Technique for the Advancing Pianist (Alfred Masterwork Editions) [Paperback] Review

I use this book for all my students who wish to pursue piano studies at a higher level, particularly those who will become piano performance majors in college. It truly is essential for the advancing pianist because many technical difficulties one encounters throughout Mozart, Beethoven, and some Chopin (and of course, many more composers) is learned here, such as scales in double thirds, rotation, and velocity. Work through every single page and you're well on your way to starting more advanced work in college.

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Product Description:
This practical resource provides foundational tools for scale, chord and arpeggio playing; exercises for developing precision, speed, agility and clarity of tone; and exercises and etudes that focus on a variety of technical challenges.

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The Contemporary Keyboardist and Expanded (Instructional) [Plastic Comb] Review

John Novello is an amazing musician.Having a book that gives insite into his approach would be quite valuable all by itself, but he has put together a very comprehensive work that is a must have for any musician looking to expand his/her knowledge and abilities.In this modern age where the electronic keyboard provides the easiest access to the world of instrumentation, as a songwriter/arranger I find John's Contemporary Keyboardist to be an essential reference, especially as my main instrument is the guitar.

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Product Description:
This comprehensive, 562-page method, called "Solid, readable and relevant" by Keyboard magazine and "The major work for today's pianists" by International Musician, is divided into four sections. The first, "A Philosophy of Music," deals with communication, cause-effect principles and practice disciplines. The second section, "Mechanics," covers all the basics of keyboard music and playing (notation, harmony, improv, sight reading, etc.), as well as their applications. The third section, "The Business Scene," contains guidelines and industry advice for contemporary keyboardists. Section four, "Interviews," provides insights into the artistry and technique of famous players such as Herbie Hancock, Henry Mancini, Edgar Winter, Keith Emerson, Paul Shaffer and many more. Includes an index.

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Piano for Kids (Jewel Case) Review

This is a first-stage beginner's program with an excellent presentation.The cute characters provide a very good education about piano basics and how to play the piano.For the software version, screen animations provide a level of interest for kids.Recommended for age 6+, but I believe it could start younger for those that can read a little.The software version features printable sheet music, tempo adjustments, puzzles, games, and an option to download other free MIDI songs (but on Windows Vista with a broadband (cable internet) connection, this option did not work).SelectSoft/ArcMedia's website also did not produce a listing for free MIDI music downloads.If the download MIDI songs function works for you, this would be an excellent choice for long-term teaching.Piano for Kids (Jewel Case)Piano for Kids

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Product Description:
Meet Professor Rhythm and his staff: five cheeky characters who will open up the world of music and make playing the piano as easy as pie-ano. Children learn to readand play music with the help of an amazing magic piano that shows which notes to hit and when.
Features:

Adjust the tempo bar to match learning speed.
Left and right hand movements taught separately and together.
Watch the ladybug follow the notes as the tune is played back.
Look up musical terms in the glossary.
Well-known, recognizable tunes plus printable sheet music with finger positions and notes that kids can color.
Introduction to the basics of general music theory.
Puzzles, games and drag & drop exercises with fun sounds and animations to support the lessons.
The unique touch & click piano helps kids learn where the notes are onthe piano keyboard and the staff.

System Requirements for Windows

Windows 98, Me, XP
Pentium PC or faster
32 MB RAM (48 MB recommended)
100 MB free hard disk space
800x600monitor, 16-bit color
Windows-compatible sound card & speakers
2X CD-ROM drive (4X recommended)

System Requirements for Macintosh

Mac OS 7.5-9.2, OS X Classic mode
PowerMac or faster
32 MB RAM (48 MB recommended)
100 MB free hard disk space
800x600 monitor, thousands of colors
2X CD-ROM drive (4X recommended)

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Piano Wizard Review

My kids love this. They want to take lessons and it is fun. They immediately start playing songs!!!!

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Product Description:
Allegro Rainbow's Piano Wizard is the music learning video game that painlessly teaches anyone to play the piano. It gives every player instant success and joy, because they will immediately be able to play their favorite songs! The game's patented sound and color learning cues transform tedious and repetitive practice sessions into an exciting and rewarding video game experience for people of all ages and musical abilities. Patented sound & color learning cues transform tedious & repetitive practice sessionsGame teaches children as young as 3 to play the pianoPositive reinforcement designed to quickly build player's confidences and self-esteemAutomatically rewards players for touching the right note and ignores mistakes1000s of songs available from Bach to the Beatles, including religious hymns & children's favoritesWhat's in the box: - Piano Wizard software- Colored keyboard stickers- User's guide

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Alfred's Teach Yourself to Play Piano (Teach Yourself Series) [Audiobook, CD] [Audio CD] Review

This book is great for people just learning to play piano.I have a keyboard at home that I practice on.It takes you step-by-step through each phase/step, and one lesson builds on the next.I m learning a lot with this book- highly recommended.

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Product Description:
First step: Buy this. Everything after that is pretty self-explanatory.

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PianoHead Review

This is a Win/Win product for teachers and students.With over 30 years experience, and a large studio of successful students, I can attest that Piano Head taps into the quick visual perception both honed in today's youth by video games, and required by successful music readers.Kids are further motivated by the challenge to appear on the Worldwide Scoreboard, which entices them to practice their note and interval recognition to the desired level of automaticity.I have many students who have leapedto a higher level of understanding and enthusiasm forplaying the piano, as Piano Head has lifted them beyond the mundane level of "hunt and peck".At a time when national studies show that a large percentage of piano students drop out after two years of lessons because they cannot read music,I cannot recommend this product highly enough!

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Product Description:
This easy-to-use software product teaches fundamental music theory skills in a fun, game-like format. Explore self-paced practice areas for note recognition, scales, intervals and key signatures. A practice-and-play interface helps you learn through repetition, feedback, and increasing levels of difficulty. When you're ready to move on, play the PianoHead Challenge, a game that combines all of these skills in 16 challenging levels. An online scoreboard lists the top scores of players from around the world. PianoHead is not a replacement for a piano teacher or music education books, but it is a powerful supplementary tool for solidifying the foundational skills required to read and perform music.

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Hal Leonard Student Piano Library Adult Piano Method - Book 2/GM: Book/MIDI Disk [Paperback] Review

All finished with level 1?Time for more!This book starts with a review of level 1 concepts and moves ahead to new major and minor scales.As in book one, four authors make for better, varied solos.The CD or MIDI disk (whichever you choose) has accompaniments to enhance each piece.Accompaniments are also written after each piece in the book.Technique, theory, improv, and sight reading all combined into one.

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Product Description:
The Adult Piano Method Book 2 begins with a brief review of concepts covered in Book 1, then proceeds step-by-step through 5-finger patterns in C, G, and F -all the way through to major scales in the keys of C, G, and F and their related scales A, E and D minor. Just as in Book 1, the imaginative and entertaining music found throughout Book 2 makes learning a pleasure and a key factor for student success. Great solos emphasize and support the introduction of new concepts in logical, steady sequence. These enticing solos encourage students to move ahead, and they are rewarded with two great arrangements from every adult's "Top Ten" list: "The Entertainer," and "Fur Elise." Improvs, Quick Licks, Ad Libs, Sight Reading, and Technique Tips sprinkled throughout focus on using new skills and add musical fun along the way. CD and General MIDI disk accompaniments are by Phillip Keveren.

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Alfred's Group Piano for Adults Student Book, Bk 2 [Plastic Comb] Review

I have taught from this book this year and also used the first edition for several years.This is a good book with lots to recommend it to the teacher and student.The multiple-key approach dovetails very well with college theory courses.The instruction in lead sheet and figured bass harmonization is also excellent.Solo repertoire pieces have been thoughtfully integrated and offer the teacher and student plenty of choices.The only drawback I have found, from a teacher's perspective, is that the presentation of scales is, in my view, unsound.Stressing two octave scales and arpeggios at this level is much too advanced.It would be better to spread the presentation of scales out more (one per week after they are first introduced) and require only one octave.Of course, a good teacher can adapt the scale presentation, but with so many other excellent features, I think that the authors could easily address this (maybe in the next edition).Also, since this is used as a college text, it is preferable to teach natural and melodic minor scales and fingerings too.But other than this slight quibble, I highly recommend this great book, which is useful for the entire first year of piano study.

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Product Description:
Alfred's Group Piano for Adults, Book 2 is designed for non-keyboard music majors with little or no keyboard experience. Upon completion of the course, students will have a strong grasp of functional skills, keyboard technique and musical styles. The text is easy to use, containing 30 units, each designed to be completed in one week.It is fully supported by CDs and MIDI disks with over 500 accompaniments.

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Alfred's Basic Adult All-in-One Course: Christmas Piano Book (Alfred's Basic Adult Piano Course) [Paperback] Review

I'm thrilled with the results I am achieving with Alfred's Basic Adult All-In-One Course.
Before starting this course I simply knew what a piano looked and sounded like let alone where Middle "C" was.

Be sure to buy the books with their CD's where provided. It's helpful to hear the pieces played giving one an idea of the appropriate tempo to achieve. Having mastered level one I'm now deep into level two including Broadway Hits, Christmas Song and Alfred's Basic Adult Jazz/Rock Course. I also use Alfred's Basic Adult Finger Aerobics. I've been going it alone now for 15 months.

If you are hiring a piano teacher to help you with this course he/she can guide you with regard to tempo along with much more I presume.

Remember this is the All-In-One Course.There are other and older Alfred's Basic Adult courses be careful to look for this specific course.

[...]

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Product Description:
These collections by one of our most popular composers are full of easy solo arrangements of favorite Christmas carols for adults who are studying Alfred's Adult All-in-One Course, Books 1 and 2.Each selection will bring enjoyment and inspiration to lift holiday spirits!

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My Piano Review

I found this to be a great product in teaching kids to learn to play.I am 30 with no music abilities and I have learned to play part of a song in the first few mins.My daughter is 4 and she loves to watch and play the games at the end of each lesson.Then she goes to the keyboard and tries. I did not expect her to learn since it is recommended for age 6 and over, but the interest is there and she will learn someday.

I have Windows XP and no blank screens

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Product Description:
My Piano is a unique and fun way for kids ages 6 and up to learn how to play piano or keyboard! An animated character named Pam the Piano guides kids through over 100 lessons by former Juilliard School of Music instructor Irma Irene Justicia, M.A. My Piano covers the basics, such as proper hand position and rhythm, and moves on to reading music notation, playing songs and more. An animated keyboard shows kids where to put their fingers as the music plays, and the speed of the music can be adjusted with MIDI tracks so that each child can learn at his or her own pace.When used with a MIDI keyboard, kids get instant feedback on their playing, telling them which notes were played incorrectly and what should have been played instead. Separate audio tracks (left / right hand, full song / voice only) and colorful MIDI accompaniments provide exciting options to have fun with. My Piano is the complete program that will get your child playing piano!Built-in accessories: Digital Metronome: Kids can keep a steady beat with audio and/or visual feedback. Digital Recorder: Allows kids to record and play themselves back for friends and family to hear! Research has proven that children who play a musical instrument do better in school, form friendships more easily and gain self-confidence. Get your child started playing with the easy and fun way to learn - eMedia My Piano

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Alfred's Basic Adult Piano Course, Duet Book Level 1 [Paperback] Review

This book is great for a teacher to accompany a beginner, but also for an intermediate student to learn the teacher portion. I teach two sisters and one is more advanced than the other. I was able to use this book with both of them and it was great! They could really enjoy working together and be equally challenged while enjoying a beautiful piece.

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Product Description:
As with all Alfred's Basic Adult Piano Course materials, the Duet Books correlate exactly with Lesson Books 1 and 2. The duet parts are delightful accompaniments which serve to enhance the student's part. Adults will find the pieces fun to play, musically rewarding and very motivational.

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Classical Piano for Dummies (For Dummies (Lifestyles Paperback)) [Paperback] Review

Some of the most beautiful classical music is included here.Most of it is playable if you're committed enough to practice regularly.It's definitely worth the effort if you've had previous piano instruction.I'm not sure where the dummies part comes in unless you we dumb enough to stop playing the piano after taking all those lessons as a child.The music book challenges you with great songs rather than those you would otherwise find boring from other song books.

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Product Description:
Learn the most popular classical piano music of the past 300 years – from Bach, Beethoven, Mozart & more! 90 selections from the classical repertory with fingerings, each with their own performance notes detailing the wheres, whats, and hows – all in plain English!


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Schmitt Op. 16: Preparatory Exercises For the Piano, with Appendix (Schirmer's Library of Musical Classics, Vol. 434) [Sheet music] Review

I'd easily rate this as a much better alternative to the Hanon studies personally. Mastering all the techniques presented in this book would easily make you close to the term "virtuoso". Learning pieces will be a much easier process as you'd of already mastered most of the challenges they pose. That is of course unless your piece happens to be an etude itself, where then you have to learn with it and not against it. Everything you learn in this book will stay with you and make you a much cleaner and much more dynamic player.

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Product Description:
Schmitt - Preparatory Exercises, Op. 16

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Piano For Dummies Review

I am having a blast learning how to pay my keyboard with this software.You can see your progress and that makes me want to practice more and set goals.I wish I had this software years ago.

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Product Description:
The eMedia Piano For Dummies CD-ROM offers everything you need to learn how to play. Learn from over 160 step-by-step lessons with full-motion video demonstrations. Piano teacher Irma Justicia has taught at the renowned Juilliard School of Music. Learn from either the music notation or an animated keyboard. Songs include recorded audio, variable-speed MIDI and MIDI accompaniments. When used with a MIDI keyboard, you can get specific feedback on playing mistakes. Also includes a digital metronome and recorder.

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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.

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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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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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Piano and Keyboard Method V2.0 Review

I'm a piano instructor who teaches a once a week high school keyboard class. I've started recommending Emedia to my students as a great at home piano program. As an instructor, I really like the step by step approach to the lessons. The video are very helpful in demonstrating techniques between lessons. Kids that are using the program progress a lot faster than those that don't. This is a fine program either for those that want to learn on their own or that are also taking lessons.

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Product Description:
Over 300 lessons from a former Juilliard instructor. Learn to read music and play songs. Gives specific interactive feedback on your playing.

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Adult All-In-One Course: Lesson-Theory-Technic: Level 1 [Plastic Comb] Review

I used to play the clarinet in middle school. Now I'm 18 and it's been quite some time since I've read sheet music. Playing guitar for six years literally ruined my ability to read the stuff, because I would always use tabs instead. But eventually I grew jaded with the guitar, and I decided to choose a new and fresh direction -- the piano!

This book is very well-written, and leaves no gaps. Within just a few days I found myself relearning all that I had forgotten from band class years before, and I've now reached the point where I know more than I did! And I haven't even finished the book yet!

Plus, it tests you on theory and technique. You get to fill in parts of the book, which really helps you get involved with what your learning.

One reviewer downrated this book because of the song choices, and its accompanying CD. I feel that this is in err. I believe the song choices are just as good as any. If the tunes were familiar, then they wouldn't be as challenging to learn. And as for the CD...I did notice that the piano parts are rather quiet, but I always thought this was because it was a play-along CD (which is what I use it as). It's as good as it needs to be.

Besides, the pieces get more interesting as you progress, some of the final pieces being "Greensleeves", "Scarborough Fair", "The Entertainer" and "Amazing Grace" (and written in a way so that each hand will be dually occupied). And by the end of the third book in the series, you'll be playing some of Beethoven's most popular pieces, like "Fur Elise" and "Moonlight Sonata"!

Also -- something that concerned me when I bought this book: do you need a full-fledged piano? The answer is...no!! A sizable keyboard will do you just fine. But, you just might find yourself looking to buy a real piano once you delve deeper into these lessons...because this series really does inspire and nurture a great love for this amazing instrument.

If you're looking to learn the piano and can't afford a teacher, don't have time for one, or you just learn better on your own -- this is a must-have aid to your learning.

Good luck, and I wish you well in your learning!! :)

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Product Description:
Alfred's Basic Adult All-in-One Course is designed for the beginner looking for a truly complete piano course that includes lesson, theory, technic and popular repertoire in one convenient, all-in-one book. This course has a number of features that make it particularly successful in achieving this goal, among them are smooth progression between concepts, the thorough explanation of chords and outstanding song material. 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 thorough understanding of the basic concepts of music.

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Alfred's Basic Adult Piano Course: Lesson Book, Level One [Paperback] Review

Having studied piano minimally as a child (six months?), I decided at the age of 49, while at my daughter's recital, that I'd like to learn, but perhaps without the cost (at least at first) of lessons.So after looking through several books at the local music store, I bought this one, with CD (very important, but seems not to be the version sold on Amazon).It was just the ticket.
In four months I have completed the book, and now can play moderately complex beginning pieces (for variety, I've supplemented it with a few pieces from getsheetmusic.com, and can play level 3 and occasional level 4 pieces from there).Each page teaches just the a little bit more, and gives you the practice pieces to master it before going on.A very steady, satisfying rate of progress.You also learn notation, musical terms, intervals, and a smattering of music theory, such as keys, although this is not real strong.I found it useful near the end of the book to go back and review just the theory pages in one sitting; they then came together much better for me than when I ran across them one by one through the course.
The musical selections are uneven, but most are fine.They are all public domain, in a wide range of styles from jazz to folk to spiritual, and some are quite beautiful (a haunting arrangement of "Scarborough Fair," the rousing gospel "Standing in the Need of Prayer" -- and I'm Jewish ).You end with the first part of Scott Joplin's "The Entertainer" (somewhat simplified arrangement, although they don't say that, but still quite nice) and "Amazing Grace."
I think it's very important to get the book with CD.The CD contains all the practice pieces, and helps you realize if you have the notes or rhythm wrong (like a teacher stopping you and saying, "no, like this.")
Alfred is a major musical instruction publisher, and they offer many companion books at all levels, from theory to technique ("Finger Aerobics") to music in all styles (and for all instruments).
A few nits:
(1) the CD is midi; it would be nicer if it were a real piano
(2) they teach three methods of chord notation -- full notation on the staff, names (i.e., G, D7), and primary chords (I, IV, and V7), but are uneven in providing the name and primary chords for the pieces throughout, so you can't always practice that
But those are minor nits.My playing continues to steadily improve, and what I'm learning makes me a much more educated listener, too.
It's time to move on to book two.

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Product Description:
A beginning course for adults who prefer a chord approach. It teaches chords for both hands so that the student can play more than single note melodies. It contains outstanding songs such as "The Entertainer," "Scarborough Fair," "Greensleeves" and "Amazing Grace."

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