Keyboard Musician for the Adult Beginner (Frances Clark Library for Piano Students) [Paperback] Review

Both my wife and I have been recommending this book for many years to adults wanting to learn the piano. As part-time piano teachers, we found that the lessons progress at an very good pace for most adults. The choiceof songs used in the lessons are tasteful mixing both folk and classicaltraditions. This book also works well for someone with some music readingbackground but no previous piano playing experience. This book uses theclassical approach and doesn't offer instruction on specific styles likerock, jazz, blues, etc. Overall, I still think it's the best adult pianomethod book that I've come across so far.

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Product Description:
Here is a complete repertoire and textbook for the older or adult beginner. Starting with material appropriate for the first lesson, it moves rapidly through discoveries, music and activities equivalent to The Music Tree and Levels 1 and 2. On completing the book, the student is ready for Level 3 of the Clark Library. The book provides quantities of music, all of it selected or composed to appeal to the older student -- Studies (introducing each of 65 new subjects), Repertoire (155 solos and duets), Accompanying and Transposing (62 melodies to accompany and to transpose to all major and minor keys), Sight Reading (107 one-line pieces that review each of the new discoveries and teach sight reading skills). In addition, the 22 units in 208 pages include: Technical Exercises, Rhythm Exercises, Written Work and Improvising. A Glossary at the end defines all new signs and terms introduced throughout the book.

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Stride and Swing Piano: Hal Leonard Keyboard Style Series [Paperback] Review

Normally books like these present you with the "dumbed down" and easy version of piano music--music you can play with one hand while drinking a sweet iced-tea with the other. Not so with this book. The methods and techniques Valerio teaches are the real thing, and the pieces within the book are those transcribed straight from the big boys--Waller, Johnson, Wilson, Tatum, Joplin, and Morton. This is an excellent introduction/continuation for those interested in stride piano.

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Product Description:
Focusing on styles such as classic ragtime, early blues and boogie woogie, New Orleans jazz, stride and swing, this new book/CD pack in the Hal Leonard Keyboard Style Series teaches left- and right-hand techniques including chords, bass runs, patterns and more. Key players of these styles - Scott Joplin, Jimmy Yancey, Pete Johnson, Jelly Roll Morton, James P. Johnson, Fats Waller, Teddy Wilson and Art Tatum - are prominently referenced. Includes 14 full songs to play, and an accompanying CD!

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Dan Coates Popular Piano Solos: Advanced Piano Solos (The Professional Touch) [Paperback] Review

It is by no surprise that Dan Coates is a skilled piano arranger. All the songs in this book are arranged so that the majority of the sheet music for the other instruments, normally heard in the actual songs such as "There You'll be", is included in the piano arrangement. He lays down an excellent split or broken chord base that adds a nice professional flow to all the songs in this book excluding some of the jazz pieces, which by nature, needs a different left hand beat. Sight-reading higher and lower Octaves, as well as, playing long scales will test the limit of an intermediate piano player while playing from this book. The quality of song titles just adds to the dimension purchasing this book. This is a must buy! I purchased this from McKenzie books and I must say it's worth purchasing this book through a bookstore, used or even new, than going directly through Amazon.com stock. However, from experience, purchasers should be guaranteed that the book would be in pristine order if one purchases it from Amazon directly. Overall, I would also recommend Dan Coates Advanced Piano Solo Book: The Professional touch if one wants to truly understand Dan Coates' brilliance in piano composition.

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Product Description:
Titles are: Amazed * And All That Jazz * Believe * Bridge Over Troubled Water * Dance with My Father * Don't Cry Out Loud * The Notebook (Main Title) * There You'll Be * This I Promise You * To Where You Are * You Needed Me * You Raise Me Up.

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The Pop Piano Book [Paperback] Review

Keyboardists can use this book as well. The first part details basics (chords, scales, etc) real quickly (I guess experienced users wont need the basics in detail) The second part goes through genres specifically. (pop ballad, rock, r&b, gospel, country etc)
Parts are split up among accompanying and melody leading. A beginner with no background will have no idea how to use this book. It is not a manual, more of a reference book for popular piano styles. Not for beginners, for the experienced.There isn't too much text explaining things. More of it showing and the reader to understand, digest and improvise. So you need some prehand understanding.
Excellent book no doubt.
I do have complaints though. First the binding is terrible. My book's pages started falling apart very quickly. I needed to go to a publisher friend of mine who took it apart and rebinded it for me. I may have had to lose the pretty cover but now it is sturdy.Second the paper is made of somewhat heavy stock making the book itself very large and weighty. I'm sure this contributed to the book falling apart.

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Product Description:
This cutting-edge keyboard method is a total step-by-step approach to creating keyboard parts spontaneously. Rhythmic and harmonic concepts are applied in all keys, and are then used as a basis for developing specific solutions in rock, pop, ballad, funk, new age, country and gospel styles. Endorsed by Grammy winners, top educators, and Keyboard magazine.

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Claude Debussy: Piano Music (1888-1905) [Paperback] Review

I've had this edition for about 15 years, and physically it's held up very well.No tearing, binding is still strong, pages are as white as the day I got it.

This is a generous sampling of Debussy's piano music.Some pieces, like L'isle Joyeuse, are not easy listening, though none are as experimental as Debussy became later in life.That said, many pieces, notably the Arabesques and Suite Bergmasque, are pretty and accessible.

Difficulty ranges from moderate (Reverie, Claire De Lune) to virtuosic (Reflets dans l'eau, Mouvement)

The major downside for the pianist is that there are no fingerings at all.

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Product Description:
The complete music for solo piano written by French composer Claude Debussy between 1888 and 1905. In each case the music as been reproduced photographically from original or early editions. Designed for years of use at the piano, the book features large and clearly printed noteheads and margins and spaces adequate for written notes. It opens flat and binding will not crack or split.

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Cold Play - Viva La Vida (Piano/Vocal/Guitar Artist Songbook) [Paperback] Review

I've been waiting patiently for this book to arrive and today was the day and WOW! am I knocked out, or what.The arrangements are thoughtful and complete, they're in the same keys that they're performed in so I can play along with the band.My students will love this book.I would strongly recommend it to any Cold Play fan with reasonable musical skills.If you can play in C-F & G only this book isn't for you, but if you play in a band it's perfect.The retail price is $18 and the Amazon price is great too.

Bravo Well Done!!

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Product Description:
All 13 tunes from the 2008 CD. Features the title track hit single - Coldplay's first song to reach #1 in the US and the UK - and: Cemeteries of London * Chinese Sleep Chant * Death and All His Friends * The Escapist * 42 * Life in Technicolor * Lost! * Lovers in Japan * Reign of Love * Strawberry Swing * Violet Hill * Yes. Also includes photos of the band.

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I Used to Play Piano (Book & CD) [Plastic Comb] Review

I am having so much fun with this book!The title of this book seemed to describe me exactly. I took piano lessons as a child, learned to read music and reached what I think was an intermediate level of playing. My piano books did not move with me when I left home, and I have not had a piano as an adult for many years until recently. There is a wide variety of music in this book at increasing levels of difficulty,theory review, and even a few exercises. I have not listened to the CD so far. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who used to play the piano unless you were a very accomplished player in which case this book would probably be too easy.

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Product Description:
I Used to Play Piano is an innovative approach for helping adults resume piano study. This 152-page book is divided into 11 progressive, well-rounded units, each containing diverse styles ranging from classical arrangements to jazz, boogie, blues, and ragtime to traditional favorites and popular styles. Using strategic review sections, adults can progress quickly to the unit that best matches their ability level.

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Jazz Piano Voicings: An Essential Resource for Aspiring Jazz Musicians (keyboard instruction) [Paperback] Review

This book is great if you have a young one that hasn't played jazz or if you haven't had much jazz training.This book will give you chord changes in a lot of keys with some very basic bass lines.

THIS CAN BE VERY HELPFUL!!If you don't know what to do if you see a chord like this: Db7#5#9, then this is the book for you!This will walk you through many of the common (and some uncommon) chords and you will generally play these chords in all keys and usually with a walking bass of some sort.

If you are looking for a book that will have you playing repertoire to teach you these chords, you will not like this book.There is not one "song" in here - there are a few progressions that are written out with some right hand patterns as well as bass patterns - but you're not going to finish this book being able to play any repertoire.

But, that is the point - if you finish this book and learn what it has to teach, you'll have the TOOLS to play your favorite standards.

This is a good reference book - even if you have played some jazz...

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Product Description:
The jazz idiom can often appear mysterious and difficult for those musicians who were trained to play other types of music. Long time performer and educator Rob Mullins helps players enter the jazz world by providing voicings that will help the player develop skills in the jazz medium and start sounding professional right away without years and years of study.

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New Illustrated Treasury of Disney Songs (Piano/Vocal/Guitar Songbook) [Paperback] Review

This Disney song book is fun and easy to play.It's not a fake bookbut the songs are sort of shortened, which I didn't like very much.However, it's still a great book.There is a history of how they included musicinto the Disney movies and cartoons.There are even songs to the Disneyafternoon cartoons.There are a few full paged illustrations and each songtitle has a illustration next to it.I definitely recommend this book toDisney song lovers out there.

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Product Description:
This magnificent coffee table collection is a Disney lover's dream come true! It is a guided tour through the many legendary years of Disney music, from "Minnie's Yoo Hoo" in 1930 up through the latest songs from today's Disney blockbusters. The book begins with an extensive musical history of Disney, followed by beautiful piano/vocal arrangements of 68 Disney classics. The songs are divided into the following chapters: The Early Years, A Coming of Age, Expanding the Dream, Songs from Tin Pan Alley, The Sherman Brothers March Through Disney, A Musical Renaissance, Disney's Live Action Musical Legacy, TV Tunes, and A Song in the Parks. Printed on deluxe stock with more than 100 stunning full-color illustrations accompanying the text and music, The Illustrated Treasury of Disney Songs is a keepsake to treasure for years to come!

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Phantom of the Opera (Easy Piano) [Paperback] Review

By all means, buy this book if these are the songs you want.
However, there is an alternative sheet music collection you should consider if you would like to have songs from some of his other shows. That book is called THE ESSENTIAL ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER COLLECTION (ISBN 0634001604). You can check it out right here at Amazon.com.
That book is a little more expensive but it contains MOST of these "Phantom" songs (except "Masquerade," "Angel of Music" and "Prima Donna") in addition to the key selections from:
"Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat"
"Jesus Christ Superstar"
"Evita"
"Starlight Express"
"Cats"
"Aspects of Love"
"Sunset Boulevard"
The book you are looking at now is a great collection of songs from "Phantom." If you want/need to have "Masquerade," "Angel of Music" and/or "Prima Donna" then you'll have to get this book. If you don't want songs from those other shows then this "Phantom" book is right for you.
If you're anything like me, you'll go for the bigger book and get more bang for your buck.
Either way, you're sure to get hours of enjoyment singing along with the cast recording(s) or with piano accompaniment. Having the sheet music is very helpful in terms of learning the song. Also, my ability to sight read is improving.
Happy singing!

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Product Description:
This souvenir folio features full-color photos from the stunning production as well as piano/vocal arrangements of 9 songs, including: All I Ask of You * Angel of Music * Masquerade * The Music of the Night * The Phantom of the Opera * The Point of No Return * Prima Donna * Think of Me * Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again.--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

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Hymns with a Classical Touch (Lillenas Publications) [Paperback] Review

Beautiful piano solos that intertwine hymns with classical favorites. Titles: Amazing Grace (In the setting of Grieg's Morning Mood, Peer Gynt Suite No. 1) Come, Thou Fount (In the setting of Tchaikovsky's Concerto, Op. 23) Crown Him with Many Crowns (In the setting of J.S. Bach's Prelude in D Major) Great is Thy Faithfulness (In the setting of Liszt's Liebestraum) Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah (In the setting of J.S. Bach's Fugue No. 2, from the Well-tempered Clavier, Vol. 1) I Surrender All (In the setting of Beethoven's "Pathetique" Sonata, Adagio Cantabile) It is Well with My Soul (In the setting of Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata) Jesus, the Very Thought of Thee (In the setting of J.S. Bach's Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring) Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee (In the setting of Handel's Prelude in G) Moment by Moment (In the setting of Saint-Saëns' Le Cygne) The Lord's My Shepherd (In the setting of Handel's Largo)
Level: moderate difficulty.(Piano grade 4-5)

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Cindy Berry combines hymns and Gospel songs with classical favorites in these terrific piano solos.

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Note Speller: A Music Writing Book Early Elementary Level (John Thompson's Piano) [Paperback] Review

IF you're serious about learning Piano, or just playing around with it, this book is a must.The lessons and notes you learn are helpful at any level of play.

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Product Description:
Thompson's popular Note Speller includes drills in notation and musical rudiments for the piano student. Notes are presented so that learning to read notes goes hand-in-hand with the student's piano lessons.

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The Big Book of Classical Music (Piano Solo Songbook) [Paperback] Review

Went to the local library in search of some Classical wedding/sacred music and checked out this book. It has both Mendelssohn's Wedding March and Wagner's Bridal Chorus as well as Pachebel's Canon in D. Like these pieces, there are a lot of arrangements of symphonic favorites - think a "Greatest Hits" Classical collection - but the quality is high. Most are moderate/advanced diffuculty- about the level of Thompson's grade 5 book, or Mozart's Sonata in C (I am a piano teacher). The original pieces for piano tend to be a little harder.The Baroque pieces (Bach, Handel, Haydn) are a bit easier.

There is also the theme from "Masterpiece Theatre" (RONDEAU by Jean-Joseph Mouret)

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Product Description:
All your favorite piano masterpieces in one convenient collection! This book features solo arrangements of 100 classics by Bach, Beethoven, Bizet, Brahms, Chopin, Debussy, Delibes, Dvorak, Faure, Franck, Gounod, Grieg, Handel, Haydn, Mahler, Mendelssohn, Mozart, Pachelbel, Puccini, Tchaikovsky, Verdi, Vivaldi, Wagner, and more!

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Jazz Piano: The Left Hand (The Steinway Library of Piano Music) [Paperback] Review

This is not a step by step, "Left Hand Technique for Dummies" kind of book. The author seems to know a lot about the history of jazz and has compiled examples of the left hand technique of many piano masters. The first half the book is more historic and talks about stride piano and the early players. The rest is more from bebop era and forward. His charts are hard to read and definitely require piano experience. I found the latin chapters too short, but is it understandable in a broad subject like this. I also wish there was more meterial about Bill Evans.

Good book. It will take me a lot of time to go through this.

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Product Description:
Arranged for piano by Riccardo Scivales. Here is the first volume in a new Jazz Piano series from The Steinway Library of Piano Music! This masterful book answers the age-old question asked by nearly every jazz pianist: what more can I do with my left hand? Using hundreds upon hundreds of musical examples, jazz scholar and pianist Riccardo Scivales Piano takes you on a tour of the left hand styles and techniques of all the great pianists, from Jelly Roll Morton and Fats Waller to Chick Corea and Michel Camilo. And he shows you how to use their methods yourself!
An Encyclopedia of Left Hand Style You'll no longer ponder how to get that swinging bass going, or how to fill in and add spark to the music with authentic left hand grooves. That great mystery of how to become a truly two fisted player will remain a mystery no longer, after you've gone through this treasure trove of left hand techniques used by the best jazz players who ever lived! This book is well over 250 pages long-a triumph of historical scholarship and practical, down-to-earth know-how!
Put Your Little Finger Here You'll see exactly what these legendary jazz pianists did, and learn how they made their left hand moves sound so thrilling. You'll become adept at every left hand style as Riccardo let's you in on all the secrets... stride bass as adopted and improved by Jelly Roll, Earl Hines, Eubie Blake, Luckey Roberts, Donald Lambert, Cliff Jackson, Willie The Lion Smith, George Gershwin and Fats Waller... Spanish Tinged left hand stylings... blues and boogie devices... swing style figures made famous by Teddy Wilson, Art Tatum and Bob Zurke... techniques of Prebop, Bebop, and the new left hand... Erroll Garner's strumming left hand figures... walking bass style... playing salsa stride patterns, montunos and bossa-novas... the basics of jazz ostinatos... rootless chord voicings... AND MORE!

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The Piano [Paperback] Review

This buy was MOST definitly worth the purcahse. I'm obviously a huge fan of Nyman's but i was blown away by the notes he writes on page. THE PIANO sheet music only contains 6 songs, and two of them i have already commited to memory, and its only been 2 weeks. In fact, all of the songs except DEEPSLEEP PLAYING are on the soundtrack. The sheet music seems to have about 10measures not contained on the soundtrack somewhere, but all of the mainthemes in the sheet music are on the soundtrack. Learn THE HEART ASKSPLEASURE FIRST, i have never had so many compliments playing song beforeuntil i learned this one. It's worth it.

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Product Description:
Six original compositions for solo piano, by Michael Nyman, from the award winning film by Jane Campion. English composer Michael Nyman has developed into one of the most popular, if not important, composers of film music, and his film score for the 1992 film the Piano is without doubt the most famous and familiar of his compositions. The tone of Campion s film is perfectly emphasised by Nyman s style and though much here is beautiful and rich, it is a haunting and foreboding sound picture that reflects the greys of sea, sky and spirit.

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Professional Piano Teaching: A Comprehensive Piano Pedagogy Textbook for Teaching Elementary-Level Students [Paperback] Review

Dr. Jacobson explains the art of piano pedagogy in the most comprehensive text available. New and experienced teachers alike will benefit from her expertise in the field of piano teaching.She is very dedicated to making us the best teachers we can be!This book is essential for every music teachers library as a reference and inspiration!!!

Sincerely,
L.Cook
piano teacher for over 20 years

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Product Description:
Professional Piano Teaching, is designed to serve as a basic text for a first-semester piano pedagogy course.It provides an introduction to the profession, an overview of learning principles, a thorough approach to all aspects of teaching beginners and elementary students, and a detailed analysis of the business aspects of independent teaching.Special topics related to group teaching, teaching preschool students and evaluation of teaching also are included.Its thorough treatment of subject matter makes it useful for pedagogy students, new teachers, university graduates with little or no pedagogy coursework, and teachers who have had limited opportunity for advanced training.Due to its comprehensive approach, experienced teachers will also find it filled with helpful hints to enhance their skills.
The book deals not only with what to teach, but with how to teach and solve problems in teaching.Teachers will be able to apply the principles that are discussed to real situations that they encounter on a daily basis.Actual teaching problems are discussed and workable solutions are offered for them.Numerous musical examples are used to illustrate the discussions.For copyright reasons, most musical examples were chosen from materials published or distributed by Alfred Publishing Company.Because bibliographies quickly become outdated and new teaching materials appear with regularity, specific lists of materials are limited.In addition, computer and keyboard technology has not been treated as a separate chapter in the book.Because of the rapidly changing technology, general applications are suggested throughout the text as appropriate.
For the beginning pedagogy class, it is recommended that students study Chapters 1-8 in order.By following this order, they explore the field in a systematic way, learning:
‚ what it means to become a professional piano teacher (Chapter 1)
‚ principles of learning applied to piano teaching (Chapter 2)
‚ how to choose a beginning piano method (Chapter 3)
‚ elementary teaching concepts and common problems of beginners (Chapter 4)
‚ specifics of teaching rhythm and reading (Chapter 5)
‚ specifics of teaching technique and musical sound development (Chapter 6)
‚ how to choose repertoire and present it (Chapter 7)
‚ how to develop musicality in students (Chapter 8)
The special topics in the book can be integrated into the class according to the preference of the teacher, the length of the term and the needs of the student.These topics include:
‚ an exploration of group teaching (Chapter 9)
‚ a philosophical and practical discussion about teaching preschoolers (Chapter 10)
‚ the business aspects of teaching piano (Chapter 11)
‚ suggestions for observing and evaluating lessons (Chapter 12)
In Chapter 11 (Business Aspects of Teaching), samples of professional forms, studio policies, brochures, business cards and ads are given.The publisher hereby grants the purchaser of this book permission to use and adapt these forms for personal and professional purposes.
Chapter 12 (Evaluation of Teaching) should be studied as soon as pedagogy students start to observe experienced teachers and begin their own student teaching.
Important points covered in each chapter are summarized at the end of the chapter.These summary points can be used in the pedagogy classroom for starting classroom discussions of key topics.In addition, projects that build on the teaching principles introduced in the chapter are suggested for both new teachers and experienced teachers.Pedagogy teachers can assign or adapt those projects that are appropriate for students in their classes.
The quest for improvement of piano teaching skills never ends.Whether you are beginning the journey as a new teacher with this book or whether you are an experienced teacher refining your skills, the author wishes you continued success as you pursue your career in professional piano teaching.

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Complete Preludes, Nocturnes and Waltzes: 26 Preludes, 21 Nocturnes, 19 Waltzes for Piano (Schirmer's Library of Musical Classics) [Paperback] Review

This book is an excellent value with offerings suitable for the intermediate to advanced player. A wonderful opportunity to add these selections to your music library. The book itself is about 245 pages it stays open easily on my music stand. The pages are large and printing is dark.

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This new volume in Schirmer's Library of Musical Classics presents 26 preludes, 21 nocturnes and 19 waltzes - a large amount of music at a value price. There are new urtext editions of seven pieces included, not edited by Joseffy in his original Schirmer editions: Prelude in A-flat Major (1834), Nocturne in C-sharp minor (1830), Nocturne in C minor (1837), and Waltzes in A-flat Major (1830), E-flat Major (1830), E-flat Major (1840), and A minor (1843).

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Salsa Piano - The Complete Guide with CD!: Hal Leonard Keyboard Style Series [Paperback] Review

I really like this series on Keyboard Styles by Hal Leonard which gives an interesting survey of the various types of music a keyboardist might need to play (or fake). I find that this series works the best when the music has a pretty set formula in which to work in.So for instance, the Blues Piano book is my favorite because you really can fake your way through the style after working through it, but the Jazz books are too cursory for really working your way through the vast landscape of Jazz.

The Salsa piano book is really interesting because it is so different from the others.It gives a great overview of the style, and does a really good job of explaining the function of the clave, the unique beat that is the characteristic rhytym of the style, and how to play in and around it.It covers typical chord progressions and how to build accompaniments in the style.This style is so different from all of the other styles in the series which all have the Blues as their jumping off point (e.g. rock, blues, jazz, jazz-blues, r&b) and that makes for a pretty interesting read.The problem is that outside the context of a band (and in particular a percussion section), it is really hard to apply the work in this book as solo piano Salsa isn't really the style.

I'm guessing that the average piano player buying this book doesn't have access to a Salsa band to play in like me which limits the applications of the book if you just play for your own enjoyment.That said, it is very interesting and the CD does have some patterns to play along with.

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Product Description:
Learn how to play authentic salsa! From traditional Cuban music to the more modern Puerto Rican and New York styles, you'll learn the all-important rhythmic patterns of salsa and how to apply them to the piano. The book provides historical, geographical and cultural background info, and the 50+-track CD includes piano examples and a full salsa band percussion section.

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How to Play from a Fake Book (Keyboard Edition) [Paperback] Review

I am an adult who used fake books extensively as a teenager when I played an accordion in a small combo.Now, (much, much later), I am trying to learn how to play an electronic keyboard competently - with both hands, and Blake Neely's book has become a very valuable addition to my library.I knew how to use a fake book and play melodies with my right hand, but how to play a tune and have it sound nice on a piano (or in my case, a Yamaha PSR540 keyboard)??? In this book, I found the answer.It starts out with a very simple left hand accompaniment - just play the root of the chord. It then continues to build up competence, step-by-step: add a fifth to the root; next learn the composition of a major chord and play the whole chord; learn about chord inversions and how to play them; learn minor chords and their inversions; learn how to easily switch from one chord to another without having to jump all over the keyboard; learn left-hand options that extend beyond simply playing the full block chord, that is, use a two-part chord, alternate the root and fifth in playing the two-part chord, play the chord as an arpeggio.
Throughout all these lessons, songs are provided to try things out and the chosen songs do, indeed, sound great using the technique explained in the lessons.While learning to play from a single line of music, the songs will show both the treble and bass clef so you can see what your left-hand should be doing. It then will provide some songs with just the treble clef to see if you can do it yourself.
Of course, you, the student, have to take the time to learn these chords.The book shows you what they are, but you have to do your homework -- it will take a great deal of practice for most players to see a chord and instantly be able to finger that chord on the keyboard.
I haven't completed this book yet -- I am still in the process of mastering all the major and minor chords so I can play them instantly.But all of the above was covered in the first 27 pages of this 88-page book (including 20 songs to illustrate the lessons). Coming up are seventh chords, augmented and diminshed chords, variations on the seventh chord, ninths and elevenths -- and 40 more songs to illustrate the chords and techniques discussed in each of the lessons.I am looking forward to devouring each lesson and loving every minute of it.After all, with a fake book, one has hundreds of pieces with which to practice the techniques being taught in this book. I heartily recommend this book to anyone who wants to play well from the many fake books available in today's market.

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Product Description:
Ever wondered how to create better accompaniments for the melodies in your favorite fake books? This "teach yourself" book introduces you to chord building, various rhythmic styles, and much more, so that you play the songs you like just the way you want them. Keyboard players with a basic understanding of notation and sight-reading will be on their way to more fun with fake books. The relaxed tone of the text and selection of fun songs keep How to Play from a Fake Book entertaining throughout - perfect for amateur musicians, or as a supplement for keyboard teachers and their students.

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Easy Piano Favorites: The Library of Series [Plastic Comb] Review

This AMSCO Publications product (1998) contains some of the same
compositions found in their Library of Piano Classics book (1987); but the latter has 350 pgs of unaltered (I think) classical music, while the former
has 239 pgs of simplified classics and light standards.

Both books contain Debussy's Le Petit Negre in the same form.Therefore I suppose that the publisher considers the real composition easy enough to include it unaltered in Easy Piano Favorites.But other classical
compositions common to both books are indeed simplified.This is
accomplished by using fewer notes, rewriting in "easier" keys, and shortening
the original compositions so as to leave out hard parts.For instance, Liszt's
Liebestraum in the "hard" book is six pgs. long and is written in the key of
A flat (4 flats).In the Easy Piano Favorites book it is two pages long and is
presented in the key of F (1 flat).Beethoven's Fur Elise, generally considered
to be easy enough (key of C, etc) that generations of piano teachers have
taught it to generations of students, is 4 pgs in the original.In Easy Piano
Favorites it remains in the key of C, but has a different (easier?) bass and takes
up only one page.

Your reviewer, who once played reasonably well in his youth in his own
living room, has forgotten most of his piano skills in his old age.But I can play much that is in Easy Piano Favorites, and expect to be able to play most of it
in the foreseeabe future.I'll never be able to say that about the contents of
the more difficult Favorite Piano Classics.

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Product Description:
A collection of the world's finest classical and popular music for the developing pianist. Masterpieces of every musical era in rewarding piano arrangements that are easy to play. Includes favorite piano solos by Bach, Chopin, Scott Joplin, George Gershwin and many more.

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My First Book of Great Composers: 26 Themes by Bach, Beethoven, Mozart and Others in Easy Piano Arrangements [Paperback] Review

Great for all beginners not just kids. I am 35 yo just now learning and love how well these are written. Very nice. Would buy again, would recommend

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Product Description:
This new gathering of the world's greatest classical themes follows Bergerac's highly successful My First Book of Classical Music. Here are ever-popular themes from the symphonies, concertos, and operas of such masters as Bach, Beethoven, Brahms, Chopin, Mozart, Haydn, Tchaikovsky, Verdi, and many others. For children and beginners of any age. Dover Original.


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Alfred's Basic Adult Sacred Piano Book: Level 1 (Alfred's Basic Adult Piano Course) [Paperback] Review

I bought this book as a level one adult piano student who wants to play sacred music (hymns).This book does not disappoint.It was structured to the Alfreds Basic Adult Piano Course Level One and follows that book exactly.Each song tells you where you need to be in the Basic Course Book in order to play the song.With this knowledge you can even try to challenge your ability by going a little further in the book than you are in the course, and then seeing where you stack up in your lesson.

The music in the book is very satisfying to play.The arrangements are simple but beautiful.Right away after only a few piano lessons you can play some of your favorite hymns.The songs are easy but not too easy and they sound very professional when you play them.

Highly recommended!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Alfred's Basic Adult Sacred Piano Book: Level 1 (Alfred's Basic Adult Piano Course) [Paperback]

Product Description:
Traditional sacred favorites are arranged in progressive order to gradually develop the adult student's technique while providing hours of enjoyment. Selections include "Just a Closer Walk With Thee," "For the Beauty of the Earth" and many others.

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Piano Theory Workbook Book 1: Hal Leonard Student Piano Library [Paperback] Review

I have taught piano to young children for many years. This book works best for me. It starts out with the student being able to make music immediately with just a few notes. It makes it a lot of fun and they tend to continue on longer than with any other series.

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Product Description:
Spike, Party Cat and friends guide the student through fun and creative assignments that introduce the language of music and its symbols for sound, silence, and rhythm. Ear training and basic theory exercises help students learn to write and play the music they are learning as well as the music they create themselves. Correlates to Piano Lessons Book 1.

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Gospel Piano: Hal Leonard Keyboard Style Series [Perfect Paperback] Review

I was spurred to write this review in response to another review that indciated disappointment with this book. I have found it to be an outstanding presentation of typical gospel sound, much more direct and 'authentic' than other books I have tried.
I was disappointed with other books of being either too heavy on theory without really creating a gospel sound, or not presenting enough theory/practice that I could expand on my own. I think this book really achieves a nearly ideal balance on this account. And as someone who has worked through a lot of Hal Leonard Style Series, I think this is one of the very best books in that series in its presentation of a keyboard style.
Gospel keyboard as a whole has wandered into neo-soul and borrows from r'n'b and funk esp. in the open worship backup. This book doesn't cover the open worship pad work. The songs, examples and exercises are based on modern choir work that are cited throughout and as such the right hand work is based primarily on the vocal 3 part harmony. Just so there's some clarification of what is presented here.

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Product Description:
This comprehensive book/CD pack provides you with the tools you need to play in a variety of authentic gospel styles, through a study of rhythmic devices, grooves, melodic and harmonic techniques, and formal design. The accompanying CD features over 90 tracks, including piano examples as well as the full gospel band to help capture the true flavor of the style.

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Alfred's Basic Piano Course: Levels 1a & 1b, Flash Cards (Alfred's Basic Piano Library) [Student Edition] [Cards] Review

These are an excellent tool to learn notes!My daughters piano teacher was very impressed with my daughters improvement in reading notes after just one week.

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Product Description:
102 cards are included in each set, and are coordinated page-by-page with Lesson Books, Levels 1A & 1B and Levels 2 & 3. May be used with any method.

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Piano and Keyboard Method v3 Review

I think this is a great product. It walks you through the basics through more advanced techniques and songs. It also does a great job of teaching you to read music.

It includes short videos of a person playing piano so you can see proper posture and such. Each song comes with (optional) accompaniment, which can make it funner to play (especially with the simple songs). You can also slow the songs down while learning them. The software grades your playing with a percentage score, and gives you details on your errors (if you want them).

This is a great program if youreally want to learn to play on your own.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Piano and Keyboard Method v3

Product Description:

This new version of eMedia Piano & Keyboard Method offers everything you need to learn how to play! Piano instructor, Irma Irene Justicia, M.A., who has taught at the renowned Juilliard School of Music, guides you through over 300 step-by-step full-screen lessons. New Instant Feedback works with both electronic keyboards and acoustic pianos! It listens as you play melodies and shows whether you're playing correctly!


The lessons start with the basics, such as hand position, rhythm, and playing on black keys, and move on to reading music notation, sight reading, scales, and much more. Techniques are demonstrated with over 70 videos viewable in full-screen mode.


Learn songs and exercises from music notation as an animated keyboard guides you through fingerings. Songs and exercises are provided as both live-recorded audio and variable-speed MIDI tracks which let you slow the music down as needed. Colorful MIDI accompaniments help make practicing fun! You will learn over 100 popular classical, blues, pop, and rock songs, including hit songs from artists such as Billy Joel, Bob Dylan, and Elton John!


Interactive review and ear training quizzes help reinforce new concepts and develop your ear. When used with an electronic MIDI keyboard, you get Interactive Evaluation Feedback with detailed specifics on your playing, including which notes and rhythms were wrong and how to correct them. In addition, the new Note Tracker shows you what note you're playing and makes learning music notation easy. This latest version also offers fully scalable lesson screens and an option for full-screen video. Other accessories include a built-in digital metronome and a recorder. eMedia Piano & Keyboard Method is the ultimate way to learn how to play piano or keyboard!

eMedia Piano & Keyboard Method Features

Accessories include a built-in digital metronome and a recorder. Click here for a larger image

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John Thompson's Adult Piano Course - Book 1: Book 1/Mid-Elementary Level (Willis) [Paperback] Review

This a great book for beginners.It is non-assuming, starts from the very basic, and takes a step by step approach on fingering and theory. It's easy to make real progress with this book.

After I got thru the first half of this book, the pieces in this book starts to become boring.I still used this book for theory, but got other books on classical music made for beginners as practices.

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Product Description:
John Thompson's Adult Piano Course was written with the older student in mind. They have the same musical road to travel as the younger student, but the study material for the grown-up will differ in content. These books are compiled especially for adults and contain pieces that adults like to play and hear. Many hints are given to help the student play as artistically and with as much musical understanding as possible.

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Piano Chord Dictionary (Handy Guide) [Paperback] Review

I found this chord guide to be absolutely perfect and it is quick to find chords you are looking for.
Would highly recommend this for beginners or any level.

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Product Description:
This Handy Guide shows the notation, fingering and keyboard diagrams for all the important chords used in modern popular music. Only the most practical position of each chord is shown. Two bass notes are given for each chord. Major, minor, diminished, augmented, sixth chords, seventh chords, ninth chords, eleventh chords and thirteenth chords are clearly shown. Includes a chord chart and major scale chart.

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Improvising Blues Piano [Paperback] Review

This is a great book! I'm a beginning/intermediate piano player, I went through the first two Alfred's All-in-One Adult piano books and really enjoyed them (and recommend them!). But I found myself at a fork in the road: I was happy to continue memorizing "pieces", and practicing "technique", but I found myself wanting to know more about improvising. I play drums in a blues band, and I've had some music theory for keyboard percussion, so I'm not a total musical-novice. I tried out some other books (Mark Harrison's "Blues Piano: Hal Leonard Keyboard Style Series", but it's still a little over my head, perhaps in a year or so it'll be good for me. Also "David Bennett Cohen Teaches Blues Piano: A Hands-On Course in Traditional Blues Piano", but it really didn't light my fire either, and if I recall correctly, didn't have finger markings which I still find helpful.)This book pulls it all together for me: some blues music theory, some blues history, clearly-marked "assignments", a CD included, (a spiral binding that lays flat on the stand!) ... I'm hooked!

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Product Description:
The basic principles of blues piano explained for the intermediate-level pianist in an easy-to-grasp fashion.

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The Virtuoso Pianist in Sixty Exercises for the Piano: Book 1 (Schirmer's Library, Volume 1071) [Paperback] Review

Ignore my title. No serious student of piano would teach themselves, though a few good ones have. And if you must do it that way, this book should be your first buy. I picked up Hanon 3 years ago when I got back into piano study. For a year and a half, I thought all this book had to offer was exercises. Good exercises, mind you, and that was sufficient for me. However, I only recently got deeper into this book and realized there is a great deal more here for advancing your piano skills -- like proper scale fingerings and such.
Hanon is based on a total of 60 exercises for finger strength, stability, and performance. It takes a long time to work up all 60, but once you are there, you can daily work through each one consecutively or otherwise to warm up and improve your skills.
This book is essential for any pianist, whether you are training classically or to play pop. Whether by ear or by reading (or hopefully both), it isn't a real challenge to learn the basic reading required for these exercises (they start in the key of C -- no black notes -- and stay that way for a while). The beginner can start with exercise one and move forward at their own pace.

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Product Description:
Virtuoso Pianist in 60 Exercises - Book 1

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Alfred's Basic Piano Library Piano Course, Theory Book Complete Level 1: For the Later Beginner [Paperback] Review

The book came in good shape, as described. Received in time and no problems with payment or contacting seller.

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Product Description:
Designed to coordinate page-by-page with the Complete Level 1 Lesson Book. Contains enjoyable games and quizzes that reinforce the principles presented in the Lesson Books. Students can increase their musical understanding while they are away from the keyboard.

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The Beatles Classic Hits (Big Note Piano) [Paperback] Review

I really like this book, the arrangemets are simple but very weel done so that it sounds very nice. Its good for young learners and grownups like me who have a few skills left from childhood peiano lessons but don't have patience too play more challengin music.

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Product Description:
This great collection features big-note piano arrangements of 26 top Beatles hits, including: Come Together * Do You Want to Know a Secret? * The Fool on the Hill * Here Comes the Sun * Hey Jude * I'll Follow the Sun * If I Fell * In My Life * Lady Madonna * Let It Be * Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds * Penny Lane * Revolution * Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band * She Loves You * Twist and Shout * Yesterday * and many more!

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Sunday Solos for Piano: Preludes, Offertories and Postludes (Piano Solo Songbook) [Paperback] Review

This is a great option for any person who needs a last minute piece to place in church on a Sunday morning.The arrangements have their challenges, but the pieces are written to sound absolutely beautiful.It even gives you suggestions as to when during the service a piece would be most appropriate.I have used one of these songs already and cannot wait to use more!

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Product Description:
30 blended selections, perfect for the church pianist. Songs include: All Creatures of Our God and King * All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name * Ancient of Days * Be Thou My Vision * Blessed Assurance * Come into His Presence * Come, Now Is the Time to Worship * Crown Him with Many Crowns * Give Thanks * Great Is the Lord * He Is Exalted * Here I Am to Worship * Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty * I Can Only Imagine * I Love to Tell the Story * I Sing the Mighty Power of God * I Worship You, Almighty God * Majesty * A Mighty Fortress Is Our God * More Precious Than Silver * My Tribute * Open the Eyes of My Heart * People Need the Lord * Shine, Jesus, Shine * Shine on Us * Spirit of God, Descend upon My Heart * To God Be the Glory * Via Dolorosa * When Morning Gilds the Skies * Word of God Speak.

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Third Grade - Book/CD Pack (John Thompson's Modern Course for the Piano Series) [Paperback] Review

I really loved this piano book.I had an old one from the 50's and the pages were crumbling so I really need a new one. What I really liked was that it came with a CD of the music so now I can play the CD to see how it is supposed to sound when I play it.Love it.John Thompson's Modern Course for the Piano: Third Grade - Book/CD Pack (John Thompson's Modern Course for the Piano Series)

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Product Description:
John Thompson's classic Modern Course for the Piano from Willis Music is now available for the first time in a book/CD format! Each volume will be re-released with an eye-catching new cover.

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Solo Jazz Piano: The Linear Approach (Berklee Guide) [Paperback] Review

I'm a serious amateur jazz pianist who has long noticed that most other jazz piano books--including Mark's Levine's excellent "Jazz Piano Book"--assume you're always playing in a trio or larger ensemble.Consequently, they say very little about the unique problems of solo playing, bass lines, etc.This very well written and organized book contains the best instructional foundation for playing solo jazz piano I've seen anywhere.I had been looking for a book like this for about a decade without success because it was published relatively recently.

After several years of study from Levine's book and others in conjunction with occasional lessons from a couple of good teachers, I decided to study almost exclusively from this book on my own for awhile about a year ago.My solo playing has definitely improved a lot, and studying bass lines in depth seems to have improved my musical ear somehow, making it easier to improvise strong lines in the right hand.

Each chapter of "Solo Jazz Piano" begins with a clear, succinct presentation of the theory that will be drilled throughout the remainder of that chapter.This is generally followed by an etude written out in full (both clefs) that allows the student to feel what it's like to apply the theory immediately.I've learned a lot by analyzing the author's etudes.The etude is then followed by a leadsheet (usually with chord changes the same as or similar to those of the etude).The student is then directed to create an arrangement using the newly learned theory (and techniques learned in prior chapters) to create an original arrangement of the leadsheet.This system is very effective and helps the concepts "stick" in the student's mind, in my opinion.The first part of the book also includes an excellent review of basic chord theory.Once the study of bass lines begins, the author does not abandon the study and use of chords.On the contrary, he reminds the student to play 'comping arrangements in which the left hand plays a bass line and the right hand plays well-voice-led 'comping chords in addition to the usual excercises in which the student plays the melody (with or without added voices in the right hand) and a left-hand bass line.This ensures a well-rounded approach.My only criticism of this book is that it should have been spiral bound like Mark Levine's "Jazz Theory Book" for easier use at the piano.

I cannot recommend this book highly enough to anyone desiring to learn how to play SOLO jazz piano.For those just beginning to learn jazz improvisation, I also recommend "The Joy of Improv" (two volumes) by Dave Frank and "How to Improvise" by Hal Crook.Both Dave and Hal have also been faculty at Berklee College of Music.

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Product Description:
A step-by-step approach to solo jazz improvisation for piano. Learn to improvise using the techniques pioneered by piano greats Lenny Tristano and Dave McKenna. This methodical approach to learning the art of solo jazz piano improvisation will free your creative sense of music. It begins with a review of chord symbol interpretation, walks through bass line development, and ends with how to play several melodic lines simultaneously in stimulating musical conversation. You'll learn how to develop solos that embellish and support the melody, and use lead sheets to help you generate your own musical ideas. Twenty-one lessons present techniques, practice exercises, and tunes based on jazz standards. Notated transcriptions of sample improvisations illustrate each lesson's technique, and the accompanying CD lets you hear a master improviser put these ideas to work.

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John W. Schaum Piano Course: B - The Blue Book [Paperback] Review

I recently got a piano, and since I haven't played in 30 years, decided to start over with these books I used as a kid. They are just as good as I remember!

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Product Description:
A time-honored tradition just got better! The JOHN W. SCHAUM PIANO COURSE has been newly revised with 100 percent new engravings and typesetting, color highlighting for concept emphasis, updated song titles and lyrics, and full-color illustrations. Other products available from the best-selling John W. Schaum collection: * John W. Schaum Piano Course (level Pre-A or Green through H or Grey) * Schaum Pop Favorites (level Pre-A or Green through C Purple) * After the H Book (Volume I & II) * Adult Piano Course (Book I-III) * Pop Piano Course (Book I-IV) * Popular Piano Pieces (level Pre-A or Green through D or Orange) * Schaum Christmas (level Green through Orange) * John W. Schaum Solo Piano Albums (For the Young Student) * additional supplementary books

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Alfred's Basic Adult Theory Piano Book: Level One (2462) [Paperback] Review

This is an excellent book for learning piano theory for beginners.I flew through it considering I've already played a bit and just needed a review.Try to buy it new if you can, as cleaning out another person's old notes and answers is a real pain.

I also definitely recommend this for adults (as the title says)because it cuts out all the little-Bo-Peep type stuff that are in the basic beginners books I've come across.

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Product Description:
Every concept and principal introduced in the Lesson Books of Alfred's Basic Adult Piano Course is reinforced in each of the correlated Theory Books. Important tips are included that make learning chord progressions even easier!

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Library of Piano Classics: Piano Solo (Library of Series) [Plastic Comb] Review

For sheer value for money you can't go past this thick volume. It contains around 50 pieces of varying styles by over 40 composers, including several duet arrangements of pieces (also included as solos). Many of the pieces are commonly included in collections (Traumerei, Fur Elise, Fantasy-Impromptu) but others are more unusual. A few of the composers include: Albeniz, Bach, Beethoven, Chopin, Brahms, Debussy, Faure, Scott Joplin ... it's a long list.
The book itself features: Handy ring-binding, without which it would never stay open;clear printing (not one of those publications that looks like it's gone through a fax); and good editing.
I would particularly recommomend this book to people trying to increase the size of their music library (done instantly) or people who want to get a taste of numerous musical styles and composers. The variety in levels of the music can keep you dipping into this book from low-intermediate through to the higher grades.

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Product Description:
A compendium of the world's most loved music. True to the spirit of the great composers, this volume fills the needs of students and teachers. Over 100 works including SchubertÂ's Moment Musicale, ChopinÂ's Minute Waltz, and BeethovenÂ's Rondo a Cappriccio.

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Joplin - Complete Rags for Piano (Schirmer's Library of Musical Classics) Vol. 2020 [Paperback] Review

These are the real McCoy, right down to Joplin's own tempo recommendations (the famous "Not too fast" adornes the Peacherine Rag, as in the original).If you want to tackle the master's own works, this is the place to go.Schirmer does a fine job in cataloging these masterpieces, and these are re-engravings of the original scores--crisp, clear and easy to read.This book also contains Joplin's syncopation exercises, helpful in understanding his work.

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Product Description:
American popular music at its classical best! This is a complete edition of these wonderful piano pieces, all newly engraved. 42 of Joplin's most famous rags in one comprehensive collection, including: Bethena * The Easy Winners * The Entertainer * Eugenia * Maple Leaf Rag * Original Rags * Solace * Something Doing * and many more.

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All-in-One Course for Children: Lesson, Theory, Solo, Book 3 (Alfred's Basic Piano Library) [Paperback] Review

with the all-in-one you don't need to get the theory book because it is all included.

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Product Description:
The "All-in-One Course for Children" takes all of the pages from "Alfred's Basic Piano Library," Lesson Books 1A, 1B, and 2, plus selected pages from Theory, Recital and Fun Solo Books and combines them into part of a sequential five-book series. At the completion of Book 5, the student will be ready to continue into Level 3 of "Alfred's Basic Piano Library" or "Alfred's Premier Piano Course."

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The Ultimate Pop Sheet Music Collection (Easy Piano Edition) [Paperback] Review

First of all, I really like the way Dan Coates arranges music for easy piano.The songs are not too simplistic, yet they are still easy to play, and they sound so nice.This has become one of the books I play from most often, and my kids even like to sing along.It does reuse some of the exact same songs I have in other Dan Coates books, but that's not a big deal since you are getting so much music in this book.I do wish the second verses were printed within the staff, since having them at the end it pretty useless.I also wish it was spiral bound, since it is hard to keep open sometimes.You will notice that some of the songs use the same chord patterns, so it can be a little repetitive sometimes, but there is still enough variety to keep you interested.I like that there is such a great variety of pop music in here - newer music as well as old favorites.I would definitely recommend this.

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Product Description:
Dan Coates adds his expert touch to these 70 easy piano arrangements of Alfred's most requested, top-selling standards and pop songs. Titles include: Amazed * Breakaway * Because You Loved Me * Dance with My Father * How Do I Live * I Swear * Inside Your Heaven * Lean on Me * Right Here Waiting * There You'll Be * This I Promise You * Thank You * When You Tell Me That You Love Me * You Raise Me Up and more. 256 pages.

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Twenty-Five Easy and Progressive Studies for the Piano, Op. 100: Piano Solo (Piano Method) [Paperback] Review

I'll start with a preface: I have been playing piano for four years, I started when I was 18, and aside from six one-unit community college classes, I've never had any formal training. That said, this book is (in my opinion) a little tougher than the first "First Lessons in Bach" book and at the end is still easier than most of the second "First Lessons" Bach book. It fits squarely in the middle, which would be a good run up towards Schumann's Album Fur Die Jugend or a book of Bach's inventions.

Also it would be useful for an accomplished pianist to run through these as one would Hanon or Czerny, only these are actual songs, which helps to break up the monotony of finger exercises. Not to say Hanon or Czerny aren't important; diversity is simply a good thing to have.

I'm a total amateur, and I was looking for something less intense than Bach, less repititious than Hanon, and less insane than Czerny. Burgmullers Twenty-Five Easy and Progressive Studes fits the bill nicely.

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Product Description:
Contents: Arabesque No. 2 * Ave Maria * Ballade * Barcarolle * Consolation, Op. 33,, No. 1 (Karg-Elert) * Douce Plainte * Innocence * Inquietude No. 18 * L'adieu * L'harmonie des Anges * L'hirondelle * La Babillarde * La Bergeronnette * La Candeur * La Chasse * La Chevaleresque * La Gracieuse * La Petite Reunion * La Styrienne * La Tarentelle * Le Courant Limpide * Le Retour * Pastorale No. 3 * Progres * Tendre Fleur.

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The Best of Coldplay for Easy Piano: Updated Edition (Easy Piano Personality) [Paperback] Review

12 Coldplay songs from the albums "Parachutes" and "A Rush of Blood to the Head".

I've only had a couple of years of piano lessons (and that was years ago) and I bought this book to help me get back into playing.The arrangements are easy (but no, not beginner), and don't take much practise before you're sounding pretty good! Includes the guitar chords.

The songs are:

(1) Amsterdam (2) Clocks (3) Don't Panic (4) Everything's Not Lost (5) Green Eyes (6) In My Place (7) Rush of Blood (8) The Scientist (9) Sparks (10) Trouble (11) A Warning Sign (12) Yellow

The book itself is a slim softcover book with a shiny cover. It is bound by three staples, and the pages fall flat once pressed down - so its fine on a music/piano stand.

Note - This describes the the 2003 edition which I was sent initially (in error). So check that you were sent the right edition! The 2004 edition is bound, so doesn't lie flat as well as the 1st Ed but it includes a 13th song: "Fix You" from "X&Y"

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Product Description:
Easy piano arrangements of 12 songs from these acclaimed British pop/rockers. Includes the mammoth hits "Yellow" and "Clocks" plus: Amsterdam * Don't Panic * Everything's Not Lost * Green Eyes * In My Place * Rush of Blood (A Rush of Blood to the Head) * The Scientist * Sparks * Trouble * A Warning Sign.

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Alfred's Basic Adult Piano Course, All-In-One, Level 2 w/CD [STUDENT EDITION] [Plastic Comb] Review

The book is fine, although it has a few too many cheesy songs like "For He's a Jolly Good Fellow."The CD that comes with it is the main reason for the star deductions.I thought it would be someone simply playing the piano as a demonstration on how to play the music with perfection.Instead, it is synthesized music done on some kind of digital keyboard and it has other synthesized instruments and percussion.It's not enjoyable to listen to and not particularly instructive either.Unless you need the CD to help you hear the basic melodies of the songs contained in this book, I would buy the non-CD version.

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Product Description:
Alfred's Basic Adult All-in-One Course is designed for use with an instructor for the beginning student looking for a truly complete piano course. It is a greatly expanded version of Alfred's Basic Adult Piano Course that will include lesson, theory, technic and additional repertoire in a convenient, ""all-in-one"" format. This comprehensive course features written assignments that reinforce each lesson's concepts, a smooth, logical progression between each lesson, a thorough explanation of chord theory and playing styles, and outstanding extra songs, including folk, classical, and contemporary selections. At the completion of this course, the student will have learned to play some of the most popular music ever written and will have gained a good understanding of basic musical concepts and styles. The CD has accompaniments to support the student's playing of the exercises and songs found in the Level 2 book.

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