How to Play from a Fake Book [Paperback] Review

I took classical piano lessons growing up, which is a very rote way to learn.I didn't particularly like it and I didn't particularly get good at understanding music -- I got good at fingering specific pieces.

I would have, in retrospect, preferred the method of learning and understanding the chords so I could pick up pieces on my own.The idea of "fake" books is to improvise the harmony based on the chords and play the to melody line along with it.By learning the chords and some ways of stringing them together, you can master just about anything.

It's not that simple -- it's a lot of practice to be able to turn chords on the sheet into realtime music.But it's a lot of fun, and I actually "get it" now on how music is put together.

This book in particular is well written, bringing you quickly to understand how to do this.It assumes basic ability to read music.And it is slightly corny in parts.But aside from that, its a nice self-paced tutorial into playing from "fake" books or other sheet music that includes chord information.

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Product Description:
For musicians of all levels, this book teaches how to use bass lines, countermelodies, introductions and endings, rhythmic patterns, embellish a melody and how to accompany. All the techniques needed to 'fake' a great-sounding accompaniment from just melody, lyrics and chord symbols.

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The Classical Fake Book: Over 600 Classical Themes and Melodies in Their Original Keys [Plastic Comb] Review

This book is very comprehensive, and contains most of the major works of classical music.Since it is a fake book, it does not contain the complete score, but only the melody line with chords marked above the notes.The words/lyrics are included for the vocals, and double-stops where it appears in the original.Also, unlike some other fake books, the compositions appear in their original key.It is both an excellent reference to music appreciation students, concert goers and instrumental students as well as a source of material for beginning music students.Many of the themes can be used in student recitals.
The book is plastic tabbed bound, but since it is over 600 pages long it is somewhat difficult to get the pages placed flatly.It also does not feel like it would be that durable because both the plastic tabs may break, or the slots on the pages would easily be torn. The size of the notes is also smaller than most music books.But for the price paid, this book gives good value as there are over 850 classical themes and melodies in one place.

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Product Description:
A comprehensive reference for all classical music lovers, the second edition of this fake book features 250 pieces added since the last edition. Imagine having one handy volume that includes everything from Renaissance music to Vivaldi to Mozart to Mendelssohn to Debussy to Stravinsky, and you have it here! We have included as much of the world's most familiar classical music as possible, assembling more than 850 beloved compositions from ballets, chamber music, choral music, concertos, operas, piano music, waltzes and more. Featuring indexes by composer, title and genre, as well as a timeline of major classical composers, this encyclopedic fake book is great to use for playing and performing, but it's also a terrific resource for concert-goers, music students and music lovers. The chords of the harmony are indicated, and lyrics, in the original language, are included where appropriate.

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The Classical Wedding: Piano Solo [Paperback] Review

I love the songs in this book - easy enough to play, but sound great.I had to practice a few to play in a wedding, but for the most part, it was perfect. The only thing I didn't like was that the book wouldn't stay open.I had to take it and get it spiral bound at a local Kinko's.

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Product Description:
Over 40 piano solos perfect for any wedding! Includes: Air on the G String (Bach) * Allegro Maestoso (Handel) * Autumn (from The Four Seasons) (Vivaldi) * Ave Maria (Schubert and Gounod) * Be Thou with Me (Bist Du Bei Mir) (Bach) * Bridal Chorus (Wagner) * Canon in D (Pachelbel) * Eine kleine Nachtmusik (Mozart) * Gloria in Excelsis (Vivaldi) * Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring (Bach) * O Mio Babbino Caro (Puccini) * Reverie (Debussy) * Rondeau (Mouret) * Sheep May Safely Graze (Bach) * Trumpet Voluntary (Clarke) * Wedding March (Mendelssohn) * and more.

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ESSENTIAL WEDDING COLLECTION PRELUDES PROCESSIONALS & RECESSIONALS PIANO SOLO (Piano Solo Songbook) [Sheet music] Review

I purchased this book several years ago, and it remains a challenge and a good resource to this day. The pieces are advanced (although some are far easier than others)and need rehearsal, but none are impossible. Some are arrangements (although never poppy or jazzy), and others are printed exactly as the composer intended.

Here you will find works by Beethoven, Handel, and Mozart, as you would expect, but you also find Debussy, Edward Elgar, and Gustav Holst. The Essential Wedding Collection contains both the Wedding March by Mendelssohn and the Bridal Chorus by Richard Wagnar.

I've always been proud to include a piece from this book at my performances at churches, weddings, or memorial services. These pieces are dignified and beautiful, and very playable. If you're a high level pianist, you'll find this book to be very useful.

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Product Description:
Piano solo arrangements of 25 classical favorites for weddings. Includes: Air on the G String * Bridal Chorus * Canon in D * Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring * Ode to Joy * Rondeau * Sheep May Safely Graze * Trumpet Voluntary * Wedding March * more.

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