Hi @bassclef, I have not used the Faber book but it seems to have a good reputation. I use the Alfred's AIO books and am currently about a third of the way through book 2. From discussions I've read on various forums it seems that whichever method book you choose, there will be many pieces that are less than inspiring (and some that are actually dire), so it's a case of plodding through them, knowing that each piece has been chosen to help you build new skills.

I was curious about the selection of pieces in Faber, so had a quick look online at the contents page of book 1. I found that several pieces appear in both Faber and Alfred's Book 1 - here's a list, in case anyone is interested:

Happy Birthday
Amazing Grace
Can Can
When The Saints Go Marching In
Ode To Joy
The Entertainer
Greensleeves
Merrily We Roll Along
Jingle Bells

There are 63 pieces in Alfred's AIO Book 1, but some of them are just small extracts. I guess that Faber has similar snippets from various classical pieces which are not included in full because they would be way beyond the grasp of most beginners.

I have found Gale's tutorials on Let's Play Piano Methods very helpful - he is great at explaining things in a no nonsense way. Keep posting, it's always good to hear from other beginners as they progress through their journey.

"Don't let's ask for the moon, we have the stars." (Final line from Now,Voyager, 1942)

    Nightowl

    Thanks for the reply. I've already encountered one on that list, and another will be tonight or tomorrow. I don't mind some of those tunes, it's part of the process that leads to the reward. I just hope to find plenty more of the simple and instructive, yet pleasing melodies that have comprised most of the pages so far.

    I have one exception that list, though. In a similar vein to Meatloaf's line "I'll do anything for love, but I won't do that," I won't play The Entertainer. No bribe, reward or coersion can change that. 🙂

        bassclef OMG, bassclef those words you posted about The Entertainer are pretty much the same as my own words, posted a few months back on another forum! I was adamant that I wasn't going to play it and no one was going to make me! In the end various people persuaded me that it was a key piece and I'd be wise not to skip it, so I caved in. I never grew to love it, but I learned new techniques from it and saw the rationale for including the piece in the book. I even enjoyed playing certain measures, but it's not a piece I revisit often. One additional benefit for me was that I ended up doing some research about Scott Joplin's life and watched a film based on his biography - so that added a new dimension for me. I did skip a couple of other pieces though, and did not linger too long on pieces I didn't like.

        "Don't let's ask for the moon, we have the stars." (Final line from Now,Voyager, 1942)

            I notice that too with several pieces. I thoroughly disliked some and they miraculously grew on me when I forced myself to practise them.

            Of course I too have my limits and flatly refused to even look at Jolly Good Fellow 😂

              Nightowl

              I don't know. It's just too bubbly for me. The sooner I get to the minor keys, the better. Knowing the tune in my head makes me wonder if the benefit is the quick bounces between certain chords. There must be other material out there that offers similar technique practice. I stand strong on this one.

                  Sophia Ha, it's a pity you don't feel the same about Hokey Pokey, Sophia. 🤣 [Shudders at memory of multiple versions posted by some clown on forum who shall remain nameless.]
                  @bassclef - Just be thankful that from what I've seen Faber does not (appear to) include the widely despised piece Little Brown Jug... I still have nightmares when I recall that piece! But we all have different tastes and for every person who loves/loathes a piece there will be others feeling the opposite way. 🙂

                  "Don't let's ask for the moon, we have the stars." (Final line from Now,Voyager, 1942)

                    Sophia

                    So many great songs to love! 🙂

                      bassclef There must be other material out there that offers similar technique practice. I stand strong on this one.

                      Ha ha ha, that's the spirit my friend! Don't let anyone grind you down, stick to your guns on this! 🤣😁 [Wonders how long it will be before Player1 comes along to pull newbie into line. Smiles at thought of another victim.]

                      "Don't let's ask for the moon, we have the stars." (Final line from Now,Voyager, 1942)

                        Sophia Of course I too have my limits and flatly refused to even look at Jolly Good Fellow 😂

                        Not sure what Alfred’s version is like. Faber’s “Jolly Good Fellow” is a lead sheet. It only requires student to do blocked chords. But Gale suggested try broken chords, too. I ended up trying two patterns and spent a huge amount of time on that song 😓

                          Alfred's version is fully written out and absolutely dreadful. Take it from a person who has Hokey Pokey in their current repertoire 😂

                          Edit: I believe that the Alfred arrangement of The Entertainer is slightly different from Faber as well.

                            Sophia Alfred's version is fully written out and absolutely dreadful. Take it from a person who has Hokey Pokey in their current repertoire 😂

                            Yeah, and don't we know it! 😬 [shudders] Be careful Sophia, in case the kitties walk their muddy paws all over the page that has HP on, causing the music to become illegible. That would be a real shame. 😏 [one can always hope... ]

                            "Don't let's ask for the moon, we have the stars." (Final line from Now,Voyager, 1942)

                              Wahoo. I played through French Minuet on page 71 at 54 BPM, nice and clean a couple of times. It's the first piece using 8th notes in the book. All without a kitty to help with the bass notes, not that assistance wouldn't be welcome, of course!

                              Congrats! Post videos, if you feel comfortable with that. We all love to cheer each other on in our efforts and marvel at the progress made. Whether you can feature Kittens on the keys or not 😁

                                Sophia
                                I'm very shy. lol

                                One day I may do it though. Probably something later in the book. The feedback might be good. Meanwhile, I'm really enjoying Faber. Very happy with my choice. The sight reading book is great reenforcement.

                                    Ouch 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
                                    Guilty as charged!

                                      Player1 Many here were shy originally.
                                      Now those same people post videos of them playing the Hokey Pokey.

                                      Other tunes are available. 😉

                                      @bassclef It sounds like you're making good progress and enjoying the journey - all good. 🙂

                                      "Don't let's ask for the moon, we have the stars." (Final line from Now,Voyager, 1942)

                                          Nightowl

                                          I believe I remember Bic Bic saying she'd never ever play in public. Yet there's this video...

                                          And it wasn't the Hokey Pokey. Maybe there was some hanky panky. since the piano "disappeared" soon after, but not the Hokey Pokey.

                                              Player1 Lol! If I could play like @BicBic, I assure you that HP would no longer be mentioned 😂