The Pop Piano Book [Paperback] Review

This could be a very good technique book as well for people who want to learn popular piano if it is read and used carefully.
He has an abundance of technical exercises in rhythm patterns, which is something that cannot be gained from Hanon, the king of technical exercise books.
Many teachers are not very good at teaching popular piano, instead preferring to reinterpret it as classical music (which is not appropriate given its different rhythm patters and key signatures--often less complicated than those in classical). This was written by a man who teaches popular piano and has a very clear idea of the rhythm patterns that make that unique. For example: He makes extensive use of the tie line and syncopation in his examples of R&B, which is what one finds in real music of this genre. But it is very hard to get that type of practice if learning classical songs.
As it has been noted before, the binding for this book sucks. But there are ways to get around that.
Also: This seems to encompass almost everything in other basic theory books that I have read/ own.It has actually obviated my other theory/ rhythm books.It will be a good saving of money to invest in this before any others.
Finally: The book CAN be used by beginners (in tandem with learning some scales) if it is used as he recommends. He says in the opening pages that it was written/ designed to be used by people at myriad levels.

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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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Complete Star Trek Theme Music: Piano Solo (Piano Solo Vocal Selections) [Paperback] Review

This is book of piano solos featuring Star Trek themes.It has all the television show themes through "Star Trek: Voyager" as well asthe movie themes through "Star Trek: First Contact." Incidentally, those two pieces are my favorites.The "FirstContact" theme in particular sounds very nice on the piano, and I haveplayed it numerous times.
I am very pleased that this was offered as apiano solo edition.Many contemporary themes/song books are typicallyinundated with repetitive chords.But I think the arrangements in thisbook are very enjoyable to play.
The proficiency required to play thepieces is probably best described as intermediate.However,beginners/novices may find the "Deep Space Nine,""Voyager," and "First Contact" themes within theirgrasp (and worth playing as well; I personally dislike "big note"or "easy piano" editions of anything).
I guess it's pretty mucha foregone conclusion that if those who like playing the piano and like"Star Trek" will enjoy this book.So if you fit that category, Ihighly recommend this book.

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Product Description:
Calling all Trekkies! This updated piano solo songbook features the musical themes from all the TV shows and movies. Includes: Star Trek - The Motion Picture * Star Trek II: The Wrath of Kahn * Star Trek III: The Search for Spock * Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home * Star Trek V: The Final Frontier * Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country * Star Trek: Generations * Star Trek: The Next Generation * Star Trek: Deep Space Nine * Star Trek: Voyager * and more!

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Aladdin (Piano/Vocal/Guitar Songbook) [Paperback] Review

I know 7 songs might not seem like a lot, but these songs are all great and pretty good length. Disney is known for its magical songs that put you in a trance. Disney songs are known mainly to target kids, but also are so creative and musical that adults can't help but admire the beautiful works of the Disney classics. Aladdin was one of my favorite childhood movies, and the 90s was the best years for animated Disney movies hands down, and the music in these movies made them more even more memorable. Aladdin songs have an Arabian vibe to them, making them unique sounding. Friend Like Me is an up beat and cheerful song sung by Genie, prince Ali is more of a traditional sounding Arabian song with sort of a Disney vibe to it, and the most famous in this book, A Whole New World, is a slow duet between Jasmine and Aladdin. I think buying this book at full price new is a rip though, you're only getting 7 songs for $15, so if you can find this book for $5 or less, then buy it.

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Product Description:
Matching folio to Disney's animated film featuring songs from Alan Menken, Howard Ashman and Tim Rice. 7 songs in all, including: One Jump Ahead * Prince Ali * Friend Like Me * A Whole New World * and more. Complete with full-color art from the movie.

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Piano Lessons Book 4: Hal Leonard Student Piano Library [Paperback] Review

Well, the musical journey continues after a two year hiatus. For whatever reasons, my daughter decided to stop piano in the fall of 2005 and now has returned to piano in the fall of 2007. She had been working through Book 4 of this lesson plan and, to my astonishment, dove right back into the book as if she'd never left. You can attribute this to youth, memory, retention ability, whatever, but I think the lesson plan proves itself by this sort of feat. Her fingers know where to go, she remembered 99% of the notes, she recalled swiftly how to play the songs she'd learned 2-3 years ago. So now we're making our way through Book 4 to Book 5. Her fondness for the program showed itself tonight as she was leafing through several of the complementary solo books and telling me how good the tunes were and that I should play them (I'm taking an adult course by book while she's doing this course). This Hal Leonard course is a terrific series for kids and young teens (my daughter is 13 now). It obviously taught her well in the past, it made the piano lessons stick, and it continues to hold her interest in the present. Once again, this series is highly recommended. With her overnight comeback, it's definitely proven itself as far as I'm concerned.

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Product Description:
Book 4 expands on the related five-finger patterns learned in Book 3 to introduce the scales of C Major, A Minor, G Major, and E Minor. Chord progressions in close position are also presented in each of these keys.Syncopated rhythms, syncopated pedaling and opposing articulations between the hands create performances with style, color, and texture.

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Maran Illustrated Piano [Paperback] Review

For all the many self-help, how-to books published The Maran Family has polished the book-led guide to learning to a fare-thee-well. This well-conceived and very well written book is an excellent introduction to the joys of sitting down in front of a piano keyboard and actually creating music instead of fantasies.

As one of the maranGraphics books (others include such wide ranging topics as Weight Training, Computer Guides, Dog training, Guitar, Yoga, and Knitting and Crocheting!), this volume uses the technical consulting of Frank Horvat, a composer, performer and piano teacher, and then applies the approach to the keyboard in a highly visual series of photographs and schematics that begin a survey of the types of keyboard instruments, the history of the piano, and progress to the basics of what makes a piano make music and ultimately walks the willing student through a very sound technique of learning.

As a life-long pianist I am amazed at the facility developed in this beautifully designed book.For those who question learning to play the piano by a 'how to' book, just peruse the careful steps and clarity of instruction offered by this helpful guide.Much musicology is included and many examples of fine piano music are used in the lessons.Whether it is the classical route you wish or the popular medium of chord based music or the intricacies of blues and improvisation, the steps are here.At the end of the book is a fine discussion on how to choose your piano from the many types that exist and even a discussion on the various periods of piano music history (although brief these are succinctly to the point).

Terrific for the adults who moan 'if I'd only taken lessons as a child' as well for the young students who are willing to commit to the goal of learning to 'make their own music', this Illustrated Guide to the Piano is a solid source of didactics.And for those addicted to the computer, there are even "MP3 files available to listen to and play along with for all the chords, scales, exercises and practice pieces in this book."Truly a book for the 21st Century!Grady Harp, June 05

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Product Description:
Produced by the award-winning maranGraphics group, Maran's Illustrated Guide to Piano is a valuable resource to a wide range of readers-from people who want to play a few songs for their family in the living room to those who aspire to become serious musicians. Maran's Illustrated Guide to Piano shows the reader the best way to perform each task, while the full-color photographs, music examples and clear, step-by-step instructions walk the reader through each task from beginning to end. Thorough topic introductions and useful tips provide additional information and advice to help enhance the readers' piano experience. Maran's Illustrated Guide to Piano is packed with essential information for readers who are sitting down in front of a piano for the first time, and will provide more experienced players with a refresher course on the basics and the opportunity to add more advanced techniques to their repertoire. Maran's Illustrated Guide to Piano will cost less than the price of one private piano lesson and will be a permanent resource that will provide years of enjoyment.

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Art of Piano Playing [Paperback] Review

I read somewhere that if you can take one good idea away from reading a book, consider the experience a success. Call me greedy, but I expected more practical advice from "The Art of Piano Playing". The author's intent is to show how the central nervous system plays a primary role in the learning/performing process. He makes his case with an historical survey of earlier schools of thought concerning piano technique that, according to the author, culminated in an impasse in the early twentieth century. As scientific research into brain functioning progressed, the tools were now in place to make a case for the neurobiological basis of piano technique. What this boils down to is, essentially: 1) the aural image one creates in the mind of a musical composition is paramount and the urge to recreate that image will drive the learning and performing process. 2) practice slowly to establish and engrain neurological connections. 3) be flexible in your technique regarding fingering, arm position, etc. 4) the most effective learning is accompanied by intense concentration.
I've simplified, but this is what I walked away with. Unfortunately, the author spends more time justifying his theoretical argument than describing the practical application of his ideas. The book was written in 1967 when perhaps these thoughts were more radical. If you're intrigued and enjoy a heavy scientific bent, this book might be for you, but if you're looking for detailed practical advice on piano technique, I'm afraid other authors have done it better.

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So many of the great pianists and teachers have come out of Poland and Russia (Rubinstein, Anton as well as Arthur, Leschetizky, Paderewski,the Lhevinnes, Gilels, Richter, and others), yet we know little abouttheir methods of learning and teaching. George Kochevitsky in THE ART OF PIANO PLAYING supplies some important sources of information previouslypreviously unavailable in this country. Russian sources alone occupy fourcolumns of his bibliography on 'History and Theory of Pianism.'Additionally there are six columns of German sources and seven columns ofsources in English. From these sources, tempered by this own thinking, Kochevitsky has formulated a scientific approach that can solve most

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Learning to Play Piano: Book 1 [Paperback] Review

My five years old daughter started practising piano. It is a very good book. Our piano teacher advised us. Also my daughter likes the drawing on the pages.

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This new, four volume piano course presents a fresh, unhurried, and sound approach to piano study. It offers a veritable treasure of delightfully melodic, inventive repertoire to illustrate and correlate technique, theory, and musicianship.

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