Classical Folk: 15 International Folksongs Phillip Keveren Series [Paperback] Review

Phillip Keveren is well-known in the piano world for his arranging.He doesn't disappoint in this book.15 piano solos include 'The Galway Piper,' 'Jacob's Ladder,' and 'When Johnny Comes Marching Home.'

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15 folk songs from around the world: (Oh, My Darling) Clementine * Frere Jacques (Are You Sleeping?) * Greensleeves * Hatikvah (with Hope) * Jacob's Ladder * La Vera Sorrentina (The Fair Maiden of Sorrento) * Swing Low, Sweet Chariot * and more.

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The Complete Preludes and Etudes for Pianoforte Solo [Paperback] Review

Scriabin was a contemporary of Rachmaninoff, in fact, he studied under the same teacher. Like Rachmaninoff, he was a bridge composer between the late Romantic and the 20th Century period. He was far more modern, in fact, than Rachmaninoff, though his early works were profoundly influenced by Chopin (Rachmaninoff less so--he was influenced by Chopin but also Tchaikovsky.)
Despite the fact both composers shared Russian heritage and a love of the piano, Rachmaninoff did not admire Scriabin's works, saying he had gone off in a wrong direction. While I love Rachmaninoff's piano works intensely, I have to say that he was really wrong about Scriabin. This is some of the most gorgeous, introspective, Impressionist piano music ever written.
Scriabin had a tragically short life, yet he composed quite a number of etudes, preludes, sonatas and other short piano works. Dover has done a huge favor by putting all the preludes and etudes into a single volume. There is enough material here for years of exploration into the music of a piano master. The edition is a compact volume that manages to sit well on the piano music stand, and the music print is clear and easy to read.

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Russian composer and pianist Scriabin is best known for his perfectly spun miniatures. This volume collects his finest pieces, the complete etudes and preludes for the solo piano. Chopinesque works include the 12 etudes from Op. 8 and the 24 Preludes, Op. 11; Preludes, Opp. 33 and 48; and the Etudes, Op. 42.

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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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Music for Little Mozarts: Lesson Assignment Book [Paperback] Review

This "Lesson Assignment Book" is a great way to stay organized with your child's piano lessons. It can be used with Levels 1 -4 of the "Music for Little Mozarts" series.

There are 32 lesson "Assignment" pages that span two pages each (eight months of weekly lessons!). It tracks the lesson number, day, date and time (this is a great feature for parents who need to keep track of when to pay the teacher next!), and when the next lesson is. There is a homework section that uses the Lesson Book, Music Workbook, Discovery Book and Other (great for Recital Book). There is a "New" and "Review" column for each lesson book used. Next is a days of the week tracker for recording practice time in minutes. For teachers, there is space for evaulating that day's lesson and comments. Parents are also given comment space. At the end, there is work space for the child with a printed keyboard and music notation lines.

The end of book has space for "My Favorite Pieces" and "Music I Have Performed."

This is an inexpensive way to stay organized while your child learns piano. We have enjoyed it thoroughly!

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Product Description:
The Music for Little Mozarts Lesson Assignment Book is designed to allow the teacher to write the student's assignment, using a minimum of lesson time.Using a two-page format, the book can accommodate assignments for 32 lessons.Additional spaces are provided to record practice time, evaluate each lesson, facilitate written instructions both from the parents to the teacher and from the teacher to the parents as well as work spaces for students that include a keyboard and staff.Special evaluation forms are also included.

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Masterpieces with Flair!, Book 1 (Alfred Masterwork Editions) [Paperback] Review

A good compilation of pieces in different styles, great to use approximately after one year of learning.

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Energetic and lively pieces to appeal to students who like fast and sparkling music. The selections are from such masters as Bach, Beethoven, Haydn and Bartok.All pieces are in their original form.Early intermediate to intermediate.

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Prince - 3121 (Pvg) [Paperback] Review

I didnt shop carefully. I thought this was a Prince coffee table photo book like the last few I bought. Bought this, and 3121 for the wife for Christmas. Unfortunately She doesnt play an instrument, and I play guitar. Thankfully this wasnt the only gift I gave her because when we saw it was ONLY sheet music, I looked like Fred Flintstone giving Wilma a BOWLING BALL for a gift when she doesnt bowl and he does... all the time.

The publisher really SHOULD post up some pics of the inside contents so the buyer can understand what they are paying for.

A disappointment.

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Product Description:
All 12 songs from his critically-acclaimed 2006 album, including: 3121 * Lolita * Te Amo Corazon * Black Sweat * Incense and Candles * Love * Satisfied * Fury * The Word * Beautiful, Loved and Blessed * The Dance * Get on the Boat. Includes eight pages of color photos.

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Jerome Kern (Brimhall Composer Series) [Paperback] Review

My wife is in love with Jerome Kern.She says she can't believe she never tried these songs before since many are standards.She loves his style and his music.A very playable collection.

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John Brimhall has arranged 18 great songs written by one of America's leading composers, Jerome Kern. Kern's successes were mainly in writing music for the stage. Ol' Man River
* Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man
* Why Was I Born
* Smoke Gets in Your Eyes
* Dearly Beloved are a few of his many Broadway hits. His popular compositions include: I've Told Ev'ry Little Star
* Long Ago (And Far Away)
* They Didn't Believe Me
* Pick Yourself Up
* All the Things You Are.

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