Creative Keys: Nordic Adventures Repertoire Book Volume II

In Volume II, continue the journey into audiation based piano learning with “Creative Keys: Nordic Adventures,” a multi-level approach rooted in the sequential learning process of Edwin Gordon's Music Learning Theory for beginning to intermediate students in group or private lessons. In this volume, each song is printed in up to four different levels, allowing students to follow their unique musical intuition at their own pace. 

Travel to more Nordic countries to meet trolls and puffins, sail on a viking ship and sled over the "Hills of Finland.” Follow a step-by-step method to audiate rhythm, melody and harmony patterns before playing the songs. Embark on a journey with singing and rhythm chanting, discovering chord roots and exploring additional piano skills. Do all of this while learning about the folklore, wildlife and habitats of Nordic countries through a recommended reading list of classic children's books. 

Endorsements:

Kathryn Brunner’s work is grounded in the stellar music education research of Dr. Edwin Gordon, who I was privileged to study with for three years. Her approach to teaching audiation is coupled with her drive and love for teaching music. There is no better combination to be found in a teacher! With that deep understanding of how children learn music, she produced these engaging volumes which represent the best practice for students who can use them to nurture themselves as they listen, sing, move to, and transfer their musical understanding onto the piano. Without this process, playing and reading music can be like sounding out the letters of the alphabet to speak words—there is little meaning garnered when doing that. The sound textures and variety of contexts of the music contained in the repertoire book recordings helps to make fine musicians in the way we most naturally learn music. This is a valuable work of labor and love. Mrs. Brunner, you’re a treasure to your students. Brava!

-Dr. Eric Rasmussen

Chair, Early Childhood Music, Peabody Preparatory of Johns Hopkins University