Mel Bay's You Can Teach Yourself Piano Chords (Book & DVD) [Paperback]

Per Danielsson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 2005

You Can Teach Yourself Piano Chords combines regular music notation with visual illustrations to give a clear picture of how to voice basic piano chords. The first part of the book introduces the student to basic triads and dominant seventh chords in all the inversions. After mastering this concept, material such as Maj7th, min7th, diminished, augmented and suspended chords are introduced, followed by alternate bass note, addition of the 9th and common chord progressions. Regardless of skill level, the student will quickly be able to play an accompaniment by using only chord symbols. The appendix section will give the student a clear understanding in basic music theory. When using this book as a lesson book it’s very helpful to refer to the appendix section while chords are being learned. The book can be used both for lessons and reference. Includes DVD.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Jazz pianist, composer, arranger, writer and educator Per Danielsson is a native of Stockholm, Sweden. Growing up with a jazz guitar playing father, Per was exposed to the sounds of Oscar Peterson and Bill Evans at an early age. He began his formal musical education with piano lessons at age nine. Later studies included lessons with Robert Malmberg and world renowned jazz pianist Bengt Hallberg.

After graduation from Kungsholmens Gymnasium in 1981, Per spent six months performing in the inaugural Royal Swedish Army Band. In 1984 Per was the recipient of the Pat Coil Jazz Piano Scholarship to North Texas State University, one of the largest music schools in the United States, internationally known for its outstanding jazz studies program. His two years at NTSU included intense studies in performance and arranging with Steve Harlos, Dan Hearle, Paris Rutherford and another important influence, the legendary jazz artist and educator Rich Matteson.

While at school Per was selected to play piano with the NTSU Jazz Singers on their 1985 tour of Taiwan. And in 1986 Per won a national audition and spent the summer performing in Disney's All-American College Orchestra at EPCOT Center. This was followed by the offer of a full-time job as a professional pianist for Walt Disney World.

Per has performed with a variety of jazz and show artists including Rich Matteson, Louis Bellson, Clark Terry, Rosemary Clooney, Bobby Shew, Nick Brignola, John Green, Maureen McGovern, Rich Little, Mike Post and Mark Murphy. He has also performed with Swedish jazz legends Arne Domnerus and Jan Allan.

After fifteen years as a professional musician, Per completed his Master's degree in jazz studies, composition and arranging, studying with one of the finest jazz writer-arrangers of today, Chuck Owen.

Now an educator as well, he teaches jazz improvisation at the University of South Florida in Tampa. Per often shares his musical experience and expertise with students of all ages who participate in Disney's Magic Music Days jazz workshops.

Per's playing can be heard on his own trio CD "Zulu Time," as well as the CD "So It Goes" which he co-wrote and co-produced with jazz saxophonist Tamara Danielsson. His current projects include trio and quartet recordings with jazz great Danny Gottlieb. Per also shares his knowledge in current publications by Mel Bay including, Essential Jazz Lines of Bill Evans, and First Lessons Piano.

Product Details

• Paperback: 120 pages
• Publisher: Mel Bay Publications, Inc. (October 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0786644346
• ISBN-13: 978-0786644346
• Product Dimensions: 11.8 x 8.7 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #646,841 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Good with one flaw, June 20, 2009

By 

Trouser Roller (Travelling) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Mel Bay's You Can Teach Yourself Piano Chords (Book & DVD) (Paperback)

There are no written instructions inside the book about how to use it as a teaching tool. The contents are entirely diagrams. Thankfully, the accompanying DVD provides excellent instructions on how to do the lessons. The book and DVD work in tandem.

Unfortunately, what this means is that if you misplace the DVD (which I did early on my way up the my learning curve) the book by itself is now only good for reference purposes - it has become worthless as a stand-alone teaching tool. So... I had to order another copy. Had there been (at least minimal) written instructions describing how to do the exercises in the book I would have given it 5 stars.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great for those who know a little something, September 18, 2010

By 

love that (tor, can) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Mel Bay's You Can Teach Yourself Piano Chords (Book & DVD) (Paperback)

I purchased this product because I have had some training with piano. The training that I have recieved was based on classical and those of you who know, classical background can hinder chord arrangements when it comes to gospel music. I wanted to be able to climb the scales. Mel Bay's teach yourself piano chords was very helpful because the notes are in the book so you can alternate your learning experience by either watching the DVD or follow the book or both. The one problem I have is that the DVD that I have is not compatable with my DVD player and can only be used with my Labtop. Otherwsize, so far so good.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Powerful and Fun, December 14, 2009

By 

J. Minch "sporkit" (Chicago, IL) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Mel Bay's You Can Teach Yourself Piano Chords (Book & DVD) (Paperback)

Of the 5 five books I purchased while learning to play piano by ear. This one was by far the most practical and fun. You'll be immediately hammering out big rich chord progressions. Further into the book you'll be learning how to make them sound even better by adding new keys. If you know nothing about piano you can still use it, but I'd recommend something to accompany it so you understand how the instrument works.

If you'd rather shoot yourself than practice "Oh Susanna" or "Camp Town Races" again. I highly recommend this book. It's just to much fun to pass up!