Piano Safari for the Older Student – Piano Sight Reading & Theory Book 1
Older Student Sight Reading 1, the Piano Safari Sight Reading & Theory Book 1, is the reading and theory half of Level 1 for teen and adult beginners (SKU PSOSSR1). It’s 68 pages, matched unit for unit to Repertoire & Technique Book 1.
Piano Safari teaches pieces both by ear and by reading. Reading fluently takes steady, daily practice, and this book is where that happens. Each unit has short sight-reading exercises and rhythm exercises you play a set number of times, plus theory pages that explain what you’re reading. In the children’s series, sight reading comes on loose cards and theory in a separate workbook. Here both are bound into one book for older students.
Who is this book for?
Publisher level: Older Student Level 1, listed by Piano Safari as Early Elementary.
Approximate student level: Early Elementary to Elementary.
It’s for beginners age 12 and up, adults included, who are working in Piano Safari Older Student Repertoire & Technique Book 1. Piano Safari’s Teacher Guide describes the series as working for ages 10 through adult.
What’s inside Older Student Sight Reading 1?
Five units, each with theory pages and a set of sight-reading and rhythm exercises:
| Unit | Theory and reading |
|---|---|
| Unit 1 | Black and white keys; the music alphabet; note values; pre-staff reading on black and white keys |
| Unit 2 | The staff; treble and bass clefs; landmark notes Treble G, Bass C, and Middle C; time signatures; rests; unisons and 2nds; stem direction |
| Unit 3 | 3rds; rhythm review; copywork |
| Unit 4 | 2nds and 3rds combined; counting with numbers (metric counting) |
| Unit 5 | Naming every line and space note with the skips alphabet and music alphabet; interval review; pickup notes (anacrusis) |
In Units 2 through 4, every reading exercise starts on a landmark note, beginning on different fingers. By Unit 5, students read from any starting note.
How do you practice the sight-reading exercises?
Piano Safari’s Teacher Guide gives a short routine:
- Find the starting landmark note.
- Preview the exercise by tapping it on the closed key cover.
- Play it hands separately.
- Tap the rhythm exercise while counting out loud.
- Play each exercise at least three times correctly, then check the “Completed” box.
For extra challenge, the guide suggests variations like changing the tempo or dynamics, or playing both hands together in parallel or contrary motion.
Do I need the Repertoire & Technique Book too?
Yes, for the full course. Piano Safari’s Teacher Guide says both Level 1 books are needed. The concepts are taught first in Repertoire & Technique Book 1 (SKU PSOSRep1), through pieces, then practiced and written out here. We sell the two books separately at August Muse, so you can replace one or buy just what your teacher assigns.
Where does it fit in the series?
It’s the first sight reading and theory book in Piano Safari for the Older Student. Sight Reading & Theory Book 2 (SKU PSOSSR2) comes next, alongside Repertoire & Technique Book 2 (SKU PSOSRep2), both at August Muse.
Product Details
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Title | Piano Safari for the Older Student: Sight Reading & Theory Book 1 |
| Series | Piano Safari for the Older Student, Level 1 |
| Instrument | Piano |
| Product type | Sight-reading and theory book |
| Publisher level | Older Student Level 1 (Early Elementary) |
| Approximate student level | Early Elementary to Elementary |
| Recommended ages | 12 and up (Teacher Guide: 10 through adult) |
| Authors | Julie Knerr Hague and Katherine Fisher |
| Publisher | Piano Safari, LLC |
| Pages | 68 |
| Media | None (no audio tracks) |
| Companion book | Repertoire & Technique Book 1 (PSOSRep1), sold separately |
| SKU | PSOSSR1 |
Frequently asked questions
Is this the same as the children’s Sight Reading Cards?
No. It’s a separate book written for older beginners, and it combines sight reading and theory in one volume.
Can I use it without the Repertoire & Technique Book?
It’s designed to follow that book’s units. Piano Safari says both are needed, so most students will want the pair.
How long does Level 1 take?
Piano Safari says students usually finish Level 1 in about one academic year.
Best For
- Teen and adult beginners in Piano Safari Older Student Level 1
- Older students who play well by ear but need to read faster
- Learners who like seeing the “why” written out
- Short, focused daily reading practice
- Teachers who want sight reading and theory in one book
A pencil helps. You’ll be checking off completed exercises and writing on the theory pages.
Come look through both books side by side in the shop.
Available at August Muse
Piano Safari for the Older Student: Sight Reading & Theory Book 1 is available at August Muse in downtown Elizabethton, TN, along with Repertoire & Technique Book 1. Stop in, or call ahead and we’ll set one aside.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.