This may apply even to Beethoven, in the higher grade of composition; for his music is full of danger for the performer.

The only course which can ever lead to a sure result, without wearying both pupil and parent, and without making piano-playing distasteful, is first to lay a foundation in mechanical power, and then to go on with the easier pieces by Huenten and Burgmueller.

If you try to produce the mechanical dexterity essential for piano performance by the study of pieces, except with the most careful selection, you will waste a great deal of time and deprive the pupil of all pleasure and interest; and the young Lizzie will be much more interested in the hope of a husband than in the satisfaction of performing a piece which will give pleasure to herself and her friends.
There can be no success without gradual development and culture, without a plan, without consideration and reflection,--in fact, without a proper method.

How can there be any good result, if the pupil has to try at the same time to play with a correct touch, with the proper fingering, in time, with proper phrasing, to move the fingers rightly, to gain familiarity with the notes, and to avoid the confusion between the treble and the bass notes,--and in fact has to struggle with every thing at once?
And what vexations! what loss of time without success! (_Shepard listened with attention, and a light seemed to dawn upon him._) (_Dominie and Shepard go in to tea._) MRS.

S.Well, gentlemen, have you come to any conclusion?
Is not Lizzie a good pupil?
She is obliged to practise two hours every day, however tired she may be.