Michael Aaron published a number of piano tutor books and these have been added to in more recent years. There are other books in the series that deal with piano theory, technique and performance. He published his ‘Michael Aaron Piano Course Grade 2’ as well as Grades 1, 3 and 4 in 1945 to 1946. There are Primer books in the series too. These tutor books have been expanded in recent years. Some of those who have taught piano using these books, state that the concepts that are introduced are not always presented in a sequential way. And, some teachers feel that the gaps in attainment level between the grade books is too large.
Grade 2 - there are note reading tests in these books and they include the reading of ledger lines, instruction is provided for the use of the sustaining pedal, there is discussion on the form of music, there is a dictionary of musical terms and there is a practice record at the end of the book.
Concepts covered are - broken chords, the strengthening of the four and five fingers, chord inversions, the development of the singing tone, the use of syncopation, the introduction of semiquaver patterns, the use of the acciaccatura, finger extension, the use of the sustaining pedal, the dominant seventh, the use of forearm staccato, the crossing of the thumb and chromatic scales, the use of accents in a bar, the introduction of triplets, harmonic intervals, wrist staccato, discussion about the waltz, the use of triads, discussion concerning the minuet, jig and the tarantella.
The illustrations, although in black and white, are quite detailed and evocative. In addition to the illustrations there are photos of a few composers as well as helpful ones showing how to use the hands, arms and the sustaining pedal.
It was more difficult to find out about Michael Aaron’s life. His birth date seems to differ, although it looks to be the 4th July 1898. He was born in London, UK. There is an entry in the English and Wales Civil Registration for 1898 in the July to September quarter for a Myer Aaron in 1898 in St George the East. His name of Meyer is used in a later document. It looks as if the family arrived in Canada in October, 1901 however I cannot find them in the London, UK 1901 Census. Both of his parents were born in Minsk, which at that time was part of Poland. In 1910, the family are residing in Spokane, Washington State and Michael’s father is a cook in a restaurant. Previously his father had been employed as a boot maker. According to one account that I read, Michael Aaron received tuition from John M Williams in Calgary, Canada from 1913 until 1916. In 1919, Michael is making a border crossing between Canada and the United States and he intends to live with his cousin in New York. The 1920 US Census finds him living in New York with his cousin and he is working as a music teacher. On the 22nd August 1925, Michael marries Jessie McGregor at the Mountain St, Methodist Church in Montréal, Québec. Michael and his wife Jessie are living in New York in the 1920 US Census and he is working as a piano teacher. In 1932, Michael’s wife Jessie gives birth to a daughter Beverley. By the 1940 US Census, Michael is divorced, one account I read states that he was divorced in 1938. He marrieds Muriel Reisman on the 3rd January 1942. He becomes as naturalised US citizen on the 14th January 1943 in Brooklyn, New York. His death is recorded in Miami, Florida on the 29th April 1963.
References
Ancestry.com