Review Of The Mayron Cole Piano
Method
By
Patty Morell Bilhartz, M.A.
Director, Music & Arts Center of Huntsville, TX
The Mayron Cole Piano Method is a unique, innovative and enjoyable way for
students of all ages to learn to play the piano. The author, Mayron Cole, developed and
piloted this program in her own Houston studio. Hallmarks of the program include teaching
the student to think for him/herself and developing musicality in each student. To achieve
these goals, the author emphasizes note reading, consistent counting, and creative thought
in each lesson. The Method currently contains nine levels, from Pre-Primer to Early
Advanced, plus three Older Beginner levels. Additional materials include a 5-lesson
"Blast Off With Piano" sampler, several operettas on varying levels, primer and
intermediate level multi-piano ensembles, sequenced disks to accompany all levels and
supplementary music, four games designed by the author, and inclusive teacher support
manuals and teaching aids. The method may be used for teachers who offer private and/or
group lesson formats.
The Pre-Piano level targets rhythm development in the young child.
Students learn to count while discovering keyboard geography. Staff reading is reserved
for Level 1. The Pre-Piano or "Menehune" (Hawaiian for "little
person") Level develops all fingers, and encourages the student to play at various
locations on the keyboard.
Levels 1 and II continue the emphasis on counting and reading as notes are
introduced one-by-one on the grand staff. Cole uses a modified middle C approach to note
reading. Students are encouraged to play with different fingers and at different octaves
using both black and white keys on the keyboard. No finger numbers are given in the first
lessons to that students will rely on reading the staff. Students' hand positions are
allowed to develop naturally and correctly as students learn note-by-note reading. Level
II concentrates on reading the bass staff, Level III works with the upper treble notes.
Enjoyable foci of each level are the "Fun Sheets." Theory sheets in masquerade,
the Fun Sheets make theory meaningful to the students by coordinating concepts directly
with the pieces that they are playing. Before playing most pieces, the student completes a
Fun Sheet about the piece. The Fun Sheet can cover anything from counts to notes to
musical aspects such as language, dynamics, patterns, and form. Not only does the Fun
Sheet teach the needed theory concepts to the developing student, it helps the student to
discover "how" to practice the new piece by breaking the piece into small, more
easily learned parts. At the end of each level, the student takes a quiz over the concepts
learned. These "Finish Lines" are coordinated with each level of state theory
tests.
The Method Books, while more expensive than traditional single method
books, are all-in-one entities. Their loose-leaf page format allows the students to
receive new music each week. Pages include pieces, theory, sigh reading, some ear
training, and technique. Levels II and up include sheets of major and minor scales and
cadences. The pieces in the upper levels offer edited classics coupled with the author's
own delightful compositions. "Midnight on Boggy Creek" and "Forever
River" are favorites of teenagers in Level VI.
The Mayron Cole Method offers a wonderful change from the traditional
piano method diet. Students who progress through each level will emerge as independent
musicians who can read, write, and create music. And for those teachers who already are
convinced of the power of group piano lessons, or for teachers who may wish to offer group
piano lessons but aren't sure how to get started, Cole's method provides surefire teaching
aids and pedagogical advice which are sure to be a success with both students and
teachers.
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