Comments on: John Thompson Review

By: Karin

Karin — Thu, 28 Apr 2022 18:16:19 +0000

I've noticed, too, that many times really musical children are attracted to the music in John Thompson even if they aren't very serious about piano. There are pros and cons to every method, but I find that this goes too quickly for some kids once they get into the JT Grade 2 book, and then slower things like MIchael Aaron and even some of the newer ones tend to work better. I started on this, but for some reason my teacher switched me to Leila Fletcher with a bit of Michael Aaron but I have no idea why she did that. However, Leila Fletcher doesn't seem exactly the same, but since my mother gave away my books after I left home I can't do a good comparison. I liked the music in Leila Flether also, and learned to read music despite the overfingering.

In recent years, editors have reduced the finger numbers in newer printing of the John Thompson method books.

By: María López Belarte

María López Belarte — Tue, 20 Apr 2021 11:12:08 +0000

Do you know about Piano Adventures?
It’s also something very well thought and lots of imagination and creativity involved in the process. Highly recommended!

By: Anthony Robinson

Anthony Robinson — Sun, 15 Mar 2020 03:23:28 +0000

I agree that John Thompson’s books among the best for piano students. Concomitant with JT books 1, 2 and 3 I have used Brimhall Theory 1, 2 and 3 with excellent results!

By: Kathy

Kathy — Sun, 16 Oct 2016 04:00:38 +0000

Thanks!

By: Tamsyn Spackman

Tamsyn Spackman — Fri, 14 Oct 2016 18:54:01 +0000

Hello Kathy! Unfortunately, my more advanced books are in storage right now, so I don't have access to look at it. The biggest thing I could suggest, then, is to get a copy of the book with a CD so you can listen to the music and get a solid feel for what it should sound like. Also, don't be afraid to mark your piece up- it's not cheating, it's great practice! Label the notes with ledger lines and circle the accidentals that are giving you trouble. Take the trouble spots and work them through slowly and then work up speed. I'm sorry I can't be more specific- good luck! I think it's great you are brushing up! Never to old or young. 🙂

By: Kathy

Kathy — Thu, 13 Oct 2016 19:33:25 +0000

I'm an adult trying to brush up and improve my skills. I took lessons for 11 years as a child/teenager. I've continued to play, occasionally in church, lots of traditional hymn playing etc. I'm currently going through old books, such as JT book 4, trying to go through them sequentially (my teacher let me pick and choose too) to fill in holes in my learning and skills. The arrangement From the Overture Romeo and Juliet in book 4 is kicking my butt! The 5 flats, ledger lines and accidentals – tricky for my fingers to follow.
Any tips from a teacher to facilitate mastering this piece?

By: Kathy

Kathy — Thu, 13 Oct 2016 19:32:38 +0000

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Tue, 04 Oct 2016 18:26:04 +0000

I also think the JT modern piano course is definitely more challenging than the Alfred and others. The JT is a complete piano course, goes from zero to hero,NOT a beginner book, unlike the Alfred. JT has many great supplements, for example the young recitalist has easy recital pieces that sound and look more difficult than they are. As some one else, I too like the Leila fletcher course, but more for the music than the technique. The JT is more difficult, as you wrote it introduces crossed hands etc from start, also many keys. Not a piano method for slackers.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Tue, 04 Oct 2016 18:12:39 +0000

The JT is the best, I have checked most methods. I also love the JT supplements, studies etc. I hate the Alfred too, the pieces are trash for the most part, cannot hold of candle to JT s pieces, no question. I have studied advanced harmony, Alfred pieces are weird in many ways. The current "popular piano" series, supposedly by JT, has nothing to do with his Modern Piano course, I.e. the popular piano books, although nice, are WAY easier, for example the JT popular piano third grade is way easier than JT modern piano second grade

By: Tamsyn Spackman

Tamsyn Spackman — Sat, 23 Mar 2013 16:18:04 +0000

Thanks for adding your two cents, Sasha! I'll definitely check Fletcher out when I get the chance. :)

When I mentioned this post on facebook, there was also some positive mention of "Simply Music", which is a different approach altogether, based on ear training first.