Ep. 35 – Elissa Milne’s Very Easy Little Peppers: Teaching Beyond the Method Book

Method books give us structure and sequence, but they don’t always provide enough reinforcement—or enough variety—to keep students fully engaged. That’s where supplemental repertoire can make a meaningful difference. In this episode, we explore Very Easy Little Peppers by Elissa Milne—a collection of short, engaging pieces designed for early elementary piano students. These pieces offer teachers the opportunity to: reinforce key concepts introduce musical challenges in a manageable way highlight each student’s unique strengths and bring fresh, appealing repertoire into early lessons We’ll look at seven selections from the collection, grouped by how they can function in your teaching: articulation-focused studies that build control and independence simple pieces with a modern, engaging sound and slightly more advanced works that can serve as recital-ready showpieces Whether you’re looking to support a struggling student, challenge a quick learner, or simply add variety to your teaching, this collection offers practical and musical solutions. Salt and Pepper (from Very Easy Little Peppers) Salt and Pepper Elementary Digital Download single piece or Entire Collection Printed Edition Smooth and Crunchy (from Very Easy Little Peppers) Elementary Digital Download single piece or Entire Collection Printed Edition Safari (from, Very Easy Little Peppers) Late Elementary Digital Download single piece or Entire Collection Printed Edition Flâneur (from, Very Easy Little Peppers) Elementary Digital Download single piece or Entire Collection Printed Edition Chase (from, Very Easy Little Peppers) Elementary Digital Download single piece or Entire Collection Printed Edition Storm in a Teacup (from, Very Easy Little Peppers) Late Elementary Digital Download single piece or Entire Collection Printed Edition Three Legged Race (from, Very Easy Little Peppers) Late Elementary Digital Download single piece or Entire Collection Printed Edition