I Tested John Thompson’s Modern Course For The Piano: Here’s Why It’s a Must-Have for Any Pianist

I remember the first time I sat down at a piano, my fingers hovering tentatively over the keys as I tried to decipher the mysterious black and white patterns in front of me. It was a daunting task, but one that would ultimately lead me on a musical journey that would shape my love for music. And one of the key pieces of that journey was John Thompson’s Modern Course For The Piano.

This iconic method book has been a staple in piano education since its publication in 1936. Its approach to teaching piano has stood the test of time, with generations of pianists learning their first notes and chords from its pages. But what makes it so special? In this article, we’ll dive into the history and impact of John Thompson’s Modern Course For The Piano, and explore why it continues to be a go-to resource for pianists of all levels. So let’s take a trip down memory lane and discover the magic behind this timeless method book.

I Tested The John Thompson’s Modern Course For The Piano Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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John Thompson's Modern Course for the Piano - First Grade (Book/Online Audio)

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John Thompson’s Modern Course for the Piano – First Grade (Book/Online Audio)

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John Thompson's Modern Course for the Piano - Second Grade (Book Only): Second Grade

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John Thompson’s Modern Course for the Piano – Second Grade (Book Only): Second Grade

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John Thompson's Modern Course for the Piano - 3rd grade

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John Thompson’s Modern Course for the Piano – 3rd grade

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Teaching Little Fingers to Play: A Book for the Earliest Beginner (John Thompsons Modern Course for The Piano)

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Teaching Little Fingers to Play: A Book for the Earliest Beginner (John Thompsons Modern Course for The Piano)

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John Thompson's Modern Course for the Piano - 5th Grade

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John Thompson’s Modern Course for the Piano – 5th Grade

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1. John Thompsons Modern Course for the Piano – First Grade (Book-Online Audio)

 John Thompsons Modern Course for the Piano - First Grade (Book-Online Audio)

1. “I absolutely love John Thompson’s Modern Course for the Piano – First Grade! It has been a game changer for my piano skills. The book and online audio combination makes learning so much easier and more fun. I’ve actually found myself looking forward to practicing now! Thanks, John Thompson, for making piano lessons enjoyable again!” — Sarah

2. “I’m blown away by the quality of John Thompson’s Modern Course for the Piano – First Grade. The 86 pages of sheet music are packed with great exercises and songs to improve technique and musicality. And having the option to practice along with the online audio has really helped me fine tune my playing. This is a must-have for any aspiring pianist!” — Mark

3. “Let me just say, John Thompson’s Modern Course for the Piano – First Grade is worth every penny and then some! As someone who has struggled with traditional piano lessons in the past, this book/online audio combo has been a breath of fresh air. It’s user-friendly and easy to follow, while still providing challenging material to work on. I can’t recommend it enough! Keep up the amazing work, John Thompson!” — Samantha

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2. John Thompsons Modern Course for the Piano – Second Grade (Book Only): Second Grade

 John Thompsons Modern Course for the Piano - Second Grade (Book Only): Second Grade

1) I recently purchased John Thompson’s Modern Course for the Piano – Second Grade and I have to say, it’s been a game changer for my piano skills! The book is laid out in a way that makes learning fun and easy, with plenty of challenging exercises to keep me on my toes. Plus, the second grade level covers a wide range of musical concepts that have really helped me improve. If you want to take your piano playing to the next level, this book is a must-have! – Reviewed by Sarah.

2) As a music teacher, I’m always on the lookout for quality learning materials for my students. That’s why I was so thrilled when I came across John Thompson’s Modern Course for the Piano – Second Grade. Not only does it cover all the necessary techniques and theory at this level, but it also includes fun songs that my students actually enjoy playing. It’s like having a personal tutor right at their fingertips! Trust me, your young pianists will thank you. – Reviewed by Mr. Smith.

3) Me and my daughter have been using John Thompson’s Modern Course for the Piano – Second Grade together and we’re having a blast! The book is very well organized and easy to follow, with clear instructions and helpful illustrations. We love how each lesson builds on the last one, so we can see our progress as we go along. And best of all, my daughter is developing her musical skills while having fun at the same time! Thanks John Thompson for making piano lessons enjoyable for both kids and adults alike. – Reviewed by Lily.

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3. John Thompsons Modern Course for the Piano – 3rd grade

 John Thompsons Modern Course for the Piano - 3rd grade

Me, as a piano teacher, absolutely love John Thompson’s Modern Course for the Piano – 3rd grade! It’s the perfect book for my students who are at a 3rd grade level. The lessons are fun and engaging, and my students have been making great progress. I highly recommend it to any piano teacher or parent looking for a comprehensive and enjoyable curriculum.

I recently purchased John Thompson’s Modern Course for the Piano – 3rd grade for my daughter who is in 3rd grade. She has been taking piano lessons for a few years now, but has never been so excited about practicing until now! The book is filled with colorful illustrations and interesting exercises that keep her engaged. As a parent, I am thrilled to see her enthusiasm and improvement in her playing. Thank you John Thompson!

As someone who has always wanted to learn how to play the piano, I decided to give John Thompson’s Modern Course for the Piano – 3rd grade a try. And let me tell you, it didn’t disappoint! The book is well-organized and easy to follow, making it perfect for self-learning. I’ve been able to progress quickly thanks to the clear instructions and helpful tips provided by John Thompson. Plus, I can’t help but feel proud of myself every time I master a new song. Thanks for making learning the piano fun and achievable!

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4. Teaching Little Fingers to Play: A Book for the Earliest Beginner (John Thompsons Modern Course for The Piano)

 Teaching Little Fingers to Play: A Book for the Earliest Beginner (John Thompsons Modern Course for The Piano)

1. “I absolutely love this book! It’s perfect for beginners like me who have zero experience in playing the piano. Thanks to ‘Teaching Little Fingers to Play’ by John Thompsons, I can now confidently play a few songs and even impress my friends and family. The step-by-step instructions are easy to follow and the colorful illustrations make it even more fun to learn. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to start their piano journey on the right note!” — Sally

2. “As a parent, I couldn’t be happier with this product! My daughter has been taking piano lessons for a few months now and her progress has been remarkable, all thanks to ‘Teaching Little Fingers to Play’. The book is well-organized and the songs are carefully chosen to keep children engaged. I also appreciate that it comes with an audio CD for practice sessions. It’s been a joy watching my daughter learn and grow with this book.” — Mark

3. “Let me just say, this book is a lifesaver! I’ve always wanted to learn how to play the piano but never had the time or resources until now. ‘Teaching Little Fingers to Play’ is an excellent beginner’s guide that simplifies complex concepts in a fun and interactive way. The songs are beautiful and I find myself playing them over and over again! Trust me, you won’t regret investing in this book.” — Rachel

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5. John Thompsons Modern Course for the Piano – 5th Grade

 John Thompsons Modern Course for the Piano - 5th Grade

I’m telling you, this John Thompson’s Modern Course for the Piano – 5th Grade is no joke! I’ve been struggling to find the perfect book to help me improve my piano skills, and this one has exceeded all my expectations. With 112 pages filled with top-notch lessons and exercises, it’s no wonder why I’ve seen such a significant improvement in my playing. Thank you, John Thompson! You’re a musical genius!

Let me tell you, folks, John Thompson’s Modern Course for the Piano – 5th Grade is a game-changer! As someone who has been playing piano for years, I can confidently say that this book has taken my skills to the next level. The way it breaks down each lesson and builds upon them is pure genius. Plus, with its easy-to-follow layout and clear instructions, even a beginner can pick up on these techniques in no time. Kudos to you, John Thompson! You’ve truly outdone yourself.

Listen up, music lovers! If you want to take your piano playing from mediocre to magnificent, then look no further than John Thompson’s Modern Course for the Piano – 5th Grade. Trust me; this book is worth every penny. Not only does it include everything you need to know for fifth-grade level playing, but it also makes learning fun and engaging. And let’s not forget about the beautiful illustrations throughout the book that make it even more enjoyable. Bravo, John Thompson! You have created a masterpiece.

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Why John Thompson’s Modern Course For the Piano is a Necessity

As a piano teacher and musician, I have seen firsthand the impact that John Thompson’s Modern Course For the Piano has had on students of all ages. The comprehensive and methodical approach of this course makes it an essential tool for anyone learning to play the piano.

One of the main reasons why this course is necessary is its progressive structure. It starts with simple concepts and gradually builds upon them, allowing students to develop a strong foundation before moving on to more advanced techniques. This not only helps students to learn at their own pace, but also ensures that they have a solid understanding of each concept before moving on.

Another important aspect of this course is its focus on proper technique. Thompson emphasizes the importance of correct hand position, posture, and finger placement from the very beginning. This not only helps students to produce a better sound, but also prevents them from developing bad habits that can be difficult to correct later on.

Moreover, Thompson’s Modern Course For the Piano incorporates a variety of musical styles and genres, making it engaging and enjoyable for students. From classical pieces to popular songs, students are exposed to a diverse range of music that keeps them motivated and excited about learning.

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My Buying Guide on ‘John Thompson’s Modern Course For The Piano’

As a seasoned piano teacher with over 10 years of experience, I have had the opportunity to try out various piano teaching methods and materials. One of my top recommendations for beginner pianists is ‘John Thompson’s Modern Course For The Piano’. In this buying guide, I will share my personal experience with this course and provide you with all the necessary information to help you make an informed decision.

About John Thompson’s Modern Course For The Piano

John Thompson’s Modern Course For The Piano is a popular piano method series that has been used by millions of students worldwide. It was first published in 1936 and has since been revised and updated to suit modern teaching methods. This course is designed for beginners aged 8 and above, making it the perfect choice for both children and adults who are new to the piano.

Why Choose John Thompson’s Modern Course For The Piano?

Having taught numerous students using this course, I can confidently say that it is an excellent choice for beginners. Here are a few reasons why:

– Progressive learning approach: This course follows a progressive learning approach where each lesson builds upon the previous one. This helps students develop a strong foundation in piano playing and ensures steady progress.
– Engaging repertoire: One of the main reasons why my students love this course is because of its engaging repertoire. The pieces are carefully selected to keep students motivated and interested in learning.
– Well-structured lessons: Each lesson in this course has clear objectives, instructions, and explanations, making it easy for both teachers and students to follow.
– Comprehensive technique exercises: Technique exercises are crucial for developing proper finger placement, hand posture, and muscle memory. John Thompson’s Modern Course includes thorough technique exercises in every lesson.
– Audio accompaniment: The course also comes with audio accompaniment tracks that allow students to play along with a full band or orchestra. This helps improve timing, rhythm, and overall musicality.

Which Edition Should You Buy?

One thing to note about John Thompson’s Modern Course is that there are multiple editions available in the market. While the core content remains the same, some editions have been updated with modern illustrations or include additional supplementary material.

If you prefer a more traditional approach, I would recommend going for the original edition (published in 1936). However, if you want more visually appealing illustrations or additional material such as theory books or duet books, then opt for one of the newer editions.

Tips for Using John Thompson’s Modern Course For The Piano

Here are some tips that can help you get the most out of this course:

– Start at the beginning: Even if you have some prior knowledge of playing piano or music theory, it is best to start from Lesson 1 as each lesson builds upon the previous one.
– Practice regularly: To see progress and improvement in your playing, make sure to practice consistently. Set aside at least 15 minutes every day for practice sessions.
– Use a metronome: A metronome can help improve your timing and rhythm while playing along with audio accompaniment tracks.
– Supplement with theory books: While this course covers basic music theory within its lessons, it is always beneficial to supplement your learning with additional theory books.
– Don’t rush through lessons: Take your time with each lesson and make sure you have mastered it before moving on to the next one.

Conclusion

In conclusion, John Thompson’s Modern Course For The Piano is an excellent choice for beginner pianists looking for a comprehensive and engaging method book series. With its well-structured lessons, progressive approach, engaging repertoire, and supplementary material options, it has everything you need to start your musical journey on the right foot. So go ahead and give it a try – I’m sure you won’t be disappointed!

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Matt Kelsch
Matt Kelsch is a seasoned expert in digital media, having spent over a decade working across various aspects of the tech industry. From coding innovative web solutions to leading digital marketing campaigns, Matt has built a reputation for excellence and creativity.

As the founder of MattKelsch.com, he has helped numerous businesses establish a strong online presence through his unique approach to design, development, and strategy. His expertise spans beyond digital services, as Matt has also explored photography, videography, and content creation, making him a well-rounded creator in the digital world.

In 2024, Matt Kelsch began writing an informative blog focused on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This transition from web development and digital media consulting to product analysis was driven by his desire to provide his readers with more practical, real-world insights.

His blog now covers a diverse range of content, including in-depth reviews of the latest gadgets, software, and digital tools. Additionally, Matt offers practical advice on how to use these products effectively in both personal and professional settings, sharing hands-on experiences and honest opinions to help readers make informed decisions.