TL;DR Andrea and Trevor Dow’s Pop Staff 3 Book is an excellent successor to the Pop Staff 1 & 2 books. These books are unlike any other method book, and they are beloved staples in my studio.
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Today I am thrilled to share my enthusiasm for Andrea Dow’s Pop Staff 3 book from the WunderKeys Pop Staff Piano Library for Older Beginners. Since its publication, this exceptional resource has become an integral part of my teaching repertoire, consistently delivering outstanding results and fostering a love for music in my students.
Pop Staff 3 seamlessly continues the incredible journey initiated in Book 1 and 2, maintaining the perfect balance between engagement and education. The transition to more Pop Staff-Grand Staff hybrid piano pieces and full grand staff piano pieces is executed with finesse, providing a progressive and enjoyable learning experience for older beginners.
One of the standout features of Pop Staff 3 is its exploration of G major and G minor 5-finger scales, as well as D major and D minor 5-finger scales. This comprehensive approach to scales not only enhances technical proficiency but also deepens the students’ understanding of key signatures and tonalities, setting a solid foundation for their musical journey.
The incorporation of accidentals, dotted quarter notes, I and V7 chords, solid and broken chords, first and second endings, pick-up measures, 8va markings, 15ma markings, eighth rests, and accents further enriches the learning experience. Andrea Dow’s thoughtful inclusion of these elements ensures a well-rounded education, covering both technical and expressive aspects of piano playing.
What sets Pop Staff 3 apart is its ability to make learning not only effective but also enjoyable. My students who start with this book consistently demonstrate a remarkable ability to learn quickly and thoroughly while having fun in the process. The engaging repertoire and carefully structured lessons keep students motivated and eager to explore new musical concepts.
As a piano teacher, I appreciate the attention to detail and pedagogical expertise evident in Pop Staff 3. Andrea Dow has created a resource that not only imparts essential piano skills but also instills a genuine passion for music in students. I wholeheartedly recommend Pop Staff 3 to my fellow teachers and anyone seeking a dynamic and effective method for older beginners. It’s a true gem in the world of piano education, and I look forward to many more years of musical discoveries with this fantastic book!
