It's about as described. I am mostly self taught. I'm still somewhere in the beginner category. So far each piece I've tried has made me learn a little something or made me stretch basic skills a little. Branle (by Hotteterre)...my introduction to trills. Menuett (also Hotteterre)...the 4 bars with slurs gave me fits (not because slurs were new to me...) so I had to practice patience with myself and breaking down something tricky (to me) into manageable bits. So, you can tell I'm still a beginner and the book is forcing me to think. Grade 1-2 has 2-3 years playing experience, so saith the cover. All together, I probably have less than 2 years worth. If you are like me, the book may be more challenging than they intend. If you feel up to the challenge, go ahead. The recording will be a big help. I do wish it was easier for me to figure out what larger work each song is from. When that information is given, it's usually in another language or not there at all...perhaps someone with 2-3 years playing experience can make more sense of that.