This post may contain affiliate links. As a Sheet Music Plus and Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. That means I make a small commission (at no additional cost to you) if you purchase something from an affiliate link.
I have tried several different ways to plan piano music for students. I have tried to order music as I need it, plan music for two halves of the year, and plan music for the entire year. Planning music for the entire year is my favorite option! It gives me an end goal for students, and it eliminates the task of buying music throughout the year.
I typically spend July to select the music my students will need during the upcoming school year. This can be a time consuming task if you have a large studio, but I have found doing this helps to keep my studio running smoothly the rest of the year. In addition, it looks professional to parents and students that you have a plan. It is worth the time!
My Formula:
- Method book (If the student advances quickly, I may order two levels of the method book.)
- Performance book (This gives us extra pieces that coordinate with the method.)
- Holiday book
- Classical book
- 2-3 pieces pedagogical solos (like pieces from the National Federation of Music Clubs list)
- A theory workbook (I use my series Ready for Theory®, which includes theory and keyboard skills)
A Sample List
Here is a sample list for a beginning student in their second year of lessons:
- Faber Piano Adventures, Lesson Book Level 1
- Faber Piano Adventures, Performance Book Level 1 (Or a different supplementary book like Disney or Folk Tunes.)
- Playtime Christmas
- Essential Piano Repertoire, Preparatory Level
- Gillock – Accent on Solos, Level 1
- Bober – Grand Solos for Piano, Book 1
- Ready for Theory, Prep A Workbook
I’ve used this system for several years. It seems like a long list, but it usually lasts the entire year and following summer. You may find that slower students (or those who do not practice regularly) may not need both the performance book and several pedagogical solos.
When students are in sixth or seventh grade, I typically eliminate the method book and use just classical and federation pieces. I keep track of the music selected for each student in a document titled with the student’s name. I use Evernote so that I can access the notes on any device.
There are several benefits of planning music for the entire year:
- The teacher or student only has to order music once.
- The student already has the music needed for competitions, festivals, and recitals.
- It gives the student a clear goal for the year.
- It enhances your professional appearance.
Once you pick the music for students, you can keep your lesson plans organized with a teacher planner or spreadsheet.
Lauren teaches piano to students of all ages. She enjoys creating resources for her students and teachers. She is the author of Ready for Theory®. For personalized help, check out the consultations page for teachers.
