The School of Velocity, Opus 299: Complete (Alfred Masterwork Edition) [Paperback] Review

If this is too intimidating for you, I would start with Czerny -- Practical Method, Op. 599 (Complete) (Alfred Masterwork Edition), which is thinner and simpler than this.

If THAT'S too difficult for you, I would fall back to Preliminary School of Dexterity, Op. 636, which is about as low as you can go and still be playing authentic Czerny that hasn't been watered down.(I don't know why Amazon doesn't have a picture of it:it's certainly not rare or out of print.)

Only after finishing that should you go for the mother lode, the School of Velocity.

All of these Alfred editions are the best:carefully edited and handsomely presented.Palmer didn't simply run those old galleys again:everything's been recomposited and -- importantly for me -- the notes have been made larger where possible.At any rate, it's certainly more readable than that old yellow version everyone seems to own.

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Product Description:
This popular volume offers practical training in well-articulated pianistic passage work, particularly in playing the virtuoso music of the romantic period. In addition to this, each study is a complete music composition, demanding attention to dynamics and phrasing. Students who master Opus 299 have indeed progressed a long way in the "school of velocity." Available in a 112-page complete volume or in two separate books.

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Theory Is Fun / Book 1 (Hirschberg) [Paperback] Review

a good book for teaching elementary aged children music theory, it covers the basics and some more advanced stuff as well. lots of Black and white illustrations, comics strips and such. the book teaches the note names and spelling with pictures and stories.

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Product Description:
THEORY IS FUN / Book 1, by David Hirschberg.

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Music for Little Mozarts [Audiobook, CD] [Audio CD] Review

This is a two CD set each CD is 30 minutes long.The second CD is for the "music discovery book", I love this CD, it is just perfect for group music classes and it is a fun CD for kids to just listen to.There are 25 songs: a hello song (mentions mozart mouse and beethoven bear), a goodbye song (could be used for any program), 8 rhythm instrument songs, 5 movement/music appreciation songs, and 8 listening/ear training songs.

The first CD is essentially a "book on CD" of the "music lesson" book and I don't see why you would ever use it because a teacher could read the story herself much more entertainingly.

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Product Description:
Two compact disc recordings (sold as a two-disc set) support the concepts introduced in Level 4. The disc for the Music Lesson Book includes the narration for the story, as well as two performances of each piece-an acoustic piano version and an orchestrated version. The disc for the Music Discovery Book contains all of the songs and the "Listen and Sing" examples in the book performed by a teacher and students. In addition, professional performances of all listening examples for music appreciation and movement activities are included.

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Perfect Wrong Note - Learning to Trust Your Musical Self (Softcover) (Amadeus) [Paperback] Review

I am a professional musician, a retired piano teacher of 25 years. In October of 2004, I produced my first cd of pre-Baroque pieces into an album called, "Carry the Light."Recently, I found out about "The Perfect Wrong Note" by William Westney from a friend. The book is stunning, progressive and suffice it to say, it will rub some traditionalist the wrong way.Westney totally challenges traditional teaching methods and rightly so. There is a revealing "Question and Answer" section in the book on pp. 95-97 which provides an astute summary of Westney's teaching philosophy. I found the following Q and A challenging to some very traditionalist teachings on using the metronome; "Is it a good idea to use a metronome?"Westney's replies, "Only for short periods, as a check of tempo consistency.If we use it too much we become passive slaves to it, and our inner rhythm stays dormant."Westney emphasizes that playing the piano is a "whole body, whole brain" experience.In terms of Westney's approach being a "feel good" philosophy, nothing could be further from the truth. When asked (p. 97), "Can your approach be simply stated as, "Just don't fret about wrong notes, after all nobody's perfect.?"Westney's response is clearly direct; "No.This isn't a feel good philosophy: it's a pragmatic problem-solving plan along the road to artistry.Control, accuracy, and refinement are still the goals."Westney takes a groundbreaking approach to teaching piano without killing the hope and aspirations of the student.That is to be herald and this work will be deeply respected by teachers willing to take on new and exciting challenges that take heed to an important ethos Westney holds for anyone practicing the piano."As you practice sense that you are taking care of yourself at every moment.Expect musical performing to be fun and feel good.Question any part of it that doesn't feel that way.Think of yourself as a healty athlete. Relax frequently and take stock." (p.227) I can't think of any performing philosophy that is more hope filled than that.

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Product Description:
In this groundbreaking book, prize-winning pianist and noted educator William Westney helps readers discover their own path to the natural, transcendent fulfillment of making music. Drawing on experience, psychological insight, and wisdom ancient and modern, Westney shows how to trust yourself and set your own musicality free. He offers healthy alternatives for lifelong learning and suggests significant change in the way music is taught. For example, playing a wrong note can be constructive, useful, even enlightening. The creator of the acclaimed Un-Master Class workshop also explores the special potential of group work, outlining the basics of his revelatory workshop that has transformed the music experience for participants the world over. Practicing, in Westney's view, is a lively, honest, adventurous, and spiritually rewarding enterprise, and it can (and should) meet with daily success, which empowers us to grow even more. Teachers, professionals, and students of any instrument will benefit from this unique guide, which brings artistic vitality, freedom, and confidence within everyone's reach.

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Simply Christmas [Paperback] Review

These arrangements are particularly well done.The songs are simple enough for someone who has been taking lessons for 1-2 years (a second grade piano student), and they are fun and interesting to play.

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Product Description:
A delightful collection of carol favorites for the early intermediate player. These creatively styled piano arrangements are designed as solos and are easy to play. Perfect for seasonal recitals or that special family gathering.

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Czerny -- Practical Method, Op. 599 (Complete) (Alfred Masterwork Edition) [Paperback] Review

A Brilliant Mind That Knows How To Teach...Yes it starts off in small steps....don't despise small beginnings
A person asked Oscar Peterson how he learned to play so fast he said "Czerny ! Czerny ! Czerny"
Who can aurgue with That kind of recommendation? Get the books.... Get the midi's for the books...
Learn to Learn.....have fun

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Product Description:
While Czerny's excellent fingering has been preserved, all unnecessary fingering has been removed by editor Willard A. Palmer. The book begins with lessons on learning the notes and introduces students to the various technical studies of keyboard music. In this edition, the music has been widely spaced for easy reading. 88 pages.

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Musician's Gear Adjustable Piano Bench Frame (Piano Black) Review

Great bench, however, this is the frame only.Do not make the mistake I made.I assumed that when you buy a piano bench, you get a usable product.You must order the seat with this!

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Product Description:
Adjustable height from 19" to 23". Precision constructed of hardwood and beautifully finished. Matches the exclusive seat available in velvet velour or leather.

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Songs without Words (Complete) (Alfred Masterwork Edition) [Plastic Comb] Review

I always like the layout and look of the Schirmer editions, but I ended up returning this one in favor of an urtext edition because it was so heavily edited.It seemed that nearly every measure had some editorital addition, and while I don't mind a little bit of commentary to clear up a phrasing or dynamic issue, this was really over the top.

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Product Description:
These 48 pieces were composed over a period of two decades, beginning in 1832, and published in eight groups of six each. Many of these songs were dedicated to the women in Mendelssohn's life and reflect the sunniest qualities of his melodiousness, spontaneity and invention. Maurice Hinson has skillfully researched and edited these works back to their original form and provides a very informative introduction, which includes many detailed suggestions for a stylistic interpretation and performance, as well as biographical information on the composer's life.

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All the Way... A Decade of Song (Popular Matching Folios) [Paperback] Review

I loved the sheet music in this book! It took all of Celine's 'greatest hit's' and put them in one book! I got this bok before I got the other sheet music books of hers and I was glad I did!!

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Product Description:
All the songs from Celine Dion's greatest hits album, expertly arranged by the world-renowned leader in piano arranging, Dan Coates. This book is an industry first: Celine Dion's music has never been available before for easy piano. Titles are: The Power of Love
* If You Asked Me To
* Beauty and the Beast
* Because You Loved Me (Theme from Up Close and Personal)
* It's All Coming Back to Me Now
* Love Can Move Mountains
* To Love You More
* My Heart Will Go On (Love Theme from Titanic)
* I'm Your Angel (Duet with R. Kelly)
* That's the Way It Is
* If These Walls Could Talk
* The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face
* All the Way
* Then You Look at Me
* I Want You to Need Me
* Live.

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Yamaha YPT-300AD Full-Size 61-Key Touch-Sensitive Keyboard Review

This is the best keyboard with 61 keys.I should know because I tested practically all of them.Also, all the stores the specialize in music instruments carry Yamaha keyboards. No other.That was a pretty good sign to me when I went to the music stores here in Maryland and saw nothing but Yamaha.This keyboard has the best piano sound out of Casio, Sharper Image and Radio Shack.Radio Shack would come in second.It has more voices then the others.Don't be turned off by it not having a power adapter because that seems to be the industry standard.Casio and Radio Shack also charge more for you to buy a power adapter.Definitely buy this one ahead of Casio. If you're turned off by the price, then get a radio shack one.You won't lose much quality with the sound.

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Product Description:
An affordable 61-key portable keyboard that also doubles as a personal music teacher, the YPT-300AD has it all: 482 instrument voices, 106 accompaniment styles, General MIDI compatibility, and such bonus functions as Yamaha's Education Suite 5 and Portable Grand. The combined features are great for beginners, but also come in handy for music hobbyists who value reliability and versatility in a portable keyboard.
New players will particularly delight in the Yamaha Education Suite (Y.E.S.), which features 102 built-in songs separated into left- and right-hand parts for easier lesson planning. Y.E.S. also offers three keyboard lessons for each hand, including Listen & Learn, which breaks down the melody or rhythm of a selected song; Timing mode, which lets you play the melody or chord by pressing any key with the correct timing; and Waiting mode; which stops the playback of the song until you find the correct note. Finally, Y.E.S. monitors your practice progress, gives you feedback, and teaches you how to play chords by referencing its sizable chord dictionary.
The YPT-300AD offers a number of non-lesson features as well. Yamaha digitally sampled its world-renowned grand pianos and transferred the rich, full tones to the YPT-300AD, so you can enjoy the warmth and clarity of a grand piano sound with the push of a single button. Other General MIDI-compatible voices include trumpets, violins, drums, guitars, bass, drum kits, and even a choir. All told, players can access as man as 482 General MIDI voices, putting a virtual orchestra at your fingertips.
The auto-accompaniment feature is another favorite. Select from the 106 accompaniment styles, and the keyboard will create a backup band to follow you throughout the song. Best of all, you have complete freedom to match different styles. Want to find out how Mozart would sound as a disco star? Go for it. The voices and accompaniment styles are diverse and interesting thanks to the 32-note polyphony, which ensures that the keyboard can play back 32 different parts or sounds at once (including 16-part multi-timbre)--enough for even the most demanding piece.
Playback versatility is always a concern with entry-level portable keyboards, but the YPT-300AD excels in this area as well thanks to its touch-sensitive keys and digital signal processing (DSP) options. The touch-sensitive keys add passion to your playing by responding to the pressure from your fingers. A heavier touch creates a louder response, while a lighter touch gives a softer tone. As a result, your keyboard will respond like an acoustic piano--the more expressive the playing, the more passionate the tune. The DSP, meanwhile, helps simulate the experience of playing in a variety of locales, from a small room to a large concert hall (Carnegie Hall, anyone?). The DSP modes include nine reverb effects and four chorus effects.
And even though music is its milieu, the YPT-300AD also offers a sound effects kit, with such options as laughter, applause, and screams. Almost 50 effects are at your command, making you a de facto sound effects technician. And thanks to the five-song memory and easy-to-use two-track recorder, you can wear the engineer's hat as well.
Finally, the Yamaha YPT-300AD lets you take advantage of the Internet on a whole new level. The unit includes built-in Flash ROM capability and MIDI in/out connections for synching up with your PC. Once Internet enabled, you can pick and choose songs to download into the Flash ROM memory, then learn to play them via the Yamaha Education Suite. And there's no scrolling through menus or fussing with confusing interfaces. Simply press the PC button and you're on your way.
Additional features include a large backlit LCD display that shows the musical staff and chords as you play, genuine ported stereo speakers with separate amplifiers, a built-in metronome, a sustain pedal jack, and headphone output for private practice. The YPT-300AD measures 37.25 by 5.06 by 14.62 inches (W x H x D) and is backed by a one-year warranty on parts and 90-day warranty on labor.
What's in the Box
YPT-300AD keyboard, AC adapter, music rest, user's manual.

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David Gray - Life in Slow Motion (Piano/Vocal/Guitar Artist Songbook) [Paperback] Review

David Gray isn't like Jack Johnson with more of a band. He's more unique than that, with much more depth of sound and much more depth of content to his lyrics. He's a poet and a musician.

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Product Description:
Matching folio to Gray's 2005 release with 10 tracks: Ain't No Love * Alibi * Disappearing World * From Here You Can Almost See the Sea * Hospital Food * Lately * Nos Da Cariad * Now and Always * The One I Love * Slow Motion * and more.

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Casio LK110 Electronic Keyboard Key Lighting / Midi Review

This exact Casio LK 110 can be purchased new for $69.00 at Guitar Center, Musician's Friend---just to name a few.

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Product Description:
The LK-110 is a perfect starter-keyboard for any player at any age. The key lighting feature helps players develop timing and accuracy, highlighting areas of concern so you can direct your practice for more efficient learning. With 100 songs, an interactive lesson function and a wide variety of tones and rhythms, you will be able to play a host of different musical styles and time signatures in no time

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Piano Wizard for PC With 49E Keystation Review

Be aware, before buying this product, that the Piano Wizard software is not compatible with at least two widely available models of Yamaha keyboards. The company does not specify this on their website but admitted it in an email when my system did not work. I had to buy a different keyboard.Check with the Piano Wizard company before investing in a keyboard.

The kids are having fun with it, however, there is no real lesson plan of any kind and it doesn't teach you proper technique.There is zero structur in that you just pull up a song and try to hit the notes.

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Product Description:
A fun and educational PC video game that will have you playing your piano or keyboard in virtually minutes. Turns piano practice into a game with vibrant colors, multiple game choices and instant gratification for kids.

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Casio PX-110 Privia Digital Piano Review

As a kid I learned how to play on a real piano for 8 years.I bought this keyboard three months ago wanting to play more and have been very satisfied so far.

Pros:
1. The tri-element ZPI casio menions makes the keys pressure sensitive so that when you play softly or loud it will sound that way.
2. Metronome comes in handy
3. Easy-to-use record button lets you playback what you just played during practice
4. Comes with a practice pianobook with 59 pieces including 3-4 of the more popular Chopin, Schubert, Schumannn, Bach, Mozart, Debussy, Beethoven pieces and some lighter ones like The Entertainer.
5. Overall great sound for this price range

Cons:
1. Having previously played mostly on a grand piano, the keys here don't feel completely weighted, but it isn't difficult to adjust.
2. 10 tones (2 grand pianos, 2 electric pianos, 1 harpsichord, 1 vibraphone, 1 pipe organ, 1 percussion organ, 1 strings/violin, 1 acoustic bass) may be limited amount for some

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Product Description:
CASIO PX110CS PRIVIA 88 KEY DIGITAL PIANO ZPI TRI-ELEMENT SOUND SOURCE;32-NOTE POLYPHONY; 88 REAL WEIGHTED HAMMER ACTION KEYS; 11 TONES, 20 RHYTHMS, 60 BUILT-IN TUNES,;8 DIGITAL EFFECTS, BRILLANCE, DSP and ACOUSTIC RESONANCE SYSTEM; LAYER and SPLIT, 1 SONG 2-TRACK 10,000 NOTE MEMORY;MIDI IN/OUT, BASS REFLEC SPEAKERS, DUAL HEADPHONE CONNECTIONS FOR TEACHER/STUDENT USE

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Williams Symphony Console Digital Piano Review

I purchased the Williams Symphany Console Digital Piano for my own playing as well as for teaching. I wanted something economical that had the look and feel of a real piano. While the instrument was fine for teaching beginning to intermediate students, I found it was a horrible choice for my own playing. I had to press some of the keys very hard to get a sound out and then it was very loud, so it was impossible to achieve the delicate balance necessary for some of the classical pieces I was trying to play. I don't know what "4-level touch sensitivity" means, but it doesn't even come close to a real piano. Finally, after owning the instrument only 3-4 years, some of the keys are permanently stuck in the depressed position, so now I cannot play it at all! I am so sorry I bought this instrument. What a complete and utter waste of money!

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Product Description:
The attractively crafted Symphony Console Digital Piano from Williams has a keycover, pedalboard, back panel, music stand, and sustain, sostenuto, and soft pedals along with a genuine hammer-action 88-note keyboard. The keys have 4 levels of touch sensitivity to get the feel exactly right for your style of play and comfort. Other premium features include 32-note polyphony, 138 voices, 10 drum/percussion kits, 3-track/4-song sequencer, and split and dual modes. Transpose feature shifts the pitch of the keyboard up or down in one-semitone intervals up to a maximum of 24 semitones. You also get reverb and chorus effects, a metronome, 10 demo songs, 100 auto-accompaniment styles, 16-character LCD display, 2 x 20W stereo speakers, MIDI I/O, stereo line out, stereo line in, 2 stereo headphone outputs, microphone input, USB port, and 50 practice songs with accompaniment and melody parts plus a songbook to guide you. Dark woodgrain finish.Note: based on the lighting in the room, the woodgrain finish of this piano can range from being perceived as nearly black to an almost brown coloration.

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Everlasting Praise (Alfred's Sacred Performer) [Paperback] Review

I have not played classical music in many years, but I have really enjoyed the blend of these well known classical pieces used in conjunction with hymns.

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Product Description:
In her collection, Everlasting Praise, Cindy Berry provides us with delightful arrangements for the late intermediate to early-advanced pianist of some of her favorite hymns. The pieces are both uplifting and inspiring, conveying the true spirit of praise.

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The Well-Tempered Clavier: 48 Preludes and Fugues, Vol. 2 [Paperback] Review

I appreciate what the Kalmus press has done to give helpful footnotes for the ornamentation and the score layout is very clean and spaced well. A good "easy" read, that is relatively easy...if you know the pieces in this book you'll know what I'm talking about!

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Product Description:
A newly engraved edition of the 48 preludes and fugues, Volume II for piano was edited by the noted Bach expert Dr. Hans Bischoff. It includes a table of embellishments and a preface from Dr. Bischoff. KALMUS EDITIONS are primarily reprints of Urtext Editions, reasonably priced and readily available. They are a 'must' for students, teachers, and performers.

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Alfred's Teach Yourself to Play Piano (Teach Yourself Series) [Audiobook, CD] [Audio CD] Review

This book is great for people just learning to play piano.I have a keyboard at home that I practice on.It takes you step-by-step through each phase/step, and one lesson builds on the next.I m learning a lot with this book- highly recommended.

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Product Description:
First step: Buy this. Everything after that is pretty self-explanatory.

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Daily Technical Studies for Piano (Kalmus Edition) [Paperback] Review

This classic is one of the best piano exercise books you can buy. It covers all the major techical problems of the piano. To name a few: finger independence, chord and scale passages, hands crossing, extensions, wrist vs finger action, etc.

Please note, however, this is not an easy book. That happens very much because (but that is one of the book's great advantages) the exercises are made to be practised in all the scales, contrary to a book like "Hanon", so I would recomend it to any pianist who has a two-three years experience and has made the first part of "Hanon" exercises.

Many exercises are the most boring you can get, but belive me, it is worth the effort. Just try this book for a week and you will certantly see a difference.

This is also a great work for correcting hand problems like bent fingers or streched out ones, bad wrist position, etc.

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Product Description:
This new Kalmus Edition offers pianists a complete set of technical exercises, from simple warm-ups through more advanced studies. Also includes a compendium of scales in various forms, a modulatory section, and a glossary of musical terms.

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YAMAHA 61 KEY PORTABLE KEYBOARD W/AC ADAP *NIC* Review

I bought this keyboard to replace an older one, with 3/4 size keys. My main reason was simply that I wanted one with full-sized keys, but I got far more than just that.Its Grand Piano voice is full, rich and authentic in its sound.Most of the other voices are also remarkably realistic-sounding. It's fun to have a variety of voices, to reduce the monotony that can result from the repetition that practice requires.It came with an instructional DVD that was very helpful- take the time to watch it.

The speakers give ample sound even at lower volumes. The keyboard never sounds tinny. You can buy a more expensive keyboard and get more features (though this one has more than I need), but unless you are spending 4 times as much, it won't sound superior.You can also add headphones or a sustain pedal, if you want.

There are only 2 drawbacks for me.Firstly, the LCD screen would be easier to use if it were backlit.Secondly, on a 61-key board, the middle-C is off center. (This is true with any 61-key board. The simple solution is just to move your chair over a bit.)
Despite these minor complaints, I love it.It's great to have music in my home again.

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Product Description:
YAMAHA YPT200AD 61-KEY PORTABLE KEYBOARD WITH PORTABLE GRAND FUNCTION

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