Featured in this practical teaching collection are famous selections from Album for the Young, Scenes from Childhood, Carnival, Albumblätter, and arrangements of Schumann's Piano Quintet, Op. 44, Concerto in A minor, Op. 54, Symphonic Etudes, Op. 13, and "Larghetto" from Spring Symphony. Mr. Schaum has purposely abridged some of the compositions making them more accessible for the early intermediate to intermediate-level student.

The pieces in this series are long-time favorites that have appeal for pianists of all ages. Very carefully correlated to standard piano method levels, each book contains arrangements that are musically appropriate to that level. The arrangements are teacher friendly, even for the teacher who is reluctant to add pop music to the curriculum. And the series is student friendly -- there will be willing practice! Titles: * Begin the Beguine * Evergreen * I Only Have Eyes for You * Stairway to Heaven * 'S Wonderful * Star Wars (Main Title) * Tea for Two * Theme from A Summer Place * The Thorn Birds (Main Theme) * The Wind Beneath My Wings * Your Smiling Face.

Frederic Chopin (1810-1849) composed his great music under abstract titles such as: Preludes, Mazurkas, Berceuses, and Waltzes. Modern education advocates graphic descriptive captions that tell incidents: that is why Mr. Schaum has substituted historically interesting titles for the abstract terms. The original titles are always in parentheses. This wealth of true biographical information adds musical appreciation to these authentic Chopin excerpts.This newly engraved edition will be welcomed by teachers and students.

The AFTER THE "H" Book volumes have been written in response to requests from teachers who have raised the question of what to do with students after they have finished the "H" Book of the John W. Schaum Adult Piano Course. They are in the nature of a Post-Graduate Course and are designed to widen the pupil's musical horizon and to expand his technical development beyond the "H" Book degree of proficiency. However the student should not be give the impression that after completing these books he has arrived. He/She should know that the greatest pianists are eternal students and always are aspiring toward further self-improvement. Piano study is like life itself; it needs constant nourishment to thrive. These books supply musical vitamins that will enrich the pupil's pianistic ability. The material is approximately Grade 6.

The Virtuoso Pianist first appeared in 1873 and has become one of the standards of piano technique throughout the world. For this edition, Mr. Schaum has used eighth notes instead of sixteenth notes and has indicated hands played two octaves apart for ease in reading. With the modifications indicated by Mr. Schaum, this valuable set of exercises is suitable for elementary students. Mr. Schaum also provides valuable performance suggestions and an informative preface by Charles Hanon.

Most often a pupil's difficulty is not because of technic deficiency but is due to weak note recognition. Consistent use of these drills will help your student to become a good note reader.