Dogs and Birds - Book 1 (Animal Notes Edition)

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1. Perfect starter book for young learners

   This is a beautifully presented book that is very engaging for younger children. Naming each key as an animal is an easy way to teach and the book has a natural progression. Very pleased with how this is working with a very young pupil I teach- thank you. Catherine Palmer on 21st Dec 2020

2. Great first piano book for children!

   This is an ideal first piano book for younger children. It is amazing to see a five year old instantly being able to read music! The way the material is presented in a fun and colourful way ensures it captures a youngster's interest, whilst teaching the musical basics. Highly recommended! Tony Qunta on 9th Jul 2020

3. sing and play

   My youngest pupils and I are very much enjoying using Dogs and Birds. It is the perfect transition from my initial Kodaly/ Dalcroze/improv based lessons for 4-5 year olds. The children who have used it so far have instantly been able to sing and read the little tunes. The most able boy "wrote" "Rain rain go away" with the tiles on the big board. They love talking about the pictures on every page when they need a little break from concentrating on "music" and the supplementary ideas are great to jog my memory as to how best to encourage their wider musicianship skills. Alison Davies on 23rd Jun 2019

4. Great method for little children

   I love this method and my students do as well. The only downside is the printing notes, as sometimes stems are too close to the barline and is difficult to distinguish them. Ana on 24th Oct 2018

5. Children love the animal characters

   I have used the animal notes edition several times. Children can play simple tunes right from the first lesson and enjoy its colourful layout and the animal characters. It is an excellent resource for using with young beginners. Janet L on 17th Oct 2017

6. Wonderful resource for teaching young children piano

   this book has been a wonderful resource for me - I am a piano teacher who mainly works with young children and this book has been particularly helpful with my just turned 4 year old, who was struggling with my other materials due to her shorter attention span.
   The animal characters and stories incorporated in the book really helps to keep her attention and she loves her lessons, and in addition is making good progress too. Thank you very much! Anna Loomis on 10th Aug 2017

7. Very appealing to young children

   My four year old pupil is making good progress with this method and loves the pictures and stories. The red and blue staves are a good idea for children who struggle with left and right. caroline on 26th Jun 2017

8. Love it- so easy to use and great fun

   Been using this book with my daughter since age 3 and she loves it. Yesterday I removed the tiles and she knows where all the notes are....I was surprised! Ready to move on to book 2 now. Also started using these books for my teaching and with the same results we'll have happy kids and happy parents. Sue Ross on 2nd Oct 2016

9. Wonderful, fun method for the young beginner

   Dog and Birds Book 1 is a clever and fun way for young children to begin their piano studies. The Des Moines Symphony Academy (Des Moines, IA) has been using this method for four years. We like that the students sing the music before playing, developing their inner ear. The range is suited to the children's vocal range and the melodic movement excellent, starting with a descending minor third (sol - mi).
   
   The pieces move in a logical and sequential progression, appropriate for children as young as three years old. Each piece adds one new concept at a time, allowing the student to master it in their own time. Students can practice independently and successfully.
   
   The Academy uses this method for their Group Lessons for Young Beginners program. Students have 45 minute lessons weekly in groups of 2, 3, and 4 students. We use the supplementary materials for Dogs and Birds as well as other materials.
   
   Thank you for creating this wonderful method.
   Sarah Davis Early on 13th Dec 2015

10. Fantastic books!

    This is the first time I'm using Dogs and Birds with my 3 year old daughter and we both love it! She's been able to identify the notes on the staves, thanks to the animal system and she enjoys looking at the pictures and discussing the storyline before learning the piece.
    
    The length of the pieces are just right - long enough to learn the note and short enough to hold her attention and feel a sense of accomplishment.
    
    I'm now venturing into the blank note edition and I've just ordered the staves and tiles. Its an amazing, holistic approach. Joyce on 17th Apr 2015