dr. Judit Tóth-Takács
I use all of the workbooks’ complete agenda that has been released, currently as a private tutor. All of my students, ranging from 5 years old to teens, love the books. Some of them complete work on their own, and even make up their own activities similar to the ones in the workbooks. The material is very well put together, and outstandingly helps them read sheet music and deepen their knowledge. I had the chance to use it in a solfege group of 8-9 year olds. They could hardly wait to open the workbook, and after some students finished their activities, they went to help the others on their own accord. I think the activities, illustrations, and stickers all motivate the children.
I use the Colorful tunes for instruments book series during piano lessons. The sheet music is suppletory and are a great help for beginners and their teachers. Based on my experience, most small children learn the ABC sounds quickly with the help of colors, and after several months, they no longer need to look at the color coded piano keys at the top of the page. The generally well known egyszólamú nursery rhymes give opportunity for experimenting, and embracing creativity, since they can be played in multiple fingerings and hand order variations. Moreover, several tunes consisting of a few notes can easily be transposed. The four-handed accompaniment was a hit. It gives a real musical experience to the children, while having the chance to acquire important orchestral skills from the beginning of their journey.
The cards, workbooks, and sheet music are great supplements, and as a whole it completes a well thought through, beautiful package. I use them in one-on-one classes, as a way for us to relax, since we’re just playing. But of course usually, this is when they get the whole picture. The pupils usually make the connections on their own, and I don’t even have to ask them to name the pair of what they found, they usually say it out loud, with the joy of their discovery.