In this remarkable memoir, Anna Goldsworthy recalls her first steps towards a life in music, from childhood piano lessons with a local jazz muso to international success as a concert pianist. As she discovers passion and ambition, and confronts doubt and disappointment, she learns about much more than tone and technique. This is a story of the getting of wisdom, tender and bittersweet. With wit and affection, Goldsworthy captures the hopes and uncertainties of youth, the fear and exhilaration of performing, and the complex bonds between teacher and student. An unforgettable cast of characters joins her: her family; her friends and rivals; and her teacher, Mrs Sivan, who inspires and challenges her in equal measure, and who transforms what seems an impossible dream into something real and sustaining.

From the very first lessons in Book 1, students are making music as they explore the piano keyboard through fun improvisation pieces called My Own Song. The beginning of the book introduces finger numbers, the black-key and white-key groups, and basic rhythm patterns. Directional reading is taught first by finger number, then by note name, and then by interval (stop, skip, and repeat). Once the students are introduced to the staff, they learn reading guides Bass F and Treble G and read by interval in several different hand positions.

(Educational Piano Library). Piano Practice Games presents imaginative ways to introduce pieces in Piano Lessons by coordinating technique, concepts, and creativity with the actual music in the Piano Lessons books. These preparation activities help focus learning by 'playing with' each lesson piece aurally, visually, and physically. Whether used in individual or group lessons, Piano Practice Games are all designed to make music. Many activities include accompaniments that can be added by the teacher or by using the CD or GM disk from the corresponding Piano Lessons book.

(Educational Piano Library). Spike, Party Cat and friends guide the student through fun and creative assignments that introduce the language of music and its symbols for sound, silence, and rhythm. Ear training and basic theory exercises help students learn to write and play the music they are learning as well as the music they create themselves. Correlates to Piano Lessons Book 1.

(Educational Piano Library). Unit 1 of Book 3 begins by introducing eighth notes in 4/4 and 2/4 time. Swing eighths are also presented in the first half of the book. Folk, jazz, classical, and contemporary selections provide students with an interesting variety of repertoire. The second half of Book 3 , teaches relative and parallel major/minor five-finger patterns, and students learn to improvise their own songs using these basic patterns.

Lots of piano books offer either in-depth analysis or quick gimmicks that don’t really teach music theory. But The Only Basic Piano Instruction Book You’ll Ever Need is different. For students who want to learn the basics and dive right into playing, this book skips all the unnecessary trivia on the history of pianos and avoids lengthy digressions on classical and contemporary musicians. Instead, it focuses specifically on piano instruction and includes: The basics of musical terms, definitions, note-reading structure, and time and key signatures The foundations for chords and more complicated note constructs Exercises and sample pieces of music that range from playing simple notes to combining harmony and melody Perfect even for those starting from scratch, The Only Basic Piano Book You’ll Ever Need makes learning to play a cinch.

A very popular middle C approach that develops in a methodical manner. Not only a treat to the ear but the illustrations are a delight to the eye!

Essential advice for buying and caring for a new or used piano. A '97-'98 supplement is available.

"Roskell's new and unique approach to piano playing is based on the use of natural, ergonomic movement, which helps both health and technique. Includes music examples, exercises, and access to more than 300 online video demonstrations.With an introduction and appendices"--Publisher's description