Yamaha CP33 Stage Piano Review

Nice upgrade from my Yamaha P90.

I purchaed this piano for the piano sound and feel.Any additional instruments or features that come with it are a bonus.The acoustic bass, strings and jazz organ sounds are done very well also.

While nothing replaces the feel of a real piano, this keyboard comes very, very close and the lighter touch on the higher keys really takes you there.

I only wish that the power transformer was inside of the piano instead of requiring a wall wart (transformer).

If you want a great piano sound and feel get this keyboard.If you want speakers to go with it as well as some more sounds, look into the CP300, but then you will need to add $1000, 30 more pounds and a deeper frame.

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Product Description:
The CP33 is made for the serious musician on-the-go. Sit down with one, and the instrument becomes an extension of your hands and your musical imagination. The authentic piano voices and rich expressiveness come alive at your touch, and the sound is big enough to blast through a full band onstage - yet nuanced enough to work magic in an intimate club.Yamaha's extensive experience in crafting fine acoustic pianos helps us in creating the ultimate digital pianos. Our advanced Graded Hammer Effect (GHE) action gives all keys an authentic resistance that increases from the top register to the lower - just as on an actual acoustic piano. Which means that you can naturally pound out thunderous low notes with your left hand and let the fingers on your right dance and fly with the high notes.In crafting the authentic sound of the CP series, we used meticulously recorded stereo samples of top-quality instruments, taken at various playing strengths, and included subtle elements such as String Resonance, Stereo Sustain, and even Key-Off Samples that capture the felt dampers muting the piano strings - providing the most authentic sounding and finely nuanced acoustic piano voices possible.The CP stage pianos are also master keyboard controllers that give you full command of your gear. Play and control external tone generators. Assign different voices to different keyboard sections and create multi-textured layers of sound. Two instrument zones on the CP33 with panel sliders, let you easily tweak the level of each instrument as you play. You can also freely reassign the sliders and wheels to control other sonic characteristics of your gear, such as sound attack, decay, brightness and filter cutoff.At just under 40 lbs. the CP33 is a very compact and portable yet full size stage piano.

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The Van Halen Keyboard Songbook [Paperback] Review

Missing a few goodies, but otherwise these transcriptions get the job done.Unlike other pop keyboard transcriptions these do not try to include the vocal line as part of the arrangement making them more authentic to the original recorded versions, however, "Ain't Talkin' Bout Love" ain't no keyboard song.Would have preferred "Feels So Good".

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Product Description:
Arranged For Piano, Vocal & Guitar. 13 all-time great hits by Van Halen.Ain't Talkin' ' Bout Love, 1984, Jump, I'll Wait, Dreams, Love Walks In, Why Can't This Be Love, When It's Love, Feels So Good, Right Now, Not Enough, Neworld, How Many Say I

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John W. Schaum Piano Course: D - The Orange Book [Paperback] Review

The Schaum piano course is wonderful!I am just thrilled that I can still access that particular course for my students of today, since it is the very course that I started with in the 1950's!The D Book has some very fun and challenging pieces, as well as education that befits that particular progression in study.

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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 or 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 Course: Classic Themes (Alfred's Basic Piano Library, Level 4) [Paperback] Review

The Alfred series is one of the tried and true series that works with my piano students.

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Product Description:
These volumes contain easy-to-play arrangements of great classical melodies.The arrangements allow the music to be introduced to younger students.While designed to correlate with Alfred's Basic Piano Library, Classic Themes may be used with any piano method or instruction course.

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Alfred's Basic Piano Course: Duet Book (Alfred's Basic Piano Library) [Paperback] Review

As a piano teacher, this level 1B duet book was my Christmas gift to several of my beginning students.My kids I gave it to really enjoyed it. (More so than I expected!) It does contain eighth notes, so there's the catch.If the child is still in the Primer volumes, most of the arrangements are beyond his/her grasp, but for my mid to late level 1 kids, they were perfectly capable of getting up to speed on many of the songs.Then, as a teacher, you have a volume that is still okay when they reach level 2!The first few pieces are in C position, then there is a section of G position pieces, and then there a couple of others towards the end in "different hand positions", but should not be issues for most capable students.There are a few arrangements the kids will know (Oh Susanna!), but most are just fun simple arrangements that they can enjoy playing with their teacher, or sibling, or parent at home who plays.As a teacher (and a couple of my parents have commented), we really appreciate duet books because playing with another individual really makes the child count - and not "guess" at it!

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Product Description:
Each duet is arranged for student-teacher (parent or older student) performance. These charming Duet Books increase motivation and add fun to practice time and lessons.

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Modern Jazz Piano: A Study In Harmony And Improvisation (Music Sales America) [Paperback] Review

This book completely changed my understanding and level of jazz piano playing.It is short and to the point, yet carefully written and complete.I like the fact that the author is a trained engineer.As a computerprogrammer I can identify with the way the book is layed out very logicallywith the assumption that the reader is intelligent, interested,andmotivated.I read the entire book while on trains going to and from work. I think it would have been a distraction to have read it while at a piano. The chord pattern excercises at the end of the book are excellent; I ammethododically going through all of them using a PC based sequencerconnected via midi to an electronic keyboard.If you only buy one bookon jazz piano, I think it should be this one. The next book to readafter this one, in my opinion is "All about Chords".I am almostfinished reading it;I could never have handled it if I hadn't read"Modern Jazz Piano" first. The two books together aremagnificently complete. I have a quite a library of jazz piano and jazzbooks; most of them are padded and not of much use."Modern JazzPiano" is by contrast a classic that every jazz pianist should have.I lost many years because I was brain-washed into believing the JohnMehegan jazz system as taught at Julliard was the only way to learn jazz. Inow believe the Julliard system is hopelessly complicated and noteffective.The traditional harmony systems used in "Modern JazzPiano" are the best and also the most popular.It is not somethingesoteric that only propeller heads know about. Buy it and hold onto it. Even if it sits on your bookshelf for years, there will come a day when itwill speak eloquently to you and change your level of playing andunderstanding.

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Product Description:
Based on the authorÂ's experience in teaching in jazz workshop, explains the principles of this art form. Useful for teachers wishing to include jazz in the music curriculum.

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Alfred's Basic Piano Library: Top Hits Solo Book, Level 1B [Paperback] Review

I am a fan of the Alfred method and love the books for teaching my four beginner piano students.I was excited to see some alternate options for the solo/recital book, including this "Top Hits" book.

I currently have two students using this book, and they really seem to love it.I think it makes a difference for kids to be able to play tunes they know and enjoy.I would say that most of the songs were accessible to my 7-8 year old students, although a few are not as appealing to them ("My Heart Will Go On," for one).

My only complaint about the book is that it seems a little difficult compared to other books at this level.Many of the songs are played in the middle C position, which my students aren't as familiar with, and then many of the songs jump positions several times, which is something these kids aren't used to doing at this level.It doesn't correlate with the other 4 books as far as concepts go, although it does seem like the songs get harder as you progress through the book.Overall, it's fun, but I wouldn't use it for a struggling piano student.The very gifted ones will be fine, or perhaps when they are over half-way through the Lesson books at this level, they will be fine.

The kids really love it, and when practicing is fun, it makes a big difference.They are more willing to work hard on the songs because they enjoy them.Really, the challenge is probably good for them!

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Product Description:
Alfred's Top Hits series has overwhelmingly been accepted by students and teachers. This series combines justthe right combination of hits from Broadway, Hollywood, television and recordings! As you might expect from Alfred, this series offers a rare combination of great music arranged with care and creativity. Your beginning and intermediate students can savor the excitement of playing pop music and reap the benefits from making practicing more fun and rewarding.

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Great Pianists on Piano Playing: Godowsky, Hofmann, Lhevinne, Paderewski and 24 Other Legendary Performers (Great Pianists: In Their Own Words) [Paperback] Review

If you play the piano with a passion, read this book. It gives many insights into how pianists from the golden age of pianism gave life to music on the keyboard. Hofman, Rubinstein, Paderewski,Sauer, Busoni, Bauer, Godowsky are just some of the greats. You can gauge for yourself how piano playing is expressed in terms of an art and a science. Not just body but mind too. Advice like not over-reliance on the metronome. Use your musical ear. You would have to read the book a couple of times before you find some common threads. They sure are golden threads to spin your music. Enjoy.

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Product Description:
Great pianists discusstopics ranging from piano technique and musical development to becoming a virtuoso. Included are Busoni's "Important Details in Piano Study," Rachmaninoff's "Essentials of Artistic Playing," Paderewski's "Breadth in Musical Art," and much more. 2 Introductory Essays. Artist Biographies. Artists' Study Questions. 27 halftones.


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Michael Aaron Piano Course: Lessons Grade 1 [Paperback] Review

I'm an adult piano student, who started learning with some basic knowledge already under my belt (How to read some notes, how to count time, what sharps and flats are). I found this book the perfect beginning point. Each song challenges me and teaches me new principles. After playing the songs in this book, I find the songs in other lesson books easy to play from sight. Students might also want to pick up an easier book to play for fun and relaxation, as every song in this book will challenge your abilities.
A few notes:
* I would not recommend this book to someone who is starting with no knowledge whatsoever. The Michael Aaron Primer might be more appropriate, though I haven't tried it.
* I would not recommend this book to someone trying to teach themselves. The book is intended for use with a teacher who can explain some of the techniques. (You should be learning from a teacher anyway. I don't recommend teaching yourself piano; you'll learn to do many things wrong.)
* Anyone using this book should also be using the Performance, Technic, and Theory books for your grade level.
Finally, I have deducted one star for the following reasons:
* Some of the fingerings they recommend are funky. My teacher has had to recommend better fingerings several times, with great results.
* The layout and graphics are very outdated, including a potentially offensive drawing to go with the song "Chopstick Revels".

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Product Description:
The MICHAEL AARON PIANO COURSE Lesson books have been completely re-engraved, expanded (adding more definitions of musical terms and more musical pieces), updated (with modernized artwork), and re-edited (with less emphasis on fingerings and more on note-reading). Available from the MICHAEL AARON PIANO COURSE: Lessons, Performance, Technic, and Theory for each level: Primer, Grade One, Grade Two, Grade Three, Grade Four, and Grade Five. Also available are these supplementary books: Piano Album, Piano Technic (Book I), Piano Duet Book, Pieces to Play (Primer & Grade I), and Note Reader.

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Alfred's Basic Piano Course: Levels 1a & 1b, Flash Cards (Alfred's Basic Piano Library) [Student Edition] [Cards] Review

These are an excellent tool to learn notes!My daughters piano teacher was very impressed with my daughters improvement in reading notes after just one week.

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Product Description:
102 cards are included in each set, and are coordinated page-by-page with Lesson Books, Levels 1A & 1B and Levels 2 & 3. May be used with any method.

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The Ultimate Pop Sheet Music Collection (Easy Piano Edition) [Paperback] Review

First of all, I really like the way Dan Coates arranges music for easy piano.The songs are not too simplistic, yet they are still easy to play, and they sound so nice.This has become one of the books I play from most often, and my kids even like to sing along.It does reuse some of the exact same songs I have in other Dan Coates books, but that's not a big deal since you are getting so much music in this book.I do wish the second verses were printed within the staff, since having them at the end it pretty useless.I also wish it was spiral bound, since it is hard to keep open sometimes.You will notice that some of the songs use the same chord patterns, so it can be a little repetitive sometimes, but there is still enough variety to keep you interested.I like that there is such a great variety of pop music in here - newer music as well as old favorites.I would definitely recommend this.

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Product Description:
Dan Coates adds his expert touch to these 70 easy piano arrangements of Alfred's most requested, top-selling standards and pop songs. Titles include: Amazed * Breakaway * Because You Loved Me * Dance with My Father * How Do I Live * I Swear * Inside Your Heaven * Lean on Me * Right Here Waiting * There You'll Be * This I Promise You * Thank You * When You Tell Me That You Love Me * You Raise Me Up and more. 256 pages.

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Alfred's Basic Adult Piano Course, All-In-One, Level 2 w/CD [STUDENT EDITION] [Plastic Comb] Review

The book is fine, although it has a few too many cheesy songs like "For He's a Jolly Good Fellow."The CD that comes with it is the main reason for the star deductions.I thought it would be someone simply playing the piano as a demonstration on how to play the music with perfection.Instead, it is synthesized music done on some kind of digital keyboard and it has other synthesized instruments and percussion.It's not enjoyable to listen to and not particularly instructive either.Unless you need the CD to help you hear the basic melodies of the songs contained in this book, I would buy the non-CD version.

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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. The CD has accompaniments to support the student's playing of the exercises and songs found in the Level 2 book.

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Disney Mega-Hit Movies: 38 Contemporary Classics from The Little Mermaid to High School Musical 2 (Easy Piano Songbook) [Paperback] Review

As advertised this volume contains songs from the more recent Disney movies though "Lilo and Stitch" which was released in 2002 is the newest.I really liked the arrangements from "Aladdin" "Lion King" "Beauty and the Beast" "Hunchback" and "Toy Story".The rest of the songsdidn't seem to be as melodic perhaps because I'm not very familiar with the songs and movies where they originated.Full lyrics are included as well as musical introductions and transitions. Some selections are as long as sixteen pages though most range from six - ten pages. The pieces are pretty easy to play though some songs venture out of the keys of C and F where most beginners are most comfortable.All in all a good collection.

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Product Description:
37 of Disney's biggest hits arranged for easy piano, including: Be Our Guest * Beauty and the Beast * Can You Feel the Love Tonight * Circle of Life * Colors of the Wind * Friend like Me * Hakuna Matata * Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride * I Just Can't Wait to Be King * Kiss the Girl * Out There * Someday * Strangers like Me * Under the Sea * A Whole New World * You'll Be in My Heart * You've Got a Friend in Me * When She Loved Me * and more.

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Yamaha DGX230 76 Full-Sized Piano Style Keys, 489 Instrument Voices Review

This keyboard has exceeded my expectations.It is not a toy - it sounds great & is a delight to play.

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Product Description:
If you're looking for a reasonably priced piano replacement, look no further than the DGX-230. It is the music student or professional musicians answer to I need more keys! and many music teachers encourage new students to get a keyboard that will grow with their needs. It features 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.The DGX-230 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 DGX-230 is also capable of this mode, for those who prefer it.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.Imagine capturing your childs first performance or writing and recording your own songs. With the DGX-230, 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.The DGX-230 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 Suite features 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.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 instruments internal speakers, headphones, or an external speaker system. You're in control.

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Piano Student / Primer Level (David Carr Glover Piano Library) [Paperback] Review

This is an excellent book for young kids beginning to learn the piano. It starts with very simple tunes and gradually introduces more complex elements. Kids who are just beginning to learn the piano can have the pleasure of playing tunes rather than doing monotonous mechanical finger work. However, I am not a musician by a long shot and we do not intend to make our kids into concert pianists. We want our kids to have fun and to learn and enjoy music and this book works wonderfully for us.

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Product Description:
The purpose of this piano primer is to present to the young piano beginner a concise, step by step approach to the study of the piano in either private or class lessons. The materials are fresh and new and presented to insure steady progress toward a musical goal. Supplementary materials should be used to balance the study material. Additional piano studies will promote good music reading. Piano Student is available from Primer Level to Level Six. Part of the DAVID CARR GLOVER PIANO LIBRARY which includes: Piano Student, Piano Repertoire, Piano Theory, Christmas Music, 30 Notespelling Lessons, and other additonal materials.

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The Lord of the Rings for Easy Piano [Paperback] Review

None of the Lord of the Rings piano arrangements by Dan Coates can be described as "Easy piano."
I taught some songs from two LORDbooks to my intermediate student (Alfred's Book 5) and he had a lot of trouble with the arrangements.
By definition, "easy piano" should at least have some indicated fingering and left-hand parts without extended leaps. No such luck here.Not recommended because of this marketing ploy. If your kid can't play Fuer Elise, the complete version, this book is not for her.

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Product Description:
The Lord of the Rings trilogy stands as THE definitive epic motion picture of recent times. Essential to the power and beauty of the three films was the evocative musical score by Academy Award[R]-winning composer Howard Shore. Now, twelve major themes from the blockbuster trilogy are available in easy piano arrangements by Dan Coates. Loaded with full-color photos from the many incredible scenes in the movies and printed on high quality antique paper stock, this new easy piano songbook is a must-have for any fan. Be sure to have plenty on hand for the Christmas gift-buying season! Titles from The Fellowship of the Ring: The Prophecy * In Dreams * Concerning Hobbits * Many Meetings * The Black Rider. Titles from The Two Towers: Gollum's Song * Rohan * Evenstar * Forth Eorlingas. Titles from The Return of the King: Into the West * The Steward of Gondor * Minas Tirith

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Alfred's Basic Piano Library Prep Course: Levels A & B [Cards] Review

These cards have basic piano notes and signs.Overall great, but would be more useful if I was using THIS system of piano books.

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Product Description:
A set of 77 jumbo size flash cards with each card hole-punched to use with a loose-leaf ring or hook. Indispensable for drilling notes, keys, musical signs, terms, and symbols. Correlated page-by-page with the Lesson Books A through F of the Prep Course.

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Alfred's Basic Adult Piano Course: Sight Reading Book, Level 1 [Paperback] Review

This book explains things well.It is easy to follow, great for the adult beginner or for someone practicing sigh treading and doing some review.

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Product Description:
This book teaches sight reading in a systematic way by creating exercises based on the same concepts that the student is studying in the Lesson Book. Exercises are short and the music is generally easier than correlating pages in the Lesson Book.

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Alfred's Basic Piano Library: Lesson Book Level 4 [Paperback] Review

Purchased this book and others to aid my wife with her keyboard skills. She got more confused as the book she received with the product was real different from this new book. She had to go back to her original product book. I not saying this book is bad, but it was to advanced for a learner.

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Product Description:
This easy step-by-step method emphasizes correct playing habits and note reading through interval recognition. Lesson Book 4 concepts include: tarantellas; eighth note triplets; arpeggiated chords; first and second inversion triads in C; triads in all positions; major scales in parallel motion; two-part writing; seventh chords and inversions of seventh chords; E harmonic minor scale in contrary motion; primary chords in E minor; sixteenth notes; dotted eighth notes; primary chords in B-flat Major and G Minor; repeated-note warm-ups; and harmonic minor scales in parallel motion.

For reinforcement of each principle as it is introduced, supplementary material is carefully coordinated, page for page, at each level of instruction. Coordinating supplemental books for Level 4 include: Classic Themes * Duet * Ear Training * Merry Christmas *Musical Concepts * Recital * Repertoire * Sight Reading * Technic * Theory and Top Hits! Solo, Christmas and Duet books. Songs include: America the Beautiful (Ward) * The Battle Hymn of the Republic (Steffe-Howe) * Black Forest Polka * Blow, Winds, Blow! * Calypso Holiday! * Comedians' Dance (Kabelevsky) * Farewell to Thee (Aloha Oe) * Gypsy Dance * Haunted House * He's Got the Whole World in His Hands * The Hokey-Pokey * The House of the Rising Sun * The Magic Piper * Musette (Bach) * Olympic Procession * Pomp and Circumstance No. 1 (Elgar)* Prelude in A Minor * Space Shuttle Blues * Spinning Wheel * Swingin' Sevenths * Tarentella * Waltz in G Minor * Waves of the Danube (Ivanovici)

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The Complete Absolute Beginners Keyboard Course with CD, DVD, and Book [Color, DVD] [Paperback] Review

I bought this package anticipating a collection of trite midi files on the discs and a pretty basic instruction book that would not teach me much about music. I had tried other similar courses before and was always let down by the content. This course is well worth the money. The music on the CD's is surprisingly good and the DVD is very helpful for getting your head round the basics of learning the keyboard. The book itself starts slowly and cleverly evolves at a steady pace to the point where you can understand the intricities involved in music and keyboard playing. This is neither a complex or easy manual but a great way to start a serious and rewarding study of the keyboard.

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Product Description:
The complete Absolute Beginners course in one DVD and CD pack. The pack contains Books 1 & 2, and the songbook combined into one unique book, DVD plus booklet. 2 CDs to listen and learn with professional backing tracks. fingering charts.

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M-Audio ProKeys Premium Stage Piano Review

The Piano sound is truly the best sound you can find for even under $1000, and this is only $500.

Thats the good news.

The other sounds are ok, the organ sounds being the worst, and the electric piano being the best non-piano sounds. The worst part (and the reason i wouldnt buy it again) is the touch. If you plan on just pounding out chords, itll be fine, but if you play classical, jazz, or even most pop-styles that require a bit of touch, you will hate this piano. They say it is "Hammer-Action" but really they should be called "way-over-weighted". These are the heaviest keys i have ever played, and I wish i would have played it before i bought it online.

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Product Description:
The ProKeys 88 is the premium digital stage piano that doubles as a great MIDI controller. It's loaded with large, realistic samples 14 world-class instruments in all, including split/layer capabilities. We paired those great sounds with an 88-key hammer-action keyboard, delivering a realistic feel to satisfy the most demanding pro. The ProKeys 88 is also a great master controller keyboard, including a built-in USB MIDI interface for easy direct connection to your PC or Mac, MIDI In and Out jacks to communicate with other MIDI gear, pitch and modulation wheels, sequencer controls and more. ProKeys 88 pulls out all the stops in creating the ultimate playing experience in an affordable digital stage piano.
Ultra-Realistic Piano
Our goal in designing the ProKeys 88 was to create an extremely musical and realistic piano experience. The caliber of a digital piano is greatly influenced by the quality and the size of the samples, so we started by giving the ProKeys 88 a generous amount of memory. Then, rather than dividing it up amongst a bunch of sounds you're not likely to use, we focused on the 14 sounds that are the bread and butter for many keyboardists--paying special attention to the stereo grand piano.

Incorporates a full USB MIDI interface that communicates with your computer via a USB connection.
Experiment with different effects on the ProKeys 88 to create signature sounds of your own.
Sustain, sostenuto, and expression pedal jacks--all MIDI assignable.
More Than a Stage Piano
The ProKeys 88 delivers all the staple keyboard sounds needed by many musicians. Its flagship stereo grand is supplemented by an alternate grand designed to really cut through in popular music. The ProKeys 88 has electric pianos covered too. And the Clavinet brings one word to mind: "funky." Acoustic and electric basses give you the option of layering a ride cymbal for jazz tunes. Vibes, ensemble strings and an inspiring warm, lush synth pad round out a great sonic palette for the gigging keyboardist.
88-Key Hammer Action
Of course, a realistic digital stage piano must have a full 88 keys that are properly weighted. The ProKeys 88's full-range clavier features hammer action that feels just like the real thing. It features three velocity curves tailored to different touches, as well as a fixed velocity for synth work.
Splits and Layers
The ProKeys 88 keyboard also features split and layer capabilities. Put a bass in your left hand and keys in your right. Chord with an organ while playing a piano lead. Layer lush strings over a piano. You can even have a split and layer simultaneously for a total of three sounds at once.
Control Your DAW
When it comes to communicating with the outside world, most digital stage pianos offer little more than a MIDI jack. In sharp contrast, the ProKeys 88 inherits much from M-Audio's years of experience pioneering mobile MIDI controllers. It incorporates a full USB MIDI interface that communicates with your PC or Mac via a single, simple USB connection--perfect for recording with virtually all MIDI sequencer software on the market. (The instrument features class compliancy with Windows XP and Mac OS X without installation of additional drivers.) You can even control your sequencer remotely via front-panel Start, Stop and Tempo buttons.
MIDI In and Out jacks allow full communication with all standard MIDI gear as well. The ProKeys 88 also features performance controls that are rare on digital stage pianos, including pitch wheel, modulation wheel, two footswitch inputs, and expression pedal input. The three different ranges available via the ProKeys 88's combined split and layer functions can each transmit on a separate MIDI channel as well. You also get dedicated front-panel buttons for program change, channel, bank MSB, bank LSB and local on/off.
Built-in Effects
There's no need to mess around with additional gear to add basic effects to your ProKeys 88. On-board EQ lets you easily tweak the tone on the fly. You also get three different built-in reverb spaces that simulate different acoustic environments. Chorus fattens up sounds like the electric pianos and basses. And what's a vintage Wurlitzer electric piano without tremolo? Experiment with different effects on the ProKeys 88 to create signature sounds of your own.
Full Pedal Complement
Every digital piano has a sustain pedal jack. But what about the sostenuto pedal (the middle pedal on an acoustic piano)? ProKeys 88 has it. There's also an expression pedal for foot-control of volume. And all three of these pedals serve as MIDI controllers for outboard gear as well.
Headphones and Pro Audio Outputs
Ever need to practice privately? ProKeys 88 includes a 1/4-inch stereo headphone jack so you can play without anyone else hearing you--at home or at a sound check. Of course, it wouldn't be an M-Audio product without high-fidelity 1/4-inch unbalanced audio output with specs like 20Hz-20kHz frequency response and 108dB dynamic range.
What's in the Box
ProKeys 88, Software Driver CD (drivers and applications), USB cable, Printed User Manual, Power supply (12V DC), Sustain Pedal

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On Stage KSP20 Universal Sustain Keyboard Pedal Review

Horrible - bought it because I needed the polarity switch, and even that's a kluge, you need sharp fingernails to get to it. Stepping on this pedal feels like stepping on a crunchy plastic box. Really should get zero stars.

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Product Description:
The KSP20 is affordable and versatile, allowing players of all levels to make their performances more expressive. It features a built-in 6 foot cord terminated with a molded strain relief and chrome-plated 1/4 inch plug. An integrated polarity switch makes the KSP20 compatible with most brands of electronic keyboards, including Roland, Korg, Casio, Yamaha, Kawai, and more. Its durable design incorporates a built-in tread on top and four non-slip rubber feet on the bottom. By utilizing a silent medium gauge spring, the KSP20 features a short travel and soft resistance, making it very easy and comfortable to use.

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John W. Schaum Piano Course: E-The Violet Book [Paperback] Review

All of John W. Schaum's books in this course are wonderful!The E book is more advanced music, as the course is designed.I grew up on John W. Schaum's course and am so ecstatically happy that I can still use that course to teach my students!

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Product Description:
A time-honored tradition just got better! The JOHN W. SCHAUM PIANO COURSE has been 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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Total Keyboard Wizardry: A Technique and Improvisation Workbook (Educational Piano) [Paperback] Review

I think it was a really cool idea to split the instruction up into beginner/intermediate/advanced levels as well as technique/improv/etc. The overall approach is very refreshing compared to more traditional piano methods. I like the pep talks Jordan gives in between the exercises. My piano teacher thought that the easy technique section's exercises were too easy, but I've found a way to apply them to all kinds of trouble spots in songs. The harmony section has some cool ideas, and I like the etudes that Jordan inculdes focusing on a point.

Overall, well worth the money, though I can't help voicing some complaints. The grading is a little wierd. It seems like some things in the easy sections are very easy, but then they'll be a run or something that is kind of frusterating and in my opinion not meant for an "easy section." In fact the easy and intermediate sections are really fairly similar in difficulty, and then the advanced just shoots off into a realm that I couldn't dream of playing. The improv and leads sections are a little weak. The improv section just tells you to start improvising on a restricted basis (one, two , three notes) and build complexity. The musical examples you're supposed to learn in this section - written in standard musical notation, seem a little inappropriate. The pep talks in the lead section were pretty weak. The advice is basically to pick a scale and solo using it. Then there's more examples to learn. There's a few licks I got from these examples, but I can't say that they're mind-blowing solos in general (unless you're good enouph for the advanced section). Also, there are only a few keys used for examples, so be perpared to do some transposing.

Honestly, I'd buy this book 100 times over, just in using it so much I've noticed all the little things (and it's more fun to complain).

Click Here to see more reviews about: Total Keyboard Wizardry: A Technique and Improvisation Workbook (Educational Piano) [Paperback]

Product Description:
Take your playing to the next level with Jordan Rudess, the Juilliard-trained, award-winning keyboardist of Dream Theater! Work at your own pace to improve your skills in physical technique, improvisation, soloing and comping with clear, easy-to-follow directions and exercises that create real results. With beginner, intermediate and advanced exercises that cover everything from classical technique to blazing prog-rock solos and beyond, this book has something for keyboardists of all styles. A CD of the exercises is included - played by the master himself! - as are 12 solo-worthy etudes and a valuable appendix with major and minor arpeggio and scale fingerings.

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Music Reading For Keyboard: The Complete Method (Musicians Institute Essential Concepts) [Paperback] Review

I have recently started using this book. I also have the sight reading secrets book by Richman, which I have reviewed separately.

I was trying to decide between both these books when buying originally.While the other book contains some very good tips, this book is more comprehensive and is widely used as a text book for musicians.

It is very well organised, and well written in the style of a sight reading course, and has good rhythm and sight reading exercises to work on before doing the specific examples which are done in a variety of contemporary styles including rock bebop and Latin Jazz. The examples are interesting and not too complicated. As with many things, the more you practice, the more you improve to the point where you are naturally better.

I consider this better than the Richman book, although that book really helped me with breaking down more complicated rhythms, and I do recommend both books.

I hope you find this review helpful.

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Product Description:
A complete method for: notes, rhythms, keys, time signatures; treble and bass clefs; right and left-hand patterns and accompaniments; popular song styles; repeat signs, accidentals, codas; and more.

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David Carr Glover Method for Piano: Lessons, Primer" [Paperback] Review

I grew up using David Carr Glover books when I took piano lessons myself.I still love them for the simplicity and ease of use.I like the way this method book does NOT start on the black keys.It starts right in with real notes in middle C position.This way the students learn the notes and what they look like on the staff.Other methods use the black keys and finger numbers--children end up relying on the finger numbers instead of on what NOTE they're supposed to be playing.
I highly recommend the Glover method--I would also recommend if you use this book to add the Primer level Technic, Performance and Theory books for a well-rounded experience.

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Product Description:
A sound approach to learning the piano, with emphasis on: reading music through interval and note recognition; clapping, singing and counting aloud for proper rhythmical performance; sight reading and ear training. Includes full-color illustrations. Also available from the DAVID CARR GLOVER METHOD FOR PIANO: Lessons, Performance, Technic, Sight Reading and Ear Training, and Christmas at the Piano for each level: Primer, One, Two , Three, and Four. Pre-Reading (Lessons and Theory) and other additional material are available as well.

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Easy Piano Classics : 97 Pieces for Early and Intermediate Players [Paperback] Review

I have been playing the piano for only a few years, and I purchased this book with the hope of learning some of the most popular and most loved classical compositions. I am pleased to declare that I was not disappointed with this music book, filled with entertaining musical pieces. The first song I learned was Beethoven's well-known "Fur Elise," and I was grateful that this beginners to intermediate level book made this piece less challenging to learn. If you are a dedicated and extremely devoted pianist (even if you've only been playing for a short time), this music book provides the perfect and valuable opportunity to get on the road to learning the songs of famous composers such as Liszt, Bach and Chopin. Impress your friends and family by playing the classical pieces available in this book. With 97 fabulous pieces of music to learn, there is no doubt that this book provides hours of learning and more importantly, fun.

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Product Description:
You'll find Beethoven's "Fur Elise," Three Norwegian Dances by Grieg, Liszt's "Consolation," Macdowell's "To a wild rose," Schumann's "Traumerei," and many more. Contents.


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Alfred's Basic Piano Course Top Hits! Solo Book, Level 4 (Alfred's Basic Piano Library) [Paperback] Review

I personally took piano lessons and reached, though did not complete, Level 6 of the Basic Piano Library series.This book contains music that varies from easily sight-readable to definite practice required.I enjoy the variety and feeling of accomplishment that results from mastering a song after some practice, but I don't like to spend a lot of time figuring out notes and rhythms, so this book is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to do some practice but not hours and hours for one piece.

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Product Description:
Alfred's Top Hits series has overwhelmingly been accepted by students and teachers. This series combines justthe right combination of hits from Broadway, Hollywood, television and recordings! As you might expect from Alfred, this series offers a rare combination of great music arranged with care and creativity. Your beginning and intermediate students can savor the excitement of playing pop music and reap the benefits from making practicing more fun and rewarding. Three selections from this book are featured on the Royal Conservatory of Music Popular Selection List (2007 Ed.): Can You Feel the Love Tonight
* Chim Chim Cher-ee
* Yesterday.

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All-in-One Course for Children: Lesson, Theory, Solo, Book 3 (Alfred's Basic Piano Library) [Paperback] Review

with the all-in-one you don't need to get the theory book because it is all included.

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Product Description:
The "All-in-One Course for Children" takes all of the pages from "Alfred's Basic Piano Library," Lesson Books 1A, 1B, and 2, plus selected pages from Theory, Recital and Fun Solo Books and combines them into part of a sequential five-book series. At the completion of Book 5, the student will be ready to continue into Level 3 of "Alfred's Basic Piano Library" or "Alfred's Premier Piano Course."

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Michael Aaron Piano Course / Lesson / Primer [Paperback] Review

This book is excellent for young beginning pianists. It takes a slow, step-by-step process to teach notes on the piano, melody, and note names and beats. As a piano teacher who mainly deals with beginners, I love this book and would highly recommend it to anyone teaching children how to play the piano.

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Product Description:
The MICHAEL AARON PIANO COURSE Lesson books have been completely re-engraved, expanded (adding more definitions of musical terms and more musical pieces), updated (with modernized artwork), and re-edited (with less emphasis on fingerings and more on note-reading). Available from the MICHAEL AARON PIANO COURSE: Lessons, Performance, Technic, and Theory for each level: Primer, Grade One, Grade Two, Grade Three, Grade Four, and Grade Five. Also available are these supplementary books: Piano Album, Piano Technic (Book I), Piano Duet Book, Pieces to Play (Primer & Grade I), and Note Reader.

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Improvising Blues Piano [Paperback] Review

This is a great book! I'm a beginning/intermediate piano player, I went through the first two Alfred's All-in-One Adult piano books and really enjoyed them (and recommend them!). But I found myself at a fork in the road: I was happy to continue memorizing "pieces", and practicing "technique", but I found myself wanting to know more about improvising. I play drums in a blues band, and I've had some music theory for keyboard percussion, so I'm not a total musical-novice. I tried out some other books (Mark Harrison's "Blues Piano: Hal Leonard Keyboard Style Series", but it's still a little over my head, perhaps in a year or so it'll be good for me. Also "David Bennett Cohen Teaches Blues Piano: A Hands-On Course in Traditional Blues Piano", but it really didn't light my fire either, and if I recall correctly, didn't have finger markings which I still find helpful.)This book pulls it all together for me: some blues music theory, some blues history, clearly-marked "assignments", a CD included, (a spiral binding that lays flat on the stand!) ... I'm hooked!

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Product Description:
The basic principles of blues piano explained for the intermediate-level pianist in an easy-to-grasp fashion.

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Yamaha Arius YDP140 Digital Piano Review

I concur with another review of this digital piano as I too went into my local Guitar Center and found the YDP-140 to be an excellent choice in digital pianos... and especially because you can, as said, walk away with a smile on your face for the price you (ultimately) pay before you walk out of the door (if you've done your homework).The assembly is easy, if not simple; seven steps to completion in about an hour or so requiring only a Phillips screwdriver (for the provided screws - less than a dozen?) and a small crescent wrench (for the included piano bench assembly) and an extra set of hands at the end to place the keyboard on top of the sturdy housing.If you're older than ten years old, you can put this piano together with the help of a friend.

As you might be considering the more expensive YDP-160, I can tell you it too is an excellent choice for both quality of product and cost (do your homework on the prices offered), but only if you actually need the two 20 watt speakers that the 160 model has, or the additional voices (I just wanted something that sounded like a real piano, and with the extra voices the 140 already has, who needs more?It comes with an electric piano, church organ, and strings, in addition to an ability to adjust for tonal reverberation AND ambiance, as in a room, hall, or even stage - more than adequate for my more limited needs).The 140 has two 6 watt speakers (stereo sound) and can fill a good sized room adequately with the volume still not turned all the way up.I think the 160 comes in a rosewood finish with gold-colored pedals, as an additional option, if I'm not wrong, but even (if?) in alder alone (similar to a dark walnut color) and with the silver pedals on the 140, it isn't a cheap looking instrument if you set it up in your living room.As the speaker output and the number of voices offered are the basic apparent differences between the two choices (of the 140 versus 160), consider your ultimate needs, as again, creatively, the 160, with a wider array of voices, in addition to other creative recording choices not mentioned here might be your better choice (if you want to spend the additional 300 bucks).

And by the way, I'll mention it again here as I see some people are buying benches for their YDP models, mine came with a good quality bench in the box... so why buy another? (Is this model being sold without benches by some retailers?Ask.)

And finally, I've had a real, upright piano for more than thirty years.This recent purchase of a digital YDP-140- with the facility to control the volume - was important to me for other reasons I won't go into here.However you decide, I found the YDP-140 I purchased from Guitar Center (and certainly offering the best price yet!) to be a good decision and I can't fault the sound as compared to my other piano, nor the fact that it can fill a room nearly as well.The weighted, graded keys are another thing that you might consider in the purchase of any digital piano; you want such if you want to easily "translate" from one type of piano to the other.

After you've put your piano together, you can then take your first free classical piano lesson with Shawn Cheek, or from others, on YouTube.com, although I found Shawn's methods to be nearly a no-brainer, even for this beginner.His lessons are also available at reasonable cost on webpianoteacher.com, but try his YouTube "treat" first.Try this link for Shawn's classical lessons on YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/resultssearch_query=shawn+cheek+classical+piano+lessons&search_type=&aq=f

or just type in a search for "shawn cheek piano lessons" at YouTube and his name should come up (with other popular piano music suggestions that he gives for free on YouTube.com .By the way, I get no compensation for this mention, but only the satisfaction that it might help others learn something they've always wanted to do.YouTube, I just found out (gee, am I slow or what?), offers a lot of other helpful instructional videos on many other subjects, including instrument learning lessons.

I hope this review has been somehow useful to you.

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Product Description:
Includes Yamaha YDP-140 Arius digital piano Owner Manual 50 greats for the PianoMusic Book Quick Operation Guide Premium padded bench AC Power Adaptor PA-150.

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Alfred's Basic Piano Course: Lesson Book - Level 3 [Paperback] Review

The item took almost 3 weeks to arrive.Other than that, it was fine.

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Product Description:
This easy step-by-step method emphasizes correct playing habits and note reading through interval recognition. Lesson Book 3 introduces ""overlapping pedal""; new time signatures 3/8 and 6/8; and the primary triads in Major and Minor keys. Concepts include: passing one under two and one under three; playing major scales in contrary motion; the chromatic scale; the minor scale.

For reinforcement of each principle as it is introduced, supplementary material is carefully coordinated, page for page, at each level of instruction. Coordinating supplemental books for Level 3 include: Classic Themes
* Composition
* Duet
* Ear Training
* Ensemble
* Fun
* Hymn
* Merry Christmas
* Merry Christmas Ensemble
* Musical Concepts
* Notespeller
* Patriotic Solo
* Recital
* Repertoire
* Sight Reading
* Technic
* Theory and Top Hits! Solo, Christmas and Duet Book.

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The Best in Popular Sheet Music: Advanced Piano [Paperback] Review

This book almost single-handedly got me back into piano playing after a 20-year hiatus. I've never been happy with the arrangements in most popular sheet music, especially "PVG" and "Easy Piano" sheets -- they are too simple and have almost no left hand accompaniment to speak of. Generally, there are no chords or arpeggios -- just single note "plink, plink, plink" etc. while the right hand has to carry the whole song.
On the other hand, many of the arrangements in this book (and in Dan Coates "Advanced" and "Professional Touch" books in general) have *wonderful* left-hand accompaniments and dramatic chording and other nice touches for the right-hand. Difficulty ranges from intermediate ("The Rose", "Open Arms") to advanced ("I Will Always Love You").
Sure, if you're talented enough to arrange for yourself you might find fault, but for those of us who just read and play and like to play popular music, this is an exceptional book.

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Product Description:
Arranged by Dan Coates. Contains: Angel Eyes * Because You Loved Me * Desperado * From a Distance * The Greatest Love of All * (Everything I Do) I Do It for You * I Can Love You Like That * I Swear * If You Believe * Stairway to Heaven * Un-Break My Heart * Valentine and 10 more.

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My First Book of Irish Songs and Celtic Dances: 21 Favorite Pieces in Easy Piano Arrangements [Paperback] Review

I bought the book thinking it was a bit more than it is.Wherever there aren't notes, there are pictures to color...Definitely for children.However it did have a lot of famous songs such as "Danny Boy" and"When Irish Eyes are Smiling."If you are looking for anintroduction to celtic music and you are at a beginner level of piano, thisbook is great.However, you get what you pay for...

Click Here to see more reviews about: My First Book of Irish Songs and Celtic Dances: 21 Favorite Pieces in Easy Piano Arrangements [Paperback]

Product Description:
Fun-to-play, pedagogically sound easy piano arrangements of 21 perennial favorites include "Danny Boy," "When Irish Eyes Are Smiling," "My Wild Irish Rose," "The Wearing of the Green," "Sweet Rosie O'Grady," "Kerry Dance," "Irish Washerwoman," and much more (many include lyrics). Beginning pianists of all ages will enjoy this spirited and modestly priced collection of classic Irish airs.


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Williams Overture 88 Key Digital Piano Review

I'm certainly not a professional, however, I do know what a piano is supposed to sound like, and I know the difference between a Harpsichord, Organ, and a Harmonica: 'nuff said.

First of all I would like to say that the Williams Digital Piano is by far the best instrument I have ever owned, next to my toy, an old Casio keyboard that I owned for quite some time, I was happy to finally sell that off in a garage sale. When I went hunting for another piano, I took my Sony headphones and headed off to various stores with digital pianos. This one by far sounded the closest to a real upright piano (Well, the Yamaha was closer, but another 1K more expensive...), and it had the features and look I was wanting.

Pros ---
1. The weighted digital piano keys mimic perfectly the hammer-action of a real piano, and the sound is equally amazing. As I said I tested it out in headphones, and even at home in total silence the headphones are clear as anything and sound perfect. The built-in speakers that are attached to the piano work equally as well. I 'tested' it note-for-note, unplugging my headphones and listening to the built-in speakers, and I can safely say that I don't hear a difference at all. No "fuzzy-sounds", no buzzing, no humming, etc. Sounds nice.

2. After listening to several Harpsichord songs, I played a few notes on the piano to compare. So far I can't tell the difference between the notes played in the song and the ones I played on the piano.

3. Same with the Organ and string setting, both sound equally realistic and about as close to an acoustic piano as I'm going to get without spending thousands of dollars.

4. I actually bought this piano online, yes, from Musicians Friend. No, I am not an employee there, nor have I ever heard of it. I did call them up to see how exactly it was going to be mailed. I mean, sure it is less than 1K for the digital piano, but I wanted to make sure it wasn't going to end up in several pieces on my doorstep. I have to say the piano box arrived in no less than perfect condition. Go with Musicians Friend if you are going to buy this!Cons ---
1. Okay, so again I'm new at this. So, of COURSE I played the Play-Along songs while I waited for my real books to arrive. One of the irks I have is that when you use the digital piano to listen to the play-along songs, be forewarned that it is MUCH louder than when you are playing the piano normally. Also, if you are trying to play along, you have to compensate the volume by turning it down to hear the song correctly, but I also had a hard time hearing what I was playing on the piano!

2. Same thing goes with the metronome. It is MUCH louder than the 'volume' of the piano. If I had to change something, it would be how loud the Metronome sounds as compared to the piano. The volume, when recording songs and playing them back, however, is at the 'same volume' as the piano. Don't know if it is just my piano or what, but listening to the Play-Along songs and using the metronome is quite annoying.

3. I'm a computer programmer. I bought this piano because it came with a USB cable, anddd I thought I could use my computer knowledge to retrieve the songs off of the Williams Digital Piano. Not-so-much. There is no way to get the recorded songs off of the piano, the only thing the USB cable does is transmit the MIDI messages to a computer if you have the correct software installed. For me, kinda pointless.

Well, I think that about sums it up. Oh yeah, well, I don't think that this is a "Con" per-se, however: this piano comes disassembled. Which means that you have to assemble it. Fine, but the problem lies: this piano does not have instructions included to tell you how to assemble the piano. I, personally, was able to assemble is promptly. However, at first it was irksome laying out all the pieces and figuring out what goes where.

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Product Description:
The Williams Overture is a console style 88-Key digital piano with a sliding key-cover and full vanity panel. The Overture features an 88-note hammer-action keyboard with selectable touch response; sustain, sustenuto, and soft pedals; 64-note polyphony; 15 main voices and 128 General MIDI voices; 3 keyboard modes; effects; 2-track recording; and a built-metronome.The Overture is expertly designed and crafted to look and sound its best for years of musical enjoyment. With a dark wood grain finish the Overture has a distinctive look and style to match any home decor. Williams digital pianos have an uncompromising attention to detail that you will see and hear every time you sit at the keyboard.

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John W. Schaum Piano Course: B - The Blue Book [Paperback] Review

I recently got a piano, and since I haven't played in 30 years, decided to start over with these books I used as a kid. They are just as good as I remember!

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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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Popular Sheet Music Hits: Easy Piano [Paperback] Review

Like the songs in many other piano books Dan Coates has arranged and edited the pieces included here are easy to play.The book has twenty-five compositions all with complete lyrics which makes it a good book for a beginning voice student as well.Some of my favorite standards are in this book including THE WIND BENEATH MY WINGS, SOMEWHERE OUT THERE, THE ROSE, THEME FROM NEW YORK, NEW YORK and MY WAY. Country hits like GOD BLESS THE USA are here as well as Elton John's 70's hit YOUR SONG plus many other well loved songs to make a total of twenty-five selections.Great collection that is fun to play and not too difficult.

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Product Description:
Easy Piano Arrangemnts. Titles include: Foolish Games * The Greatest Love of All * I Will Always Love You * My Way * Over the Rainbow * The Prayer * There You'll Be * A Thousand Miles * Time to Say Goodbye * Your Song and more.

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Library of Piano Classics: Piano Solo (Library of Series) [Plastic Comb] Review

For sheer value for money you can't go past this thick volume. It contains around 50 pieces of varying styles by over 40 composers, including several duet arrangements of pieces (also included as solos). Many of the pieces are commonly included in collections (Traumerei, Fur Elise, Fantasy-Impromptu) but others are more unusual. A few of the composers include: Albeniz, Bach, Beethoven, Chopin, Brahms, Debussy, Faure, Scott Joplin ... it's a long list.
The book itself features: Handy ring-binding, without which it would never stay open;clear printing (not one of those publications that looks like it's gone through a fax); and good editing.
I would particularly recommomend this book to people trying to increase the size of their music library (done instantly) or people who want to get a taste of numerous musical styles and composers. The variety in levels of the music can keep you dipping into this book from low-intermediate through to the higher grades.

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Product Description:
A compendium of the world's most loved music. True to the spirit of the great composers, this volume fills the needs of students and teachers. Over 100 works including SchubertÂ's Moment Musicale, ChopinÂ's Minute Waltz, and BeethovenÂ's Rondo a Cappriccio.

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On Stage KT7800 Padded Keyboard Bench Review

On Stage sell two benches that are easy to confuse because they have similar model numbers:

KT7880
Adjustable height:18.75", 20", 20.50"
Weight capacity: 300 lbs.
Seat: 12" x 17"; 2" cushion
Weight:11.5 lbs.

KT7880+ On Stage KT7800 Plus Keyboard Bench
Adjustable height: 19", 21", 23", 25"
Weight capacity: 360 lbs.
Seat: 12.5" x 23.5"; 3" cushion
Weight:14 lbs.

This one (KT7880) is a no-frills basic bench. Each leg has 3 holes for the pivot bolt. Height is adjusted by removing the pivot bolt and reinstalling it with two washers through a different pair of holes. This is not difficult, but if the intent is to adjust it several times a day for different members of the family, I'd choose a different style. The advantage of this design is once you set the height, it remains until you intentionally change it.

One side of the scissor base is permanently attached to the seat with brackets that allow it to pivot; the other side fits into 2 c-shaped brackets. To keep the legs from collapsing when you lift the bench off the floor, you hand tighten a bolt across the opening of each c bracket whenever you set it up; the bolts have plastic knobs. This works fine for most applications. But if I were assembling half a dozen of them several times a day, I'd prefer a single lever latch.

The larger KT7880+ has a different design for adjusting height, best understood by going to the onstagestands web site and entering "KT7800+" in the search box.

For home use, I'm happy with the KT7880. It's sturdy and comfortable, utilitarian in appearance with decent workmanship (China), folds for storage or travel, sets up and adjusts easily without tools. Cushion is a bit soft -- maybe too soft for playing guitar or other hand-held instruments. A good value.

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Product Description:
The On Stage KT7800 Keyboard Bench is an affordable 3-position, X-style seat that's perfect for fold-and-go use.Its all-purpose appeal make it a no-brainer for those looking to buy a basic bench for gigs, the studio or for home.

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Teach Yourself to Play Electronic Keyboard [Paperback] Review

If you have learned or studied some music theory then this book is OK.If you haven't you might get lost in the theory as the book "presumes" that you know some theory.The lesson plans are good and I believe that by the time you get all the way through the book you would know how to play keyboard. I am taking lessons from a piano teacher as well as using this book, and I have some music theory training. If theory is completely new to you then I would suggest a keyboard book in the "For Dummies" line; or find someone who can explain basic theory to you. It does help to have some theory knowledge as it helps with rhythm & tempo in your playing.

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Product Description:
Everything you need to know to get started playing electronic keyboard now! Melody, harmony and rhythm are explained in an easy-to-understand, step-by-step system. Explains how to use chord symbols to play from pop sheet music, fake books and lead sheets. You'll learn about the "Circle of 5ths" and improvising techniques.

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