John Thompson's Adult Piano Course – Book 1 | Beginner to Elementary Level | Classical, Folk, and Original Arrangements | Softcover Piano Method

by John Thompson

(Willis). NEW AND IMPROVED! Recently re-engraved and updated, John Thompson's Adult Piano Course was compiled with the mature student in mind. Adults have the same musical road to travel as the younger student, but the study material for a mature student will differ slightly in content. Since these beloved books were written and arranged especially for adults, they contain a wonderful mix of classical arrangements, well-known folk-tunes and outstanding originals that many will find a pleasure to learn and play. Most importantly, the student is always encouraged to play as artistically and with as much musical understanding as possible.

Genres: Music

80 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

About the author

John Thompson was born in Williamstown, Pennsylvania, the eldest of four children. He began music study at the age of five, and studied piano with Maurits Leefson at the Leefson-Hille Conservatory (Philadelphia), and composition with Dr. Hugh Clark at the University of Pennsylvania. In his early twenties, Thompson toured the United States and Europe as a concert pianist, performing with several prominent European orchestras. Upon his return he began a distinguished career as a pedagogue, heading music conservatories in Indianapolis, Philadelphia, and Kansas City. Today his legacy lies in the continued popularity of his remarkable method books, Teaching Little Fingers to Play, Modern Course, and Easiest Piano Course, used by teachers in the United States and abroad.

Reviews

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Completing this book was a huge accomplishment for me! I ordered a keyboard three months ago, and when it arrived, I instantly remembered how much I hated trying to learn piano as a child. To start learning again as an adult, I looked at all the method books I could find, and this one stood out as the best-designed. It's not as verbose as some books, which I like; it just sticks to exercises and tunes that progressively challenged me in a way that made sense. I could tell what each one was training me to do.

Obviously a teacher might help you progress, but I think this is a solid book for independent learning. Below are a few additional resources I've found very helpful:

- Waay (iOS app)
- Tenuto (iOS app)
- First, Learn to Practice (book)
- The Practice of Practice (book)
- Piano Technique Demystified (book)