Video: Let’s Talk about John Thompson’s “Teaching Little Fingers To Play”

Hi there!

Earlier today, I went live on Facebook to talk about one of my favorite old piano method books: the classic John Thompson’s Modern Course for the Piano. I have to admit certain bias for the “Teaching Little Fingers to Play” book. It was my first piano book when I was all of age 5. :)

Here is the Facebook Live video.

Let’s talk about this classic piano method: John Thompson’s Modern Course for the Piano. I have to admit certain bias for the “Teaching Little Fingers” book because it was my first piano book when I was age 5. ??

Posted by Color In My Piano blog on Tuesday, June 13, 2017

Here is what’s covered in the video:

• 0:50  Get a peek inside an OLD copy of the “Teaching Little Fingers To Play” book by John Thompson.
• 2:10  Why I like using the “Teaching Little Fingers” book sometimes today as a supplement.
• 3:05  Get a peek inside a NEW copy of the “Teaching Little Fingers” book. The illustrations have been updated, but the version is otherwise pretty true to the original.
• 3:35  How to address one of the potential pitfalls of using the “Teaching Little Fingers” book: the overabundance of finger numbers.
• 4:47  How John Thompson was ahead of his time as a pedagogue. Or, perhaps there is really just “nothing new under the sun.” :) Hint: See the note on the cover of the “Teaching Little Fingers” book.
• 7:04  Learn more about other music and resources John Thompson authored.

Questions for you: Have you ever used the John Thompson series? What do you appreciate about it?

Thanks for watching!

P.S.: Why am I looking through old piano method books? It’s because I’m in the midst of preparations for Retreat at Piano Manor which I will be hosting later this summer, August 17-19, 2017! During the retreat, we will be looking through piano method books from across the decades, uncovering pedagogical wisdom relevant for us today. Registration is now open and a few teachers have already registered. Be sure to watch the facebook page and here on the blog for future videos about piano methods.

Related Posts:

• The July Forum: Discussing Method Books
• A New Adult Student Book on the Market: “Returning to the Piano” by Wendy Stevens
• 2016 Studio T-Shirt
• “Un-Method” Books for Piano Students
• Review & Giveaway: Elena Cobb’s “My Piano Trip To London”

from Color In My Piano http://colorinmypiano.com/2017/06/13/video-lets-talk-about-john-thompsons-teaching-little-fingers-to-play/