Teacher Resources

Improvisation ideas and alternative notation for pupils who do not read and more. Read about the benefits experienced by learning disabled people when they have been given the opportunity to play a musical instrument. See what has been done by others.

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Alfred Piano Books for the Young Beginner A - E

These are ideal for a person with learning difficulties of any age who wishes to play the piano. I have used them successfully with adults as well as young people. The illustrations are designed for a young child, but my older pupils with Down syndrome certainly don't mind them. I have asked the publishers if they would consider re publishing the material with more suitable illustrations for the adult learner.

The books progress very slowly, step by step, and the material remains in a five-finger position for a long time. There is plenty of musically rewarding material to play.

The books begin with the use of fingers 2&3 and 2,3 &4 on the black notes. In my experience, people with learning difficulties find that these fingers are easier to use at first. Thumbs and 5s come much later in the book, as does the introduction to the musical stave. One of my pupils with Down syndrome, who does not read notation at all, has enjoyed working through these books. They give structure, and a forward plan for the lessons. This pupil learns by rote, and the illustrations on the page tell him which tune to play.

The Alfred books are supported with plenty of imaginative and creative back-up material. For example, the aural test books supporting this series introduce the concepts of high and low, loud and soft in a pictorial way that is accessible to most.

Further details of the whole range available from Alfred Publishing can be seen on their website at www.alfred.com