Piano and Keyboard All-in-One For Dummies
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 awhileor took lessons when you were a child but haven't played sinceyou can pick up some valuable tips to improve your playing, or use the book as a refresher course.
This indispensible resource combines the best ofFor Dummies books, includingPiano For Dummies, Keyboard For Dummies, Music Theory For Dummies, andPiano 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.
Introduction 1
Book I: Piano& Keyboard 101 5
Chapter 1: Warming Up 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
Holly Day has created work that has appeared in over 3,000 print and electronic publications internationally.