No Book Beginners: A Step-by-step Framework for Creative Piano Teaching, Right from Lesson One

by Tim Topham

What would piano lessons be like if we didn't teach reading in lesson one?

Right now, we find ourselves at a critical crossroads where traditional piano teaching methods are no longer sufficient to engage and inspire young learners. How do we innovate our lessons for beginner students while still providing the fundamental training we know is essential?

That's precisely what No Book Beginners is all about. Whether you're an independent teacher seeking a better approach, a classically-trained instructor seeking creative ideas or a seasoned educator needing a refresh, No Book Beginners will enrich your teaching and open new avenues for creativity.

Imagine a world where your students explore music through creative activities, discover the fundamentals of rhythm and harmony and develop a passion for musical expression, all in their first few lessons. With No Book Beginners, you'll guide your students on a journey of self-discovery, building their confidence and fostering a lifelong love of music.

194 pages, Paperback

Published November 14, 2023

Reviews

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a piano teacher who tries to put more emphasis on creative skills as well as traditional skills, I really enjoyed this book. I wish it had more ideas in it for older tween/teen beginners, but I love the ideas for younger kids. Some I already do, but it’s so nice having some lesson plans included. I’m also one of those teachers who is hesitant to make my students sing, but I can see the value in it after reading this book.

[Christina Hearn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tim Topham's No Book Beginners pushes teachers back toward the creativity that we've lost over years of emphasizing reading. It explains the interesting history of how we've gotten to this emphasis on teaching reading over creativity and symbol before sound instead of sound before symbol.
The lesson plans, ideas, and thoughts in the book gave me a ton of material to use within my own lessons as I start beginners and even transfer students without using books. There are also ideas for working with older beginners like teens and adults.
This approach has transformed my way of teaching, especially at the beginning of instruction with new students. My new students are comfortable with improvising and creating at the piano, while those who I taught before No Book Beginners tend to struggle with these skills.
I was looking for a way to teach my students more than reading; I wanted them to have all the skills any musician should, including the ability to play by ear, improvise, and compose. No Book Beginners is a great foundation for these skills, and I’ve loved using it. Teachers who are ready to teach sound before symbol and more creative skills that are often neglected with a reading-only approach will love this book and its innovative approach to teaching piano!
-Christina, private piano and voice studio teacher

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

useful.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great book to start creativity ideas for the piano lesson. Not in depth if you are an MLT teacher.