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Books and Video: Books: Instructional: Piano / Keyboard
Books and Video: Books: Reference: Piano / Keyboard
Books and Video: DVD / VHS - Instructional:

DVD: Piano / Keyboard
VHS: Piano / Keyboard

Books and Video: Software - Instructional: Piano / Keyboard

Wicked - Vocal Selections (vocal Line With Piano Accompaniment Format) ASIN:0634078828 Our Price: $17.95

Piano for Dummies ASIN:0764551051 Our Price: $17.49 Customer's Rating: 5 Summary: excellant book Comments: I like this book very much. I myself can play the piano up to grade 5, but I still like to read this kind of books to improve my skills. I found out that it is very inspiring, and corrected a lot of my wrong concepts. I really recomend this book to all of you.

How To Play Popular Piano In 10 Easy Lessons ASIN:0671530674 Our Price: $11.34 Customer's Rating: 5 Summary: Fun and Easy Comments: I never played a instrument before. But after reading this book I am playing after the 3rd lesson. Piano is now easy. Anyone wanting to learn to play quick buy this book.

Wicked - Piano/vocal Selections ASIN:063407881X Our Price: $14.95

The Piano Handbook: A Complete Guide for Mastering Piano ASIN:0879307277 Our Price: $20.97 Customer's Rating: 5 Summary: Finally, a book that includes EVERYTHING piano Comments: Thank you, Carl Humphries, for this book. I have used similar techniques in teaching my students over the last 20 years. I have been trying to write this book for about 3 years, but find myself too damn busy teaching lessons and performing. This book includes everything, from the basics to the most advanced. AND, it doesn't ignore the 20th century. What I mean is that so much great music was made in jazz, rock and latin music in the past 100 years and I find that the local "Ivory Tower" (the BYU piano department) tends to either ignore it or pooh-pooh it. Also, Humphries shows how these recent styles are related to their influences, including "classical" composers like Debussy and Schoenberg, without making the styles seem like lesser entities of their "legit" ancestors. Now I can start giving my students this book, instead of continuing to promise them that I'll get my book done--and then not delivering for God knows how many years. My critiques of this book are that I wish there had been more emphasis on ear training, application of jazz voicings and structures and improvisation. There is a CD included, which I love, of all the written material in the text. But while Mr. Humphries does write that ear training is vital, there is little in the text to work with. I have my own approach to this, so it's okay, but I'd love to see it in his book because not only was it the original way to communicate music, it is also the more effective. Don't get me wrong; I am into the whole sight reading thing, but it is so limited in conveying emotion and "feel" that you can get from learning music by ear. Also, he has a few exercises dealing with jazz voicing, but only from Bill Evans (who happens to be a brilliant example), but I find that quite limiting--especially when the book refers to so many other Early Jazz, Swing, Bop, Post Bop, West Coast and Modern Jazz players. Perhaps a rounding out of these ideas that Humphries brings up would make the book more complete--and that would go for the discussion of Latin and Rock as well. While I appreciate the discussion of the various scales used in improvisation, I was disappointed to find little or no discussion on improvisation itself, which might include sections on motifs, motif development, counterpoint improvisation, 'comping, and include some transcriptions of great improvisors such as a few lines from Jarrett's Koln Concert. All in all though, Humphries' book is (to use the critic's ancient term) a TRIUMPH! Bravo; I look forward to a second edition with more cool stuff. David Cannon

The Piano Shop on the Left Bank: Discovering a Forgotten Passion in a Paris Atelier ASIN:0375758623 Our Price: $11.16 Customer's Rating: 5 Summary: For the love of the piano Comments: Thank you, Thad, for so beautifully capturing the vast range of emotions that pianos stir in their aficionados. What a gem! This book will become a classic, just like the classic pianos that mysteriously show up and pass through Luc's atelier. I greatly enjoyed Thad's command of language, his keen and affectionate observations of his French collegues (only in France would Thad be viewed as an American, in any other culture a person with such an in-depth understanding of the culture and fluency of language would have been adopted as a local), and the manner in which he conveys the feelings pianos evoke in him. I also enjoyed the growing familiarity between Thad and Luc and the evolution of humour in their discourses. And despite the tragedy of the situation, had to laugh when Thad - with utmost sensitivity - points out how the unfortunate alcoholic Jos would wake up in train stations across France. My preferred piano is the Sauter - I love the warmth and richness of its song - and most generously my mother gave me the piano that once brought much joy to dad. Just like Thad observes so well, one is often greatly attached to a particular instrument because a loved one who has since passed on used to play it. And hearing music come alive again, music that was once played by someone who no longer is alive, can cause strong emotions to surface. Shortly after my father passed on I attended an Evgeny Kissin (sp?) concert, and when EK started playing one of my father's favorite Chopin pieces, I could no longer control myself ... (I guess in a quiet concert hall you just try and quietly blow into a handkerchief). I also remember piano lessons I took as a child in France, and reading Thad's desciptions brought back memories. The teacher I had back then was not as gifted as some other ones in other countries at drawing out my enthusiasm for this wonderful instrument. Thad's logic when looking for an appropriate teacher for his children made a lot of sense. The Piano Shop on the Left Bank is a most evocative book and a must-have for anyone who is affected by the sounds of a piano as well as the beauty of language.

On Piano Playing: Motion, Sound, and Expression ASIN:0028722809 Our Price: $55.95 Customer's Rating: 5 Summary: Excellent guide to piano technique Comments: 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!

The Two Towers Movie Soundtrack Piano, Vocal, and Chords (The Lord of the Rings) ASIN:0757912052 Our Price: $11.96 Customer's Rating: 5 Summary: Beautiful pieces! Comments: This book contains some of the best music ever written! I play this stuff over and over, because not only is it awesome, it's fun. "Gollum's Song" is a haunting, beautiful song - one that really makes you feel sorry for Gollum. "Evenstar" is also a beautifully flowing piece. It's easy to put a lot of expression in it when you play it. "Isengard Unleashed" is a more complicated piece, once you get about half way through it, and it's rather hard to figure out in the beginning. "Breath of Life" and "Forth Eorlingas" are pretty simple, but redundant at times. "Rohan" is an absolutely amazing song that just makes me want to cry when I play it. That also lends itself to expression while playing. All together, this book is an absolute masterpiece, and while harder than the book for The Fellowship of the Ring, in my opinion, it is still pretty simple, and the arrangments are much better. I highly recommend this book. It's beautiful!!

Super Sight-Reading Secrets: An Innovative, Step-By-Step Program for Musical Keyboard Players of All Levels ASIN:0961596309 Our Price: $9.95 Customer's Rating: 4 Summary: Definitely helpful Comments: I play piano for a choir, and recently bought this book to improve my sight reading. The method here uses a simplified counting method which breaks the music down to its essence and gives me a lot more confidence in playing trickier pieces with syncopated rhythms etc. It certainly makes it possible to pick up the piece a lot more quickly, and does improve the speed and accuracy of my reading. It is a short book which I think is good, the drills are short and easy to run through, especially with practice. Some of the later references in the book are a little confusing, and the book could be better organized. This book does not have all the answers, which is why I do not give it the full 5 stars. It is good value for money. Most people should be able to improve their sight reading using this book. I also have the Steelman book which is more about the theory of sight reading, and does have some examples in different styles of music and rhythms to work on.

Virtuoso Pianist in 60 Exercises - Complete ASIN:0793525446 Our Price: $6.95 Customer's Rating: 5 Summary: prefer spiral binding Comments: For $8.95 list, Alfred has a spiral bound edition of this great exercise book

Solo Jazz Piano : The Linear Approach ASIN:0634007610 Our Price: $39.95 Customer's Rating: 5 Summary: Excellent practice resource with genuine depth and insight. Comments: Neil Olmstead offers one of the most complete jazz piano approaches I have ever seen, and I have a good collection of quality books. All exercises are clearly explained, and there is plenty to work on, so expect to use it for a long time. This book is designed for dedicated enthusiasts and professionals alike. Mr. Olmstead's teaching experience at Berklee combined with his taste, knowledge, and ability contribute to this unique approach to enhancing jazz skills at the piano. His stated influences for his method are Dave McKenna and Lennie Tristano, and if you're familiar with these artists (and you don't have to be; anyone can benefit), you'll want help in analyzing their incredible styles and techniques. The book opens by helping you to arrange appropriate chord voicings--with both hands and the left hand alone. You'll practice comping while recognizing and employing common extensions. The book not only recommends harmonizing melodies--it guides you to the next step which is key to any jazz musician: improvising over the changes with a solid, complementary left hand technique. Gradually, bass line development is helpfully presented. The etudes offer left hand arrangements rarely seen in other books. You'll gain insight to help you with your own ideas. All the tunes are based on real jazz standards, and they are often written in three different formats to give you the scope you need to assimilate them. For example, the first version might give you a full arrangement (left hand nuances written); the second, just the chord changes and and an embellished melody; a third might request that you work on a bass line/ and or comping idea. To top it off, you get a demonstration CD with improvisation samples. The later chapters get progressively sophisticated with ideas on how to change meter, and how to play ballads with a swing feel and vice versa. The print is of high quality--though I wish the book were spiral-bound because it is thick. I take my time with it; there is so much in it, and it is fun. There are many resources that I use for my practice routine, and this one is about as thorough as you can get, especially since it focuses exclusively on solo jazz piano. Some books assume you are always part of a band. So if you are ready to work and enjoy doing it, this volume is for you.

Alfred's Basic Adult Piano Course: Lesson Book, Level One/2236 ASIN:0882846167 Our Price: $8.95 Customer's Rating: 5 Summary: Excellent intro Comments: 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.

Adult All-In-One Course: Lesson-Theory-Technic ASIN:0882848186 Our Price: $14.95 Customer's Rating: 5 Summary: Great book! Exactly what I was looking for. Comments: Okay, I am a "middle-aged" adult, and for years wanted to learn to play an instrument and be able to read music. I first started out with the violin because I really liked the instrument, but didn't continue because it was too much at once (violin + reading music). Anyhow, I recently picked up the Alfred's Piano course, in conjunction with a keyboard purchase, mainly to teach me how to read music. The piano was a learning tool more than anything. But this book has sparked my interest in the piano! I'm actually having a lot of fun "playing" the lessons (the keyboard helps too). Overall, this is a great book that combines lessons, theory, and technique.. It's exactly what I was looking for. If you order the book, I'd recommend getting the book/CD combo.

Steinway ASIN:0811833895 Our Price: $42.00 Customer's Rating: 4 Summary: Excellent read for Steinway enthusiasts Comments: This is a wonderfully illustrated book presenting the whole history of the Steinway company from it's start in New York untill today. The text in historically insteresting, and the book uncludes a large number of excellent illustrations. There are pictures of many Steinway models, various historical photos of the NY stores and factory, art case pianos galore, old advertisements, and more. The history of the piano is tied closely to this company. And don't forget, it was first and foremost the piano that introduced music to the general public (before the age of the gramaphone and the CD).

The Best of Eva Cassidy (Piano/Vocal/Guitar) ASIN:1843281104 Our Price: $19.95 Customer's Rating: 5 Summary: BEAUTIFUL! Comments: WELL DONE! MUSIC PHARASEING GREAT. EVA WAS VERY UNIQUE . HER MUSIC IS THE MOST BEAUTIFUL THAT I HAVE EVER HEARD. BEING A SINGER/MUSICIAN THIS IS A MUST TO HAVE THE ARRANGEMENTS ARE AWSOME.

Library of Easy Piano Classics ASIN:0825612845 Our Price: $17.56 Customer's Rating: 4 Summary: Be careful of duplication!! Comments: As I wrote in my review of "All the tunes you've ever wanted to play", if you already own that book, you do not need this one. They are the same books, with the same selections, with the same arrangements. However, the pages in this book are larger, thus the notes are easier to read.

Dan Coates Complete / Advanced Piano Solos ASIN:076929264X Our Price: $18.95 Customer's Rating: 5 Summary: Nice collection Comments: Nice, broad collection of popular music. I play them in a restaurant. My customers keep telling me how much they appreciate the music.

Thoroughly Modern Millie ASIN:157560616X Our Price: $17.95 Customer's Rating: 4 Summary: Great music piece!! Comments: I bought this book after listening to the soundtrack and falling in love with it. This book is great as it of course allow you to sing and play those brilliant songs from the musical. This book even have a few color pages of photo, along with a synpnosis and writer bio, from the original broadway company. The only thing I don't like about this book is that, like all other song books, the songs are not in their original key. This is to some people a good point as it is easier but for someone who is eager to sing in original key it can be a disappointment. Also, the book has every song except the song "Muqin" and "I'm Falling in Love with Someone (quarlet)". I love "Muqin" and I believe it would be great fun to sing in Chinese. The quarlet of "I'm Falling in Love with someone" which is directly after "I turned the Corner" is cut and it is one of the most beautiful piece in the show. This is the reason why I only give this book 4 stars.

How to Play Piano Despite Years of Lessons : What Music Is and How to Make It at Home ASIN:0385142633 Our Price: $12.57 Customer's Rating: 2 Summary: Not an easy read for a beginner Comments: I am a total beginner when it comes to playing the piano, so I found this book very hard to read. I think it assumes a certain level of knowledge on the reader. However, I did understand alot of it because I read basic piano theory from the book called "Play Piano in a Flash". That book was over simplified, but it taught me enough to understand alot of this book. There are some major problems that I found with this book. First, all the diagrams are hand-drawn. I found it very distracting to read notes that are hand-drawn... sometimes very sloppily. And many of the weird piano symbols are hard to make out because of the sloppiness. The book was written in the 1970's so that helps explain why it's hand-drawn instead of a nice sharp computerized graphic. I also found that the explanations of the diagrams were not good. Some chord notes that were drawn didn't seem to be in the right place... either there are lots of mistakes, or i'm just not understanding things. This added to the frustration. The sample songs are just not familiar to me. Maybe if you're 50+ years old you would know the songs, but not if you're younger! I actually did learn things in this book... that is why i gave it 2 stars. Maybe I would like this book better if I alreay had lots of piano experience. I don't know. I'm totally frustrated with this book. I'm going to buy a similar book called "How to play from a Fake book". Hopefully that will be better for me.

Classical Fake Book, Second Edition ASIN:0793513294 Our Price: $29.95 Customer's Rating: 5 Summary: Great Reference and source book for music students Comments: 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.

The Piano Book: Buying & Owning a New or Used Piano ASIN:1929145012 Our Price: $13.97 Customer's Rating: 5 Summary: influences salespeople Comments: There's not much to add to the superlatives written about this book except to note that simply having it in your possession can influence salespeople! I took this book with me in Sept. 2003 to buy a "nearly new" piano at the annual sale of the prestigious Peabody Institute in Baltimore. The salewoman noticed it and said, "I see you have Larry Fine's book. I bet you'll leave here with a good piano at a great price." Throughout our tour of the many pianos on sale, I felt as though she was being more factual because I had the book! And, because I had read parts of it, I was able to ask more questions about the types of materials used in construction of the various parts. I bought a 2 month old Kawai GM-10 for about 2/3 list price! Not only did the book give me independent in-depth information on the Kawai, but several paragraphs (p.118) to read comparing it to other brands in terms of sound, feel, durability, warranty, etc. Now, every time I sit at my piano, I feel an added confidence that I'm playing the finest instrument I could afford.

Piano Power, A Breakthrough Approach To Improving Your Technique ASIN:1929583001 Our Price: $34.95 Customer's Rating: 3 Summary: Worthwhile - but not as revolutionary as the title suggests Comments: This book revolves about the theory that finger control and independence is achieved by strengthening the muscle groups that LIFT the fingers. I think this idea is fundamentally correct. It also contains other useful observations, generally derived from a physiological investigation of the hand and arm, how the various muscles perform various movements, etc. Many of these are also valuable. To me the best part of this book are the diagrams of muscles, bones, and pictures of the resulting types of movements. I think sooner or later every pianist needs to look into these things. Also good are the ideas on how to improve practicing efficiency. Not all of them are applicable to all people, but certainly most will find at least some of them useful. On the negative side, I find that the semi-mathematical approach taken (proving and disproving theorems) does not add much to the book. I suppose at best it gives some structure, but it also confuses the reader (at one point he manages to disprove both SITTING LOW and SITTING HIGH at the piano, so that leaves the student with ... exactly WHAT option???). The idea in this book is not new. In fact, all of HANON, Cortot, Donanhyi, and others, advocate the same method of practice - if you read the instructions under the exercises. Donanhyi (the Hungarian virtuoso) produced a ton of nasty exercises to strengthen exactly the extensor muscle group. What IS new is the physiological reason for practicing in this manner, and this is something worthwhile knowing. Overall I think the book may be useful for beginning to intermediate (adult) students that have very specific finger strength problems, or more advanced students that want to know more about the anatomy of the hand and arm. I do, however, think that the price of this book is outrageous. It should be no more than 15 dollars. Also I think the title is misleading. Although it is potentially useful it does not contain a miracle cure for technical difficulties.

Tons of Runs: For the Contemporary Pianist ASIN:094374895X Our Price: $19.95 Customer's Rating: 5 Summary: A Must Have ! ! ! Comments: I'm not a big fan of lick and pattern books, but this one has my seal of approval... and more than that, I HIGHLY reccomend it. There are lot's of ideas in here, some powerful stuff. Really hands on Jazz language material, some that if you're a more experienced improviser you might be using instinctively already, and some you wonder why you haven't touched on all along. The idea is to take them and build upon them... Within hours of getting the book, I immediately tuned out the outside world and was having fun experimenting with it... Some other things I like about it : The licks are in more than one key, suggested fingerings for more difficult ones, they're over a nice variety of patterns, typography is nice, and they're stuff that real people actually play, not just text book prototypes. I venture to say, that of the books I'm familiar with, this is the best one out !!! Great stuff for professionals as well as folks just getting into improv... and not just for pianists !

The Library of Children's Song Classics ASIN:0825613582 Our Price: $17.56 Customer's Rating: 5 Summary: This music teacher says "yes"!!!!!! Comments: This collection is a mainstay of my collection of teaching materials. There are many classic tunes as well as some lesser known gems. The collection is organized into songs by category. Some of the tunes are different, but it is a great resource for lyrics alone. My children love this book as well!!!

Randy Newman Anthology ASIN:0769258646 Our Price: $22.95 Customer's Rating: 5 Summary: Exceptionally transcripted, and a good selection Comments: There are three reasons why this book deserves five stars: 1) The transcriptions are extremely good. Instead of an interpretation that sounds dubiously like the melody line, the piano parts have been reproduced from Newman's own archives. Some of them are not EXACTLY what Newman plays, but for the most part they are. 2) The selection of songs is such that consideration has gone into what is 'fun' to play on the piano. Included is music from Newman's entire career, from 'Davy the Fat Boy' through to 'Bleeding All Over the Place'. Thought has been put into which songs work best on the piano and which ones are not repetitious. 3) The lyrics have been expertly aligned with the music and the music itself is clear and well presented. For these reasons, the Randy Newman Anthology is a superlative songbook compared to the plethora of dodgy chord-based songbooks out there. Randy Newman's 'Bad Love' songbook is also very good. For a true Newman fan this book will never get old.

Masterpieces of Piano Music ASIN:0825800064 Our Price: $35.95 Customer's Rating: 5 Summary: To Judge a Book By the Cover Comments: I taught myself to play piano from this anthology, a few years back. that is not to say that this is a novice's work-- we are not looking at reader's digest. No, this collection contains EVERY piano masterpiece you'd want to play, as well as arrangements of operatic, symphonic and choral works. I highly recommend it, if you can ever find a copy. I particularly like the design of the book, which seems to have been constructed for musicicians-- convenient page turns, easy to read scoring... and you cannot get beyond the breadth of it... from early baroque to early 20th century, this book is truly what it claims to be-- a collection of piano masterpieces

Library of Piano Classics ASIN:0825611113 Our Price: $15.96 Customer's Rating: 5 Summary: BEST BOOK EVER Comments: IF YOU WERE TO ONLY HAVE ONE BOOK ON CLASSICAL PIANO MUSIC, THIS WOULD BE IT. WITHOUT A DOUBT, I WILL ENJOY THIS BOOK FOREVER. NO ONE SHOULD BE WITHOUT IT.

How To Play Keyboards ASIN:0312082142 Our Price: $8.76 Customer's Rating: 5 Summary: How to play keyboards Comments: This is an amazing book for your loved ones...especially for a growing musican. It gives the basic methods of how to play a keyboard without much confusion or fustration. This book also inspires to play music and write the notes in our own way. I would recomend this book to anyone who is seeking to know how to play a keyboard.

Practical Piano Pedagogy: The Definitive Text for Piano Teachers and Pedagogy Students ASIN:0757911420 Our Price: $39.95 Customer's Rating: 5 Summary: A "MUST HAVE" Book for Piano Teachers Comments: Dr. Jordan has really presented a well written reference book for piano teachers who are just creating a group piano studio or the experienced teacher who would like to convert to a group piano studio. She has covered many aspects of group teaching and included many examples of practical piano pedagogy forms. Dr. Jordan discusses everything from the business aspect of running a home studio, interviews with parents and students, how to evaluate transfer students, teaching tips from technic to master class, how to set practice goals, methods and materials, etc. just to name a few. Every piano studio should have a copy of this book as a reference.

A Symposium for Pianists and Teachers ASIN:0893281549 Our Price: $45.00 Customer's Rating: 5 Summary: A little bit of everything Comments: This book can be used by pianists and piano teachers (often isolated in small towns) to find up-to-date answers to recurring injury problems, inspiration for playing "from the mind and heart" as well as the hands, and, in general, just talking about piano (although a lot of the information works well for other instrumentalists as well--especially the exercises for flexibility and strength). It's like a "class in a book."

Jazz Piano and Harmony : A Fundamental Guide (Book & CD) ASIN:0970136706 Our Price: $19.95 Customer's Rating: 3 Summary: Doesn't go deep enough Comments: This book is a pretty good introduction to jazz theory. However, some issues are well explained and presented - and some are not: The (basic) material regarding chord construction, inversions and voice leading is pretty adequate, and the chapters about tensions, secondary dominants and cadences are also well explained. But some other chapters are simply a waste of time and paper, they give just a very small taste which is not very helpful, unless you're familiar with the subjects (and then you don't really need these chapters...). These include the improvisation palettes and techniques, spread voicing and blues. Even the better chapters should've gone deeper for my opinion, since this book was probably meant to be a self-learning one. In many cases, a short sentence is used to explain a big issue, and you have to figure out by yourself what do with it. And - much more examples should've been given throughout the book. As it is, it's a pretty boring theory book. More real jazz tunes and examples would've made it more attractive. Nonetheless, it would be a pretty good introduction (for some issues) for beginners in jazz, and a pretty good reference guide (the tables regarding chord construction and tensions are quite useful). And the CD gives some nice ideas about what to do with the issues covered

Jim Brickman / Piano Anthology ASIN:076928289X Our Price: $19.96 Customer's Rating: 5 Summary: Gorgeous Compilation! Comments: This book is amazing compilation of Jim Brickman's music. The pieces are put together perfectly and are some of Brickman's best songs. This is an amazing book for anyone interested in his music. It doesn't get much better than this.

The Hammond Organ: Beauty in the B ASIN:0879307056 Our Price: $20.97 Customer's Rating: 5 Summary: Thorough and real, Vail's book is a good read Comments: As a Hammond B3 player for more years than I'd like to admit, I WILL admit I enjoyed this book tremendously. Now, it's not a tech manual, but I thought the book was laid out very well. It gave a good description of who Laurens Hammond was, such as being inventor of the electric clock. When doing research there's always gonna be some folks out there who may disagree with some statement, but that's just natural. I think that Mark Vail did an incredibly thorough job of researching this instrument and its history. He showed that he has a personal interest in it as well. A lot of people can just write a book 'cause they're paid to, but Mark has passion for the B. He showed it all the way through. I liked the reproductions of some of the original brochures, with the pictures of the different models. I remember those from when I was a kid -- my mother went to buy a Hammond and brought those brochures home. Quite often when I'm talking with someone about a particular model, I'll take out Mark's book and show them the photos and descriptions. He gives the year the models were built, what their price was -- that sort of stuff is very helpful and just plain fun to know.

Teaching Piano : A Comprehensive Guide and Reference Book for the Instructor (2 Vol's). ASIN:0825680395 Our Price: $27.96 Customer's Rating: 5 Summary: Good to Know Comments: These two volumes are very good books to have as a piano teacher. It is a wonderful reference book for those with a lot of education in music but also makes a good learning tool for those with limited education. One great perk is that even though it is only a comprehensive guide and does not go too deeply into any subject, it provides dozens of recommended reading lists for every subject. The first volume has piano performance and theory lingo. There is also a section on teaching techniques for students or every age or ability including a chapter about teaching handicapped students. The second volume has helpful lists and descriptions of method books and piano repertory available (although I was a little disappointed at the limited amount of method books listed). It also delves into different styles of music, pedegogy, and even has a chapter on construction and care of the piano. I am glad to have this book not only for the information it has in it but also for the recommendations on how to get more information on any subject you are most interested in as a piano teacher.

Piano 101: Book 1 ASIN:0739002554 Our Price: $24.95 Customer's Rating: 4 Summary: Pretty helpful!! Comments: I found this a great book to start learning piano. My college class uses this book and It is definately a great help.

Music Reading For Keyboard : The Complete Method ASIN:0793582008 Our Price: $10.36 Customer's Rating: 5 Summary: A course in sight reading Comments: I have recently started using this book. I also have the sight reading secrets book by Richman, which I have reviewed separately. I was trying to decide between both these books when buying originally. While the other book contains some very good tips, this book is more comprehensive and is widely used as a text book for musicians. It is very well organised, and well written in the style of a sight reading course, and has good rhythm and sight reading exercises to work on before doing the specific examples which are done in a variety of contemporary styles including rock bebop and Latin Jazz. The examples are interesting and not too complicated. I consider this better than the Richman book, although that book really helped me with breaking down more complicated rhythms, and I do recommend both books.

Alfred's Basic Adult Piano Course : Lesson Book, Level Two ASIN:0882846345 Our Price: $8.95 Customer's Rating: 5 Summary: ALfred's Adult Piano Comments: If you want to learn how to play the piano, you must use Alfred's Adult Piano Course. I have been playing the piano for about 5 years and have used both this course and the Bastien series to teach myself how to play. I can honestly say that I can play, talk, and theorize about music as well as anyone...All because of these books and this course. A friend of mine attended the NY School Of Music and plays the trumpet professionally. I think I know just as much as he does. If you are serious about learning the piano and about music reading and theory, and are motivated enough to put a little extra effort......BUY THIS COURSE. It's approach is geared towards the adult learner, covers every aspect of music and thoery (that is every key, their minors, chords, chord building, etc.). With each step you learn new songs that increase in intensity and difficulty as you progress. However, the difficulty between stages is seldom felt by the student. When you reach level 3 - you play classics by the best. Bach, Pachelbel, Beethoven, etc. You will be amazed at how easy it is to learn...........and bear in mind, I am just an owner of a steel fabrication plant with no prior music knowledge or experience or training. Good luck to anyone who purchases this course. It is the very best. Thanks.

The Clavichord ASIN:0521630673 Our Price: $130.00 Customer's Rating: 5 Summary: One of the most up-to-date book on : CLAVICHORDS. Comments: For the longest time the clavichord has been the most overshadowed of all keyboard instruments. However, the clavichord, is the most intimate of all. The Clavichord (Cambridge Musical Texts and Monographs) is the only book that begins with the origin of the clavichord (Monochord) to the nineteenth century revival. The book comes with beautiful pictures of the clavichord along with monographs. This happens to be the most elaborate and sought out book for all clavichord enthusiasts.

At the Beginning: Teaching Piano to the Very Young Child ASIN:0028720660 Our Price: $49.95 Customer's Rating: 4 Summary: Probably great for music teachers--not so useful for parents Comments: I disagree with the reviewer who found this book useful for teaching her child herself. I read it, and found only two chapters that were useful for the teacher working with just one student. The rest of the book dealt with organizing and running lessons for many children, screening potential students and their families, and organizing "piano parties" (a more student-friendly form of recital). This homeschooling parent didn't find enough useful information to convince me to buy the book.

The Best in Movie Sheet Music: Easy Piano ASIN:0769214207 Our Price: $9.86 Customer's Rating: 5 Summary: The Best Book! Comments: Wow! I play the piano and sing and I am telling you that this book is one of the best compilations - I sing and play at the same time with ease. I recommend this book to all who enjoy music.

Essay on the True Art of Playing Keyboard Instruments ASIN:0393097161 Our Price: $44.05 Customer's Rating: 5 Summary: historically significant Comments: This an historically significant work worthwhile for a number of reasons--of course--, but I am particularly interested in its treatment of figured bass. Why? Although it was composed after Rameau published his revolutionary theory of root progression, C.P.E. Bach repudiated Rameau's theory, and this work remains untouched by it. Consequently, reading this is the easist way to get a feel for how things stood before Rameau and (ironically for C.P.E. Bach) to appreciate truly Rameau's achievement. Also recommended: PENTATONIC SCALES FOR THE JAZZ-ROCK KEYBOARDIST by Jeff Burns.

The Well-Tempered Keyboard Teacher ASIN:0028647882 Our Price: $55.95 Customer's Rating: 5 Summary: I think all piano teachers should own this book Comments: This is a great reference for teachers at all levels. In it's well layed out pages it explores differant methods, types of students and gives practical advice on running a studio. I don't own it, but have checked it out from the library 3 or 4 times!

Making Music at the Piano: Learning Strategies for Adult Students ASIN:0195123263 Our Price: $35.00 Customer's Rating: 5 Summary: Excellent Adjunct to Lessons for Adult Learners Comments: I am an adult beginner and found that this book provided an excellent adjunct to my lessons. I read and re-read many sections as it moved me along the difficulties inherent in learning as an adult. When I practiced (just me and my piano without the encouraging presence of my teacher), this book frequently got me over the "I can't learn this" hurdle. Making Music at the Piano helped me examine my goals, analyze my practice problems, and prepared me for a group class that was my first time playing before others. Most of all, I relied on it to provide the voices of other learners talking about their challenges, successes and tips. I continue to refer to this book and highly recommend it.

I Used To Play Piano ASIN:0739027417 Our Price: $19.95

Alfred's Group Piano for Adults: Book 1 ASIN:0882846531 Our Price: $34.95 Customer's Rating: 4 Summary: I really did learn how to play the piano! Amazing! Comments: We used it at my school for the beginner course and it covers all the basics. I've looked at a few other books and it's not my favorite but a decent one for sure. 4 stars.

Piano Notes : The World of the Pianist ASIN:0743243129 Our Price: $10.40 Customer's Rating: 5 Summary: Fascinating book. Wish it were longer Comments: I love books like this. A renowned master of the keyboard talks about a lifetime of experience in the concert hall and on records. Charles Rosen talks about the physicality of playing the piano, the joys and the problems, the obstacles to keeping a piano in good working order (most non-pianists don't appreciate what a high-maintenance item a piano is), the difficulties of recording vs. live performance (and the different kinds of nervousness that attend each), and the future of the instrument (will it be replaced by the electric guitar as the instrument of choice? Will piano recitals become a thing of the past?). My only complaint is the book was too short. I could have enjoyed another hundred pages. It's a fun, quick read, a great book to bring along on a train or plane trip.