Bastien New Traditions is a comprehensive and integrated method for beginning piano study that is easy to use and paced just right for today’s busy students. Concepts are presented in a holistic way, with lesson, theory, and technic pages mixed with attractive performance pieces all in the same volume. A gradual multi-key approach is used allowing students to experience complete keyboard knowledge. There is a clear step-by-step presentation of concepts and skills with straightforward, simple reinforcement and review throughout the series. The learning sequence is carefully graded to ensure steady progress, and students will love the selection of music as well as the beautiful watercolor illustrations.
Review from The Piano Magazine: Clavier Companion
"In a grand family tradition, these materials continue the recently published Bastien New Traditions All In One Piano Course by Lisa, Lori, and Jane Bastien. As with the first five levels in the new series (Primer A through 2A), Lessons, Theory, Technique, and Performance are combined in one easyto-use book for each level. The books are very well organized, and at every level, they provide ample opportunities for review and reinforcement of concepts. Students have access to the online Interactive Piano Studio, where they can listen to recordings of the pieces, make and store their own recordings, practice flashcards, and other enriching activities. The artwork continues to be beautiful in the continuation of the series, providing the student rich visual opportunities for imaginative interpretation.
The teacher who is familiar with the original Bastien Piano Basics will find similarities to the older series; the method uses a gradual multi-key approach, and places some emphasis on the primary triads and five-finger patterns within each key. Students are introduced to many American folk songs, and there are a variety of both up-tempo and more lyrical selections.
The authors do an excellent job of expanding students' harmonic vocabulary in levels 2B-3B. Folk songs from China, Japan, England, and Germany are included, and pieces incorporate the whole tone and chromatic scales, as well as various types of seventh chords. In addition, the authors are careful to incorporate linear as well as homophonic textures, pieces that span a broad range of the keyboard, and music with detailed articulations and rhythmic syncopations. The very clear introduction of syncopated pedal in level 2B is worthy of special note.
Along with simplified arrangements of classical tunes such as Leopold Mozart's "Minuet" and Jeremiah Clark's "Trumpet Tune," students will play traditional classical pieces by Czerny, Diabelli, Bart6k, and others. In addition, several well-loved pieces by James Bastien are included such as Sea Mist, and Earth, Air, Fire, Water.
Teachers familiar with the original Bastien Piano Basics will enjoy this contemporary take on a classic piano method. Teachers and students unfamiliar with the original series will enjoy this lively, harmonious, and well-organized approach to learning to play the piano! "
"New Music & Materials Review of Bastien New Traditions All In One Piano Course, 2B, 3A, 3B," The Piano Magazine: Clavier Companion, Vol. 11, No. 3 (Summer 2019): 70-71.