Never content to sit back and relax, Daniel McFarlane, a prolific Australian-based composer of contemporary piano music for students, has recently released a collection of new books called Groovy Beats.
As you know, I’ve been a fan of Daniel’s music for some time now and featured his music in a number of previous posts, including Piano music for boys | 15 of the best pieces by Daniel McFarlane. I’ve spoken about his music at conferences and have always been thoroughly impressed by the way in which my students gravitate towards his pieces.
​His pieces are pedagogically sound and lots of fun to play and teach. Concepts are introduced sequentially and his music is often based on patterns and chords, providing plenty of opportunity to  teach about the importance of chords in the structure of music. Not to mention the fun and repetitive rhythms, strong supporting bass notes in the left hand and memorable melodies he continues to compose.
Put simply, his music is some of the most engaging teaching music around.Â
If you like Christopher Norton, you’ll love Daniel McFarlane! @nortonatwork @danielmcfmusic
Click to Tweet
​If you’re new to Daniel’s music, the first thing to do check out this welcome video and FAQ here on his music website: Supersonics Piano.
Daniel’s first collections of music were his Supersonics Collections – Levels A, B and C (graded by difficulty). He’s now offering these in value pack form, saving you 15%.
Basically, for just over $100, you get the content of all three books (over 60 pieces) that your students are going to love and you’re going to be able to use these pieces in your studio for ever with as many students as you wish.
Keep in mind that these are digital downloads, so once you’ve paid for the pieces online, you’ll get instant access to a download link from where you can print out your pieces.
If you want to hear his pieces and see the music before you buy, just head to his Digital Sheet Music page where you can browse by level of difficulty and see the scores and recordings.
Daniel has just released a new collection of pieces called Groovy Beats which are particularly going to inspire your teenage and adult students. Likewise, these are collections that boys are really going to enjoy.
​There are four books in the Groovy Beats series, which includes both new releases and some of his favourites from other collections. Each book is $9.99.
I can’t believe it, but he’s selling a Groovy Beats MegaPack now for just $33.97. He’s almost giving it away at that price! The music ranges from Early Intermediate through to about Grade 4 level and you’re going to get so much use out of this music due to his studio licensing agreement (see below).
The pieces are rhythmic, exciting and harmonically interesting and will be fun to teach and play.
Make sure you take a look at Groovy Beats while the offer lasts!
Daniel recently decided to make all his music available under a studio-wide licence.
What this means is that teachers only have to pay for music once and then they are freely able to reproduce it for any number of students in their studios for life.
Let me say that again:Â Teachers only have to pay for music once and then they are freely able to reproduce it for any number of students in their studios for life.
This has to be the best offer in music publishing around. Here’s what Daniel says about it:
​As a special bonus for teachers all my pieces are studio-licensed. I love that my music is enjoyed all around the world and the combination of instant digital downloads with studio licensing is the best way for me to reach everyone. Great for teachers as you can get your music immediately and use my pieces again and again. Great for me as I’m not forever running off to the post office! Great for the environment as my business’s carbon footprint is greatly reduced.
Not only will this be a great resource for your students generally, but this kind of licensing is going to be perfect if your students are completing the 40 piece challenge or need extra sight reading material. You’ll never be short of music again.
Stay tuned for a post later this week about my thoughts on Daniel’s Studio Licensing arrangement.
If the above deals aren’t good enough to convince you to check out his music, Daniel is now also offering teachers lifetime discounts on their purchases when they spend certain amounts on his online store.
For example, once you’ve spent $150 at his store (in one or multiple transactions), you’ll be entitled to a 10% discount on all future purchases, for life!
​I wish some other music retailers would offer incentives like this. To take advantage of this offer, just purchase from his store – the software will take care of the rest. Perfect!
As you can tell, I’m a huge fan of Daniel’s work and I can’t believe the deals he is offering. I’ve seen first-hand how many students he’s been able to inspire and the positive comments I get from other teachers, students and parents about how much their students are loving his music.
His pieces are particularly great to have up your sleeve if you have a student that is starting to lose motivation (I’m thinking teenage beginners), for special recital themes and music to use around a student’s core exam/performance repertoire.
If you’re considering using Daniel’s music or have already got folders of Supersonics sheets, then you must make sure you get involved in the Supersonics Facebook Group where you can join over 300 other teachers discussing all things music and teaching-related:
This group was formed to discuss Supersonics Piano pieces. You can post questions regarding teaching Supersonics pieces, how and why a particular piece was composed, request new compositions and chat with the composer and other like-minded teachers and musicians about general piano matters. (Daniel McFarlane)
Got a favourite piece by Daniel? Leave the name of the piece below so that others can check it out when they go to his website.
Please note that links in this document are affiliate links; I receive a small commission if you choose to buy Daniel’s music. I only ever recommend music, products and services that I have thoroughly tested and continue to use regularly in my studio. If you have any questions, please contact me.Â
