Lindsey Berwin

FunKey! - Level 3

FunKey! is a brand-new series of piano tutor books of short pieces, designed to develop students' sight-reading skills and awareness of key, using fun material which supports the sight-reading requirements of the ABRSM examination board.

The pieces are in a variety of styles, notably rock, swing and Latin, increasing in difficulty from Level 1 up to Level 5. Each book comes with an accompanying CD. The backing tracks first appear with the melody incorporated, then as minus one, covering all the keys of that level.

FunKey! will improve rhythmic awareness and confidence, and the ability to play fluently. Students will be encouraged to sight-read regularly, changing an element of piano playing which is often seen as intimidating into a pleasurable one.

Level 2 - Keys of C major/A minor, G major/E minor, F major/D minor, D major/B minor and G minor. Each piece is written so that it can be played in one hand position, as is the case in the ABRSM sight-reading syllabus. However, one of the principal intentions from Level 2 upwards is to practise reading and playing hands together, in a variety of five-finger positions. The melodies are more complex and supported by 'riffs'.