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Just had Musette as part of my lesson. Yikes. Talk about realizing just how much of a beginner I am! Any hints on this? The killer is playing staccato with my left and eighths with my right between those notes with my left. Sound confusing? That's what my head is right now! So confused. I am sure I'll get it as I have played a song like this already, but, whoa! I am hoping my brain is not too old for this. At least I can walk and chew gum still.

I'm not familiar with the book but I assume it's the famous Bach musette? That is a tricky piece for a beginner.

Slow, slow, slow and lots of hands separate until you know the music, then super super slow bring them together. I'm talking one eighth note a second slow ... or slower. You just need to get the feel that this hand is doing staccato while that is legato, etc.

Hi Emie,
Andy gives great advice. Take a measure or two and play it hands separately until you can do it almost automatically (right hand first). Then add the left hand. Go SLOW SLOW SLOW. So slow that the piece isn't recognizable. Once that becomes comfortable, move forward with the next few measures.
If it is indeed the Bach piece, once you manage it, you will really enjoy being able to play such a beautiful piece. As just one reference, it took me more than a month to be able to play it smoothly.
Have fun and remember go S.....L.....O......W....L....Y!!!!!

Andy and Glasslove, the Musette in the Faber Adult book is a simplified version.

Emie, I had trouble coordinating the LH staccato and the right hand eighth notes too, until the rhythm just clicked for me, and those staccato notes just fell into place. I'm not sure that I did anything specific other than trying to get a "feel" for the rhythm of the piece. It's a fun one to play.

There are some fun pieces coming up in the book that I think you are going to like. Hang in there.

P.S. I can't walk and chew gum, so you have an advantage over me already. LOL

Thanks for your advice. It all makes sense but it helps to know that others cannot just automatically play these pieces. When my teacher played it for me it sounded so beautiful. Can't wait to play that way! Thanks again. Off to the piano!

Practice doesn't always make perfect but it certainly helps!! Getting it quite nicely. Off to get a new piano to go with it!!