This is one of four Preparatory-level books in the American Popular Piano series - the educational piano course by Christopher Norton and Scott McBride Smith.The series has 11 difficulty Levels and each Level contains: Repertoire album with CD; Etudes album (including Improvisation); Skills book; Technic (technique) book.Preparatory Level: For students in their first year of study- Middle C position treble and bass clef grand staff- Whole note half note quarter note dotted half note- pp p mp mf f- 3/4 and 4/4 time signatures- Key signatures up to one sharp- Repeat 8ve tie fermata ritardando accentSkills Books:round out the comprehensive course of study. Paced toenhance progress in the corresponding Repertoire and Etudes Albums the module structure ensures a smooth integration of Ear-Training Sight-Reading and Technic. ' Ear-training: reinforces the auraldevelopment already achieved through the repertoire and improvisation etudes; ' Sight-reading: time-effective module structure leads to regular practice the single most important contributing factor to success;' Technic: provides a structured and measured approach; prepares for the challenges ahead.About the American Popular Piano series:'Why can't I play more music like this'' asked a fourteen-year-old piano student. 'My friends like to hear me play cool music.' Why not indeed. J.S. Bach taught his sons using the music of his time popular dances preludes and exercises by living composers. It would never have occurred to him to seek out pieces in styles and rhythms one hundred years old. He expected his boys to thrive in the musical world of their time.American Popular Piano has been developed on the same principles. Students working in this series will' ' develop traditional pianistic and musical skills through music in contemporary popular styles;' be motivated to practice by working on music that is familiar fun and that they can't wait to play; '