Edition: Paperback Book & CD Package, Piano

Description: 240 Pages

Piano Exercises For Dummies features a wide variety of exervises and technique-building drills. Beginning with warm-up exercises, readers will transition to simple drills that help lay the foundation for exemplary technique. They'll then move on to specific skill-building drills to build strength, speed, and precision. They'll practice correct hand and body posture and discover how to incorporate facets of musical performance such as tempo, phrasing, and dynamics into their exercises and drills.

Concluding each lesson is a musical piece for the reader to try. All practice pieces are included on the bonus audio CD. Whether theyre studying under a tutor, or looking for a self-paced resource, readers will find everything they need to build skill and gain confidence playing the piano with Piano Exercises For Dummies.

Beginning level.

Introduction.

Part I: Waking Up Your Fingers.

Chapter 1: Getting Ready to Practice.

Chapter 2: Isolating and Exercising Your Fingers.

Chapter 3: Music for Five Fingers.

Part II: Developing a Strong, Supple, and Speedy Hand.

Chapter 4: Passing Under and Crossing Over.

Chapter 5: Playing Intervals.

Chapter 6: Playing Chords Without Tension.

Part III: Including Your Arms and Body.

Chapter 7: Extending Your Scales.

Chapter 8: Parallel and Contrary Motion.

Chapter 9: Footwork: Using the Damper Pedal.

Chapter 10: Jumping Across the Keyboard.

Part IV: Integration and Independence.

Chapter 11: Playing Arpeggios.

Chapter 12: Alternating Hands.

Chapter 13: Stretching Out with Octaves and Broken Octaves.

Chapter 14: Chord Progressions and Cadences.

Chapter 15: Trilling Thrills and Other Fancy Ornaments.

Chapter 16: Maximum Independence: Challenging Rhythms and Syncopations.

Part V: The Part of Tens.

Chapter 17: Ten Dances for Your Hands.

Chapter 18: Ten Great Composers and Their Daily Workouts.

Appendix: About the CD.