John Thompson's Modern Course for the Piano Series

Time-tested bestselling series known worldwide.

John Thompson's Modern Course for Piano is the legendary course that's helped generations of students master the basics with confidence and joy.

First Grade: This classic course emphasizes melody, rhythm, harmony, and finger patterns, setting students up as stronger sight-readers and interpreters while keeping each lesson engaging and clear. With an introduction to essential techniques like finger legato and wrist staccato, beginners gain the expressive touch needed to bring music to life.

Second Grade: Thoughtfully designed to advance students steadily while keeping each lesson engaging. This time-tested, world-renowned method helps students build both technical skill and musical understanding through progressive exercises and examples that expand beyond basic five-finger positions. New elements including hand expansion, pedal use, major and minor scales, arpeggios, and chord analysis. With every lesson, students encounter musical excerpts from light opera, ballet, oratorio, and classic works by Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Chopin, and more. These carefully selected pieces not only enhance pianistic skill but also deepen students' appreciation for music itself. Perfect for beginners, this course nurtures well-rounded musicians who are eager to explore the world of music further.

Third Grade: Elevating students from technique to true musical interpretation. Building from the foundation of the Second Grade book, this book empowers students to interpret music with individuality, moving beyond imitation to authentic expression. With thoughtfully curated pieces, including works from La Cucaracha to Beethoven's Septet, students explore a broad musical landscape. Each piece is designed to highlight key aspects of pianistic skill while introducing fundamental principles of interpretation. Special notes accompany each example, encouraging students to understand a composer's intentions and form their unique responses. This book also introduces 24 short Preludes across all keys as preparatory exercises to build fluidity in various key signatures. 

Fourth Grade: Focuses on stylistic mastery. Building on skills developed in previous books, this volume offers a wide range of pieces to deepen students' understanding of diverse musical styles, enhancing their personal interpretive flair and technical precision. This course supports each student's unique goals and preferences with thoughtfully chosen selections that span various composers and styles. Detailed footnotes guide students to appreciate stylistic nuances, ensuring a solid, musically enriched foundation. For further technical development, Thompson's Fourth Grade Book of Etudes provides expertly curated studies from Czerny, Burgmüller, Heller, and more, offering preparatory exercises to accompany each etude.

Fifth Grade: Pianism and musicianship march on in this book and the student becomes increasingly familiar with works from the masters.