Edition: Paperback Book, Piano

Description: 124 Pages

You Can Teach Yourself Piano is a revolutionary concept in piano instruction. No other piano method comes close to matching this book's scope in teaching not only basic music reading skills, but also the essential technique and theory for playing in all con- temporary keyboard styles. Central to the philosophy of the You Can Teach Yourself series, this beginner's book is written to give the serious adult student a solid foundation while studying on their own without the advantage of having a private teacher; it will show you all you need to know to get an authoritative start on the instrument, presenting technical and theoretical concepts as needed while offering carefully graded, challenging material to hold your interest. In addition to the incalculable assets of ear training and development of taste in modern harmony, upon completion of this method the student will be fully prepared to handle the demands of modern piano music.

Like many Mel Bay instructional books, this one begins with an extended introduction to note-reading and orientation on the keyboard. As early as page 9, however, you will begin playing using both hands. Through a series of short original tunes and exercises, the author then systematically introduces the concepts of dotted note rhythms, rests, accidentals, the melody divided between two hands, various time signatures and scales, and the triplet. The importance of a good warm-up is given particular emphasis. Periodic review questions are presented to keep the student on his toes.

The instruction the author then offers on chord structure and its application to jazz and pop-style melodies and song format truly sets this book apart from the pack. The how and why of construction and use of I, IV, and V chords in major and minor keys is thoroughly explained as is the structure of more complex chords through the ninth and add nine chords. The awareness of chord progressions and inversions of chords while sight-reading pop music is stressed for additional comprehension and ease of execution.

Beginning level.