Foreword

In compiling and writing ‘Fascinating Fingers’my aim has been to introduce children to piano playing with a difference.  Words, along with
music encourage them to enjoy sounds and will help them with rhythmic patterns.  The numbered exercises are in no way to be called
‘exercises’ as each one is considered to be a ‘little piece’ on its own, with a title.  Should some wording appear to be inappropriate for the
particular child involved it is expected that the Teacher or Parent will adjust it accordingly.  Many of the pieces, played with alternative finger
sequences may also be played starting on different notes and in different keys which will help to train the musical ear at an early age.
 At this stage, names of the notes and basic note values are all that is required and the books are designed primarily for the Teacher or Parent
as Book 1, Book 2 etc.,with the Pupil following the illustrations and learning from memory.

A Child likes to sound impressive and to that end why shouldn’t they have the whole keyboard at their disposal ?  This tends to make their
playing sound ‘grand’ and important and is a reward for their labours.
Music has been chosen from the Composers to further the Child’s enjoyment as well as technique and I have added some pieces of my own to
 assist their learning ability.

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 Pieces for performance have been numbered with Roman numerals and Books 1 and 2 keep mainly to the key of ‘C’,
 Books 3, 4 and 5 introduce other major and minor keys.  By the completion of Book 6 all major, harmonic, melodic minor
and chromatic scales should have been learnt, along with broken chords and arpeggios.  A CD can be provided to illustrate
how the pieces may be played.
After Books 1 and 2, reading can be introduced and this should be practised as a separate item which may be found in my
‘Ready to read Music’ books.

A certain amount of Theory knowledge is included in my books and this is an important attribute for the player especially when
he or she attains a standard comparable with Grade V.

I hope this method of teaching will assist many very young pianists to enjoy their playing from an early age and throughout their
 lives and some young pianists who have followed this regime may be seen playing on this website