Michael Aaron Piano Course Technic: Grade 3

I’m 70+ yrs old and thought maybe that re-learning the piano would help my brain fight the onset of dementia. (I previously studied piano for three years during jr high school and haven’t played since 10th grade.) I purchased an “adult” piano study, made it through book 1 and began in book 2 but didn’t think I was really getting it. I was playing the songs ok but felt I wasn’t really learning the basics. My sister brought it to my attention that we used the Michael Aaron series when we were taking lessons. Thankfully I was able to find these on Amazon. I didn’t realize at first that they had divided the material up into 3 and 4 separate studies: Lessons, Technical, Performance, and Theory. (Back in the day, these sections were all contained in one book, probably selling for $5 or less.) I have currently worked through grade 2 and am about halfway through grade 3. My ratings thus far:Lessons: 5 stars; It amazes me how my brain is able to find the “drawer” where this material is stored. The melody and material comes quickly to remembrance. Now it’s just a matter of getting my fingers to respond and find the right keys.Technical: 5 stars; this is where my fingers are gaining flexibility, strength, and precision.Performance: Grade 2 = 4 stars; Grade 3 = 1 star. The selections in grade 3 are lacking for a youngster or re-learner. More applicable for a music major I think.Theory: 5 stars; theory is necessary for a beginner but not very helpful to me at this point. I’m familiar with all these concepts so it doesn’t really help my playing ability.

A very good book! Very easy to read. So, a teenager or young adult would be able to read it just fine. My only issue is that I find it a little dry! And I wish there would be mote colour and pictures in the book to make it more interesting!

The Michael Aaron piano course books are great. Especially the one's by Michael Aaron himself, which this isn't, but still very good.