TL;DR Andrea and Trevor Dow’s Pop Staff 1 Book is a fast and fun way for older beginners to learn to play the piano. It’s unlike any other method book and is a beloved staple in my studio.
As an Amazon Associate, this blog earns from qualifying purchases. By using these links, you are helping support me in my mission to bring music education to everyone. Thank you for your support!
I’ve had the pleasure of incorporating Andrea Dow’s Pop Staff 1 Book into my teaching methods since its publication, and the results have been nothing short of remarkable.
What sets Pop Staff 1 apart is its clever use of the Pop Staff, a modified bass staff that adds a new dimension to the learning experience. This book is not your typical method book; it’s a hybrid teaching tool that combines pedagogically sound piano pieces, technical exercises, and engaging activities.
One of the standout features is the incorporation of chord symbols on the Pop Staff, allowing students to explore left-hand pop chords early on. This brings a level of musicality and enjoyment that goes beyond what’s typically found in older beginner books. While it’s not strictly a chording method, the structured approach ensures that older beginners not only learn to read notes on the right-hand but also master bass notes in the C 5-finger scale.
The progression is thoughtful and gradual, introducing bass staff notes and seamlessly integrating them into the Pop Staff piano pieces. By the end of the book, students are not only playing captivating pieces on the Pop Staff but also confidently navigating the grand staff.
In summary, Andrea Dow’s Pop Staff 1 is a valuable addition to any piano teacher’s toolkit. It not only makes learning enjoyable for students but also provides a solid foundation for their musical journey. Highly recommended!
