Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #51550 in Books
• Published on: 1994-12-31
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 48 pages

Customer Reviews

well-known songs made easy
These may not be the cool songs, but they're the ones that have been around forever and everyone knows.
I have a bit of a learning disability and find some instruction books a nightmare. I had very little trouble with this one though, even though I couldn't read a single note when I started. You may need other books later to fill in a few blanks, but in my opinion if you start with these books and some determination there's no way you're gonna quit.
The only knowledge I had of Kenneth Baker before buying this book was that he played jazz trumpet. Going from trumpet to keyboards isn't an obvious choice, but at this stage there's no problems. Later on, there's a couple of confusing points though but that's when you'd be at a stage to want a few actual lessons.
The playing part of the book starts you really gently with Merrily We Roll Along. It uses a total of 4 notes (middle C, the D above, E & G)and two chords (C & G), one of which at least you'll find in virtually all songs. Anything more complicated then is likely to make you chuck your keyboards out the window.
Once you've got that right, go on to Barcarolle. The only part of that music I heard was played really fast, whereas this little chunk is more of a waltz.
Then you go on to "Lightly Row", a nice little piece once you've mastered the chord patterns.
Other songs in this book vary as there are several editions. Whichever version you have though, you have some fun songs where virtually all are fun to play for years to come

Great for beginners
I brought this book and without any prior knowledge before I can now play a couple of songs. I have purchased a few keyboard books but this is by far the best one. I recommend this book for anyone looking to play for the first time. It teaches you many of the huge hits, by artists like Elton John, Beatles, Bryan Adams, Cold Play, Bee Gees, Robbie etc

Excellent for beginers to the keyboard
I had a few music lessons when I was younger so I knew the basics, but then I wanted to start learning again. We already had book one and two so I began to go through them. Because I had already started to learn book one was not very benefical to me, but book two was great. It contains many familiar songs from Elvis to Rodgers and Hammerstein. This book is a great aid for keyboard and piano basics.