Piano Star
Explore a wonderful set of books for all beginner pianists
The Piano Star series takes pupils from the first lessons to approximately ABRSM Grade 2. With attractive pieces in a wide range of styles by well-known educational composers, it can be used alongside any mainstream piano method. Solos, duets, trios, fun lyrics, extension activities, colourful illustrations, it’s a great series for all young players! Read the Teacher’s Guide to the series.
Piano Star Five-Finger Tunes
25 pieces for young pianists
Entertaining new compositions and arrangements, all in five-finger patterns, ideal for pupils who have completed their first portrait tutor book. Progressively introduces different hand positions beyond a focus on Middle C, helping learners develop confidence in note reading and playing simple hands together. Solos, duets, trios, fun lyrics and wonderful colour illustrations.
‘The range and pleasure of these pieces ensures that the book is a highly attractive choice.’ Andrew Eales, Pianodao
Piano Star Theory
An activity book for young pianists
‘At last, the perfect theory book!’
Fun and imaginative theory activities, covering all essential first symbols and concepts for young pianists. Helps develop understanding of musical notation by putting theory into context, with short pieces to sing, clap and play, and makes links throughout to practical music-making. Complete with quizzes, puzzles, fun rhymes, clear explanations, and even a board game to play!
‘All my beginners aged 7-11 will be using this book moving forward. I think it’s truly stunning.’ Andrew Eales, Pianodao
Piano Star 1
24 pieces for young pianists up to Prep Test level (with Aisling Greally)
Start the music with this fun collection, ideal reinforcement for students who have worked through a first landscape method book. Solos (hands separate and simple hands together) and duets in a range of styles, plus extension activities and lovely illustrations.
‘An extremely valuable collection for the beginning pianist opening up a wealth of wonderful new and old music.’ EPTA Magazine
Piano Star 2
26 pieces for young pianists Prep Test level (with Aisling Greally)
26 imaginative solos and duets in a wide range of styles, hands together. Sprinkled with a variety of dynamics, articulation and some accidentals, the pieces develop technique and understanding of notation in pieces that children will love to play. Perfect repertoire for the Prep test.
Piano Star Skills Builder
to Initial Grade and beyond (with Karen Marshall)
This book develops musicianship skills for beginner pianists in a fun way. With imaginative pieces and duets, songs to sing, written and listening activities, games and more, it provides a firm foundation in scales, aural and reading. It covers all the skills required for ABRSM Initial Grade and starts the journey to Grade 1.
‘David Blackwell & Karen Marshall – I love this book. It’s perfect to help prepare my younger students for their first exams. I think it’s exciting, informative & fun. Thank you!’
Piano Star 3
24 pieces for young pianists Prep Test level to Grade 1 (with Aisling Greally)
Piano Star 3 moves from Prep Test/Initial Grade level towards Grade 1 and offers a rich selection of repertoire, providing invaluable teaching material. Celebrating pirates, pandas, a fridge monster and kangaroos barbecuing, the pieces will capture the imagination of young learners, and develop their confidence and skills.
‘There are many gems in here: it’s full of arrangements, songs and original pieces, all designed to imaginatively and enjoyably move pupils towards Grade 1. Highly recommended.’ Music Teacher
Piano Star Grade 1
25 pieces for young pianists (with Karen Marshall)
This repertoire book offers creative compositions and arrangements by leading educational composers for pianists at Grade 1 level. From Classical pieces to a rag, a lullaby to the blues, there’s a wide range of styles and sound worlds in these solos, duets and a party-piece trio. Travel to Ireland, Jamaica, China and the moon, develop your performance skills, and take your dog for a musical walk!
Piano Star Duets
26 duets at early beginner to Grade 2 level (with Karen Marshall)
With pupil-pupil duets, pupil-teacher duets and even a couple of trios, this book provides great ensemble repertoire over several years’ study. It sets out the Top 10 Skills for duet playing to improve students’ understanding and performance, and offers pieces in a variety of styles to fire the imagination. A perfect introduction to the world of ensemble playing.
