Listening Resources
Listening is the best way to get started on a new song. Before print-based music reading is even happening, listening allows students to internalize and imitate the songs we are learning. The more you listen to a song, the easier it is to learn! Set a recording to play on repeat in the background while you’re busy doing something else. Recordings can also be used with attentive listening to answer specific questions, but the biggest benefit is in hearing the song many, many times even without focused attention.
The Suzuki method books include CDs for all the songs, but many families no longer have access to a CD player. Digital versions of the recordings can be purchased through streaming services like Amazon, but there is a lot of variety in how families access music so I can’t give instructions for all of those here. When looking for recordings that way, make sure to find something that has an actual piano (not a digitized synthesized sound) playing with careful accuracy and expression.
I also recommend listening to Book 2 while you’re at it. The songs are prettier and more advanced, so they cast a nice auditory “vision” of where we are headed.
Here are some YouTube videos that can be used if a CD isn’t a good option.
Turk Piano Studios YouTube Playlist
This playlist has a very clear view of hands playing the piano. It features all the Book 1 songs played by right hand, left hand, and then both hands. Each song has its own video, making it easy to skip to the one you want to focus on.
This is a copy of the recording I used growing up. It is from a Spanish YouTube channel. All the songs are played in a single 48 minute video which makes it perfect for putting on in the background. A list of timestamps is in the comment section, allowing you to jump to specific songs.
This is a single recording with all of the Book 1 songs in a row. It features a side view of the piano teacher. All of the songs are played at a slightly slower practice tempo, nice for playing along even if is a little slow for background listening. Time stamps to find each song are in the comment section.