A comprehensive and effective programme must consider all of the possible sectors in which the student’s skills and competence can develop, which fall into two main categories: musicianship and instrumental skills. The Music Method Project (MusMP) comprises the Piano Method Project (PMP), related to the development of instrumental skills, and the Musicianship Method Project (MMP), related to musicianship development. Piano Development (PD) is a Development Area of PMP and is divided into a first set of 20 levels. PD consists of short pieces that the student will have to prepare in a very short time term (VST as in the MusMP conceived Time Terms), usually for the following lesson. The general complexity expressed at each level of PD does not have to be comparable to the difficulty of other areas simultaneously studied, especially if related to repertoire. Indeed, the student may find him/herself studying a repertoire piece that is much more difficult than is expressed by the level required in PD: this would be perfectly appropriate while the contrary would, surely be unfitting. The time term of PD is classified as VST while a repertoire piece may be classified from MT to VLT (Medium Term to Very Long Term); therefore, the latter can be more complex.
There is no strict way in which to use this book; it can be adopted for various purposes accordingly. Nevertheless, its main purpose is to be part of the PMP.
The introduction comprises directions for using this book, a description of all rhythmic patterns and time signatures found in the pieces and a description of the minimum prerequisites eventually needed for effectively starting this book. More specific direction for the teacher, related to a methodological approach to the pieces are also included; topics taken into consideration are:
- Accidentals
- Hand Positions
- Metronome
- Improvising Chamber Music
- Key Signatures
- Moving to a New Piece
- Moving to a New Level
- Monitoring
