Keyboard Skills for the Practical Musician

Book excerpt: Keyboard Skills for the Practical Musician provides undergraduate music majors in class piano courses with the techniques and fundamentals they need to flourish into independent, versatile musicians who play with confidence and sensitivity. Organized by skill (rather than level), the topics sequenced in this textbook offer endless flexibility for instructors while guiding students in a step-by-step approach through the development of essential keyboard skills—such as reading, harmonization, improvisation, and accompaniment—supporting concepts learned in music theory, ear training, private lessons, methods classes, and ensemble courses. One can draw from many sections of the book in any given class or semester, covering a wide range of piano skills that foster abilities frequently used in a myriad of musical professions. Features: Over 400 sightreading, transposition, and score reading examples, along with 125 harmonization Melodies Project assignments that promote independent learning, expose students to new musical styles, and encourage collaboration A concluding Repertoire section with lists of solo and duet music, 10 ensemble arrangements, 6 duets, and additional pieces from the Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Post-Romantic eras Music examples include numerous works by composers from marginalized backgrounds and from global folk music No prior piano background knowledge needed Explaining the core elements of keyboard learning in an accessible and responsive format while accentuating the importance of learning how to learn, Keyboard Skills for the Practical Musician offers an essential resource for all class piano students and instructors.