Bastien Piano Basics Performance Level 2 is a 48-page solo collection featuring 19 imaginative supplementary pieces. Published by Kjos and composed by James Bastien, this book is designed for late-elementary students to augment their learning through recitals or performances for family and friends. Key Educational Features
Correlated Curriculum: Each page is specifically linked to the Bastien Piano, Theory, and Technic Level 2 books, ensuring a cohesive learning experience.
Musical Concepts: Level 2 introduces complex rhythms, 6/8 time, binary and ternary forms, and the keys of D, A, and E.
Technical Focus: Pieces include one-octave scales (with tetrachords identified), primary chords, triads, and inversions, as well as intervals of 6ths and 7ths.
Diverse Repertoire: The collection includes original tunes, folk songs, and pop styles such as "Rocket Boogie," "Flamenco Dancer," and "The Fly and the Bumblebee". Top Repertoire Highlights
The book includes a variety of styles to keep students engaged:
Classical & Folk: Arrangements like "Comin' Round the Mountain" and "This Old Man".
Imaginative Solos: Character pieces such as "Tiger Chase," "Moon Creatures," and "The Golden Gate Bridge".
Contemporary Styles: Upbeat selections like "Reindeer Rock" and "Rock Band". Purchase Options
The book is widely available at music retailers, typically ranging from $5.50 to $7.50. Rettig Music: Available for $7.50. Sweetwater: Offered at $6.99 with free delivery. Performers Music: Listed for $5.50.
Amazon: Often sold as part of a complete 4-book set for advancing students.
For those looking for modern tools, Enhanced editions are also available through the Kjos Interactive Practice Studio (IPS) app, which adds eBook access and play-along accompaniments. bastien performance level 2 pdf
"Bastien Performance" is a series within the Bastien method that aims to provide students with repertoire that is both enjoyable and challenging, helping them to develop their performance skills. Level 2 would typically be aimed at students who have moved beyond the beginner stage and are looking to improve their technique and expression.
Here's a general outline of what you might expect from "Bastien Performance Level 2":
Repertoire: A collection of pieces that cater to various tastes, including classical, folk, and contemporary music. These pieces are chosen to help students develop technical skills and musicality.
Technical Skills: Focus on more advanced techniques compared to Level 1, including but not limited to:
Musicality and Expression: Pieces are selected to help students develop a deeper sense of musicality, including phrasing, interpretation, and expression.
Theory Integration: Many pieces at this level will implicitly or explicitly reinforce music theory concepts that students are learning in their theory classes or through the Bastien method.
Performance Quality: The focus is on making music rather than just playing the right notes. Students are encouraged to develop their own interpretations of the pieces they play.
If you're looking for a PDF of "Bastien Performance Level 2," I recommend checking the following sources:
The Neil A. Kjos Music Company Website: This is the official publisher of the Bastien method and performance series. They may offer digital versions of their books, including PDFs or e-book formats.
Music Retailers and Online Stores: Websites like Musician's Friend, Sheet Music Plus, or local music stores may carry digital or physical copies of the book.
Digital Libraries and Educational Platforms: Some educational platforms or digital libraries may offer e-books or PDFs of music theory and performance books, including those from the Bastien series. Bastien Piano Basics Performance Level 2 is a
Second-hand Marketplaces: You might find used copies or PDFs shared on second-hand marketplaces or forums dedicated to music education. However, be cautious of copyright laws and consider supporting publishers by purchasing official copies.
If you're having trouble locating a PDF, consider reaching out to music educators or the publisher directly for guidance. They may offer valuable resources or alternatives to access the material you're looking for.
You might wonder why you should stick with Bastien if you are searching for a PDF of another method.
| Method | Performance Book Style | Best For | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Bastien | Melodic, classical-leaning, strong on multi-key reading | Students who enjoy "real songs" early | | Faber (PA) | More contemporary, jazz-influenced, slower progression | Younger children (ages 7-9) | | Alfred | Heavy on chord theory and standard repertoire | Older teens/adults or traditional teachers |
Verdict: Bastien Performance Level 2 is ideal for a student (age 8–11) who has small hands but big musical ideas. The pieces are shorter than Alfred’s but more sophisticated than Faber’s.
A common misunderstanding is that the performance book is a workbook for homework. It is not. Here is the critical distinction:
| Feature | Lesson Book (Level 2) | Performance Book (Level 2) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Purpose | Teach new concepts & fingerings | Apply concepts in musical contexts | | Pace | Slow, methodical, instructional | Faster, recital-ready | | Length of pieces | Short exercises (4-8 bars) | Longer songs (16-32 bars) | | Musicality | Functional | Expressive, artistic | | Teacher Duet | Rare | Very common |
The Golden Rule: Use the Lesson Book to learn it. Use the Performance Book to love it.
The keyword "bastien performance level 2 pdf" has high search volume for several legitimate reasons:
However, searching for a free PDF requires caution, which we will address in the legal section below.
Introduction The transition from early to late-elementary piano study is a critical phase where students solidify note-reading fluency, develop basic technical control, and begin to express musical character. Bastien Piano Basics: Performance Level 2 serves as a supplementary repertoire book designed to reinforce concepts introduced in the correlated Piano Level 2 method book. Unlike a standard etude collection, this “Performance” volume prioritizes musical engagement, recital readiness, and motivational variety. This essay examines the content, pedagogical strengths, and potential limitations of Performance Level 2, concluding that it remains a valuable resource when used alongside a balanced curriculum. Repertoire : A collection of pieces that cater
Content Overview True to the Bastien series’ multi-key approach, Performance Level 2 introduces pieces in C, G, D, A, and F major, along with a few minor keys. The repertoire includes original compositions, folk songs (e.g., “Skip to My Lou,” “Clementine”), and simplified arrangements of classical themes. Rhythmic patterns extend to dotted quarters, eighth-note pairs, and basic syncopation. The range expands beyond five-finger positions, with occasional hand shifts and two-note slurs. Importantly, each piece is titled with imaginative cues (e.g., “The Icy Mermaid,” “March of the Robot”) that directly suggest a mood or image—an intentional design for performance preparation.
Pedagogical Strengths First, the book excels at building expressive awareness. Dynamic markings (p, mf, f) and tempo terms (allegro, andante) are consistently included, and short textual prompts (“playfully,” “smoothly like a lullaby”) guide interpretation. For a Level 2 student, this bridges the gap between merely pressing correct keys and shaping a musical phrase.
Second, the variety of textures prevents boredom. Students encounter melody with simple Alberti bass patterns, block chords, parallel motion, and occasional contrary motion. Such variety supports pattern recognition without overwhelming the young reader.
Third, the book fosters recital readiness. The pieces are typically 16–24 bars long—short enough to memorize yet long enough to feel substantial. The inclusion of a “Performance” title signals to both teacher and student that polished, memorized playing is an achievable goal.
Potential Limitations Despite its strengths, Performance Level 2 is not a complete curriculum. It assumes concurrent work in the Lesson and Technique books. Teachers using the PDF version (often from online or library sources) may miss the teacher duets included in the print edition, which help with steady tempo and ensemble skills. Additionally, some teachers find the left-hand accompaniments too repetitive, relying heavily on I–V–I patterns that can sound formulaic.
Furthermore, the PDF format—while convenient for printing—does not replicate the full-color, child-friendly layout of the original, potentially reducing visual appeal for younger students.
Conclusion Bastien Piano Basics: Performance Level 2 effectively fulfills its intended role as a supplementary recital book for late-elementary pianists. Its imaginative titles, clear expressive markings, and varied textures help students move from note-reading to music-making. However, teachers should avoid relying on it as a standalone method and should supplement with scale work, ear training, and duet playing. When used judiciously—whether in print or PDF form—it remains a trusted stepping stone toward early-intermediate repertoire.
Note: If you need a different type of essay (e.g., a personal reflection, a comparative analysis with another method, or a shorter summary), or if you are referring to a different “Bastien Performance Level 2” (such as an exam or assessment rubric), please clarify and I will revise the draft accordingly.
The "Bastien Performance Level 2" is likely referring to a music performance or assessment level within the Bastien method, a well-known piano teaching approach developed by James Bastien. The Bastien method is widely used for teaching piano and has various levels that students progress through as they improve their skills.
For "Bastien Performance Level 2," you would typically be looking at materials or repertoire pieces that are suitable for piano students who have reached a certain level of proficiency. This level often focuses on building technique, musicality, and expression.
Here are some general insights into what you might find in a PDF related to Bastien Performance Level 2:
✔ Hands-together with larger intervals (6ths, 7ths)
✔ Introduction of 8va (octave higher)
✔ Simple polyrhythm (2 against 3 rarely)
✔ Longer pieces (16–32 bars)
✔ More ornamentation (acciaccatura in one piece)