Jaap Kastelein: Easy Steps 1 Hoorn

The successful Easy Steps method was developed in response to a demand for a method with more gradual progression. There were, in fact, many methods on the market where the steps followed each other too quickly. The result is a unique, practical method for use in music lessons, with plenty of room for personal interpretation. New editions of the books from this successful series have now been released. In addition to being given a new look, they are now even better tailored to the young user and group lessons. The CDs and CD-ROMs accompanying the books have been updated for modern times, and the corresponding piano parts are now included directly on the CD-ROM.

The Method

Easy Steps is a complete two-part method that contains all the ingredients for a successful education for the beginning musician. The method is richly illustrated and contains – in addition to the necessary practice and playing material – musical games, ensemble exercises, ear training, and much more. The accompaniment for all pieces (with or without an example) is included.

The Books

The books form the foundation. Everything is covered here. New notes and rhythms are taught, with instructions on how to play them, and various musical concepts are discussed. Especially at the beginning, the steps are very small: gradual progression is the motto. This gives the student the opportunity to properly process the acquired skills – with the help of understandable explanations, exercises, games, and medleys of well-known songs. The clear structure and uncluttered layout provide extra clarity.

The CDs

The accompanying audio CDs contain the accompaniments for all exercises and playing pieces. These are often played through once as well. The tempos of the music are slow, making it easy to play along quite quickly.

The DVD/CD-ROM

With the Easy Steps books, a DVD (part 1) or CD-ROM (part 2) is now included in addition to the CDs. This significantly increases the possibilities for use. The DVD (-ROM) contains an instructional video demonstrating the first principles of playing the instrument. This video can be played on a regular DVD player, but also on a computer.

With the help of a computer, piano parts for the medleys can be printed. A separate piano book is therefore not necessary. In addition, there are trios (part 1: eight pieces, part 2: twelve pieces), for which both the score and the individual parts can be printed. Indispensable for group lessons!

All accompaniment tracks are included as MP3s on the DVD-ROM. This makes it very easy to find the correct track for the correct song. The MP3 files can be transferred to an MP3 player, making it possible to play along anywhere.

Merk	De Haske Publications
Serie	Eenvoudige stappen
Instrument	Horn