Useful Piano Book for Beg/Inter?

[neoTypic]

Howdy folks. :)

I just recently splurged on a full range midi controller (KeyStation 88es). Man it's nice to sit in front of a full set of keys again! It's been over a year since I've gotten to touch a real piano, but at least now I have some plastic ivories to practice on again. ;)

Could anyone point me towards a good "advanced" beginner book? I have a good grasp on beginning theory and can read music and all that (I know what a I IV V I progression is etc). I'm looking to develop better finger/hand independence and keyboard awareness. Ideally the book will have short lessons highlighting ideas followed by pieces that utilize them. An intro to Jazz theory/playing would be nice as well. I just feel that I really should learn my way around a keyboard better, especially if I want to continue composing.

Thanks!

[Vissequ]

I right now am on book 6 of a 10 workbook series covering from beginner to advanced (I'm doing a book a week lmfao). I am very happy with the way the books cover theory. The lessons at times get somewhat repetitive, but overall I would HIGHLY recommend checking it out.

The series is titled Basics of Keyboard Theory by Julie McIntosh Johnson and the workbooks average around $8-$12 each.

I don't think it really covers jazz though. Its emphasis is on baroque, classical, romantic, and contemporary.

[Sean R. Beeson]

If you are looking to deleveop indepence of your hands, I would highly reccommend the Mikros Cosmos books by Bartok. There are six of them, the fist being rather easy, and the only get harder. I used them in complement to the Thompson books and the Bastien books, but the Mikros Cosmos really make your brain think.

I would also recommend sight reading too :) Everyday. They have books that are, a sight reading a day. Those are some good places to start. I also can ask my friend, Dr. Tianshu Wang. She is a huge pianist.(PhD from Arizona St.)

Hope this helps,
Sean

[Phillip]

Good question neoTypic ! ! ! ;-|

I'm in the same boat over here.

I was surprised nobody mentioned C.L.Hanon - "The Virtuoso Pianist In 60 Excercises" but, what do I know being more of a two finger keyboard player.

I will definately be following this thread.

God Bless.

One Love.

Phillip,
Learning for a lifetime. ;-|

[neoTypic]

Thanks guys for the suggestions so far:

I'll check out the Julie McIntosh Johnson books next time I get a chance to step into a music store, and I'll definitely check into the Mikros Cosmos. The problem is always being able to tell what is "easy" for one person without looking at a score.

If you wouldn't mind asking your friend for me Sean, I'd be much obliged.

My biggest problem with sight reading is that I can easily read one hand at a time but my brain just doesn't like processing two different parts in two different clefs. *laughs* I'm a woodwind player/singer so I'm not used to the independence of hands. I’m used to them working in tandem. ;)

Thanks Phillip, I'll check that one out too. I just think for me it's a very good skill to learn and would have great practicality and use.