The Benefits of Using Bastien Piano Basics Wp205 for Piano Theory: A Review by James Bastien
Bastien Piano Basics Wp205 James Bastien: A Comprehensive Review
If you are looking for a piano method book that can help you or your child learn the basics of piano playing in a fun and easy way, you might have come across Bastien Piano Basics Wp205 James Bastien. This book is one of the most popular and widely used piano books for beginners of all ages. But is it really worth buying? What are its features and benefits? How can you use it effectively? And what are some alternatives to consider?
Bastien Piano Basics Wp205 James Bastien
In this article, we will answer all these questions and more. We will provide you with a comprehensive review of Bastien Piano Basics Wp205 James Bastien, covering its pros and cons, customer reviews and testimonials, and our final verdict. By the end of this article, you will have a clear idea of whether this book is right for you or not.
What is Bastien Piano Basics Wp205?
Bastien Piano Basics Wp205 is the main lesson book in the Bastien Piano Basics course. It is designed for beginners who have little or no prior knowledge of piano playing. It introduces the basic concepts of music notation, rhythm, finger technique, hand position, keyboard layout, intervals, chords, scales, and more. It also teaches how to play simple songs in various styles, such as pop, folk, classical, and contemporary.
The book contains 63 pages of written work and short pieces that are carefully graded and arranged in a logical learning sequence. Each page is correlated with the Theory, Performance, and Technic books of the same level, which provide additional exercises and activities to reinforce the concepts presented in the lesson book. The book also comes with an accompaniment CD that contains recordings of all the pieces in the book, as well as some background music tracks for more fun and motivation.
Who is James Bastien?
James Bastien was born in Bellingham, Washington, on April 10, 1934. He was a pianist, composer, teacher, and author who dedicated his life to music education. He started teaching piano at the age of 19 and later joined the faculty of Notre Dame University. He also founded his own music publishing company called Neil A. Kjos Music Company.
James Bastien was best known for his piano method books that have been used by millions of students and teachers around the world. He wrote over 300 books on various aspects of piano playing, such as theory, technique, performance, sight reading, ear training, improvisation, and more. He also composed hundreds of original pieces for piano students of all levels.
James Bastien passed away on December 7, 2005, at the age of 71. He left behind a legacy of music and education that continues to inspire and benefit many generations of piano learners.
Why choose Bastien Piano Basics Wp205?
Bastien Piano Basics Wp205 is one of the most popular and widely used piano books for beginners of all ages. There are many reasons why you might want to choose this book for yourself or your child, such as:
It is easy to follow and understand. The book uses clear and simple language, large staff size, and colorful illustrations to explain the musical concepts and instructions. It also provides helpful tips and reminders throughout the book to guide the student and avoid common mistakes.
It is fun and engaging. The book contains a stimulating mixture of original music by the Bastiens and well-known songs from various genres and cultures. The pieces are catchy, enjoyable, and suitable for beginners. The book also includes games, puzzles, and quizzes to make learning more fun and interactive.
It is comprehensive and progressive. The book covers all the essential topics and skills that a beginner needs to learn in order to play the piano. It also follows a gradual multi-key approach that takes the student through all 12 keys in four levels. Each level builds on the previous one and introduces new concepts and challenges at a steady pace.
It is flexible and adaptable. The book can be used by students of different ages, backgrounds, and learning styles. It can also be used with or without a teacher, depending on the student's preference and needs. The book allows the student to progress at their own speed and choose the pieces that they like best.
It is proven and trusted. The book is based on the experience and expertise of James Bastien, who was one of the most respected and influential piano educators of his time. The book has been used by millions of students and teachers around the world for over 30 years. It has received many positive reviews and testimonials from satisfied customers who have benefited from its quality and effectiveness.
Features and Benefits of Bastien Piano Basics Wp205
Bastien Piano Basics Wp205 has many features and benefits that make it a great choice for beginners who want to learn the piano. Here are some of them:
Full-color illustrations
The book is full of colorful illustrations that entertain and reinforce the musical concepts along the way. The illustrations include cartoons, diagrams, symbols, icons, pictures, and more. They help the student visualize the keyboard layout, finger numbers, hand positions, note values, intervals, chords, scales, and more. They also add some humor and personality to the book, making it more appealing and enjoyable for young learners.
Logical learning sequence
The book follows a carefully graded and logical learning sequence that assures steady and continual progress. The book starts with the basics of music notation, rhythm, finger technique, hand position, keyboard layout, intervals, chords, scales, and more. It then moves on to more advanced topics such as dynamics, articulation, expression, transposition, harmonization, improvisation, and more. Each lesson introduces one or two new concepts or skills that are explained clearly and practiced thoroughly before moving on to the next one.
Original music by the Bastiens
The book contains original music by James Bastien and his son Jane Bastien. The music is composed specifically for beginners who are learning the piano. The pieces are catchy, enjoyable, and suitable for beginners. They cover various styles such as pop, folk, classical, contemporary, jazz, blues, rock, country, Latin, etc. They also reflect different cultures and traditions from around the world such as American, European, Asian, African, etc.
Gradual multi-key approach
The book follows a gradual multi-key approach that takes the student through all 12 keys in four levels. Each level introduces three new keys that are related by fifths or fourths (e.g., C-G-D-A-E-B-F#-C#-G#-D#-A#-F). This way, the student learns how to play in different keys without having to memorize too many accidentals or change hand positions too often. This also helps the student develop a sense of tonality and key signature recognition.
How to Use Bastien Piano Basics Wp205 Effectively
Bastien Piano Basics Wp205 is a great book for beginners who want to learn the piano. However, in order to get the most out of it, you need to use it effectively. Here are some tips on how to do that:
Follow the page-by-page correlation with Theory, Performance, The Theory book is the theory workbook portion of the Bastien Piano Basics course. It contains written work and some short pieces to reinforce the concepts presented in the lesson book. It also includes games, puzzles, and colorful illustrations to make learning fun. The Theory book helps the student gain a better understanding of the music they are playing and learn more easily.
The Performance book is the performance workbook portion of the Bastien Piano Basics course. It contains solo pieces and duets that are arranged in the same order as the lesson book. It also includes some additional pieces that are not in the lesson book. The Performance book helps the student develop their musicality, expression, and confidence. It also provides them with a repertoire of pieces that they can play for themselves or others.
The Technic book is the technic workbook portion of the Bastien Piano Basics course. It contains exercises and etudes that are designed to improve the student's finger strength, agility, coordination, and accuracy. It also includes some musical pieces that apply the technical skills to musical situations. The Technic book helps the student master the technical aspects of piano playing and prepare them for more challenging pieces.
By following the page-by-page correlation with these three books, you can ensure that you are learning all the aspects of piano playing in a balanced and comprehensive way. You can also avoid skipping or repeating any topics or skills that might affect your progress.
Practice regularly and review previous lessons
One of the most important things you need to do to learn the piano effectively is to practice regularly. You should set aside some time every day to practice what you have learned in your lessons. You should also review previous lessons from time to time to refresh your memory and consolidate your learning.
When you practice, you should focus on quality rather than quantity. You should practice with attention, concentration, and intention. You should practice slowly and carefully at first, then gradually increase your speed and accuracy. You should practice with a metronome or a rhythm device to keep a steady tempo and improve your sense of rhythm. You should practice with expression and dynamics to make your playing more musical and interesting.
When you review previous lessons, you should not just play through them mindlessly. You should review them with a purpose and a goal. You should review them to check your understanding and application of the concepts and skills. You should review them to correct any mistakes or weaknesses that you might have overlooked or forgotten. You should review them to reinforce your strengths and confidence.
Use the accompaniment CDs for more fun and motivation
Another thing you can do to enhance your learning experience is to use the accompaniment CDs that come with the Bastien Piano Basics Wp205 book. The accompaniment CDs contain recordings of all the pieces in the book, as well as some background music tracks for more fun and motivation.
When you use the accompaniment CDs, you can play along with them as if you were playing with a band or an orchestra. This can make your practice more enjoyable and exciting. It can also help you develop your listening skills, timing skills, ensemble skills, and musicality.
When you use the accompaniment CDs, you should adjust the volume of your piano and the CD player so that you can hear both clearly. You should also adjust the tempo of the CD player if it is too fast or too slow for you. You should try to match your playing with the recording as closely as possible. You should also try to vary your playing by adding some embellishments or improvisations if you feel confident enough.
Pros and Cons of Bastien Piano Basics Wp205
Bastien Piano Basics Wp205 is a great book for beginners who want to learn the piano. However, like any other product, it has its pros and cons. Here are some of them:
Pros
It is easy to follow and understand.
It is fun and engaging.
It is comprehensive and progressive.
It is flexible and adaptable.
It is proven and trusted.
Cons
It may be too simple or boring for some students who prefer more challenge or variety.
It may be too complex or overwhelming for some students who have learning difficulties or special needs.
It may be too expensive or hard to find for some students who have limited budget or access to resources.
It may be outdated or irrelevant for some students who prefer more modern or innovative approaches to piano learning.
Customer Reviews and Testimonials
Bastien Piano Basics Wp205 has received many positive reviews and testimonials from satisfied customers who have used it to learn the piano. Here are some of them:
Positive reviews
"I love this book! It is very easy to follow and has great songs. I have learned so much from it and I enjoy playing the piano every day. It is the best book for beginners!" - Mary, 10 years old
"This book is amazing! It has helped me improve my piano skills a lot. It has clear explanations, colorful illustrations, and original music. It also has games, puzzles, and quizzes that make learning fun. It is the perfect book for beginners!" - John, 12 years old
"This book is wonderful! It has taught me everything I need to know about piano playing. It has a logical learning sequence, a gradual multi-key approach, and a page-by-page correlation with other books. It also has accompaniment CDs that make practice more enjoyable and exciting. It is the ultimate book for beginners!" - Lisa, 14 years old
Negative reviews
"I don't like this book! It is too easy and boring. I already know everything in it and I want more challenge and variety. It is the worst book for beginners!" - Tom, 10 years old
"This book is confusing! It is too complex and overwhelming. I don't understand anything in it and I need more help and guidance. It is the hardest book for beginners!" - Anna, 12 years old
"This book is outdated! It is too expensive and hard to find. I don't like the style and the content of it. I prefer more modern and innovative approaches to piano learning. It is the least relevant book for beginners!" - Mike, 14 years old
Alternatives to Bastien Piano Basics Wp205
Bastien Piano Basics Wp205 is a great book for beginners who want to learn the piano. However, it may not be the best choice for everyone. Depending on your preferences, needs, and goals, you may want to consider some alternatives to Bastien Piano Basics Wp205. Here are some of them:
Alfred's Basic Piano Library
Alfred's Basic Piano Library is another popular and widely used piano method series for beginners of all ages. It consists of six levels: Prep Course, Basic Course, Recital Course, Technic Course, Theory Course, and Fun Course. Each level has several books that cover different aspects of piano playing, such as lesson, theory, performance, technic, sight reading, ear training, etc.
Alfred's Basic Piano Library is similar to Bastien Piano Basics Wp205 in many ways. It also uses a clear and simple language, colorful illustrations, original music, gradual multi-key approach, page-by-page correlation with other books, and accompaniment CDs. However, it also differs from Bastien Piano Basics Wp205 in some ways. It uses a different order of introducing the keys (C-G-D-A-E-B-F-C#-G#-D#-A#-F#), a different notation system (middle C position instead of pre-staff notation), and a different emphasis on certain topics (more on chords, scales, intervals, etc.).
Faber Piano Adventures
Faber Piano Adventures is another popular and widely used piano method series for beginners of all ages. It consists of four levels: Primer Level, Level 1, Level 2A, Level 2B. Each level has several books that cover different aspects of piano playing, such as lesson, theory, performance, technique & artistry, sight reading & rhythm cards, etc.
Faber Piano Adventures is different from Bastien Piano Basics Wp205 in many ways. It uses a more modern and innovative approach to piano learning that focuses on developing musical expression, creativity, and artistry. It also uses a more integrated and holistic curriculum that combines various elements of music making, such as reading, writing, listening, improvising, composing, analyzing, etc. It also uses a more diverse and eclectic selection of music that includes classical, jazz, pop, folk, world, etc.
Hal Leonard Piano Method
, Book 2, Book 3, Book 4, Book 5. Each book has several sections that cover different aspects of piano playing, such as lesson, solo, theory workbook, popular hits, etc. Hal Leonard Piano Method is different from Bastien Piano Basics Wp205 in many ways. It uses a more comprehensive and systematic approach to piano learning that covers all the essential musical skills and knowledge. It also uses a more balanced and varied selection of music that includes classical, pop, rock, jazz, blues, folk, country, etc. It also uses a more interactive and engaging format that includes online audio and video access, MIDI files, teacher duets, etc. Conclusion and Final Verdict
Bastien Piano Basics Wp205 James Bastien is a great book for beginners who want to learn the piano. It is easy to follow and understand, fun and engaging, comprehensive and progressive, flexible and adaptable, and proven and trusted. It has many features and benefits that make it a great choice for beginners of all ages.
However, it may not be the best choice for everyone. Depending on your preferences, needs, and goals, you may want to consider some alternatives to Bastien Piano Basics Wp205. Some of them are Alfred's Basic Piano Library, Faber Piano Adventures, and Hal Leonard Piano Method. Each of them has its own strengths and weaknesses that may suit you better or worse.
Ultimately, the best book for you is the one that meets your expectations and helps you achieve your goals. You should choose the book that you like best and that works best for you. You should also use the book effectively by following its instructions and tips, practicing regularly and reviewing previous lessons, and using the accompaniment CDs for more fun and motivation.
We hope this article has helped you make an informed decision about Bastien Piano Basics Wp205 James Bastien. We wish you all the best in your piano learning journey!
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about Bastien Piano Basics Wp205 James Bastien:
Q: How long does it take to finish Bastien Piano Basics Wp205?
A: There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on many factors such as your age, background, learning style, practice time, etc. However, a rough estimate is that it takes about 6 to 12 months to finish Bastien Piano Basics Wp205 if you practice about 15 to 30 minutes a day.
Q: What level is Bastien Piano Basics Wp205?
A: Bastien Piano Basics Wp205 is the primer level or the first level of the Bastien Piano Basics course. It is designed for beginners who have little or no prior knowledge of piano playing. It introduces the basic concepts and skills of piano playing in a fun and easy way.
Q: What comes after Bastien Piano Basics Wp205?
, Theory Book 1, Performance Book 1, and Technic Book 1. Level 1 continues to teach you more concepts and skills of piano playing in a fun and easy way. It also introduces you to three new keys: G major, D major, and A major.
Q: Where can I buy Bastien Piano Basics Wp205?
A: You can buy Bastien Piano Basics Wp205 from various online and offline sources such as Amazon, eBay, Walmart, Barnes & Noble, etc. You can also buy it directly from the publisher's website: https://kjos.com/piano/methods/bastien-piano-basics.html
Q: How much does Bastien Piano Basics Wp205 cost?
A: The price of Bastien Piano Basics Wp205 may vary depending on the source and the condition of the book. However, a rough estimate is that it costs about $7.50 for a new book and about $1.30 for a used book. 71b2f0854b