Book 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.
Customer Reviews:
Well crafted course for the older beginner.......2007-09-09
After reviewing numerous 'method' books on piano, I found this one to be the most comprehensive and well rounded of the lot. Utilizing the best apsects from the myriad methods developed over the years, this book engages the student with popular tunes, theory and technical exercises from the likes of Hanon and Leschetizky, without overemphasising any one element at the expense of another.
Excellant!.......2007-08-26
This book is easy-to-understand and very thorough. I'm using it under the guidance of a professional instructor, but I think it could be used independantly with great effect, as well. It starts with the absolute basics, but it's amazing how quickly an adult can move along. I feel quite confident playing everything covered in this book, and I've enjoyed it very much.
I'm 31 years old, and I've spent, probably, 6-9 mos total in Level 1 (with a few months off this summer). I've just purchased Level 2, and I fully intend to finish this course through Level 3.
Get This Freakin Book!!!!!.......2007-08-07
I have had no prior knowledge of the piano whatsoever. I mean no lessons no nothing! I bought the book and after 1 week of practicing at 1 hour everyday I'm half way through this book. I'm playing music with ease folks! I signed up for a piano course and found out about this book. After looking through it I dropped the class and started teaching myself. Call me crazy but its paying off. You actually can learn on your own. Imagine what your friends and family will think of you when you said you learned from a book. Can we say "gasps". It's easy to understand and takes you along the way the RIGHT way. Get this Freakin Book!
Great method book.......2007-08-03
I love this series for teaching piano. It is very methodical and logical. And I love that it incorporates the Hanon exercises. I see students grow leaps and bounds using those!
If you use the correlated 'Greatest Hits' book, you've got a teaching/learning package that can't be beat.
By the way, the series is labeled 'Adult' but I would recommend it for any student who is past the age of brightly colored pictures and kiddie lyrics. I guess I'd recommend it for anyone over the age of 13.
useful beginner's guide .......2007-05-18
I found it useful but I use many other pieces of music to complement this book.
Book 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."
Customer Reviews:
Love this book.......2007-08-31
I had knowledge on music and some self-studied skills on Guitar and Harmonica, but no experience with any keyboard instruments. I found this book very easy to follow and very well structured. After a little bit more than one month, I have finished the C position exercises, and fell very comfortable with self-studying piano.
Highly recommend to adults who want to self-study piano in their own pace!
Great for Lessons.......2007-08-17
These books were required by my piano teachers. They were very easy to learn from and and use for more practice and fun.
Highly recommended.......2007-08-15
I have no musical background whatsoever and this book makes me feel like I've got lots of talent. It is easy to navigate and learn the basics. A truly must have for every beginner.
Just what I needed!.......2007-03-21
I am a thirty-something person learning the piano with no musical experience at all. This book has definitely taught me to play, and no other book I picked up came close. The Alfred book starts at the very beginning with pictures of numbered fingers and numbered keys. And within a few pages you're reading music and playing with two hands! The pace is appropriate for an adult, progressing quickly, but with full explanation of each new skill.
I would still recommend getting additional beginner books if you're serious about learning the piano, because it's useful to have a variety of resources, but this book is the one that taught me to play.
Good luck!
CD Not Shipped With Book. Buyer Beware.......2007-01-09
I bought this book with a lot of excitement and was surprised when I saw that the CD was not shipped with the book. I don't know how I am supposed to purchase the CD or download the audio files. It's a little frustrating.
I have not judged the quality of the book.
Other buyers, please be aware that the book does not ship with the companion audio CD.
Average customer rating:
- easy to read
- An easy way to learn...
- Excellent place to begin
- Perfect just for beginners
- Excellent despite the stale jokes
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Piano for Dummies
Blake Neely
Manufacturer: For Dummies
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Similar Items:
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How To Play Popular Piano In 10 Easy Lessons (Fireside Books (Fireside))
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Learn to Read Music
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The Complete Idiot's Guide to Playing Piano, 3rd Edition (Complete Idiot's Guide to)
ASIN: 0764551051 |
Book Description
At first glance, a piano may seem like an intimidating instrument that would be very difficult to learn how to play, but despite what your seventh-grade piano teacher may say, playing piano isn't brain surgery. It just takes time, practice, and patience.
Piano For Dummies starts at the very beginning and walks you through everything you need to know to turn that oversized hunk of furniture into an instrument that can make beautiful music. If you don't know how to read music, this book explains in friendly, uncomplicated language all the basics of music theory and applying it to playing the piano. And if you've been playing piano for a while – or took piano lessons when you were a child but haven't played since – you can pick up some valuable tips to improve your playing or use the book as a refresher course.
Here are some of the topics you'll find in Piano For Dummies:
- Buying a piano: Acoustic versus electronic
- How a piano works, and how to care for one
- Left- and right-hand piano techniques
- Examining keys, scales, melodies, harmonies, and chords
- Plenty of musical examples to play
- The history of piano musical styles
- Advice for piano teachers
- A Top Ten list of pianists you should know about
Piano For Dummies also includes a glossary and a free CD, which includes audio of all of the examples in the book so that you can play along.
So if you've always wanted to learn to play piano, but you don't have the time to take piano lessons, you can pick up the basics in Piano For Dummies; you'll be tickling the ivories with ease in no time!
Customer Reviews:
easy to read.......2007-10-01
This is an excellent book for teaching yourself piano. All the reviewers who slam this book for corny humor can go jump in a lake. There are plenty of serious music books that just shovel out the facts in a dry manner, so if that is what you want, fine, no reason to get uptight about a book that trys to use a more human touch. I want to also make it clear that the book does not tell jokes per say, so you dont have to read through long groaners to get to the material. The author simply interjects personal examples. Its a technique that is used in all the dummies books, if you dont like it, dont read dummies books.
An easy way to learn..........2007-07-16
It's very easy to learn piano with the this book and it's really funny. You learn without the stress of a regular "learning manual".
Excellent place to begin.......2007-07-06
Easy to understand - even for someone with no musical talent or experience. Great place to start.
Perfect just for beginners .......2007-05-14
This book is perfect if you want to play piano and you don't know anything about it. The book is plenty of jokes and all kind of information but nothing complex that you can't take it. This book is worthy of its title :-P I bought this one because I bought first "The piano handbook" and this one is not so good for beginners, but perfect for intermediate and advance that missed something or what to learn a different scale or style.
Excellent despite the stale jokes.......2007-04-20
I wanted to brush up on piano playing as I haven't been near a piano for about 40 years, and for this purpose I found the book excellent, though I haven't read similar introductory books so can't compare. Other reviewers have complained about the stale jokes, but for me this was a minor irritation. Music theory can be tedious, and the typically light "Dummies" touch counteracts what could otherwise have been a ponderous read. Even bad jokes are preferable to learned tomes that take themselves oh-so-seriously.
The book contains a wealth of basic and reference information, and the various issues are explained clearly, assuming no prior music knowledge. Unlike many introductory books the chapters do not necessarily have to be read in sequence (though doing so would probably provide a better basis) - the book is well structured, with lots of references to other chapters should you need clarification of terms explained elsewhere.
Using a DIY book effectively instead of piano lessons obviously requires some effort from the reader's side, though the accompanying CD does help. I also liked the attention given to the various styles, from classical to rock, blues, pop, jazz, country and soul.
One of the first hurdles is learning to read notes, after which things become much easier. If you want to start playing real songs and tunes as soon as possible, you'll find a few in this book, including the beautiful "Aura Lee" (made famous by Elvis Presley as "Love me Tender") which is surprisingly easy to play.
On the downside, many of the other tunes serving to illustrate a point are, to my mind, not very exciting, but then having musical notation of the more modern hits would probably have increased the selling price due to royalties considerations. So, for instance, we get the traditional and rather tame version of "The House of the Rising Sun" instead of the haunting hit arrangement by The Animals, who made it famous in popular culture.
When I was a kid I had a year's piano lessons, but it just didn't work for me. Reading this book has helped me looking at music and the piano / keyboard in a new way, and I have since bought a few "Easy Piano" songbooks and enjoy mastering new tunes.
Book Description
Designed for those who have limited piano skills as well as those who play electronic keyboard, this deluxe edition includes a set of peel-off stickers for the piano or electric keyboard. One hundred hits, such as Alexander's Ragtime Band * Tomorrow * You Made Me Love You are featured.
Customer Reviews:
Easy way to play 100 unforgettable hits.......2001-02-16
There are a hundred reasons why I love this book and would recommend it to anyone. 1...It has the notes, the chords and best of all it has the easy numbering system where c is 1 ; d is 2; e is 3 ; f is 4; etc........2...don't let the easy numbering system discourage you.....the opposite is true......if you have some initial success playing show tunes and old favorites you will continue playing music.........3.....Your success will motivate you to practice without noticing how much work you are doing....it will be fun..........4.......You will do songs like THE WAY WE WERE, I LEFT MY HEART IN SAN FRANCISCO, STARDUAST, SEPTEMBER SONG, FLY ME TO THE MOON, APRIL IN PARIS, DIXID, THIS LAND IS YOUR LAND, GOD BLESS AMERICA, ARE YOU LONESOME TONIGHT AND SO much, much more.......5......the idea with music is to have fun.........6......to be able to gather around the piano and play some tunes is a real confidence builder.......7......like exercise equipment, language courses and so many other activities, if you don't have success along the way you will give up.......you have success which motivates even more success............8....even more remarkable is that from playing these show songs you develope a feel or style of your own and you get a "sense of music" that is invaluable..........9.......I like the idea that with a few hours of practice on a song you can have fun with it.........10......maybe your classical music teacher will shake his head, but you will make more progress on the time put in than with so many of the other courses or books......11....Here is the sad and funny part to the whole review....something this wonderful is out of print.......it shows you that people in our society often fail to appreciate wonderful and simple pleasures............It was written in 1991........12.....the reason I would buy and own one or more of these books is that they will help you in family and social situations.....suppose you want to meet that cute girl or handsome guy........being able to sit down and play EMBRACEABLE YOU, FOOLS RUSH IN , GREENSLEEVES, I CAN'T STOP LOVING YOU OR IN THE MOOD can be very useful............it is great to be able to teach others to play, to share this book, for romantic moments, .......it is useful to play the piano the way knowing how to dance is useful...........13....nearly all of us have taken a few piano lessons and we learned dumb, go no where songs.....when we see someone who can play great show tunes, great film memories, look back fondly tunes or inspiration, country or special songs at Christmas a sense of fun, envy and wanting to hang with that person happens.........14.....In several instances when I sat down with this book, girlfriends were impressed, wanted to hear more or we just had fun with the words and melodies.......15............In today's rushed world where time is at a premium, learning 100 old standards can be a priceless tool...........Instead of spending weeks learning Topcatta and Fuge in D minor which is great, learning a half dozen or two dozen show tunes can be priceless.........16.....not only does the book have words, but a little history of each song..............17.....finally, for the serious musician you will appreciate the fact that you can do blending......by that I mean you can effortlessly shift from THE WAY WE WERE to AS TIME GOES BY..... and then back again.......18.....also I found that as I learned these songs I learned a lot about logical chord progressions that make the songs work.......19....they picked easy to play but hard to forget melodies.....20.....once you mastered the melodies you were doing amazing chordal changes and fancy fingerwork............21.......I think of Liberace and other musical masters like Elvis and this book lets you build your own style...........22.......this book is great for situations where you sit down, play the piano and have nice relaxed songs that help people feel mellow.........MUSIC SHOULD NOT BE TORTURE ....MUSIC SHOULD NOT HUMILIATE YOU....... this book allows you to make the progress necessary to have fun and feel that future learning is worthwhile...........I was so happy with the book that I called the publisher and wanted to buy all the other easy way to play books and discovered it was out of print.............the old joke that the really great books are always out of print is true..............don't let that discourage you.......this book is great
Great piano for all levels.......2000-05-26
This book has several levels to play from, two hands, one hand notes, and one hand numbers, all together. This makes it easy to advance with both hands. For the more experienced player the tunes have the chords and enough changes in key to play a lot of nice songs quickly. Has sections for whatever mood you may feel like playing that day, such as show tunes, hits, and seasonal favorites. Large for easy reading and well worth adding to your collection.
Great songs - Great format!.......1998-02-22
If you like the classic songs from popular music to show tunes in an easy to read format, this is for you. It gives suggested settings for keyboard and melody line with chords. It also has easy to play treble and bass, but experienced musicians will be able to fill in as desired.
Average customer rating:
- The right thing to learn playng piano
- As described
- great book!...
- Euh...
- Still the best
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Virtuoso Pianist in 60 Exercises - Complete: Piano Technique
Manufacturer: G. Schirmer, Inc.
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Alfred's Basic Adult Piano Course : Lesson Book, Level Two
ASIN: 0793525446 |
Product Description
This collection of exercises has been a "Must Have" for many years. Designed to build independence and dexterity.
Customer Reviews:
The right thing to learn playng piano.......2007-08-01
A very rigorous metod to exercise all hand fingers at virtuosism of pianoforte.The first twenty exercises are a milestone:I did'nt find that in
others music's books.
As described.......2007-06-08
I'm trying to learn the piano, using the method used by Scott "the PianoGuy" Houston. His method helps you avoid reading a lot of standard music notation, especially the bass clef. A friend recommended the Hanon exercises to me, which is why I bought this book. It is forcing me to read music, which I don't much like. I've just started the exercises. I'm not very far along, but I have hopes that it will help me progress. About the only thing I can say, which is neutral, is that the book is as described. It is what I thought I was getting.
great book!..........2007-05-24
The reason why I love this book is because the drills get progressively difficult, but at a pace that is totally manageable... If you can get through this book and you can read music, I'm a firm believer that you will be able to play most anything that you wish to...
The drills contained in this book can knock 5-10 years off of taking piano lessons etc. There are generally two aspects of piano playing, reading music and technical ability and dexterity... This book can help elevate your technical ability and dexterity and confidence very effectively in a relatively short period of time with focused effort... It's a great book for the practicing technical pianist!
Euh..........2007-05-12
I don't know what to say about this book. Practice reading music before buying?
My personal exp goes like this: I cannot read music sheets like a pro, I'm completely juvenile, and it just didn't work for me, this book. IT IS COMPLETELY MY FAULT that it didn't work too. I never committed to it and honestly, the only thing I can complain about with this book was that it was just not engaging, I was never drawn in. I got bored.
I'm no Mozart or have any intention on being that good, so if you're like me, you'd further explore. I've yet to try any others, always open for suggestions too.
Still the best.......2007-04-21
Hanon's Virtuoso Pianist is still the best single-volume work for the pianist. It has everything: five-note patters to improve the strength of all the fingers (particularly 4th and 5th), scales (even the dreaded scales in double-thirds!), arpeggios. If you can be patient and work hard, the rewards are priceless. And, some people have mentioned "feeling the burn" when doing the exercises. If you feel a burning sensation, STOP. Playing the piano correctly should neither hurt nor burn.
While the demands on a pianist have certainly increased since Hanon wrote his exercises, so many technical problems can be eliminated after a complete mastery of this book. If you master this book--you can do EVERY exercise in EVERY key to the metronome specification--you are quite the virtuoso indeed.
Book Description
Endorsed by Kenny Barron, Jamey Aebersold, Richie Beirach, and more, this book presents all the information a student of jazz piano needs in an easy-to-understand, yet thorough, manner. For intermediate to advanced pianists, written by one of the acknowledged masters of jazz piano playing.
Customer Reviews:
A Treasure.......2007-08-22
This is the book I have been waiting for for many years. Levine has come up with the ultimate tool for teaching both yourself and others. It is amazing how skilful he is in proceeding progressively, building on previous chapters as he goes along. He convincingly pieces things together one by one. Following these steps you are invariably gaining competence and confidence in negotiating the piano. A bit of background knowledge in (not necessarily Jazz) harmony and scale theory on the side of the reader would be useful, but it is certainly not indispensable, since in this respect Levine takes nothing for granted, unlike many other authors who seem to relish in building up walls and talking to the initiated few exclusively. Particularly helpful are the suggested tunes to work on and the suggested recordings to listen to. They make you understand the points at issue by putting them into practice. Conversely, it is exciting to suddenly hear and understand often quite familiar compositions and solos on a different level by seeing how they "work".
The book may be a little hard, though, for beginners on the piano. The density of the material together with too many technical difficulties regarding playing would simply be overburdening. But an intermediary level of skills is perfectly sufficient, technical brilliance by no means necessary.
I should not forget to mention Levine's enthusiasm grounded on a breathtakingly complete command of the material. The pleasure he obviously has in teaching is also quite contagious. It must be wonderful to have him as a teacher.
The spiral binding is a rather good idea, since it keeps the pages in place. And the book smells alright when opened - not altogether unimportant, given that you are likely to sit in front of it for hours on end.
Wonderful one volume work on jazz piano...........2007-05-05
If you are already a piano player and have some knowledge of music theory, this book will help you take your understanding of jazz to a new level. It covers a LOT of musical ground and places it within a historical context.
This is not a book that is loaded with exercises, but it is packed with concepts that one could apply and that would take most pianists years to master. Even if you are very good, you will not outgrow it anytime soon.
The Jazz Piano book goes into various types of chords, voicings and how to use them. It also talks about modal harmony, constructing various types of scales and how to apply these ideas to improvistational solos.
This book is well-organized, fascinating, filled with good pictures, examples and ideas. It is a bargain at any price.
If you are new to the jazz world and classically trained, I recommend Jazz Improvisation for the Classical Pianist. This will help you to get away from thinking in patterns on a page with specific fingerings and get you to develop your ability to hear tones and intuit music in intervals. This is an important step toward being a good jazz pianist. It will also help you to break a lot of the conditioning that comes from many years of classical training that does not serve you well within jazz.
I also think it is essential for pianists getting into jazz to apply what they are learning as much as possible. For this reason, I recommend Vol. 3, The II/V7/I Progression: A New Approach To Jazz Improvisation (Book & CD Set) and anything else by Aebersold because this gives you experience playing. The specific link above covers a progression that constitutes 70% plus of most standards. Therefore, this is a good place to get started.
Only for the advanced piano player.......2007-02-17
I consider myself to be an intermediate piano player. But this book I found to be very challenging and intimidating. It is only for the advanced piano player. And unless you have an extensive Jazz music collection, you will won't recognize a majority of the songs in this book. So that makes it even harder to play and learn the material.
The book would probably make a great reference....but I wouldn't recommend it unless you are already a professional Jazz piano player, if not someone who is already playing in a Jazz trio or quartet.
Great Book!.......2007-01-30
I am a Jazz keyboard beginner. I have taught traditional piano lessons for 24 years. But Jazz and other areas of piano are in very separate worlds of learning.
The book seemed to be something I could read to help my learning to play the Jazz styles.
It is a little more advanced than I had hoped. I am sure though, that I will eventually get to that level and then I can enjoy it.
Great resource!.......2007-01-06
I love the fact the Levine's Jazz Piano book is very thorough. The layout is also very logical. One has to be very diligent to work through it, but if you do, there's no limit to the opportunities that will be available to you as a player. It's a lifetime of information for the price of one private lesson.
Book Description
"Anyone who can dial a telephone can learn to play popular piano quickly and easily."
So says Norman Monath, author of How to Play Popular Piano in 10 Easy Lessons. His no-frills, no-drills method will have you playing simple tunes within 30 minutes -- even if you don't know one note from another.
The secret? Learning the basic chords and how to adapt them. With lots of clearly illustrated chord examples, keyboard diagrams and practice pieces ranging from "Silent Night" to "Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head," Monath teaches you:
* the basic structure of music
* how to alter the basic chords for creative accompaniment
* how to read tunes from sheet music
* how to improvise
* how to play by ear
* how to create your own playing style -- whether you lean toward pop, blues, jazz or rock
For everyone from rank beginner to experienced virtuoso, this step-by-step, uncomplicated guidebook makes learning to play popular piano the easy and enjoyable experience it should be.
Customer Reviews:
Fast & Easy Piano.......2007-06-09
My first venture into piano lessons and I have enjoyed it. Using basic chords I was playing nice sounding music in no time; not the one finger tunes. I recommend this to anyone who wants to play the piano and sound good from the start.
Learning to Play.......2007-06-08
I feel that though the book makes learning seem easy, there is still a lot of work to be done by the individual to learn the piano. It does however break learning into easy steps, and is a great tool for the person who would like to take a more laissez faire attitude to learning, or who cant afford a teacher just yet.
It has also helped me rekindle my interest in playing. Nice idea indeed.
Go for it! I mean it's not going to come to you! ;-).......2007-05-09
I think the reviewer Doc Jellison and I would get along famously because from his remarks, we share the same musical philosophy. Let me lay the cards on the table here. If you're familiar with my reviews, you'll note two things: I'm a staunch traditionalist by nature and if I sit down to play Beethoven's Op. 27, No. 2, 1st movement "Moonlight Sonata" or as Herr 'B' termed it, "Sonata Quasi Una Fantasia" , it will be exactly note for note as the man wrote the piece --- WAIT NOW! KEEP READING!--- because on 'that' piece, it simply sounds better 'as written' or 'sic' than any so-termed 'arrangement' or 'easy play' [you know, the RH A-D-F thing and the LH twin D keys ] versus all those multiple sharps and LH/RH gymnastics but, I say BUT, having said that and somewhat to the chagrin of certain 'purist' colleagues, I see absolutely nothing wrong whatsoever for those folks who are inclined for "whatever" reasons to lean towards so-termed piano "chord playing" or those ubiquitous "fake books" or "easy play arrangements" as an ad hoc work-around. Bottom line, chord playing, 'arrangements', fake books, hey, SO WHAT!
If you can play a 'rendition' or indeed an 'arrangement' of "whatever" song or indeed any classical piece that first and foremost pleases YOU, that's all that matters! As long as 'you' accept the fact that going the chord route or using fake books will not give you the sound of an Evgeny Kissin or Daniel Barenboim or, hey, Billy Joel or Dave Brubeck or 'whoever' where the name is mentioned in the musical genre you like and you don't go "WHO?" --AND-- your thing is 'not' to do world wide recitals or gigs for equal compensation, hey, I don't see any problem!
It's a matter of expectations and realities. For reasons that escape me, the fake books or those 'chord-player' or 'arrangement' books have received the bad rap a la mode as if to say with the nose in the air thing, 'THAT is not 'true' piano playing' or, I've heard even worse, "it's a veritable KAZOO methodology by way of using piano chords" -- so what? And you're getting this comment from a traditionalist who makes every attempt and effort to play the classic pieces 'sic' but there are those 'sic' pieces that are simply too difficult in their 'sic' original form, sooooo, I have no qualms whatsoever in reaching for a handy "arrangement" or 'fake book' of the piece when necessary. Does it surprise you to learn of classical piece fake books? But again I ask and say, especially when they might be needed, so what?
I keep hearing from various and sundry who would like to play the piano or do the portable keyboard thing, "Ohhhh, I'd love to play the piano, Doc, but I'm 'too old' [!] to start now" --- BOSH! You are NEVER too old! Get that one set in stone as your 'first' order of business. So too, there are ways around the laborious and often frustrating years of learning notes, ledger line notes [when the "Every Good Boy .... " or "FACE" or "ALL COWS EAT GRASS" jingles won't work with ledger notes, sight-reading skills, you-name-it technical skills but if your essential goal is playing for self-enjoyment and personal pleasure, I see nothing wrong with the chord approach to piano OR those fake books or easy play arrangements! They abound! Question is, why is that! Ahhhh! What does that suggest to you!
Believe me, from 'there', you just may reach the point where further incentives will be provided by YOURSELF to get deeper into it and hence provide your own motivation for what some term the "correct way to play" syndrome but again I stress, what is your goal, a Carnegie Hall recital, what, the Van Cliburn 'pro' [if under 30 BTW] or Van Cliburn 'Outstanding Amateurs' [35 and over] competition? Or is it in fact the enjoyment of the piano and keyboard using an approach that can get you going and perhaps spur you on to the nitty-gritty side of the piano and much deeper musical theory and playing technique as you progress! Would it surprise you to learn that I've seen renditions of even classical pieces that sound very good yet the player can not read music! Or, if it's ledger line notes, forget it! Ohhh yes!
If the keyboard appeals to you and, get this too now, you're into putting in the time and effort to sound decent even with the chord approach and fake books [contrary to popular belief they are 'not' all push-overs!] , well, what are you waiting for! Or those just as ubiquitous 'arrangements' [some of them even in the original key but much easier on the "LH" [Left Hand] as they say] when certain classical [or whatever mind you] pieces appeal to you but the original 'sic' music is simply too difficult, so, take another approach! These books will not hurt you and again I emphasize that I've seen cases where the chord or fake book approach has in fact led to determined efforts [to the extent possible] to tackle the 'sic' stuff albeit within reason.
I had a lady tell me after she did a fake book rendition of Beethoven's "Für Elise" , to wit, "You knew it wasn't as written, didn't you, Doc?" to which I replied "my reaction was as it was 'played' and it sounded fine! But, let me ask 'you', did the rendition [LH 'chords'] satisfy YOU?" and when a sort of head nod affirmation came, hey, case closed! Who is to say that the piece 'as written' won't be a future goal but until then, what or where is the problem! Play! Enjoy! Sic ... or work-around! Do 'your' expectations first versus those of others and their expectations 'of' you!
Obviously I'm addressing myself more to the 'adult' piano beginner but then more time may be available now to do that which you always wanted to do and there is generally more than just 'one way and only one way' to reach one's goals! Get the book! Start! 'Then' you deal with the realities and progress as YOU deem appropriate! Think the old football sports show filler, you know, "You Make The Call!"
... an 'ultra purist' whose motto is "each piece as written ... or not at all!" faints dead away forthwith after reading this!
Doc Tony
PS: And you 'electronic synthesizer' types, think the "FAME" flick, you know, Mr. 'S' sees Bruno Martelli "setting up" the gear and says to the lady pianist sitting just next to him, "Does he want to be a musician or an airline pilot!" ;-) What's that? You say you got the 'bends' reading this far below the standard short/succinct review, but, hey, while I plead nolo contendere to any 'length' critcisms forthwith, it had to be said! Fake books, arrangements and chord-playing books have their benefits and 'can' most decidedly lead to further efforts and enhanced playing skills! How so? Progress! Enjoyment! Desire for more ... and better! Motivation! YOURS! BTW, those "How to Use a Fake Book' tomes, 'do' check out Ann Collins and Blake Neely! Or various arrangements [classical] by Charles Bateman and a host of mixed bag stuff [popular, folk, jazz, religious, R&R, easy listening "arrangement books" by various folks and, when you perhaps want to tackle the sic 'as written' pieces, fine, but until then ... PLAY!
textbook for college piano class.......2007-02-11
I am an associate professor with San Diego Community College Continuing Education. For 10 yrs. I have taught music classes for older adults. I am using "How to Play Popular Piano in 10 Easy Lessons" as a text, along with a fake book entitled, "Your First Fake Book". Most of my students are seniors and don't want to spend the 5-7 years it takes to learn to play a moderately easy piece of sheet music. Monath's book doesn't even require learning bass clef. Instead it teaches chord theory. With this approach, there is only a melody line with chord symbols. My students learn left-hand accompaniment patterns, using chords, rather than what some arranger has provided in the bass clef. They also learn how to provide harmony in the right hand using the chord symbols provided in a fake book.
This is the fourth textbook I have used and I will probably never try another as Monath's book allows me to meet all of my course objectives--and in one semester.
Hal Jellison, PnD
Piano Playing in 10 Easy Lessons.......2007-01-31
It's a book that I now have read three times, which has provided me with the best understanding of learning how to play the piano, then all the former lessons that I have ever taken.
The sequential format between theory and practical is outstanding.
In just over a month's time, I now can play and understand the music selections that have collected in my piano bench for many years.
Being able to do just that, is "A dream come true"
Book Description
This book begins with an extensive review of the chords and keys previously studied, using fresh and interesting material that will provide enjoyment as well as reinforcement. Particularly noteworthy is the systematic presentation of chords in all positions in both hands.
Customer Reviews:
Still great.......2007-08-17
I used these in piano class, my dad used these 50 years ago, my grandmother is using them to teach herself now. Great for everyone and always a classic.
decent beginning.......2007-06-09
this book and john thompson's modern piano book are the only beginning adult instruction books that I could find
Good service and quality.......2007-05-24
The book was in great shape, the price was right and the delivery was quick.
Very Good.......2007-01-19
This version of Alfred's Basic Adult Piano Course is very good, but I think that the Adult All-In-One Course: Lesson-Theory-Technic level 2 would be a better, more up-to-date choice.
Alfred's Basic Adult Piano Course:Lesson Book, Level Two.......2007-01-16
Good basic piano course, easy to follow.
Book Description
As seen on public television stations nationwide, a revolutionary new approach to playing non-classical music on the piano.
Have you ever wished you could play the piano? Well, now you can! Scott "The Piano Guy" Houston teaches you to play the way the pros play, in a style enormously simpler than traditional classical piano and with an absolute minimum of note-reading. By focusing on playing the melody with the right hand (one note at a time) and simple chords with the left hand, Houston gives you the tools you need for a lifetime of musical enjoyment. Best of all, your tour guide to this adventure forces you to have fun along the way!
Customer Reviews:
If you're trying to decide..........2007-09-26
...whether to buy "How to Play Piano Despite Years of Lessons: What Music Is and How to Make It at Home" or "Play Piano in a Flash! Play Your Favorite Songs Like a Pro--Whether You've Had Lessons or Not!" by Scott Houston, buy BOTH--- and do read Scott Houston's book FIRST. He explains the whole premise of playing off chords so much more clearly and simply. After reading Scott's book, you can delightfully play all sorts of piano music you may have around your house effortlessly after a few tries. To give you an example, I used to practice fairly simple folktunes for about a week before (somewhat joltingly) being able to play up to tempo at an even pace. Now, knowing what I know from Scott's book, I can play any such song in about 15 minutes. Really! And I can play faster and more eloquently than I ever could before. Now, I have confidence that I could accompany any singer (including myself)-- a trick I used to think only "good pianists" could do (with much practice). In short, it motivates you to play music almost immediately in a fun and joyous manner.
Now for "How to Play Piano Despite Years of Lessons: What Music Is and How to Make It at Home". It's A LOT more philosophical, and a lot more wordy. It explains everything in much greater detail, and is very fond of the basic Oom-pah-pah sort of playing. The "standard" technique call for playing the melody an octave higher, the root note in octaves on the lowest possible section of the piano (for the Oom) and the chord (reconfigured so as never to reach higher than middle E nor lower than middle C) for the Pah-Pah. This takes quite a bit of PRACTICE. I certainly do not master this in 15 minutes! However, using this technique, I sound like one of those pianist that play at cash bars in restaurants that used to send my mother in the other direction because the "noise" gave her a "headache". It may work exceptionally well for some pieces, and it is certainly not the ONLY device taught in this book. It *is* a good book, with lots and lots of ideas of how to vary the bass notes and such to get a "full" sound from your piano. But you might get a headache or two... and might get discouraged and give up playing piano after all. (DON'T!) It is less motivating, and much more practice than Scott's book. I just can't decide whether I even like the result of the techniques shown. But music theory is explained in a somewhat harmless manner....
Now, I again suggest you buy BOTH books so that you can read them both, try them both, and make your own decisions. However, if you're relatively new to this topic, I suggest that you at least buy Scott's book first. Yes, you'll probably finish it in one sitting and it will seem so OBVIOUS after you read it that you'll wonder whether you ought to have spent the money for the book at all. Yes! Now, sit down and play the piano using these technique to see for yourself!
(To give you some point of reference, my level of playing beforehand using the classical method was Book Four of John Thompson series.... about intermediate I'd say.)
Azphil.......2007-06-30
Great instruction. I've played sax for years and never touched the piano until now. From moderately easy to moderately difficult. Good learning system.
Play Piano in a Flash!.......2007-06-28
If I could give this 10 stars I would !!!!
Our son started this program the day it arrived and he has not stopped since. In no time at all he was playing his favorite songs on the piano and has even arranged 2 of his own songs!
He had not had any type of lessons prior to this, just the desire to learn to play the piano. (I do have 3 aunties who are all self taught-so he may come by this naturally)
Anyway, if you are wanting to play the piano and do not have the time or the money for expensive lessons BUY this book! You will not be sorry, it is worth it's weight in gold as far as I am concerned. (atleast "this is one woman's opinion")
In less than 2 years he now plays and sings solos in church!
Great book for beginners.......2007-06-09
I really liked this book. Specially because it clarified for me somet hing I had thought: Classical piano and party piano are a world apart so the ways to learn to play the two can not be the same. Most people want to play piano for parties, have fun, etc. But then they get into learning classical piano that is not it! This book shows how to learn the right way. I do not mark it as 5 star as I do think it is a bit glib on "how easy it is to play piano" and gives you the idea that there is nothing to it, when the truth is that is easy but requires hard work and practice if you want to become good at it. Everything else is great
Very helpful.......2007-04-30
This well-written little book is just what the trepidatious beginner needs.
Even a rank beginner would probably do fine with this. Having read Houston's book, I'm now even angrier at my old piano teacher than I used to be (yes, you, Mrs. Ó Murchú!). You mean it was that simple all along?
Houston, using layman's terms, makes it plain that there's no mystery to the piano. Chords with the left, melody with the right, and away you go.
He does glide over the fact that you actually DO have to either i) learn the melody by heart on the keyboard or ii) learn how to sight-read quickly, but there's no avoiding that really.
A good book, easy to read, and will definitely get you playing simple tunes (that sound good!) within days or weeks.
Like many, I was introduced to Houston's book and technique through Public Television, and despair for the United States should PBS go under.
Customer Reviews:
Go Elsewhere for Piano Technique.......2007-05-27
On one level this book is very helpful because it makes you very concientous about the human body and how to properly use your own equipment. It brings the reader an awareness of what is being used and how to avoid overuse or misuse. But the usefulness of the text stops there. He advocates a technique for a good portion of the book that did not work for me. It may work for you but I spent four months studying and putting it to practice with little results. My piano professor now, who was a student of Fisher and Kottler, a Julliard and Indiana graduate, and a regular performer at Carnegie Hall, says that Sandor was not well-regarded for his technique when he was alive. My professor studied at the same school that Sandor taught at. The technique used, mainly of wrist movement is actually very cumbersome and hard to practice. Piano playing does not become effortless but a huge challenge. And some of the things that Sandor advocates are all too obvious and are already being practiced by every pianist based on the structure of the human body. If you want to try it out to see of it will work for you then heres one exercise. This is the main technique: When you wish to play the thumb the wrist plays low and to the left. If you were to place both hands in this position and touch the wrists you create a V-shape. The ideal position for the middle finger is a level wrist with the keyboard, played in a central position. The pinkie is of course played furthest to the right and is the highest position of the wrist. The hands when placed together at the pinkie position create a spade shape between the two hands. None of these positions should be taken to the extreme. In fact their positions are almost natural. After trying it out, with difficult literature because that is the only way to test it, you will most likely conclude that the piano is an instrument that requires a much greater arsenal of approaches that takes years to develop. Its silly to think that great piano playing can be achieved by one very simple technique. Its much too complex than that. In the end, I hope you find a good technique, because with hard work and great perseverance, piano playing becomes effortless in its own right and thoroughly enjoyable from a technical standpoint. But it must be acheived through hard work. Find a good teacher!!! good luck.
Gyorgy Sandor: the man, the artist, the thinker! .......2007-01-04
The egregious presence and his unforgettable art as one of the sheerest pianists of the XX Century, deep thinker and notable musician, finds another additional reason throughout the clever observations and smart statements around the art of interpretation.
I will never forget the moment I shook hands with him that evening of December 1982, after a peerless recital.
Sandor left us on December 9 2005 but, bequeathed us his reason to live through memorable recordings and this invaluable book.
He followed his bliss and achieved the coveted pearl.
Useful.......2006-06-18
I've implemented a few of the tips I read in here, and--to me at least--it sounds like my tone has already improved. I can't comment on the more advanced technique advice now, but it sounded rational enough.
Two complaints: one, some of the diagrams at the beginning of the book are confusing. Two, I'm not sure how accurate Sandor's explanation of the learning mechanism is--he goes through the roles of the subconcious, conscious, and unconscious mind, or some such. I was suspicious, but it may be right for all I know. At any rate, it's a minor part of the book, and it erroneous, the falsity may well still be useful.
Sandor thinks that relaxation isn't the key nor is tension, but rather--which sounds quite rational--a mix of the two. He believes many exercises and pianists are misguided in their preaching strengthening the fingers: Sandor argues that there's no need for this, when the upper arms have near limitless energy that simply needs to be tapped.
Coordination is the key. Sandor provides various exercises to improve this, technique by technique: rotation, scales and arpeggios, free fall, thrust, and later chapters touch on various topics.
Myriad musical examples (Sandor believes in using the literature to improve, not various etudes, which teach destructive repetitive mechanics) are provided, mostly Romantics, some Bach. A lot of Chopin, and the Waldstein Sonata again and again.
It's concise, it's approachable, and certainly seems useful. Sandor is clear in his favored technique, and makes it known quite well how to pick it up yourself. His opinions are honest and forthright, his examples usually meticulously remarked upon, and the goals vividly described.
At a brief 200 pages, few pianists have an excuse not to read this book.
Exceptionally useful book on efficient technique.......2004-05-20
This is an exceptionally useful book on piano playing. Mr. Sandor is himself a virtuoso and has helped many gifted pianists develop virtuoso technique over the years. The writing in the book is simple and clear. The book is organized quite logically.
The book is in three parts. The first discusses the facts of the piano mechanism and what can and can't be done at the piano. Mr. Sandor also discusses the physiology of the parts of the human body that go into piano playing from the fingers through the back (and the feet for the pedals). What I like about his descriptions is his emphasis on coordinating the various elements without strain, pressure, or awkwardness.
The second part introduces Mr. Sandor's own notation for marking up scores in relation to technique (which I found surprisingly helpful in understanding his concepts). He also introduces the various means of playing. Some people like what he says here, some reject this or that. What I like most is his way of helping the pianist gain the maximum ability to play the piano by getting out of his own way. Mr. Sandor simplifies things so you don't waste time trying to do things from awkward positions or through impossibly contradictory methods. You will find this skill common to all great instructors trying to teach students. So much can be gained by just being coordinated and efficient. But what seems simple after the instruction was hopelessly obscure before the master showed you the simple way.
The third part of the book is about taking these techniques and applying them in making music. The author addresses how to recognize when to use the various patterns - how to combine them. He discusses pedals, practicing, memorization, and performance tips. He is always so supportive of the student. For example, in memorization, he discusses that this is a legacy of Liszt and that many wonderful pianists use the open score in performance and it is quite often used in making recordings. He also says that simply because you might have a memory slip does not indicate that you don't know the piece. It is a human frailty to get distracted and that you should simply get back to it and work a little more without becoming discouraged.
Really, I enjoyed this book quite a bit and found some things that are helping me and I think you will be able to find things that will help you.
Excellent guide to piano technique.......2002-09-29
I am an organist. Nevertheless, I found this book profoundly helpful in developing a good keyboard technique. While it won't help the organist with pedalling (you would have to consult Gleason on that one!), it will help you develop a solid and flawless keyboard technique. The organist must base his or her organ technique on a good piano technique. Even though the fingering is slightly different from the piano to the organ, much can be gained from Sandor. I would highly reccommend this book to any organist or pianist. It is a good, common sense guide to piano technique. Gone are Hanon and Czerny!
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Virtuoso Pianist in 60 Exercises - Complete: Piano Technique
Adult All-in-one Course: Alfred's Basic Adult Piano Course, Book 2
