Alfred's Basic Piano Library Theory Book: Level 2 [Paperback] Review

I've played piano for over 20 years, and have been teaching out of this series for the past year. I was a former Bastien advocate, but I'm a quick convert! This series is excellent and is a must have for your library and for any beginning student. The variety of books and even pace at which students advance is perfect. I am very happy with the selection of levels too. The Prep Course levels are perfect for younger or slower students who need lots of time and adjustment, while the Basic Library series with 6 levels (including 1a & 1b) is fabulously presented. You cannot go wrong with this series!

If you are an adult, I reccommend the Alfred's Adult series, but this works out well for adults who need a slower pace and lots of patience.

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Product Description:
Designed to coordinate page-by-page with the Lesson Books.Contains enjoyable games and quizzes that reinforce the principles presented in the Lesson Books. Students can increase their musical understanding while they are away from the keyboard.

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Schumann: Album for the Young: Opus 68 for the Piano [Paperback] Review

This is a beautiful score and the content is interesting.The font is clear, big and easy to read.Yet, although historically interesting the gray fingering is impossible to read.Perhaps the alternate fingering could be a different color.I had to return the score for this reason.

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Product Description:
Numerous selections from Schumann's Album for the Young have long been favorites of intermediate students, and few collections fail to include the "Soldier's March," the "Happy Farmer" or the "Wild Horseman." This historically informed edition of the entire collection clearly differentiates the markings of the first edition from Clara Schumann's later-edited version. Discussions of ornamentation and the collection's origin are also included.

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Solo Jazz Piano: The Linear Approach (Berklee Guide) [Paperback] Review

I'm a serious amateur jazz pianist who has long noticed that most other jazz piano books--including Mark's Levine's excellent "Jazz Piano Book"--assume you're always playing in a trio or larger ensemble.Consequently, they say very little about the unique problems of solo playing, bass lines, etc.This very well written and organized book contains the best instructional foundation for playing solo jazz piano I've seen anywhere.I had been looking for a book like this for about a decade without success because it was published relatively recently.

After several years of study from Levine's book and others in conjunction with occasional lessons from a couple of good teachers, I decided to study almost exclusively from this book on my own for awhile about a year ago.My solo playing has definitely improved a lot, and studying bass lines in depth seems to have improved my musical ear somehow, making it easier to improvise strong lines in the right hand.

Each chapter of "Solo Jazz Piano" begins with a clear, succinct presentation of the theory that will be drilled throughout the remainder of that chapter.This is generally followed by an etude written out in full (both clefs) that allows the student to feel what it's like to apply the theory immediately.I've learned a lot by analyzing the author's etudes.The etude is then followed by a leadsheet (usually with chord changes the same as or similar to those of the etude).The student is then directed to create an arrangement using the newly learned theory (and techniques learned in prior chapters) to create an original arrangement of the leadsheet.This system is very effective and helps the concepts "stick" in the student's mind, in my opinion.The first part of the book also includes an excellent review of basic chord theory.Once the study of bass lines begins, the author does not abandon the study and use of chords.On the contrary, he reminds the student to play 'comping arrangements in which the left hand plays a bass line and the right hand plays well-voice-led 'comping chords in addition to the usual excercises in which the student plays the melody (with or without added voices in the right hand) and a left-hand bass line.This ensures a well-rounded approach.My only criticism of this book is that it should have been spiral bound like Mark Levine's "Jazz Theory Book" for easier use at the piano.

I cannot recommend this book highly enough to anyone desiring to learn how to play SOLO jazz piano.For those just beginning to learn jazz improvisation, I also recommend "The Joy of Improv" (two volumes) by Dave Frank and "How to Improvise" by Hal Crook.Both Dave and Hal have also been faculty at Berklee College of Music.

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Product Description:
A step-by-step approach to solo jazz improvisation for piano. Learn to improvise using the techniques pioneered by piano greats Lenny Tristano and Dave McKenna. This methodical approach to learning the art of solo jazz piano improvisation will free your creative sense of music. It begins with a review of chord symbol interpretation, walks through bass line development, and ends with how to play several melodic lines simultaneously in stimulating musical conversation. You'll learn how to develop solos that embellish and support the melody, and use lead sheets to help you generate your own musical ideas. Twenty-one lessons present techniques, practice exercises, and tunes based on jazz standards. Notated transcriptions of sample improvisations illustrate each lesson's technique, and the accompanying CD lets you hear a master improviser put these ideas to work.

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Joy Of Piano Duets [Paperback] Review

These pieces are mostly quite easy to play, and so are suited to beginners, beginners at dueting, or people who just want some fun things to play with a friend that won't need too much work to get going.
The pieces are quite short, only a couple are longer than a page, and cover a big range of styles - themes from classics, folk songs and jazz. Also, Agay has made the bars line up for the Primo and Secondo parts (doesn't seem like much until you play a duet without that and have to write the bar numbers on each part).
Tunes include: Oh Come All Ye Faithful, The Harmonious Blacksmith, All The Pretty Little Horses, The Trout, Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, Fasination, and themes from classics and operas.

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Product Description:
These familiar melodies for one piano, four hands are in arrangements equally easy for both players, with the melody alternating between the two. The collection includes Careless Love, Jamaica Farewell, and many more favorites.

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John W. Schaum Piano Course: A-The Red Book : Leading to Mastery of the Instrument [Paperback] Review

I used the older version of this book when I was a child and it was excellent.Easy to read and understand.Perfect for learning to play the piano if you want to go at your own pace.I had a private instructor as well but the book was the key to my lessons. I have almost the entire collection but they are a bit out-dated so I plan to buy the new ones soon for my own review, and also so I can teach my kids to play when they are old enough. I loved the John W. Schaum series.Note: These books aren't really theory based so if you intend to teach yourself, you'll also need a book to really teach you the basics (Tip: I used the AB Guide to music theory by Eric Taylor, it's alittle difficult to find now though), once you master the theory, you'll be on your way to playing tons of songs. Fun fun fun!!!

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Product Description:
A time-honored tradition just got better! The JOHN W. SCHAUM PIANO COURSE has been newly revised with 100 percent new engravings and typesetting, color highlighting for concept emphasis, updated song titles and lyrics, and full-color illustrations. Other products available from the best-selling John W. Schaum collection: * John W. Schaum Piano Course (level Pre-A or Green through H or Grey) * Schaum Pop Favorites (level Pre-A or Green through C Purple) * After the H Book (Volume I & II) * Adult Piano Course (Book I-III) * Pop Piano Course (Book I-IV) * Popular Piano Pieces (level Pre-A or Green through D or Orange) * Schaum Christmas (level Green through Orange) * John W. Schaum Solo Piano Albums (For the Young Student) * additional supplementary books

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Alfred's Basic Piano Library Lesson Book: Level 2 [Paperback] Review

The Alfred Basic Piano Library is a wonderful series of books for beginning students.I have taught piano for 11 years, and this series has been very successful with many students!Some favorites of students in Level 2: Alouette, Kumbayah, Ode to Joy, Oh Susannah.

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Product Description:
This easy step-by-step method emphasizes correct playing habits and note reading through interval recognition. Lesson Book 2 continues where Level 1B finishes. This book introduces dotted half notes and dotted quarter notes, plus intervals of 6ths, 7ths and octaves. Teaches greater movement of the hands, including crossing two over one and scalework. Students will also learn more about triads, primary chords, and blocked and broken chords. Songs Include: 18th Century Dance * Alouette * Blue Scales * Calypso Carnival * The Can-Can * Cockles and Mussels * The Galway Piper * Get Away! * Got Lotsa Rhythm * Kum-ba-yah! * Lavender's Blue * London Bridge * Lone Star Waltz * Malaguena * Nick Nack Paddy Wack * Ode to Joy * Oh! Susanna! * On the Bridge at Avignon * Our Special Waltz * Prelude * Red River Valley * Sarasponda * Square Dance * When You Grow Up * Why Am I Blue?

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Casio Portable Keyboard Bench (Pbench) Review

A sturdy bench and easy to assemble but the picture shown isnt the same. The cushion is not as thick. But overall its good...

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Product Description:
Casio 250 pound Capacity Folding X-Type Bench for Keyboard Players - Casio P-BENCH

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Piano Technique [Paperback] Review

There are only a few books that can be hailed as "a must for a piano pedagogue."
Heinrich Neuhaus, "On the art of piano playing"
Gieseking, "Piano Technique..."
Josef Lhevinne, "Piano..." (sorry, I don't remember the title, but it is the only one he wrote)
All three differ in style, but they have one in common: the authours were the three greatest pianists of the last century.Neuhaus, on top of that, was a terrific literary talent, and his book is the place where great subject meets great writing.Has it been translated?This book has been the Holy Writ of all Russian pianists.
Lhevinne's book is the shortest and the most comprehensive.It is uncanny that everthing a pianist must know about the mechanics of piano playing is given in a concentrated form in this book.Its English is not idiomatic; yet, it goes well with the whole "Russian school" thing.
The Leimer-Gieseking book is an attempt at presenting a philosophy behind their science.It is written in a heavy German style, which means you can read every other page and still get the point.The whole book can be formulated in a few short sentences, but a German-born and bred writer would never commit such a sacrilegious act ("leave it to the Russian barbarians...").Namely, "practice with your head, not fingers; develop your inner hearing; study your scores mentally, not at the piano; cultivate your imagination of the sound-picture; visualize the physical act of playing, complementing the mental picture with a full-blooded image of the sound."
Still, READ THE BOOK, there is no excuse for being under-educated.

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Product Description:
Two books bound together, by one of greatest pianists of all time and his famed teacher: The Shortest Way to Pianistic Perfection, and Rhythmics, Dynamics, Pedal and Other Problems of Piano Playing.


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ABC Keyboard Stickers Review

I bought these for my daughter's keyboard to make learning the keys and chords easier. They simply would not come off from the cardboard backing no matter how hard I tried. The cardboard separates from itself with the stickers firmly adhered to it, so there is no backside of the sticker to stick to the keyboard. And they are not worth the shipping cost to return them. I'm going to my nearest office supply to buy some regular round stickers and label the keys myself.

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Product Description:
Turns any keyboard into an EASY To PLAY instrument instantly! Inexpensive and self-adhesive, they attach to any size keyboard in seconds. The LINK to a system which has taught millions to play music.

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Adult All-in-one Course: Alfred's Basic Adult Piano Course, Book 2 [Large Print] [Plastic Comb] Review

My efforts to reteach myself to play the piano had kind of stalled but ALFRED'S BASIC ADULT PIANO COURSE has put me back in gear.I kind of dithered between starting with level 2 or level 3 and though the first few pieces in level 2 were very easy for me I soon found I really did need the review offered in level 2 and a quick scan of level 3 shows me I would have soon become frustrated with it without going through this book first.A tuneful selection of folk, jazz ragtime and classical music make up most of the coursework and there is a lot of emphasis on chords and fingering - skills I missed in my piano lesson days of long ago.The book is bound with a sturdy plastic "comb" good for me as I am notoriously hard on piano music.There are pen and paper exercises to review notes and chords as well as lots of beautiful music pieces. If you are faithful in practicing this series will teach you a great deal about the piano and keep you motivated to continue.

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Product Description:
Alfred's Basic Adult All-in-One Course is designed for use with an instructor for the beginning student looking for a truly complete piano course. It is a greatly expanded version of Alfred's Basic Adult Piano Course that will include lesson, theory, technic and additional repertoire in a convenient, "all-in-one" format. This comprehensive course features written assignments that reinforce each lesson's concepts, a smooth, logical progression between each lesson, a thorough explanation of chord theory and playing styles, and outstanding extra songs, including folk, classical, and contemporary selections. At the completion of this course, the student will have learned to play some of the most popular music ever written and will have gained a good understanding of basic musical concepts and styles. Titles: Alexander's Ragtime Band * Arkansas Traveler * Ballin' the Jack * The Battle Hymn of the Republic * Black Forest Polka * Black is the Color of My True Love's Hair * Bourlesq * Brahms Lullaby * Bridal Chorus from 'Lohengrin' * Calypso Carnival * Canon in D (Pachelbel) * Chorale * Circus March * Danny Boy * Dark Eyes * Deep River * Divertimento in D * Down in the Valley * Etude (Chopin) *Farewell to Thee (Aloha Oe) * Fascination * Festive Dance * For He's a Jolly Good Fellow * Frankie and Johnnie * Guantanamera * Hava Nagila * He's Got the Whole World in His Hands * The Hokey-Pokey * The House of the Rising Sun * Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2 * Introduction and Dance * La Bamba * La Donna E Mobile * La Raspa * Light and Blue * Loch Lomond * Lonesome Road * Love's Greeting * The Magic Piper * The Marriage of Figaro * Mexican Hat Dance * Morning Has Broken * Musetta's Waltz * Night Song * Nobody Knows the Trouble I've Seen * Olympic Procession * Overture from 'Raymond' * Plaisir D'Amour * Polyvetsian Dances * Pomp and Circumstance No. 1 * The Riddle * Rock-a My Soul * Sakura * Scherzo * Solace * Space Shuttle Blues * The Streets of Laredo * Swingin' Sevenths * Tarantella *

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Alfred's Basic Adult Piano Course : Lesson Book, Level Two [Paperback] Review

If you want to learn how to play the piano, you must use Alfred's Adult Piano Course. I have been playing the piano for about 5 years and have used both this course and the Bastien series to teach myself how to play. I can honestly say that I can play, talk, and theorize about music as well as anyone...All because of these books and this course. A friend of mine attended the NY School Of Music and plays the trumpet professionally. I think I know just as much as he does.If you are serious about learning the piano and about music reading and theory, and are motivated enough to put a little extra effort......BUY THIS COURSE. It's approach is geared towards the adult learner, covers every aspect of music and thoery (that is every key, their minors, chords, chord building, etc.). With each step you learn new songs that increase in intensity and difficulty as you progress. However, the difficulty between stages is seldom felt by the student. When you reach level 3 - you play classics by the best. Bach, Pachelbel, Beethoven, etc. You will be amazed at how easy it is to learn...........and bear in mind, I am just an owner of a steel fabrication plant with no prior music knowledge or experience or training. Good luck to anyone who purchases this course. It is the very best. Thanks.

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Product Description:
This book begins with an extensive review of the chords and keys previously studied, using fresh and interesting material that will provide enjoyment as well as reinforcement. Particularly noteworthy is the systematic presentation of chords in all positions in both hands.

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Dan Coates Complete / Advanced Piano Solos (The Professional Touch Series) [Paperback] Review

This book contains some of the most beautiful arrangements of popular music I have ever heard. Many of the pieces were unfamiliar to me when I bought the book, and others were songs I didn't particularly like. But Coates's arrangements are so beautiful that I love almost all of these songs now. This book is honestly titled: it is for advanced players. This does not mean that it is Rachmaninoff, but most pianists will find it challenging. Determined intermediate pianists can reasonably expect to memorize, play, and enjoy many of these pieces...but it will take some serious practice. Many of the arrangements make extensive use of the keyboard's higher registers -- where many pianists have limited experience.And some songs contain multi-measure passages where 3 are played against 2. Large leaps are common (including in some arpeggiated chords), as are chords with 6 or more notes.The book is well bound (so that it lays fairly flat), and the printing is generally clear and well formatted.Most of the pieces are 3 to 5 pages long.These pieces are worth the extra effort they require, and once the skills are learned, they'll be available forever.

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Product Description:
Arranged by Dan Coates for solo piano.Intermediate to advanced arrangements. A collection of great songs for all occasions, Includes:love and wedding favorites, Broadway standards, pop and country ballads, movie and TV hits. 79 Songs!

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Easy Piano Favorites: The Library of Series [Plastic Comb] Review

This AMSCO Publications product (1998) contains some of the same
compositions found in their Library of Piano Classics book (1987); but the latter has 350 pgs of unaltered (I think) classical music, while the former
has 239 pgs of simplified classics and light standards.

Both books contain Debussy's Le Petit Negre in the same form.Therefore I suppose that the publisher considers the real composition easy enough to include it unaltered in Easy Piano Favorites.But other classical
compositions common to both books are indeed simplified.This is
accomplished by using fewer notes, rewriting in "easier" keys, and shortening
the original compositions so as to leave out hard parts.For instance, Liszt's
Liebestraum in the "hard" book is six pgs. long and is written in the key of
A flat (4 flats).In the Easy Piano Favorites book it is two pages long and is
presented in the key of F (1 flat).Beethoven's Fur Elise, generally considered
to be easy enough (key of C, etc) that generations of piano teachers have
taught it to generations of students, is 4 pgs in the original.In Easy Piano
Favorites it remains in the key of C, but has a different (easier?) bass and takes
up only one page.

Your reviewer, who once played reasonably well in his youth in his own
living room, has forgotten most of his piano skills in his old age.But I can play much that is in Easy Piano Favorites, and expect to be able to play most of it
in the foreseeabe future.I'll never be able to say that about the contents of
the more difficult Favorite Piano Classics.

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Product Description:
A collection of the world's finest classical and popular music for the developing pianist. Masterpieces of every musical era in rewarding piano arrangements that are easy to play. Includes favorite piano solos by Bach, Chopin, Scott Joplin, George Gershwin and many more.

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Alfred's Basic Adult Piano Course: Lesson Book, Level One [Paperback] Review

I have used this book in highschool when my sister was taking piano. I have followed her because with that book playing was coming along and was easy to grasp.Many years have past, but my longing for playing did not.When I have seen digital piano in best buy, I bought it.I could not remember the title of the book that was used by my sister in highschool. So, after sixteen years I have contacted the school that I have attended and asked for the musical teacher hoping that she will let me know what book they are using.I was glad that the book was still the same. There is not reason to change for something else if something works really well.
I have bought the book through amazon, and I am half way through.
A great way to learn to play piano without paying money for private lessons.I have taken piano in university but dropped it. I could not stand the book.It was coming very slowly.I hardly noticed the progres. With Alfred's book, you really come along.My family enjoys my playing and I enjoy it even more.

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Product Description:
More than 3-million adult students have learned to play the piano using this well-sequenced course. Perfect for beginners who prefer a chord approach, students learn how to play chords in either hand in order to move beyond simply playing single note melodies. This course is most effective when used under the direction of a piano teacher or experienced musician. Titles: Alouette * Alpine Melody * Amazing Grace * At Last * Au Claire de la Lune * Aura Lee * The Ballad of Gilligan's Island * Beautiful Brown Eyes * Blow the Man Down! * Brother John * Cafe Vienna * The Can-Can * Chiapanecas * Cockles and Mussels * The Cuckoo * The Donkey * The Entertainer * A Friend Like You * The Gift to Be Simple * Go Down, Moses * Good King Wenceslas * Good Morning to You! * Got Those Blues * Greensleeves * Happy Birthday to You! * Harp Song * Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas * Here's a Happy Song! * He's Got the Whole World in His Hands * Jericho * Jingle Bells * Joy to the World! * Kum-ba-yah! * Largo (Dvorak) * Laura * Lavender's Blue * Little Brown Jug * London Bridge * Lone Star Waltz * Love Somebody * The Marine's Hymn * Mary Ann * Merrily We Roll Along * Mexican Hat Dance * Michael, Row the Boat Ashore * Money Can't Buy Everything * My Fifth * Ode to Joy * On Top of Old Smoky * O Sole Mio * Over the Rainbow * Raisins and Almonds * Rockets * Rockin' Intervals * Rock It Away! * Scarborough Fair * Singin' in the Rain * Standing in the Need of Prayer * Tisket, a Tasket * Waltz Time * What Can I Share * When the Saints Go Marching In * Why Am I Blue?

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Jim Brickman- The Disney Songbook- Easy Piano Edition [Paperback] Review

Jim Brickman's "The Disney Songbook " for the piano is awesome. The songbook doesn't look over whelming to play. The song book consists of "Beauty & the Beast", "Mary Poppins Medley", "Cruella De Vil", "Beautiful", "Reflection", "When I see an Elephant Fly", "Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah," "Baby Mine", "Can you feel the Love Tonight", "A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes:, "Some Day My Prince Will Come", "I'm Amazed", "When you Wish Upon A Star" plus bonus songs of "Bare Necessities" and "Colors of the Wind". Jim has done a great job so that piano players will be able to handle the songs. These songs bring back so many memories to everyone, it is a must to have if you play the piano.

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Product Description:
11 Disney Classics arranged for easy piano by Jim Brickman. Contents: Beauty And The Beast, Cruella De Vil, Beautiful, Mary Poppins Medley(Chim Chim Cher-ee, Feed The Birds, Let's Go Fly A Kite, Stay Awake, Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious), Reflection, Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah, Can You Feel The Love Tonight, A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes, I'm Amazed, Bare Necessities, Colors Of The Wind/A Whole New World (Medley)

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On Stage Keyboard Dust Cover for 88 Key Keyboards Review

I just needed a dust cover for my P-85. It fits, it keeps the dust off, and it looks good too. The stretch feature is useful and the drawstring ensures a snug fit.

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Product Description:
A professional keyboard cover to keep your keys free of harmful dust and debris. Dust free spandex material stretches to fit 61, 76 or 88-key keyboards. Comes complete with a built-in bag, plastic cord and locking clasp. Locking clasp secures dust cover over keyboard and also fastens bag shut. Entire dust cover fits in storage bag when not in use.

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Yamaha FC4 Piano Style Foot Pedal Review

We got a Yamaha DGX-230 and the FC4 floor pedal for Christmas.My son recently started lessons, and he and my wife reported that when they tried to use the FC4, it didn't work, and they had disconnected it.

I plugged it in and tried it, and indeed, it was backwards.When it wasn't pressed, it sustained.When it was pressed, it didn't.There was no polarity or mode switch.

However, after about 20 minutes of Googling, I found an online PDF of the model 220 owner's manual that contained this snippet:

"Make sure that the footswitch plug is properly connected to the SUSTAIN jack BEFORE turning on the power."

It turns out I hadn't bothered to turn off the DGX-230 before plugging it in.When I followed the instructions, everything worked fine.

I also noted this caution as well:

"Do not press the footswitch while turning the power on. Doing this changes the recognized polarity of the footswitch, resulting in reversed footswitch operation."

So, although the FC4 apparently doesn't have a polarity switch, the DGX-230 can switch its OWN polarity.

Other models of course may work differently.

So far I'm quite pleased with both Yamaha products and I'm impressed with the thought Yamaha has put in to them.

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Product Description:
For those electronic keyboards with an input jack labeled "SUSTAIN," the FC4 model is used in the same manner the sustain pedal on an acoustic piano is used. Designed to work and feel just like an acoustic piano's sustain pedal, its specially designed rubber bottom grips the floor and stays put while you play.
The FC4 can also be utilized as an FS controller for synthesizers, tone modules and drum machines.
The FC4 features a 6-foot cable and standard 1/4-inch plug. Works with any keyboard utilizing a sustain pedal with a 1/4" connector.
What's in the Box
FC4 Foot Pedal

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How to Play from a Fake Book (Keyboard Edition) [Paperback] Review

I am an adult who used fake books extensively as a teenager when I played an accordion in a small combo.Now, (much, much later), I am trying to learn how to play an electronic keyboard competently - with both hands, and Blake Neely's book has become a very valuable addition to my library.I knew how to use a fake book and play melodies with my right hand, but how to play a tune and have it sound nice on a piano (or in my case, a Yamaha PSR540 keyboard)??? In this book, I found the answer.It starts out with a very simple left hand accompaniment - just play the root of the chord. It then continues to build up competence, step-by-step: add a fifth to the root; next learn the composition of a major chord and play the whole chord; learn about chord inversions and how to play them; learn minor chords and their inversions; learn how to easily switch from one chord to another without having to jump all over the keyboard; learn left-hand options that extend beyond simply playing the full block chord, that is, use a two-part chord, alternate the root and fifth in playing the two-part chord, play the chord as an arpeggio.
Throughout all these lessons, songs are provided to try things out and the chosen songs do, indeed, sound great using the technique explained in the lessons.While learning to play from a single line of music, the songs will show both the treble and bass clef so you can see what your left-hand should be doing. It then will provide some songs with just the treble clef to see if you can do it yourself.
Of course, you, the student, have to take the time to learn these chords.The book shows you what they are, but you have to do your homework -- it will take a great deal of practice for most players to see a chord and instantly be able to finger that chord on the keyboard.
I haven't completed this book yet -- I am still in the process of mastering all the major and minor chords so I can play them instantly.But all of the above was covered in the first 27 pages of this 88-page book (including 20 songs to illustrate the lessons). Coming up are seventh chords, augmented and diminshed chords, variations on the seventh chord, ninths and elevenths -- and 40 more songs to illustrate the chords and techniques discussed in each of the lessons.I am looking forward to devouring each lesson and loving every minute of it.After all, with a fake book, one has hundreds of pieces with which to practice the techniques being taught in this book. I heartily recommend this book to anyone who wants to play well from the many fake books available in today's market.

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Product Description:
Ever wondered how to create better accompaniments for the melodies in your favorite fake books? This "teach yourself" book introduces you to chord building, various rhythmic styles, and much more, so that you play the songs you like just the way you want them. Keyboard players with a basic understanding of notation and sight-reading will be on their way to more fun with fake books. The relaxed tone of the text and selection of fun songs keep How to Play from a Fake Book entertaining throughout - perfect for amateur musicians, or as a supplement for keyboard teachers and their students.

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Alfred's Basic Adult Piano Course: Lesson Book, Level One [Paperback] Review

Having studied piano minimally as a child (six months?), I decided at the age of 49, while at my daughter's recital, that I'd like to learn, but perhaps without the cost (at least at first) of lessons.So after looking through several books at the local music store, I bought this one, with CD (very important, but seems not to be the version sold on Amazon).It was just the ticket.
In four months I have completed the book, and now can play moderately complex beginning pieces (for variety, I've supplemented it with a few pieces from getsheetmusic.com, and can play level 3 and occasional level 4 pieces from there).Each page teaches just the a little bit more, and gives you the practice pieces to master it before going on.A very steady, satisfying rate of progress.You also learn notation, musical terms, intervals, and a smattering of music theory, such as keys, although this is not real strong.I found it useful near the end of the book to go back and review just the theory pages in one sitting; they then came together much better for me than when I ran across them one by one through the course.
The musical selections are uneven, but most are fine.They are all public domain, in a wide range of styles from jazz to folk to spiritual, and some are quite beautiful (a haunting arrangement of "Scarborough Fair," the rousing gospel "Standing in the Need of Prayer" -- and I'm Jewish ).You end with the first part of Scott Joplin's "The Entertainer" (somewhat simplified arrangement, although they don't say that, but still quite nice) and "Amazing Grace."
I think it's very important to get the book with CD.The CD contains all the practice pieces, and helps you realize if you have the notes or rhythm wrong (like a teacher stopping you and saying, "no, like this.")
Alfred is a major musical instruction publisher, and they offer many companion books at all levels, from theory to technique ("Finger Aerobics") to music in all styles (and for all instruments).
A few nits:
(1) the CD is midi; it would be nicer if it were a real piano
(2) they teach three methods of chord notation -- full notation on the staff, names (i.e., G, D7), and primary chords (I, IV, and V7), but are uneven in providing the name and primary chords for the pieces throughout, so you can't always practice that
But those are minor nits.My playing continues to steadily improve, and what I'm learning makes me a much more educated listener, too.
It's time to move on to book two.

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Product Description:
A beginning course for adults who prefer a chord approach. It teaches chords for both hands so that the student can play more than single note melodies. It contains outstanding songs such as "The Entertainer," "Scarborough Fair," "Greensleeves" and "Amazing Grace."

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eMedia Piano & Keyboard Method Deluxe Review

They need to update the software. Old tech, to get full screen you need to mess with desktop settings etc... It's very obvious they have not given this software any serious attention after it was released. That said it does what it's supposed to.

Ignore the single star folks; don't know what they are talking about. It doesn't matter what the songs are when you are learning to play the piano. It's all about practice so YOU THAT YOU CAN GO PLAY WHATEVER YOU WANT. If you can already read music and play the keyboard, buy the intermediate course. It's very well done, but it's all classical music.

For me, I'm self taught and play by ear. I bought this so I can get real feedback while I'm playing. So if playing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star or Row Row Your Boat gets me there I have no problem with it. It still challenges me to read the music and master left, right hand.

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Product Description:
eMedia Piano & Keyboard Method Deluxe includes everything you need to learn to play with over 450 audio- and video-enhanced lessons and more than 150 songs in a variety of musical styles. You'll be playing in no time by following the animated keyboard as it displays correct fingerings as the music plays or for any note or chord you choose. When used with a MIDI controller, eMedia Piano & Keyboard Method Deluxe provides specific feedback on playing mistakes, including wrong notes and rhythms. Other features include a metronome, recorder, variable-speed MIDI keyboard tracks, accompaniment tracks, and ear training exercises. eMedia Piano & Keyboard Method, included in eMedia Piano & Keyboard Method Deluxe, has received top ratings and honors from PC Magazine (4.5 out of 5), Music News, MacHome (4 Apples), Clavier Magazine and American Music Teacher Magazine which called it "an impressive and thorough piano teaching program." eMedia Intermediate Piano & Keyboard Method continues your musical journey with a focus on improvisation.

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World Tour Deluxe Padded Keyboard Bench Review

I'm petite so I'm delighted that this stool has 6 options for height adjustment.I was able to get it high enough for me.The padding is soft and comfortable to sit on.It's light enough to carry around.I also like it that it can be folded away for storage if I ever need to.It is also stable enough, though I wouldn't recommend rocking on it or standing on it.

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Product Description:
World Tour's Deluxe Keyboard Bench features a large 12" by 17" seating area with 2.25" of comfortable padding. Very heavy-duty steel construction allows the bench to be used by players up to 250lbs. Locking height adjustments to 3 positions. Non-slip rubber end caps.

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Jazz-Blues Piano: The Complete Guide with CD! Hal Leonard Keyboard Style Series [Paperback] Review

I've been playing jazz piano for about two years now, and have had great success with The Jazz Piano Book (as one might imagine). The next book that has served me well is Post-Bop Jazz Piano - The Complete Guide with CD!: Hal Leonard Keyboard Style Series, which is from the same series as the Jazz Blues Piano book under review. So, when I began looking for a book to help me sound bluesy, something noticeably lacking from my skill set, I gravitated toward this book for that reason and because my piano instructor didn't have this book (although he had many others in the same series). I have to say, that overnight, this became my favorite book to work from. There are a lot of reasons for that. First is that this book contains a good dose of easy-to-digest jazz music theory and explanation. The student can choose to skip over this and concentrate on playing the exercises, but I chose to read everything carefully and to try and understand and apply it, and I found it very useful. I was also quite pleasantly surprised when I found myself playing a ii-V-I progression (the backbone of jazz music) in a fashion I had never been shown before (with a moving bass note changing the mode of the chord). I was fascinated, and it made it easy for me to work on doing it in all twelve keys (which is normally drudgery), and to quickly press on in the book. As I played through the exercises, read through the material, then reached the exercises that are on the CD, I kept working on the suggested chords. Because I'm not a raw beginner, the first twenty pages went very quickly, and all of a sudden I found myself at about twenty pages in on exercise 9practicing a straight up blues lick. That's right: two hours and I was playing blues. Very, very exciting. Like all piano books, including a number I have reviewed, this still requires practice and stick-to-itive-ness, but this book provides some small rewards on every page, which I find quite motivational and desirable. I can easily picture myself working through this entire book in a relatively short period of time. Beginning piano students will still need to work on some of this material with an instructor, but anybody with a good technical foundation in piano and at least a small amount of jazz knowledge should be able to work through most of this by themselves, thanks to the useful and well executed CD. Although there are many options and levels available, if you want to sound jazzy or bluesy, without a lot of fuss and without spending a lot of money or time, I really think this book is the best and simplest place to start.

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Product Description:
This comprehensive book/CD pack will teach you the basic skills needed to play jazz-blues piano. From comping to soloing, you'll learn the theory, the tools, and the tricks used by the pros. The accompanying CD features many of the examples in the book performed either solo, or with a full band, including a full chapter of complete songs. Topics covered include: scales and chords * harmony and voicings * progressions and comping * melodies and soloing * characteristic stylings.

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On Stage KT7800 Plus Keyboard Bench Review

The legs remove completely from the bench by squeezing in two pins on each arm of the "X".There are knobs you can tighten to hold the pins in, which is handy because otherwise it would require a lot of hands to set up the bench.

I would not recommend this bench if you plan to set it up and take it down frequently.The rails on the bottom of the bench are too close together on mine and that makes one end very difficult to remove.It also takes a bit of fiddling around with both ends to ensure all 4 pins seat in the holes in the bench rail.If you were in a hurry it would be easy to only wedge the unit together and have it collapse when you sat down.

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Product Description:
The KT7800 PLUS keyboard bench offers incredible comfort and outstanding affordability to players of any experience level.If you play extended gigs, or just want a bench that is more comfortable, you will love this padded keyboard bench. This professional-grade, top-of-the line keyboard bench has no equal! The design combines a 3 inch cushion, which provides deluxe comfort for hours of play, with a spring-loaded double deadbolt locking system, which provides deluxe safety for peace-of-mind.

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Intermediate Piano and Keyboard Method (Win/Mac) Review

I recently bought this after reading the review at [...].
Despite a few technical glitches, I found this software met my modest goals, and I covered a lot of new material.
As an intermediate-level player that hadn't played in years, I wanted something to help me improve my skills in a more structured way than trying to find appropriate sheet music on my own, but without the financial and time commitment of private lessons.

First, if using software rather than paper sheet music, you need a digital piano with a MIDI interface to your PC, with the piano keyboard set in front of your PC's monitor.I'm using a Casio PX-120 an an Xmidi 1X1 USB interface.
Interesting aside: when I placed my keyboard on my metal stand, I got a horrifying sound when I hit D# - apparently the stand's resonant frequency, a problem solved with a bit of self-adhesive felt.

The Good:
For each piece or selection thereof, you can hear what the piece is supposed to sound like.
For some exercises, you can get automated feedback on how you played, with the errors tagged on the score, e.g. a missed or wrong note hit, or note held too long.
For other exercises, you can play along to a recorded ensemble.
Along with the music, audio clips are provided with interesting background trivia on the composers and their music but I'd rather read these than listen.

The not so good (are you listening emedia?):
There's not a good way to print a score as there is with online Scorch sheet music.
You cannot expand the window to see a whole page of music at once.
It's possible to lock the program up by trying to set various while audio is being played.
I found the metronome far too loud, with no obvious way to adjust its volume.I wound up just using the metronome built into my keyboard.
I had to keep the CD in my PC to use all the features.
The table of contents is too coarse, only allowing you to jump to the top of each section, rather than to a particular lesson or piece.
The "Animated keyboard" which displayed by default is a worthless waste of screen space for an Intermediate player.Fortunately, you can turn it off.

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Product Description:
The eMedia Intermediate Piano and Keyboard Method software features over 150 lessons and 50 songs with a focus on blues, classics, conventional scales, chord progressions, improvisation and other techniques necessary for mastering the piano. Vadim Ghin, author of the innovative eMedia Intermediate Piano and Keyboard Method CD-ROM, holds a Masters Degree in Piano from the Julliard School of Music, and has taught extensively at Julliard, New York University, and the Manhattan School of Music.Over 150 lessons offer a comprehensive curriculum that will give the intermediate piano player the skills needed to take their playing to the next level. Beginning with intervals and expanded hand positions, the lessons progress through building dexterity, advanced rhythms and transitions, interpretive expression marks and voicing, and finally to blues, improvisation based on the blues, and the piano in ensemble.Song Highlighting and LoopingHighlight an entire page, or just a portion of a song, and loop it for playback at whatever speed you are comfortable playing. Selected loops are now introduced with the MIDI tick count-off, so there's enough time to get your hands back to the keyboard to play along. Thus you can follow along regardless of what section of the piece you're working on.Full Motion VideoProfessional piano instructor Vadim Ghin, M.A., guides you with over 50 full-motion videos demonstrating techniques. Many of the videos include split-screen displays with close-ups for a clearer perspective.Animated KeyboardDisplays color-coded fingerings as the music plays. It allows you to see exactly how to play the song on a keyboard as you hear the music. Music tracking highlights the notes being played on the screen, making it simple to follow along.Multi-track recorded audioHigh-quality multi-track recorded audio is included for every song and exercise.Variable-Speed MIDI

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Salsa Piano - The Complete Guide with CD!: Hal Leonard Keyboard Style Series [Paperback] Review

I really like this series on Keyboard Styles by Hal Leonard which gives an interesting survey of the various types of music a keyboardist might need to play (or fake). I find that this series works the best when the music has a pretty set formula in which to work in.So for instance, the Blues Piano book is my favorite because you really can fake your way through the style after working through it, but the Jazz books are too cursory for really working your way through the vast landscape of Jazz.

The Salsa piano book is really interesting because it is so different from the others.It gives a great overview of the style, and does a really good job of explaining the function of the clave, the unique beat that is the characteristic rhytym of the style, and how to play in and around it.It covers typical chord progressions and how to build accompaniments in the style.This style is so different from all of the other styles in the series which all have the Blues as their jumping off point (e.g. rock, blues, jazz, jazz-blues, r&b) and that makes for a pretty interesting read.The problem is that outside the context of a band (and in particular a percussion section), it is really hard to apply the work in this book as solo piano Salsa isn't really the style.

I'm guessing that the average piano player buying this book doesn't have access to a Salsa band to play in like me which limits the applications of the book if you just play for your own enjoyment.That said, it is very interesting and the CD does have some patterns to play along with.

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Product Description:
Learn how to play authentic salsa! From traditional Cuban music to the more modern Puerto Rican and New York styles, you'll learn the all-important rhythmic patterns of salsa and how to apply them to the piano. The book provides historical, geographical and cultural background info, and the 50+-track CD includes piano examples and a full salsa band percussion section.

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Keyboard Musician for the Adult Beginner (Frances Clark Library for Piano Students) [Paperback] Review

Both my wife and I have been recommending this book for many years to adults wanting to learn the piano. As part-time piano teachers, we found that the lessons progress at an very good pace for most adults. The choiceof songs used in the lessons are tasteful mixing both folk and classicaltraditions. This book also works well for someone with some music readingbackground but no previous piano playing experience. This book uses theclassical approach and doesn't offer instruction on specific styles likerock, jazz, blues, etc. Overall, I still think it's the best adult pianomethod book that I've come across so far.

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Product Description:
Here is a complete repertoire and textbook for the older or adult beginner. Starting with material appropriate for the first lesson, it moves rapidly through discoveries, music and activities equivalent to The Music Tree and Levels 1 and 2. On completing the book, the student is ready for Level 3 of the Clark Library. The book provides quantities of music, all of it selected or composed to appeal to the older student -- Studies (introducing each of 65 new subjects), Repertoire (155 solos and duets), Accompanying and Transposing (62 melodies to accompany and to transpose to all major and minor keys), Sight Reading (107 one-line pieces that review each of the new discoveries and teach sight reading skills). In addition, the 22 units in 208 pages include: Technical Exercises, Rhythm Exercises, Written Work and Improvising. A Glossary at the end defines all new signs and terms introduced throughout the book.

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Yamaha PKBB1 Single Braced Adjustable X-Style Keyboard Bench Review

First of all, the PKBB1MM is the same model as the PKBB1. In fact, the box for this bench leaves off the MM suffix. So, it would seem that the same bench is being sold twice on Amazon, for two different prices. Go for whichever is cheaper.

Now, as far as the bench goes, it's not bad, especially for the price. Raising and lowering could be easier--as is, it involves unscrewing a knob, pulling out a bolt, holding a bunch of washers in place, and screwing the knob back into the bolt at the desired height. Not as horrible as it sounds, but could be annoying if you're taking this bench to a gig. If you're using it in your home, however, you'll probably just leave it in one position anyway.

The other downfall of this bench is that its highest setting is not all that high. I'm six feet tall, have a digital piano with the keys positioned at exactly the height of a regular grand piano, and honestly, the bench makes me feel a little short. Two or three inches more height would be perfect.

The upsides are: 1) the cushion is quite comfortable, even for extended playing; it feels almost like visco-elastic foam. 2) The bench is reasonably sturdy and well-built, considering the small size and the low cost.

Overall, I'd recommend this bench for home use, but only because it is dramatically cheaper than anything else in its class.

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Product Description:
The PKBB1 offers lasting comfort and a reputation as one of Yamaha's top-selling benches. Its ultra-thick padding and extra-wide single seat assures the utmost comfort for hours of music enjoyment.


With a definitive black finish and a soft padded seat, this bench is fully adjustable for individual comfort and folds up for your traveling convenience. Height is adjustable from 17.5 to 19.5 inches.Recommended for use with any portable keyboard or synthesizer.
What's in the Box
Yamaha PKBB1 Keyboard Bench

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Stride and Swing Piano: Hal Leonard Keyboard Style Series [Paperback] Review

Normally books like these present you with the "dumbed down" and easy version of piano music--music you can play with one hand while drinking a sweet iced-tea with the other. Not so with this book. The methods and techniques Valerio teaches are the real thing, and the pieces within the book are those transcribed straight from the big boys--Waller, Johnson, Wilson, Tatum, Joplin, and Morton. This is an excellent introduction/continuation for those interested in stride piano.

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Product Description:
Focusing on styles such as classic ragtime, early blues and boogie woogie, New Orleans jazz, stride and swing, this new book/CD pack in the Hal Leonard Keyboard Style Series teaches left- and right-hand techniques including chords, bass runs, patterns and more. Key players of these styles - Scott Joplin, Jimmy Yancey, Pete Johnson, Jelly Roll Morton, James P. Johnson, Fats Waller, Teddy Wilson and Art Tatum - are prominently referenced. Includes 14 full songs to play, and an accompanying CD!

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Piano and Keyboard Method V2.0 Review

I'm a piano instructor who teaches a once a week high school keyboard class. I've started recommending Emedia to my students as a great at home piano program. As an instructor, I really like the step by step approach to the lessons. The video are very helpful in demonstrating techniques between lessons. Kids that are using the program progress a lot faster than those that don't. This is a fine program either for those that want to learn on their own or that are also taking lessons.

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Product Description:
Over 300 lessons from a former Juilliard instructor. Learn to read music and play songs. Gives specific interactive feedback on your playing.

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Gospel Piano: Hal Leonard Keyboard Style Series [Perfect Paperback] Review

I was spurred to write this review in response to another review that indciated disappointment with this book. I have found it to be an outstanding presentation of typical gospel sound, much more direct and 'authentic' than other books I have tried.
I was disappointed with other books of being either too heavy on theory without really creating a gospel sound, or not presenting enough theory/practice that I could expand on my own. I think this book really achieves a nearly ideal balance on this account. And as someone who has worked through a lot of Hal Leonard Style Series, I think this is one of the very best books in that series in its presentation of a keyboard style.
Gospel keyboard as a whole has wandered into neo-soul and borrows from r'n'b and funk esp. in the open worship backup. This book doesn't cover the open worship pad work. The songs, examples and exercises are based on modern choir work that are cited throughout and as such the right hand work is based primarily on the vocal 3 part harmony. Just so there's some clarification of what is presented here.

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Product Description:
This comprehensive book/CD pack provides you with the tools you need to play in a variety of authentic gospel styles, through a study of rhythmic devices, grooves, melodic and harmonic techniques, and formal design. The accompanying CD features over 90 tracks, including piano examples as well as the full gospel band to help capture the true flavor of the style.

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Blues Piano: Hal Leonard Keyboard Style Series (Keyboard Instruction) [Paperback] Review

I got this book along with a number of other blues books, and this one has been my favorite.It doesn't contain as much material as the multivolume Alfred series, but I find the organization, presentation, and *especially* the examples to be superior in Mark's work.The way the examples build section by section and chapter by chapter is exquisite.They are musically interesting yet very focused on the point at hand--I always enjoyed playing through the examples, but was never confused by unnecessary complications.

The companion CD is the best I've seen in any music instruction book, ever.Most examples have the left and right hand parts on the left and right channels, so you can mute one speaker or the other for "hands seperate" practicing.I personally don't use this much, as I prefer to work it out with the metronome, but I'm glad it's there and you may appreciate it.On tracks that have a backing band, the band is on one side and the keyboard on the other so you can play along to just the band.Finally, the "complete" examples at the end of the book feature a "slow" and "fast" version on the CD.One nitpick: I wish he'd included (in the text) the metronome settings he used, making it easier to practice/jam without the CD.

I've got several of the Hal Leonard books in this series, and they're not all by Mark Harrison.His books are definitely a cut above.All in all, if you have any interest in the subject whatsoever, you can't go wrong with this book.

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Product Description:
Ever wanted to play the blues, but weren't sure where to start? Blues Piano will teach you the basic skills you need. From comping to soloing, you'll learn the theory, the tools, and even the tricks that the pros use. And, you get seven complete tunes to jam on. Listen to the CD, then start playing along! Covers: scales and chords; left-hand patterns; walking bass; endings and turnarounds; right-hand techniques; how to solo with blues scales; crossover licks; and more.

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Casio CDP-100 88-Note Weighted Hammer Action Digital Piano Review

The CDP-100 is a great practice piano for anyone who is looking for a temporary-somewhat portable piano to practice on.
The sound is decent, I really like the headphone jack feature which allows me to plug in my headphones when I practice. With the headphones on the notes sound crisp and sharp, however relying on just the built-in speakers the piano sounds a little dull and could be louder. The foot pedal isn't that great, I found myself holding it down the entire time to hear the effect; but it's a minor issue. The weighted-hammer keys feel just like real piano, really great.

I am very happy with the CDP-100 and highly recommend this as a piano for people who don't have the money/space for a real piano. As a college student, I think this is the perfect keyboard since I can put on my headphones in when I practice and not disturb my roommates.

However, Don't make the mistake I made in buying the CDP-100 for $399! After I bought this, guitar center had a holiday special and was selling the CDP-100 for $299, so check there first!

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Product Description:
It all starts with the sound and feel, and thanks to the carefully sampled grand piano sound and scaled hammer action, the Casio CDP-100 Digital Piano gives you both. The HL Sound Source and 88-key, naturally scaled hammer action with three levels of touch sensitivity give you a realistic and satisfying piano experience in a portable, affordable digital piano. The Casio keyboard has five sounds including stereo grand piano, 32-note polyphony, eight digital effects, five demo songs, layer and transpose function, speaker system, MIDI I/O, plus headphone and sustain pedal jacks. The Casio CDP-100 digital piano comes with a sustain pedal.

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M-Audio SP-2 US65010 Sustain Pedal Piano Style Sustain Pedal for Keyboards Review

I had been using the 'pedal' which came with the keyboard for the Privia px-100 keyboard which is nothing like a pedal on a normal piano.I purchased the M-Audio pedal to replace it.

At first I was thrilled with this pedal, but when I bought a stand for my digital piano I discovered a problem.This pedal is very long, 10.5".With the stand against the wall there was no room to push the pedal far enough back to place into a normal playing position.I had to move the stand about 8 inches from the wall to put the pedal into place.

Before buying just beware of how you have/want to arrange your keyboard and be sure you'll have the room to use the pedal comfortably.

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Product Description:

M-Audio SP-2 Sustain Pedal--Play as Passionately as You Want

The M-Audio SP-2 Sustain Pedal is the perfect product for keyboard players who want the most realistic pedal action. The SP-2 model is used in the same manner as the sustain pedal on an acoustic piano. This classic-style pedal works with any M-Audio keyboard. Designed to work and feel just like an acoustic pianos sustain pedal, it has a specially designed rubber bottom that grips the floor and stays put while you play.


Feels as good as an acoustic piano pedal.

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Yamaha YPG635 88 Key Weighted Portable Grand Review

If you've ever moved a real piano, you know the problem. Moving a piano needs to be done by a professional. Pianos need tuning.

But, at the same time, nothing is quite like a real piano. The feel of playing one, the sound - hundreds of years of development have combined to bring the sound and feel to its current state and, when it all comes together, there is nothing quite like it.

But that comes at a price. Did I mention tuning? Action tuneups?

So was developed the keyboard - and the keyboard feels like a keyboard - the action is wrong. And it does not have the rich sound of a piano.

So we arrived at the electric piano. Early electric pianos were neither fish nor foul - they were partially mechanical devices that still needed to be mechanically tuned. The actions were more or less horrible. The sound was that of an electric piano, not a real piano.

The Yamaha sounds like a piano - within the limitations of its speakers.Its action? Better than some real pianos and much less likely to need an action tuneup.

And all the benefits that you can get from modern electronics. Full DSP so that you can get simulated concert hall acoustics if you want.

This is an amazing item. It comes with 30 songs programmed into it, and 70 more on an included CD - and if you are inclined to learn them, it can teach them to you. More music can be downloaded using the software provided and your computer can load them into the piano or you can use a thumb drive to move them. You can learn the left and right hand parts separately. It will show you the music, and the corresponding piano keys that you need to press on the little display. You can start slow - and it will wait, patiently, until you find and press the correct key.

(For Christmas I downloaded a number of Christmas Carols in Standard Midi Format - put them on a USB thumb drive and then plugged the thumb drive into the piano - it was able to play all of them as a midi player - and, for at least some of them, it could teach them to you - I believe that it may be a matter of determining how to select the right ans left hand parts, which I have not managed to do yet - the instructions are not simple. But it worked instantly as a player piano).

At the same time it accompanies you, or not, as you choose.

I first tried this piano in a store - it was lined up with a bunch of other electrics and it had the best action of any of them - the action was clearly the most piano like - in fact, I thought that it had a better feel than some of the real pianos, in terms of consistency and smoothness while still being weighted properly.

The triple pedal attachment gives you a soft pedal, a full sustain, and a left hand sustain, just as the better pianos do (this is an option which I recommend).

The ONLY downside, in my opinion, is the size of the display. It is actually rather tiny, and, as far as I can tell, there is no way to attach an external display.

In my opinion, the controls are reasonably intuitive. And there is one button that you can press which says, "get out of my way and just be a piano".

This is the home piano of the present - frankly, while you need real pianos in concert halls, and even in piano bars, this is what you want in your home - for the kids to play and learn piano on, to plink Christmas carols out on, and to play yourself. Record your music. We need music.

This is the piano of the apartment dweller - because it has a volume control, and a headphone jack. And it can be moved up and down the steps.

I'm not a piano expert. I'm surprising my wife with one of these for Christmas, though. I think she will be really happy with it.

I strongly recommend the optional pedal assembly. The keyboard comes with a portable keyboard style pedal that does sustain, but the triple pedal assembly has a piano pedal feel, and has soft, full sustain, and sostenudo, (which means, in this context, that it will sustain keys you are holding as you press the pedal, but not those that you press after you press the pedal).It takes a few minutes to install, and precisely fits the stand that comes with the keyboard.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Yamaha YPG635 88 Key Weighted Portable Grand

Product Description:
The Yamaha Portable Grand YPG-635 is an affordably priced88-key weighted Graded Hammer Standard action Digital Piano that boasts an authentic grand piano-like touch — heavy in the low end, feathery light in the high, and amazingly responsive all over.

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eMedia Piano and Keyboard Method Volume 1 [OLD VERSION] Review

I was completely new to music when I bought this set (CD-ROM and keyboard).I think it is great.It walks you through the basics and when you start playing the music has numbers on it that match up to your fingers (1-5) so you can play as you get the hang of reading music.Gradually they remove some of the numbers so your music reading skills improve.
The software grades your playing with a percentage score, and gives you details on your errors (if you want them).
Also, it includes short videos of a person playing piano so you can see proper posture and such.Each song comes with (optional) accompaniment, which can make it funner to play (especially with the simple songs).
The keyboard that comes with it (optional) has a solid feel, and is touch-sensitive (pressing harder plays louder).The keyboard plugs into the joystick port (probably on your sound card).

Click Here to see more reviews about: eMedia Piano and Keyboard Method Volume 1

Product Description:
The eMedia Piano and Keyboard Method CD-ROM offers over 300 step-by-step lessons starting from basics such as hand position, rhythm and playing on black keys, and moving on to music notation, sight reading, scales and much more! Piano teacher Irma Irene Justicia, M.A., who has taught at the renowned Juilliard School of Music, guides you with video demonstrations of techniques. Songs and exercises are enhanced by live recorded audio, variable-speed MIDI keyboard tracks and colorful MIDI accompaniments.

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Yamaha DGX-230 Keyboard Bundle, 76 Keys - Includes Professional Headphones, Keyboard Stand, and Power Supply Review

I bought the yamaha keyboard for my wife for Christmas expecting
a middle of the road keyboard,We are both impressed with the quality,workmanship and endless features of this product for the price. We would recommend this to anyone from a beginner to an advanced player.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Yamaha DGX-230 Keyboard Bundle, 76 Keys - Includes Professional Headphones, Keyboard Stand, and Power Supply

Product Description:
If you're looking for a reasonably priced piano-style keyboard, look no further than the DGX230. It's great for veterans and students alike, with 76 non-weighted keys that not only look like piano keys but have a Graded Soft Touch (GST) action with different levels of resistance, making it easier for a budding musician to move to an acoustic or digital piano.


If you're looking for a reasonably priced piano-style keyboard, look no further than the DGX230. Click to enlarge.
2-Way Speaker System
Separate woofers and tweeters deliver sounds in crystal-clear stereo, for more lifelike instrument voices.
Bass Boost System
A special port on each speaker adds a impact to low-ed reproduction.
Digital Signal Processing (DSP)
Enhance sound quality with sophisticated digital effects like Harmony, Reverb & Chorus.
Advanced Wave Memory (AWM)
Yamaha Advanced Wave Memory technology delivers amazingly realistic sound.
Full Keyboard Mode
The DGX230 delivers on its piano theme with a special mode of fingering called Full Keyboard Mode. This allows the player to play the keyboard like a piano; for example a chord with the right hand and bass notes with the left. When using the accompaniment feature, the virtual band will follow these chords. Traditional portable keyboards normally require you to chord on the left side of the keyboard, in the bass section, which is foreign to most piano players. The DGX230 is also capable of this mode, for those who prefer it.
Learn to play using the Yamaha Education Suite.
Interface with your computer and DAW with USB connectivity.
Easy and intuitive controls.
Built-in stereo speakers.
Yamaha Education Suite
The DGX230 has 30 built-in songs plus 70 more on included CD-ROM for you to learn to play using the Yamaha Education Suite. The songs are separated into left and right hand parts, providing 7 levels of lessons plus a convenient chord dictionary.
Learning features are plenty. Waiting Mode stops the song until you find the right note, Your Tempo Mode matches the song's tempo to your playing speed, and Minus One Mode plays the song without your chosen part, so you can play along.
The DGX230 will monitor your progress, giving you grades for each lesson. A Chord Dictionary is also included, displaying notes and chord names on-screen.
6-Track Sequencer
Imagine capturing your child's first performance or writing and recording your own songs. With the DGX230, you have the equivalent of a built-in multi-track recorder to record one or multiple instrument parts at a time and assign each part to a different track. Six tracks are provided to accommodate sophisticated melodies, chord accompaniment and rhythm parts.
Computer Connectivity: USB and Flash ROM
The DGX230 comes with 30 built-in songs plus 70 more on an included CD-ROM and an interactive lesson system, divided into left and right hand parts, for learning them. In addition, you have the ability to connect to a computer via USB, download more songs from the Internet into the internal Flash ROM (PC only), and use all of the Yamaha Education Suitefeatures to help you learn to play them. Yamaha makes it easy to get connected with the new PC button. Now, instead of wading through function menus and fighting through a maze of selections, one button is your expressway to music on the web and your computer. In addition, once connected, you can play your songs into the computer (PC and Mac), edit them if necessary, and e-mail them to your friends and family. And with General MIDI (GM) and XGlite compatibility, song data always plays back with the correct sounds.
Digital Music Notebook
Digital Music Notebook is a multimedia internet service that enables you to preview, purchase, download and print learn-to-play music books and chart-topping sheet music. From scales to chords to your favorite riffs, Digital Music Notebook is jam-packed with all the secrets you need to master your instrument. Add accompaniments, record and mix yourself, sing karaoke with friends, learn new techniques while having a blast--Digital Music Notebook delivers everything you need to bring music alive! And it's included with the DGX230.
Ease of Operation
There are many tools in the keyboard that make it easy to be a power user from the first day you own the keyboard.

Expandable Music Database: Complete keyboard setups by song title. The keyboard selects an appropriate voice for the right hand melody, the correct musical style and the correct tempo. Simply call up a song title and start playing.
One Touch Setting (OTS): Provides you with a recommended voice with effects for each style. For example, on a jazz style OTS might be piano, for a Latin style it might be acoustic guitar and for a rock style it might be a guitar with overdrive etc.
Registration Memory: Set the keyboard up just the way you like and take a digital snapshot by memorizing it to one of the Registration buttons. Load and save up to 16 Registrations to User memory. The Registration buttons are conveniently located just above the keyboard.
Performance Assistant Technology: Performance assistant technology is a feature from Yamaha that guarantees that you can't play a wrong note or chord. Here's how it works. Select a song, press the Performance Assistant button and play the keyboard--any notes you like. Every note you play will fit the music. If you move up the keyboard, the pitch goes up. If you move down, the pitch goes down. Play a perfect arpeggio, or play chords in time with the music, or really "go for it" and play a solo. As long as performance assistant is "on," you're "on." In addition to working with any of the internal songs with chords, this feature also works with XF MIDI files.

Master EQ: Tailor Your Sound
Five different master equalizer (EQ) settings are provided to give you the best possible sound when listening through different reproduction systems-the instrument's internal speakers, headphones, or an external speaker system. You're in control.
Easy Song Arranger
You can change the "feel," or arrangement, of songs by simply pressing the Easy Song Arranger button, allowing you to re-mix any MIDI file. For example, you can try your favorite song with a Rock feel, Hip Hop, then Jazz. It's fast, powerful and one-button simple.
Realistic Sounding Voices
The DGX230 comes equipped with 116 panel voices, 12 drum/SFX kits plus 361 XGlite voices. Included in this selection is stereo-sampled Piano, a selection of special voices including brass, woodwinds, electric pianos, organs and more.
2 Note Polyphony and 16 Part Multi Timbrel
In electronic keyboards, the more sounds made at the same time--polyphony--the more memory is needed. Obviously, more is always better, because too little polyphony can cause dropouts in dense passages of music. The DGX230 has 32 notes of polyphony and will play back 16 different parts or sounds at once (16-part multi timbrel); enough for the most demanding needs.
Digital Effects
Yamaha has long been a world leader in digital signal processing technology. In fact, Yamaha professional audio products are found in most professional recording studios around the world. The DGX230 takes full advantage of this know-how, giving you an extensive range of nine, top-quality reverb effects that simulate playing in everything from a small room to a large spacious concert hall and four chorus effects that add richness to electric pianos and guitars in particular. You'll also find 26 types of Harmony effects for your melody part.
Metronome
Just what the teacher ordered! A fully adjustable metronome is just a button push away.
Auto Accompaniment Styles
In addition to the 100 songs mentioned above, the DGX230 also has auto accompaniment styles that "follow" your playing. Simply select a style of music from the 160 built-in styles (example Rock) and start playing. The DGX230 will create a backup band (bass, drums, strings, guitar etc.) and "follow" you through the song. You can play your songs and try different genres of music. And if you can't find the right style for your song, you can go to www.yamahamusicsoft.com, preview from the selection, purchase and transfer it to your keyboard (PC only).
Portable Grand: Industry's best piano
You're never more than a button push away from the most realistic piano sound in portable keyboards today. One press of the Portable Grand button resets the entire keyboard to a stereo-sampled piano--perfect for when it's time to practice. Yamaha is known around the world for the quality of our acoustic pianos and this attention to detail is evident as you enjoy the warmth and clarity of the DGX230 Portable Grand piano. And of course, the keyboard includes a Sustain Pedal jack on the back for practicing and playing piano pieces.
Connectivity
The DGX230 features USB MIDI, Sustain Pedal jack and a Headphone jack for private practice.
What's in the Box
DGX230 Keyboard, Music Rest, Accessory CD-ROM, User's Manual

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