Keyboard improvisation is often considered the domain of the musical genius, a perception created no doubt by masters from Bach and Mozart to Liszt. The capacity to express one's musical thoughts spontaneously and coherently, however, presumes neither a virtuosic command of the instrument nor a sublime command of compositional theory. Assuming only an elementary background in harmony, each of Overduin's 32 lessons focuses on a specific harmonic, melodic, or structural topic designed to provoke experimentation and to develop improvisatory skills, starting with simple melodies and improvising on one or two chords. Subsequent exercises expand the harmonic vocabulary and incorporate a range of techniques including variation, ostinato, sequence, ornamentation, and figuration. Written in an engaging style and featuring numerous accessible musical exercises,Making Musicis the ideal introduction to this essential skill.

Gerre Hancock has long been renowned for his extraordinary improvisations, and has for many years taught the art of improvisation at classes and workshops across the United States. Now he has codified and organized his teaching into a book which carries the organist from the scale through thefugue, covering on the way interludes, hymns, hymn preludes, sonata form, canon, and more. Written in an informal style and illustrated with musical examples and exercises, this book opens wide the door to musical and technical skill.

A most impressive 220-page edition of the first volume of "The Well-Tempered Clavier," these 24 preludes and 24 fugues were painstakingly researched over a period of 10 years, using the most important original manuscript sources. Baroque scholar Willard A. Palmer's thorough introduction discusses fugal construction, articulation and other aspects of performance interpretation. Volume I of "The Well-Tempered Clavier" has been updated with a new "look" to match Volume II. This essential masterpiece is a "must-have" for all pianists.

Derek Bailey's IMPROVISATION, originally published in 1980, now revised with additional interviews and photographs, deals with the nature of improvisation in all its forms--Indian music, flamenco, baroque, organ music, rock, jazz, contemporary, and "free" music. Bailey offers a clear view of the breathtaking spectrum of possibilities inherent in improvisational practice.

National Keyboard Workshop book, approved curriculum.

The Saint Cecilia Organ Library sets the standard in recital-quality church organ music. The series consists of hymn tunes, transcriptions of classical masterworks, and new original works for the organ.

As seen on public television stations nationwide, a revolutionary new approach to playing non-classical music on the piano. Have you ever wished you could play the piano Well, now you can! Scott "The Piano Guy" Houston teaches you to play the way the pros play, in a style enormously simpler than traditional classical piano and with an absolute minimum of note-reading. By focusing on playing the melody with the right hand (one note at a time) and simple chords with the left hand, Houston gives you the tools you need for a lifetime of musical enjoyment. Best of all, your tour guide to this adventure forces you to have fun along the way!