Alfred's Group Piano for Adults Student Book, Bk 2 Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I have taught from this book this year and also used the first edition for several years.This is a good book with lots to recommend it to the teacher and student.The multiple-key approach dovetails very well with college theory courses.The instruction in lead sheet and figured bass harmonization is also excellent.Solo repertoire pieces have been thoughtfully integrated and offer the teacher and student plenty of choices.The only drawback I have found, from a teacher's perspective, is that the presentation of scales is, in my view, unsound.Stressing two octave scales and arpeggios at this level is much too advanced.It would be better to spread the presentation of scales out more (one per week after they are first introduced) and require only one octave.Of course, a good teacher can adapt the scale presentation, but with so many other excellent features, I think that the authors could easily address this (maybe in the next edition).Also, since this is used as a college text, it is preferable to teach natural and melodic minor scales and fingerings too.But other than this slight quibble, I highly recommend this great book, which is useful for the entire first year of piano study.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Alfred's Group Piano for Adults Student Book, Bk 2

Product Description:
Alfred's Group Piano for Adults, Book 2 is designed for non-keyboard music majors with little or no keyboard experience. Upon completion of the course, students will have a strong grasp of functional skills, keyboard technique and musical styles. The text is easy to use, containing 30 units, each designed to be completed in one week.It is fully supported by CDs and MIDI disks with over 500 accompaniments.

Want to read more honest consumer review about Alfred's Group Piano for Adults Student Book, Bk 2 now ?

The Rhythm Bible Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This is a pretty fun rhythm book. Before I purchased this book, I was searching around for a book to improve on rhythmic skills. This is a good book to start off.

I need to mention that the accompanying CD don't come with the full track of every single rhythm presented in the book, but on every first rhythm pattern on every page.

I would definitely encourage music lovers, be it pianist, drummer, guitarist, etc..to purchase this book as it will definitely will improve your rhythm reading.

This book is for beginners till advance players. So, it's really a book worth keeping in your shelves !!

Click Here to see more reviews about: The Rhythm Bible

Product Description:
Whether you're a student or professional, a jazz player, rocker, or salsa enthusiast, performing today's music can be challenging.Developed by the author during a lifetime spent as an arranger and performer, this unique, well-planned book, trains musicians to understand and perform the most complex rhythms at sight. It contains well over 1,000 examples of rhythmic figures common in jazz, rock, Latin, blues, funk and other styles.The CD demonstrates rhythms from throughout the book performed in a variety of feels.

Get 15% OFF

Want to read more honest consumer review about The Rhythm Bible now ?

371 Harmonized Chorales and 69 Chorale Melodies with Figured Bass Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This is a nice edition to have. Playing two Bach chorales every morning is kind of like doing some jumping jacks and eating a spoonful of codliver oil...which is to say, good for you. After playing the first 120 you can expect some chorale fatigue to set in, but all the while you'll be absorbing good voice-leading and voice-doubling technique as though by osmosis. What's more, Bach will still surprise you- there are chords so jarring and dissonant that their sudden, logical resolution is like watching a rabbit being pulled out of a hat.
On the downside, the notes are small (this edition really packs 'em in) and it can be easy to get lost on the page. No texts are provided, either, aside from the opening words, so you have to accept on faith that some of the more contorted harmonizations are justified by the text. It's still nice to have, though, and looks nice and musicological sitting on the piano.

Click Here to see more reviews about: 371 Harmonized Chorales and 69 Chorale Melodies with Figured Bass

Product Description:
The great Baroque master composer Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) wrote music for every combination of instruments and voices. His simplest and purest work are four-part chorale compositions and settings, so perfectly constructed that they evoke meditative spirituality. "Figured bass" was a Baroque system of notating harmony. In addition 371 chorales, this collection includes 69 melodies with figured bass. This classic Schirmer edition, edited by Albert Riemenschneider, has sold over 1,000,000 copies since its release in the early 20th century. Primarily for keyboard, the chorales can also be played by other instruments.

Get 29% OFF

Want to read more honest consumer review about 371 Harmonized Chorales and 69 Chorale Melodies with Figured Bass now ?

Playin' the Blues: Guitar TAB (Book & CD) (Alfred's Artist Series) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)this book is very good it goes hand in hand with the video good for all levels.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Playin' the Blues: Guitar TAB (Book and CD) (Alfred's Artist Series)

Product Description:
Robben lays out all the basics -- the scales, chords, licks and phrases that are the foundation of modern blues guitar style. He discusses his fingering technique, vibrato and string bending, and also shows his favorite chord forms and comping patterns. Includes a ""lick"" section and several complete solos. In notation and tab.

Want to read more honest consumer review about Playin' the Blues: Guitar TAB (Book and CD) (Alfred's Artist Series) now ?

Basic Rhythmic Training (Instructional) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)If you want to learn to read rhythm notation this is a very good book to start with, you don't have to know anything about notation to use this book it teaches that from scratch.
The book starts with the Pulse and how tonotate it, goes on to, up and downbeat and then introduces time signaturesand then on to examples of 2, 3, 4, and 5 beats to the bar. The concepts ofsyncopations and changing meters are introduced and the how to divide thepulse in to two, three and four equal parts, or eight notes, triplets andsixteenth notes. He deals with the time signatures of 2/4, 3/4, 4/4, 5/4and 6/8, 9/8, and 12/8.
It's a good book to learn both the basics ofrhythm and the basics of rhythm notation.
When you are through with thisbook you can the continue with his other book Rhythmic Training, and checkalso out the book by Gary Hess.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Basic Rhythmic Training (Instructional)

Product Description:
Comprehensive understanding of basic rhythm and its components: the beat, pulse, time signatures, notes, rests, syncopation. For general music classes and private instruction. Assures better, quicker sight-reading, ear-training, rhythmic proficiency, and introduction to music dictation.

Want to read more honest consumer review about Basic Rhythmic Training (Instructional) now ?

Guitar Chord Encyclopedia (Ultimate Guitarist's Reference) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I have bought so many chord books out there and this is the only one that i have ever needed and that`s a fact. I do alot of chord melody so i`m allways looking for that chord that has the right note in the top of thechord. No looking anymore..With Guitar Chord Encyclopedia you have everychord you`ll ever need. I`m talking about 36 chords in EVERY KEY! And Chordprogressions and every thing about Chord Theory,intervals,chordstructure,bulding chords,cicle of fifths and even explains Tablature. Ifthere`s one thing i got to say about this book is ...Thanks Steve Hall forevery chord i`ll need!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Guitar Chord Encyclopedia (Ultimate Guitarist's Reference)

Product Description:
Chords are listed alphabetically and chromatically for easy reference with 36 different chords listed for each key. With chapters on chord theory, intervals, chord construction and use of chords and rhythms in various styles of music, your chord vocabulary will be forever expanding. Over 310 pages!

Get 32% OFF

Want to read more honest consumer review about Guitar Chord Encyclopedia (Ultimate Guitarist's Reference) now ?

Scales and Modes for Guitar (Handy Guide) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I have used this book, primarily when I am in a hurry to find a scale to blow over some changes, and have found that the suggestions are accurate, usable, and some are interesting.I think that this book is verycomprehensive and will take your playing to the next level if you spendsome time with it.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Scales and Modes for Guitar (Handy Guide)

Product Description:
This Handy Guide is a fast and fun way to learn how to use scales and modes from day one and will provide a strong foundation from which to build upon. This Handy Guide contains: 14 essential scales and modes Guitar TAB, neck position and standard music notation.

Want to read more honest consumer review about Scales and Modes for Guitar (Handy Guide) now ?

Pentatonic Scales for Jazz Improvisation (The Ramon Ricker Jazz Improvisation) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This book is a great buy for rock and jazz musicians trying to expand their palates.It presents concepts, theory, applications and graded exercises in an understandable way.The book does not stop at the basics; it explores pentatonics in interesting ways that add sophistication to your sound.It goes through several chords and lists pentatonic scales that can be used on top of them, ordering them from the most ordinary to the most "outside the changes".Then, it gives a chart of the most useful pentatonics to use over just about every chord you'll encounter when playing rock, jazz or blues.If you want to improve your solos, buy this and season to taste.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Pentatonic Scales for Jazz Improvisation (The Ramon Ricker Jazz Improvisation)

Product Description:
More than a pattern book, this 80-page spiral-bound book lays out the theory behind the use of pentatonic scales in jazz, and follows with 12 pages of transcribed solos and 40 pages of exercises. Still a favorite after 14 years, this book has become a standard in the field.

Get 10% OFF

Want to read more honest consumer review about Pentatonic Scales for Jazz Improvisation (The Ramon Ricker Jazz Improvisation) now ?

Arranging for Large Jazz Ensemble (Berklee Methods) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Arranging Jazz for Large Ensemble gives the readers the necessary skills to write for big bands. Although it is an advance subject in the Arranging area, the book starts with writing for unison and octaves. There are also great chapters about background writing with riff and guide tone lines. The Shout Chorus chapter provides beginners writers to fully understand the arrangement "big picture". All levels of arrangers can benefit from these chapters and their musical examples. They will help you memorize sound texture and effects as well as the writing techniques. As you go over the other chapters, you can easily assimilate their content and apply them successfully. It's unique and well written book, one of the best of its kind.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Arranging for Large Jazz Ensemble (Berklee Methods)

Product Description:
Create arrangements with texture and style with this complete guide to arranging for large horn sections! Now, for the first time, learn the same jazz ensemble arranging techniques taught by renowned Berklee College of Music faculty, and studied by the best and brightest arrangers working today. While the book focuses on classic big band and jazz styles, the core information about horn harmony and arranging can be used for any style, from hip-hop to ska. Arranging for Large Jazz Ensemble includes all the information you need when creating horn charts, fueling and inspiring you with the charts of esteemed Berklee professors Jeff Friedman, Ted Pease, Scott Free, Greg Hopkins and Bill Scism. The play-along CD includes more than 60 demo tracks and arrangements written in the style of masters such as Count Basie, Duke Ellington and Gil Evans, and performed by Berklee faculty. Covers: writing and voicing techniques; soli, background and shout choruses; special effects; creating your own style; and more.

Get 34% OFF

Want to read more honest consumer review about Arranging for Large Jazz Ensemble (Berklee Methods) now ?

Harmonization-Transposition at the Keyboard Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I waited quite a while for Amazon to procure this book for me, and it was with high hopes and expectations that I examined it, yesterday, when it finally arrived.The cover looked promising, as did the upbeat introduction.I began leafing through the book, and for the first 23 pages I was pleased.Then, alas, came abottomless pit of worthless, un-explained, un-documented examples beginning on page 24 and continuing up to and including the last page of the book.From page 24 to the end of the book is utterly, totally useless. It consists of melodies, all lifted from the public domain and nearly all attibuted to composers such as Mozart.There are very few chord symbols notated on these melodies, and all of them are treble cleff only.Page 23 says to apply the lessons taught in the first sections of the book, to the practice material that ensues.This book is so useless, and unuseable, that it is actually hard to get mad at the authors.I can only assume that they are so totatlly, utterly out of touch with the real world that they truly don't understand that a huge amount of borrowed melodieswith no explanation or examples of the correct way to harmonize them, is simply unacceptable to the vast majority of readers. There is nothing whatever in this book on the subject of transposition.I cannot imagine why the word "transposition" was part of the title.I say this somewhat authoritatively, as I have personally spent that last 6 months teaching himself how to transpose at the piano in all 12 keys.There are so many excellent books on keyboard harmony and voicing available through Amazon, that is is expecially ironic that this worthless book has a mis-leading title that will probably fool a lot of people into buying it the way I was.I cannot think of anything positive to say about this book. It should never have been published.The authors have not written enough of a book to even consider them real authors.It doesn't get any worse than this book.Any book, even a telephone book, is better than this book.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Harmonization-Transposition at the Keyboard

Product Description:
While this book was designed for college classes in functional piano, it can easily be used by any high school student who is able to sight-read simple melodies. Part 1 presents clear explanations of the functions of primary and secondary triads, dominant sevenths and secondary dominants, and modulation. Suggestions for developing facility in harmonizing in various free styles rather than the more formal chorale style are also included. Part 2 contains 797 melodies carefully selected and classified to include a variety of keys, chords, rhythms, and accompaniment styles.

Get 10% OFF

Want to read more honest consumer review about Harmonization-Transposition at the Keyboard now ?

Jazz Theory and Practice Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This is a great book, a comprehensive survey of many aspects of what I (not really being a jazz musician) would rather call "contemporary commercial music theory." This area of study is typically lacking in classical musicians' training, and any classical musician who would like to expand his or her musical horizons, in order to compete better in the "real world" of music and be able to work fluently from lead sheets, would do very well to buy this book and study it from cover to cover.

I have to agree with fellow reviewer Stephen Apple that this is one of the most useful - and well-loved - books in my library. "Jazz Theory and Practice" was written as a college-level text, and assumes familiarity with music reading and some elementary music theory concepts. Nevertheless it begins with (for review purposes, assuming that some students may need brushups) the common material on intervals, scales, basic chord construction, etc. which are the nuts and bolts of "Music Theory 101". Then it goes on to cover the entire gamut of 20th century commercial music harmony, with great sections on melody construction, rules of chord substitution, the two great short forms of 20th c. song: 12 bar blues and 32 bar song form, modal jazz practices, etc. Pretty much all of the practical musical tricks and devices that a working musician should be aware of are covered.

For the reader, the important prerequisite is to be able to read the "grand staff", or piano notation with both treble and bass clef, as the examples are often in this form (most are in simple treble clef.)

This is not a book about improvisation per se, but it contains the necessary practical tools that a musician needs to develop an intelligent (rather than "intuitive") improvisation practice.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Jazz Theory and Practice

Product Description:
Jazz Theory and Practice is the most modern introduction to jazz theory ever published. Rich with examples from the repertoire, it gives performers, arrangers and composers an in-depth and practical knowledge of the theoretical foundations of jazz. A CD-ROM is also available, providing supplemental exercises for ear-training and sight-reading practice, as well as tutorials that correspond to topics and examples in the text.

Get 34% OFF

Want to read more honest consumer review about Jazz Theory and Practice now ?

On the Sensations of Tone Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Helmholtz's Sensations of Tone became an almost instant classic in the study of hearing when it was published in 1863.It combined the physics, physiology and psychological aspects of hearing in an attempt to explainthe origins of musical harmony and dissonance.Though not easy reading, itis accessible to the non-specialist.However it also provides an importanthistorical resource for the specialist and helps one to understand theorigins of so much of contemporary hearing research.Indeed, in many waysHelmholtz reads more like a contemporary than a long-past founding father. The appendices provided by the translator are helpful as well.Finally,the inexpensive paperback edition from Dover makes this book an excellentbargain.

Click Here to see more reviews about: On the Sensations of Tone

Product Description:
This masterly treatment of classical acoustics embodies the great physicist's lifetime of research, and presents his vast knowledge of the field in a clear, easy-to-follow account. Among the topics explored: physical phenomena, the physiology of hearing, the relation of musical phenomena to physics, and historical aspects of musical sound.

Get 32% OFF

Want to read more honest consumer review about On the Sensations of Tone now ?

Arpeggios for Guitar (The Progressive Guitarist Series) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This book's title undersells it: it shows not only arpeggios but the corresponding scales and chord forms as well.It does not actually name each chord, but gives chord-scale-arpeggios in fretboard diagrams for each chord type, for example, major, minor, 6ths, 7ths -- on through the various altered forms.As the editorial review says, five positions for each are given.All of this is on one page for each chord type. So for example, you can find five scales, five chord forms, and five arpeggios for Dm7 (assuming you already know where to find "D") all laid out logically in fretboard diagrams that correspond to one another by position-- all on one page!
You'll need enough guitar knowledge to figure out the root of the chord or scale you're actually playing.Also, this does not show you chord progressions.Those could be viewed as shortcomings, but if you just accept you'll have to learn those topics elsewhere, this book becomes extremely useful.In order to actually name each chord the book would be extremely lengthy and repetitive (I have another arpeggio book like that).As it is, it packs a wealth of information into a readily accessible format.One page gives you all the musical possibilities for each chord.This is a great tool for improvising, creating new licks, and composing on the guitar.Its should prove useful for the fairly new guitarist to the more advanced, as it covers simple major and minor chords through advanced jazz chords(-scales-arpeggios).This is a true "fretboard roadmap" all in one book that I expect will give me more material to work on than I can probably master in one lifetime!Its a very simple, logical approach to the guitar that I wish I had found a long time ago.
I use this both as an exercise book -- playing each scale/arp/chord up and down the neck -- and as a reference for particular situations: coming up with ideas for soloing over, say, a maj 7 chord - or creating musical ideas for a composition.I play both pick and fingerstyle and the book is opening my eyes to all sorts of new creativity and technical growth in both styles.
Other books of this genre force you to turn pages -- or go to another book altogether -- to get from scales to chords to arpeggios. Having it all "at a glance" on one page is invaluable.I've had this book for a year or so, and am only now beginning to realize what a gold mine it is!Obviously not the only book you'll ever need, but if I were marooned on the proverbial desert island (with my guitar of course!) this is the book I'd want.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Arpeggios for Guitar (The Progressive Guitarist Series)

Product Description:
Shows each arpeggio in five positions in a simple diagram format. For every arpeggio the corresponding chord form and scale pattern are also shown. Covers all forms of the major, minor, and dominant 7th type chords.

Get 15% OFF

Want to read more honest consumer review about Arpeggios for Guitar (The Progressive Guitarist Series) now ?

The Guitar Chord Wheel Book: Over 22,000 Chords! Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)If you are looking for ONE chord book and don't ever want to buy on again, then this is your book.The Guitar Chord Wheel Book is a most comprehensive chord book. Remember that chord you needed the otherday? This book has it... several different choices of it!It also solvesthose difficult key changes with its 'chord wheel'.Beside each and everychord there is a 'chord wheel' that tells you the fret for the key youdesire.This is especially handy for those who aren't studied in musictheory.Also, it is in large print, is easy to understand, and easy toread!Enjoy it-- you will!

Click Here to see more reviews about: The Guitar Chord Wheel Book: Over 22,000 Chords

Product Description:
Over 22,000 chords!Easy to use with the new and revolutionary Guitar Chord Wheel!With the use of the wheel, you will be able to learn 12 times as many chords - fast.All music styles are covered, including rock, blues, jazz, metal and country.

Get 34% OFF

Want to read more honest consumer review about The Guitar Chord Wheel Book: Over 22,000 Chords now ?

Fundamentals of Musical Acoustics: Second, Revised Edition Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I studied with Dr. Benade, taking his course in musical acoustics, at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, some years ago.Dr. Benade was a brilliant and dedicated scientist in the area of musical acoustics, but he was highly opinionated and sometimes inflexible.He refused to accept, for example, that flutes could produce "whisper tones", a standard 20th Century player's/composer's technique which I have used many times in my compositions (and can perform myself on the flute).
Nonetheless, this book is a very important book to read and own if you are interested in the fundamentals of the acoustics of musical instruments (not performing spaces as other reviewers have pointed out).This book was the text which Benade used to teach his courses.Add this to your collection of musical acoustics books...and be sure to include "Horns Strings and Harmony", Benade's earlier book, as well as the book by John Pierce and of course the book by Helmholtz.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Fundamentals of Musical Acoustics: Second, Revised Edition

Product Description:
Landmark book by leading expert, hailed for its astonishingly clear, delightfully readable explication of everything acoustical important to music-making. "Comprehensive...rigorous...well-organized ...will surely be the text of choice."-American Scientist. "Recommended for music lovers and audiophiles"-Stereo Review. Over 300 illustrations. Examples, experiments and questions conclude each chapter.

Get 32% OFF

Want to read more honest consumer review about Fundamentals of Musical Acoustics: Second, Revised Edition now ?

Piano Chord Dictionary (Handy Guide) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This is a handy little book, the only problem is it gives you, I guess, 'their' version of the best hand positions to play certain chords, but it clashes with some of my other chord charts. 'The chord encyclopedia' would probably be a better choice because it gives you several position to play when possible.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Piano Chord Dictionary (Handy Guide)

Product Description:
This Handy Guide shows the notation, fingering and keyboard diagrams for all the important chords used in modern popular music. Only the most practical position of each chord is shown. Two bass notes are given for each chord. Major, minor, diminished, augmented, sixth chords, seventh chords, ninth chords, eleventh chords and thirteenth chords are clearly shown. Includes a chord chart and major scale chart.

Want to read more honest consumer review about Piano Chord Dictionary (Handy Guide) now ?

A Composer's World: Horizons and Limitations (Schott) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The literary style is a bit dry but the rhetoric and ideas are a solid read. Hindemith opens with a philosophical discussion of the nature of hearing and performing music and lays down the poles of Western thought between Boethius and Augustine, that music is considered to have moral force to shape the mind or that the mind imposes order on sound to create the mental impression of music. He tries to avoid being dogmatic about either and proceeds to an explanation of musical memory and emotional association.
Where he gets a bit cranky is explaining the American musical education establishment and the bad habits of performers. He's also very unforgiving to popular music and music made in totalitarian states (e.g. Shostakovich and music written for fascist regimes). But his comments about the shortcomings of American musical education are salient today and his critique of mass-marketing of music is also still relevant.

Click Here to see more reviews about: A Composer's World: Horizons and Limitations (Schott)

Product Description:
The book aims to be a guide through the little universe which is the workingplace of the man who writes music. As such it talks predominantly to the layman,although the expert composer may also find some stimulation in it... From the center of basic theory the discussion will spread out into all the realms ofexperience which border the technical aspects of composing, such as aesthetics, sociology, philosophy, and so on.

Want to read more honest consumer review about A Composer's World: Horizons and Limitations (Schott) now ?