One of our most commonly asked questions about the WunderKeys program is “What method book series do you suggest once students finish WunderKeys?”.
By the time your student has completed the 3-book WunderKeys program, they will have developed solid keyboard awareness, listening skills, patterning abilities and muscle coordination. They will also have a solid knowledge of rhythmic notation and one-to-one correspondence with the ability to play simple songs with both hands using note values. This means that they are well equipped to start into a mainstream method book series at the primer level.
We have found great success both in our own studio (and in the studios of those who have followed our recommendation) with the “My First Piano Adventures” series by Faber and Faber. WunderKeys graduates who begin in Level A of these books have found it to be a smooth transition that is age and level appropriate.
3 Things to Keep in Mind When Graduating From WunderKeys
1. Some students will need more than 1 week per lesson in books 2 and 3. Depending on the age of your student and their developmental abilities they may need more time to really absorb the concepts presented in these WunderKeys books. Allowing them the time now if and when they need it means a more successful transition into a mainstream method book series later on.
2. It’s okay (in fact it’s great!) to continue to use the WunderKeys supplementary activities along with your method book of choice. The concepts of patterning, rhythmic notation, numeracy, counting etc. are all intertwined in any method book. Continuing to use the games your student knows and loves is a great way to ensure a successful start into a new book series.
3. Keep parents involved in practice time. The WunderKeys program creates a solid foundation of parent participation during practice time. We all know that parental involvement (and/or support) with home practice is integral to the success of our young piano students. Make sure to continue to involve Mom and Dad in home practice by clearly laying out how they can help their child in the new book series in order to maintain this positive home routine.
One of the “wunderful” aspects of WunderKeys is that the one-on-one format of the program has already prepared your young piano student for continued piano lessons at your studio. Familiarity with piano lesson structure and expectations, and with regular home practice really contributes to a successful transition into “mainstream” piano lessons.
