Very similar to the Prep Course, the Basic Piano Course was designed for the slightly older beginner. The first book also starts at the very beginning, with posture and the black keys. It follows the same basic pattern as the Prep Course, only it is not quite as simplistic and it moves at a slightly faster pace. There are more songs in this series, and they tend to be a bit longer. By the end of this series, students are playing much more advanced pieces. This series also contains many components. In addition to supplemental books, there are combined level books, which contain the best selections from the individual volumes. These combined volumes are especially for those a little older (ages 8-10), and are a little more compact. Also, the complete levels introduce chords a little sooner. If you choose these, you can still go right into book 4 with no problem.