Full Description
The go-to reference for aspiring pianists and keyboard players Piano & Keyboard All-in-One For Dummies makes it easier and more fun than ever to make music! If you don't know how to read music, this book explains in friendly, uncomplicated language all the basics of music theory, and applies it to playing the piano and keyboard. And if you've been playing for awhile or took lessons when you were a child but haven't played since you can pick up some valuable tips to improve your playing, or use the book as a refresher course. This indispensible resource combines the best of For Dummies books, including Piano For Dummies, Keyboard For Dummies, Music Theory For Dummies, and Piano Exercises For Dummies to get you up and running in no time. The handy reference helps you to master the traditional black-and-white keys and gives you an understanding of the possibilities that unfold when those black-and-whites are connected to state-of-the-art music technology.* Discover the secrets for becoming a master on the piano and keyboard * Improve your skills with a wealth of easy-to-apply piano exercises * Tap into your creativity and get the lowdown on composing an original song * Find out how to use keyboards anywhere using external speakers, amps, home stereos, computers, and tablets Dive right in! This comprehensive book offers the most complete learning experience for aspiring pianists, keyboard enthusiasts, and students of music.
Contents
Introduction 1 Book IUp to the Piano and Keyboard 7 Chapter 2: Looking at the Different Keyboard Options 21 Chapter 3: Choosing and Buying Your Keyboard 41 Chapter 4: The Setup and Care of Your Instrument 63 Chapter 5: Getting Comfy at the Keyboard 81 Book II: Understanding Theory and the Language of Music 97 Chapter 1: Looking at Notes and Beats 99 Chapter 2: Stopping for a Rest 109 Chapter 3: Tempo, Measures, and Time Signatures 115 Chapter 4: Navigating Sheet Music 125 Chapter 5: Varying Beats and Rhythms 137 Book III: Beginning to Play 153 Chapter 1: Playing a Melody 155 Chapter 2: Working with Scales 171 Chapter 3: Adding the Left Hand 187 Chapter 4: Examining Form: Melody, Harmony, and Song Form 209 Chapter 5: Keys, Key Signatures, and the Circle of Fifths 235 Chapter 6: Building Chords to Accompany Melodies 257 Book IV: Refining Your Technique and Exploring Styles 281 Chapter 1: Adding Effects and Flair to Your Piano Playing 283 Chapter 2: Getting into the Groove 305 Chapter 3: Going Classical 325 Chapter 4: Perusing Popular Genres and Forms 337 Book V: Exercises: Practice, Practice, Practice 357 Chapter 1: Developing Hand Technique 359 Chapter 2: Extending Your Scales 387 Chapter 3: Improving Finger Coordination and Footwork 409 Chapter 4: Jumping Across the Keyboard 429 Chapter 5: Exercising with Arpeggios and Alternating Hands 443 Chapter 6: Stepping Up to Octaves and Chord Progressions 463 Book VI: Exploring Electronic Keyboard Technology 479 Chapter 1: Choosing Sounds and Effects 481 Chapter 2: Adding Accompaniment, Rhythm Patterns, and Arpeggiation 499 Chapter 3: Recording and Editing Your Sounds 525 Chapter 4: Using Onboard Learning Systems 551 Chapter 5: Playing Along with Recordings and Using Music Software 565 Appendix: Accessing the Audio Tracks 593 Index 601
