 Excellent intro |
| Review Date: September 27, 2003 |
| Reviewer: Louis Gudema, Newton, MA USA |
| 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. |
If you want to learn classical piano, this is the series for you!
|
| Review Date: November 29, 2006 |
| Reviewer: Thomas Martin, USA |
| Like so many other reviewers of piano books on Amazon, I have purchased enough books to replenish the rain forest, but unfortunately, very few were helpful -- except for the Alfred series -- My goal was to read sheet music/musical scores; not necessarily just play "Raindrops keep..". The "popular" books teach you chords and shortcuts, but if you want the foundation, these are the books. They are well-written; the exercises are very well designed (I hate 'Jingle Bells', but its the first song using both the left and right hands, and I feel good!). I'm also taking one lesson a month to review what I'm doing in the book(s) and get some pointers from a pro. For me, this is the best way to learn, and I think the Alfred series for adults are the best books to help me along my pianistic journey. |
Alfred is Awesome!
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| Review Date: March 24, 2005 |
| Reviewer: K. A. Alphs, USA |
| After taking piano lessons for three years, spending a considerable sum for the teachers time/expertise while utilizing the "lastest teaching method" which I did not care for I almost gave up playing the piano completely. However one day I was looking through a homeschooling catalog when I noticed the "Alfred's Basic Adult Piano Course". I liked the review I read of the product and decided to order it. What did I have to loose? I sat down at the piano the very next week with my lesson book, after playing through several of the lessons I was hooked! Alfred's course takes you back to the fundamental basics of music and piano. After all if you don't learn the basics you are lost. The lesson book I ordered came with a CD which has been very helpful in doing the lessons. Alfred produces other books to round out the series: finger aerobics, theory, sacred, christmas and greatest hits music. This program is great for those who love independant study or are limited in the amount of time/money they can spend on piano lessons. Alfred also produces a series for children in a kid friendly format,Music for Little Mozart's, Alfred's Prep Course, and Alfred's Basic Piano Course. Alfred makes music fun for everyone! |
Just what I needed!
|
| Review Date: March 21, 2007 |
| Reviewer: robyn, Westchester, NY |
I am a thirty-something person learning the piano with no musical experience at all. This book has definitely taught me to play, and no other book I picked up came close. The Alfred book starts at the very beginning with pictures of numbered fingers and numbered keys. And within a few pages you're reading music and playing with two hands! The pace is appropriate for an adult, progressing quickly, but with full explanation of each new skill.
I would still recommend getting additional beginner books if you're serious about learning the piano, because it's useful to have a variety of resources, but this book is the one that taught me to play.
Good luck! |
An excellent piano teaching book!
|
| Review Date: December 29, 2006 |
| Reviewer: Jessica Aviles, Pacific Grove, CA USA |
| The last time I played piano was when I was 9 years old... I recently got a keyboard, and needed some help starting all over from level zero. Being that I knew nothing about music theory what-so-ever, this book really helped me get started. The book is a nice big size and there is a page or two devoted to each lesson, with room throughout each page that makes you feel uncrunched and at ease as you learn. The explanations are wonderfully simple and after a few lessons, I actually started reading and playing new music pieces that I saw for the first time! I think this is an excellent self-teaching tool for the first-time piano student. The only minus about this book is that it does not have spiral binding, so you have to devise a way to keep the pages open while you play (I paperclipped the edges of mine). I was also slightly dissapointed that the version did not come with a CD, which I can do without, but which would have been helpful to hear the melodies and know if you're on the right track. Also, as I figued out a little ways into the book, it constantly refers to another book with sheet music, saying "you are now ready for Christmas Classics", and I was dissapointed that it was one extra thing to buy and there was no way to know that before I bought the book. The additional sheet music book is not absolutely necessary, but it would have been nice to be able to learn some new melodies appropriate for the level you're on, rather than just go through the one-or-two examples for the lesson in the book over and over. |
PERFECT...for a late beginner!
|
| Review Date: March 7, 2003 |
| Reviewer: Deb Kober, Wisconsin |
| This book was recommended to me at the Leiphold Music Store in LaCrosse, WI. I had some knowledge to playing, but was limited to the upper hand...and single notes. It's only been a couple of weeks and I'm now playing chords, and reading upper and lower music, as well as playing it! I found this book easy to follow, and recommend highly to those who are looking for a good course. There are quite a few books in this series, and I have also purchased the LEVEL ONE ...Sacred Music. I look forward to obtaining the rest of this series as I pass from one level to another. What's great is that no matter where you are...there are pages that let you know what books you can begin playing in. I LOVE IT! From pluncker to really playing! |
Perfect for adult beginner
|
| Review Date: January 2, 2003 |
| Reviewer: J. S. Heron, Surfers Paradise, Qld Australia |
I am 52 and have spent the last 9 months learning to play the piano. This book was recommended by my piano teacher.
I have found this to be the almost perfect learning aid. Each page adds a little something new, and I am now playing more and more complex pieces with little difficulty.
For a 'later' starter this book should be ideal. Also, it's a must to get the CD that accompanies the book. |
Songs available online
|
| Review Date: January 23, 2008 |
| Reviewer: M. Hamed, Baltimore, MD United States |
| For those who didn't find the CD with the book, I found the songs online at http://www.sonicx.com/Alfred/ |
This is a very good book!
|
| Review Date: August 11, 2006 |
| Reviewer: vyk_2000, USA |
| I bought this book along with the Adult All-In-One Course. And I love it. In one week I have learned to play four songs and can recognize the music notes by sight instead of trying to remember the letter/number of the keys. It also teaches techique and theory at the same time. This is a great beginners book for anyone who wants to learn how to play the piano. It is well worth the money. I definetly recommend this book. |
Excellent books for beginners! I should know better!
|
| Review Date: July 4, 2002 |
| Reviewer: Kelvin Tong, Singapore |
| I am try a number of beginners book for piano and and not succeeded in learning to play the piano, until I bought this book. It's explanation is simple, clear and really help me in playing my first piece. In about 4-6 weeks of irregular learning, I am able to play my first piece of song "Love Me Tender" from the Greatest Hits Level 1, with 2 hands! I never thought it is possible after I failed a couple of times. The book is unlike some which tends to be too simple, it is just right for adult beginners, and along the way, you pick up some good habits without knowing. Even my wife who is a holds a grade 8 find the book to be good. No, I didn't need any help from her when I got this book, well, maybe 1 or 2 questions, so it's good to have know someone who knows how to play. Overall, I am very satisfied and I have never learn something quite like this and I am enjoying every minute of it. I may not be the next Beethoven but I am happy that I can now fulfill my childhood dream of actually playing the piano...with 2 hands! Thanks! |
Excellent way to get started!
|
| Review Date: March 30, 2001 |
| Reviewer: Roni Nunez, NEW ORLEANS, LA United States |
| I purchased this book from a local music store. From an Adult Beginner viewpoint, I think it is an excellent book for Adults to get started. I like the way the music is logically grouped, intergrating new material in an appropriate manner. It does not assume that the reader already knows how to read music. If you purchase this book, and follow its instructions, it is my opinion that soon you will be playing music you never thought possible...And this is the objective. However, I would recommend purchasing the accompanying CD as well, because there are some songs that I was not familiar with and I think it is good to hear these songs to know the proper way in which they should be played. |
Must have book for beginners
|
| Review Date: December 20, 2005 |
| Reviewer: Balaji, CA USA |
| I am a beginner and got interest in learning piano, so I bought a keyboard. I cannot afford going for trainer often...so I decided to buy this book. It is amazing, it is as good as a teacher...It slowly takes you into playing notes and eventually some nice songs. I went for just one class to a teacher and after seeing my book, she said that's the one she always recommends to her students, so I believe I have got the right one. I am now able to play some nice songs by reading the notes... |
Great book for re-starters
|
| Review Date: November 29, 2005 |
| Reviewer: Monica Van Campen, Roseville, CA United States |
I have studied piano on and off for many years - I just never got above the basics. With this book I feel that I am really learning how to play. I agree with many that you must get the CD with the book. Regardless that it is in MIDI format - and that it has background music with it - it is a helpful guide for those pieces you are struggling with. I was referred to this book by many music teachers. I am thrilled that they did. I am just about to move on to level two.
BTW, I bought some other beginning piano sheet music that I really wanted to learn. It helped drive me to work through the Alfred book so that I could play that piece eventually. It is the piece of cake at the end of the stick. |
Excellent Book for Beginners
|
| Review Date: May 26, 2000 |
| Reviewer: MamaCat, San Bruno, CA USA |
| I never played piano before in my life and when I got my new digital piano I was advised to purchase this book. I have learned so much from it and am still learning. The songs are great because most people are familiar with them and can hear how the song should sound. This book is a very good learning tool for the beginner and intermidate student. |
very good even if you have had limited exposure to music
|
| Review Date: July 9, 1999 |
| Reviewer: , |
| I only had eight months of piano lessons when I was a child. I wasn't interested and felt I didn't have talent anyway. Now about thirty years later, my daughter is beginning lessons and loves piano. I became interested also, and have found this book very helpful in learning "on my own". At 40 years of age, I have more patience with myself than I did at age 10. Now the piano is my "toy". |
Best of the many adult piano books I've used.
|
| Review Date: July 24, 1998 |
| Reviewer: , |
| If you "took some lessons as a kid" and want to get back to playing, this book is great. It not only helps you get your technique back, it also teaches you about chord structure. You understand what you are playing, and can start improvising! |
Highly recommended
|
| Review Date: August 14, 2007 |
| Reviewer: J N, Scottsdale, AZ |
| I have no musical background whatsoever and this book makes me feel like I've got lots of talent. It is easy to navigate and learn the basics. A truly must have for every beginner. |
Outstanding for the new piano player
|
| Review Date: January 20, 1999 |
| Reviewer: , |
| This book is great for someone new to the piano, especially if you have had some other music experience. Takes you through chords and some musical theory, not too quickly, and not too slowly. Each new exercise builds on the past exercises and then gives you something new. I highly recommend this series. |
This is an amazing course
|
| Review Date: June 5, 2008 |
| Reviewer: Robert Hostetter, Lititz, PA United States |
| I have never played piano before and I'm halfway through book 1. I'm taking my time, but its been about 3 weeks. The stuff coming from my fingers sounds like real music and I'm using both hands to play complex music. I never felt overly intimidated though, each new song is a challenge, but never too much of one. The first few songs take minutes, then a couple sessions. I try to practice in tiny chunks (I have a 5 year old son), of about 15 minutes and the length of the songs in this book are great for that. I can't recommend this highly enough. |
Excellent and easy
|
| Review Date: October 19, 2008 |
| Reviewer: M. Wheatfall, Mo Hill, CA |
| I am 38YO and have not played since I was 11. This book is perfect for me. It builds on skills slowly and it's a great reminder of fingering, reading music and the arrangements are perfectly written for me to really feel like I am breezing through the lessons. I highly recommend this book. I am probably already ready for Book 2 but I really want to master this one first. |
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