Planning Piano Music for One Year

I have tried several different ways to plan piano music for students. I have tried to order music as I need it, plan music for two halves of the year, and plan music for the entire year. Planning music for the entire year is my favorite option! It gives me an end goal for students, and it eliminates the task of buying music throughout the year. 

 

I typically spend July to select the music my students will need during the upcoming school year. This can be a time consuming task if you have a large studio, but I have found doing this helps to keep my studio running smoothly the rest of the year. In addition, it looks professional to parents and students that you have a plan. It is worth the time!

My Formula:

1. Method book (If the student advances quickly, I may order two levels of the method book.)
2. Performance book (This gives us extra pieces that coordinate with the method.)
3. Holiday book
4. Classical book
5. 2-3 pieces pedagogical solos (like pieces from the National Federation of Music Clubs list)
6. Ready for Theory® workbook (This includes theory and keyboard skills)

A Sample List

Here is a sample list for a beginning student in their second year of lessons:

1. Faber Piano Adventures, Lesson Book Level 1
2. Faber Piano Adventures, Performance Book Level 1
3. Playtime Christmas
4. Essential Piano Repertoire, Preparatory Level
5. Gillock – Accent on Solos, Level 1
   Bober – Grand Solos for Piano, Book 1
6. Ready for Theory, Prep A Workbook

I’ve used this system for several years. It seems like a long list, but it usually lasts the entire year and following summer. You may find that slower students (or those who do not practice regularly) may not need both the performance book and several pedagogical solos.

When students are in sixth or seventh grade, I typically eliminate the method book and use just classical and federation pieces. I keep track of the music selected for each student in a document titled with the student’s name. I use Evernote so that I can access the notes on any device.

There are several benefits of planning music for the entire year:

1. The teacher or student only has to order music once.
2. The student already has the music needed for competitions, festivals, and recitals.
3. It gives the student a clear goal for the year.
4. It enhances your professional appearance.