What is the difference between the Suzuki, the Kataoka, the William Aide and the Valery Lloyd-Watts piano recordings?

The Suzuki recordings are the original releases, mastered in Japan. The Kataoka tapes and CDs repeat each of the pieces three or four times in succession. This can be helpful for younger students, under age 9 or 10, but some older students find it irritating. The William Aide recordings were mastered in the U.S. Some people like his staccato style, others find it too fast or harsh. The Valery Lloyd-Watts recordings are the most recent release of the Suzuki piano repertoire. Her style is slower and more mellow than William Aide's, but lacks some of the dynamics of the Kataoka recordings. Ask your teacher which version she or he recommends. In the absence of other preference, we recommend the Valery Lloyd-Watts recordings.  more