Comparative Study on the Piano Methods for Undergraduate’s Non-Piano Majors:
Alfred’s Basic Adult All-In-One and Faber’s Adult Piano Adventures All-In-One
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17501/23572744.2020.6108Keywords:
Piano method book, Group piano instruction, piano pedagogyAbstract
A comparative study was carried out on a selected two significant method books for undergraduate’s non-piano majors in the group piano instruction This method book chosen for this study as it is the most popular and commonly practiced in Malaysia, namely, 1) Alfred’s Adult All-In-One (2011) by Palmer, Monus and Lethco; and 2) Faber’s Adult Piano Adventures All-In-One (2002) by Faber and Faber. This paper highlights 1) the similarities and difference; and 2) the strength and weakness on each method books. The content analysis reveals that Alfred’s method provides more lesson as compared to Faber’s method. In contrast, Faber offers more technique covered such as transposition, improvisation, and sight-reading exercise. Both methods covered equal theory lessons except Faber has additional topics on ear training, rules of stems, technical name (scale degree) and musical terms. Both methods are motivational, interesting, and are thoroughly concerned with the development of musical concepts. Alfred’s approach to the chord stronger than Faber. Faber’s, however, involves active fingers motion for both hands. Alfred is progress quickly and suitable for undergraduate non-piano majors as they possess musical background, knowledge, and skills. Faber method, on the other hand, contained more creativity activities and has a wide variety of music. In conclusion, the overall analysis also showed that the content focus tends to be on the piano fundamental and theory, with a noticeable lack of creative activities of piano ensemble and composition
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