By Lori Bastien, Lisa Bastien and Jane Bastien

The Bastiens' Invitation to Music series uses gradual multi-key approach, guiding children from pre-staff notation to staff reading. Illustrations and activities that are fun and instructional enhance learning and heighten interest. Ideal for children 4 and up.

Piano Party is the core book at all four levels of the Bastiens' Invitation to Music Series (A, B, C, D); new concepts are introduced in the Piano Party books. Along with Piano Party, the companion books, Theory & Ear Training Party and Performance Party, provide the formula for a well-balanced music education. Colorful illustrations in all the books are used to reinforce concepts and styles, to maintain interest, and to motivate.

Book A introduces the music alphabet, high & low (up & down -- right & left) concepts, finger numbers, white key names, and counting (quarter, two eighths, half, dotted half, and hwole notes). Playing black key clusters establishes good hand positions. The book concludes with Middle C pieces in pre-staff notation.