The "Modern Course" series is famous for its "something new in every lesson" approach. Unlike method books that drill one concept for ten pages, John Thompson introduces new technical or musical concepts with almost every new piece.
In Grade 2, you will encounter:
You will find dozens of sites offering a free download. Most of these are:
While a PDF is convenient for traveling or viewing on a tablet, there are distinct advantages to owning the physical book for Grade 2: John Thompson Modern Course For The Piano Grade 2 Pdf
Note: If you use a PDF, consider printing the specific pieces you are working on to avoid the temptation of "zombie scrolling" through the book without focus.
Absolutely. Whether you buy the paper book and scan it yourself for your tablet, or you purchase the legal digital edition from Hal Leonard, having John Thompson Grade 2 in PDF format is a game-changer.
The pedagogical science behind this book remains unmatched. It teaches sight-reading through a unique "interval reading" method rather than relying on finger numbers. It forces the student to read patterns, not individual notes. By the end of this volume, you will be able to play pieces like The Skaters and Waltz in A-flat with confidence, dynamic shading, and proper pedal technique. The "Modern Course" series is famous for its
Load the PDF onto a 12.9-inch iPad Pro or a large Android tablet. Use a page-turning pedal (like PageFlip or Donner). For the fast-moving Spinning Song, this removes the awkward stop to flip the page. Many students finish the piece faster via digital workflows.
The Grade 2 book is famous for introducing "miniature masterpieces" rather than generic exercise tunes. It features arrangements of classical themes and original compositions designed to sound impressive to the student.
Highlights often include:
The transition from Grade 1 to Grade 2 is notorious in the piano world. Grade 1 is about mechanics—finding Middle C and playing quarter notes. Grade 2, however, is about musicianship.
Thompson understood that students often quit when the music stops sounding like "kid stuff." Consequently, Grade 2 introduces rich harmonies, chromatic scales, and the delicate art of phrasing. The book assumes you have mastered basic note values and hand coordination. If Grade 1 taught you to walk, Grade 2 teaches you to dance.
No. John Thompson died in 1941, and the Modern Course books are continuously updated and still under copyright by the Willis Music Company (now part of the Hal Leonard publishing group). The Grade 2 book was originally published around 1937, but due to copyright renewals and ongoing revisions, it is not freely available in the public domain in most countries (including the US and EU). Note: If you use a PDF, consider printing