Masterwork Classics, Level 1-2 (Alfred Masterwork Editions) [Paperback] Review

This Book/CD combination is hard to beat for someone who wants to start playing classical music from the get-go, rather than a lot of children's songs or folk songs.It is also a good value.It includes scores in easy to read format for 29 simple compositions, from baroque to 20th century.These are not watered-down versions of well-known pieces or popular melodies, but rather original classical compositions written specifically for the novice.Most are ½ page or 1 page, and no page turning is required.This is a great supplement to any method book, and provides at least several weeks worth of fine early material. I have been using the PIANO HANDBOOK (Carl Humphries) but realized I needed additional early material since that book moves so quickly.

The CD, which includes each of these pieces, is well played and nicely recorded.The CD is invaluable--not only to hear how the songs are intended to sound, but also to better choose which ones to work on (especially if, like me, you're self-taught).I've selected 12 of the pieces to work on over the next few weeks, starting with two, and adding a new one each week. These songs are appealing enough that I'll probably be playing several of them for a long time.I've also purchased the Level 3 Masterwork Classics and can hardly wait to get started with that.........but first things first.

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Product Description:
A progressive repertoire series designed to motivate students while allowing them to progress evenly and smoothly from the earliest classics toward intermediate literature.These pieces are from the standard classical literature, chosen to appeal both to teacher and student. Each volume comes with a corresponding CD.

PIanist Kim O'Reilly Newman holds a Master of Music degree from the University of Illinois. She has performed throughout North America and Europe with the Hambro Quartet of Pianos and was an editor and recording pianist for Alfred Publishing. Kim is a brain tumor survivor and now specializes in performing music for the left hand.

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Masterwork Classics, Level 5 (Alfred Masterwork Editions) [Paperback] Review

The Mastering the Piano series is a boon for teachers and students alike.They are good buys - the CD is certainly helpful for students who no longer are that familiar with repertoire at this level.As with the others, the selection is excellant and pretty much at the same level except for the challenging Grieg, Wedding Day at Troldhaugen.The advantage of having all the pieces at the same level of excellance and ability is that one book can cover a years study, minimizing the expense.This volume contains a Joplin rag as its contempory piece - an appealing choice.

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Product Description:
A progressive repertoire series designed to motivate students while allowing them to progress evenly and smoothly from the earliest classics toward intermediate literature.These pieces are from the standard classical literature, chosen to appeal both to teacher and student. Each volume comes with a corresponding CD.

Pianist Valery Lloyd-Watts studied at the Conservatory of Music in Toronto and the Royal College of Music in London. She earned a Master of Music degree from the University of Wisconsin, where she studied with Paul Badura-Skoda.

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The New Complete Keyboard Player: Omnibus Edition [Paperback] Review

I enjoy playing the little pieces in this book. The songs are not complete, but you get the gist of them. The chords are printed above the melody line. For me, I use regular fingered chords instead of the single finger chords. I find them to be just as easy as the single note chords. If you're a classical pianist or studying to be one, this won't do. If you just want to practice reading a little music and playing pieces of familiar tunes, then this just might work for you. I'm moving along quickly and it was surprisingly easier than I thought.

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Product Description:
Book and CD set!
All three parts of Kenneth BakerÂ's best-selling method, revised and fully updated, in one complete volume with a CD!
Everything you need to know to get the most out of your electronic keyboard. Based on popular songs and with easy-to-follow text and diagrams, it assumes no previous knowledge of the keyboard or music.
Includes great songs by Bryan Adams, Abba, The Beatles, David Bowie, Coldplay, Bob Dylan, Elton John, Simon & Garfunkel, Cat Stevens, Travis, Westlife and Robbie Williams.
Part 1 includesÂ... Playing technique and style About your keyboard The accompaniment section Single-finger and fingered chords Using synchro-start Major and seventh chords 12 right hand notes Note name stickers
And these hit songsÂ... The 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin' Groovy) Bad Moon Rising BlowinÂ' In The Wind Bye Bye Love Can You Feel The Love Tonight Catch A Falling Star Do Wah Diddy Diddy Grandfather's Clock Mr Tambourine Man One More Night Rio Grande Seasons In The Sun Where Have All The Flowers Gone? White Rose Of Athens Yellow
Part 2 includesÂ... Sharps, flats and naturals 7 new right-hand notes Minor chords Dotted notes and syncopation Chord chart
And these hit songsÂ... Father & Son Get Back Hello Goodbye (There's No Place Like) Home For The Holidays How Deep Is Your Love I Can See Clearly Now I Have A Dream In The Midnight Hour Lemon Tree Lovin' You Mrs. Robinson Moonshadow Rock Around The Clock Sailing Scarborough Fair/Canticle The Star-Spangled Banner Stuck In The Middle With You The Tide Is High Turn When You Say Nothing At All Wonderful Tonight
Part 3 includesÂ... Scales and keys Triplets Sixteenth notes Dotted rhythms More major, seventh and minor chords Chord chart
And these hit songsÂ... Angels CanÂ't Get You Out Of My Head Danny Boy (Everything I Do) I Do It For You Hava Nagila IÂ'll Be There For You (Theme from Friends) IÂ'm A Believer In The Air Tonight IsnÂ't She Lovely LivinÂ' La Vida Loca Mamma Mia Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da Reach SheÂ's The One Space Oddity Star Wars (Main Theme) This Masquerade We'll Meet Again The Winner Takes It All Wooly Bully

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