/4 and 3/4)
* Example: A quarter note is a filled-in circle, and the time signature 4/4 indicates that there are four beats per measure with a quarter note receiving one beat

Chapter 3: Simple Melodies and Chords

* Teaches how to play simple melodies on different parts of the keyboard
* Introduces basic chords (C major, G major, and F major)
* Example: The C major chord is played with the fingers 1, 3, and 5 on the keys C, E, and G

Chapter 4: La Melodia (The Melody)

* Focuses on playing melodies using both hands
* Introduces concept of phrasing and articulation
* Example: A phrase is a group of notes separated by a breath or pause

Chapter 5: Fingering Patterns

* Teaches finger patterns (scales and arpeggios) to improve dexterity
* Introduces different hand positions and fingerings
* Example: The C major scale can be played using the fingerings 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5

Chapter 6: La Armonía (The Harmony)

* Explores different types of chords and harmonic progressions
* Introduces the concept of inversions and chord symbols
* Example: The C major chord in second inversion is played with the fingers 1, 3, and 5 on the keys G, C, and E

Chapter 7: Las Notas Negras (The Black Keys)

* Introduces the black keys and their placement on the keyboard
* Teaches how to play melodies and chords using the black keys
* Example: The D sharp key is a black key located to the right of the D key

Chapter 8: El Ritmo (The Rhythm)

* Focuses on rhythmic accuracy and different types of rhythms
* Introduces syncopations, dotted rhythms, and tuplets
* Example: A dotted quarter note is a quarter note followed by an eighth note tied to it

Chapter 9: La Técnica (The Technique)

* Provides exercises for improving finger strength, independence, and coordination
* Introduces techniques such as trills, turns, and grace notes
* Example: A trill is a rapid alternation between two notes on the same pitch

Chapter 10: La Pieza (The Piece)

* Introduces easy pieces that incorporate all the concepts learned so far
* Teaches how to analyze and interpret a piece of music
* Example: "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" can be used to practice fingerings, hand positions, and rhythm