Piano World Home Page Forums Our Most Popular Forums Adult Beginners Forum Alfred's Basic and All in One Adult Piano Course Book #2

@JimF
I'd say I can feel it getting easier already, learning Gm Minuet is not as frustrating as the first one. (maybe it's easier though)

@Scorpio
I am not planning on totally abandoning Alfred's, I'll just learn a few of the Anna Magdalena book pieces for a while along with it.

Anyway; meanwhile I had a go at "Introduction and Dance". Not as good as I would have liked but I already spent so much time stuck here, time to move on.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OpZFDNsl_4c

I also discovered Pianoteq has an internal recording feature which allows midi -> wav exporting, somehow I never noticed it before. The sound is way cleaner compared to recording it with audacity, which introduces a background his/noise.

Very Nice! Sounds great.

I think sticking with Alfred's is a great plan. I look forward to hearing more. I am always looking for your uploads.

I have been playing around with Pianoteq myself. I only have the trial for the time being, but it has been fun playing with it.

Thanks Scorpio. I love Pianoteq. Although it sounds somewhat artificial, it's very responsive. I don't know if this is the right word but with pianoteq I feel somehow "connected" to the instrument and this is worth more than a realistic sound to me. Somebody with a dp that has a good sound engine might not notice as big of a difference though.

I am really glad you expressed this sensation. I feel more connected to the DP too! In fact, I thought I was actually playing better with Pianoteq. There is no perceptible delay, but maybe the 2ms delay is just enough to process the finger action so that it comes out better. Practicing some of those Bach pieces, they seem to flow more than with the DP sounds. It has been a pleasure working with it.

And I have no issues with the sound. I think it is fine. Your recording sounds great.

Scorpio, that's a good idea. I've been working on Masterwork Classics 3. I have not totally abandoned Alfred's but I am finding the pieces in Masterworks more enjoyable. I'm on Passepied in C Major about to go on to Menuet in G Major.

My daughter is learning with the Suzuki method, and so I am also learning the pieces at her pace, maybe a song ahead of her so I can help her practice. We're near the end of book 1.

Anyhow, I would be interested in threads for the Suzuki & Masterwork Classics series. I don't think there would be enough interest for all the different levels in each series, but one thread for each would be nice.

Just listened to your "Introduction and Dance", Syndal, and thought you did a great job.

Thank you mom3gram.

I have Masterworks Classics 3, but I have yet to try it. I am definitely able to play them at this point now. The 1-2 book is too easy, although I could probably perfect them now if I desired. I have all the companion books for them as well, and I found them helpful for understanding how the music should be played. It is a stark contrast to the Alfred books, though. It feels more like a Royal Conservatory book, intended to be played repeatedly to perfection. I enjoy the pieces, but I have been focused on book 2 of alfred's.

I am working on Waltz in G Minor and Symphony No. 6 - neither are terribly difficult. I've also skipped ahead and started working on the Canon in D arrangement at the end. My teacher hosts a spring recital - I'm contemplating offering up the Canon in D. It will be my first ever live performance.

We'll see.

Unfortunately, I bought Book 2 without a CD, downloadable content available?

You can find performances on YouTube. You really don't want the CD; just mediocre midi performances with backing track - not very helpful.

In fact, this is where I would go: http://www.youtube.com/user/sydnal?feature=watch

scorpio, thanks

Working on the last 4 pieces of the book:
Love's Greeting
The Marriage of Figaro
Danny Boy
Canon in D

Canon in D I've been working for a few weeks and it's getting close. The other 3 are pretty rough right now. Probably will take me at least one more week. Also, working on Wild Honeysuckle Rag from the Marth Mier Jazz, Rags and Blues series.

getting to the end how exciting - well done for sticking through it

Way to go Ohio Mark!
Are you heading to Alfred 3 or are you branching out?

I do have book 3 and that is my current plan. I have a couple other books also that I am using to add supplemental pieces. I have all 5 books of the Martha Mier Jazz, Rags and Blues and I am halfway through book 2. I also just purchased books 3-6 of the Masterwork Classics series but haven't started them yet.

That being said I am contemplating changing teachers so if I do that could certainly impact my choices.

Hitry: You can find many good sample videos on YouTube. Here is a recommended YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/Darkboy2525

Xiao

Malkin: I plan to head to Alfred 3 when I complete Alfred 2. Xiao

Paul: Welcome to the Alfred's piano family. You are a fast learner. It took me more than 13 months to finish Alfred's book 1. Xiao