Beginning Piano for Adults (GP 23) [Plastic Comb]

James Bastien (Author), Jane Bastien (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 1968 | ISBN-10: 0910842027 | ISBN-13: 978-0910842020

Beginning Piano For Adults is designed for students at the college level (music major or non-music). Material is divided into four sections: Pre-Reading; Reading; Functional Piano; and Piano Literature, Technique and Style. Carefully slected exercises ensure gradual, thorough reading progress in all keys.

Pre-Reading and Reading sections emphasize good reading habits and rhythmic orientation through technic. Fundamentals of theory and musical structure are also introduced.

The material found in the Functional Piano section provides useful training for music education students, who must be able to harmonize given melodies with appropriate accompaniment. The Piano Literautre, Technique and Style section contains sufficient material for four semesters' work, covering everything from keyboard orientation to piano literature by master composers.

Product Details

• Plastic Comb
• Publisher: Kjos Music Company (June 1, 1968)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0910842027
• ISBN-13: 978-0910842020
• Product Dimensions: 11.8 x 9.2 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #430,898 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

38 of 40 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Really Great Book For Self - Learning Or With A Teacher, February 26, 2003

By 

David J Reese (Starkville, MS United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Beginning Piano for Adults (GP 23) (Plastic Comb)

This book has been around for at least 30 years, because that is when I first had it. I started taking piano lessons in high school after several years of playing by ear. My teacher ordered this book for me telling me that the book was very self-explanatory and to go through it at my own pace, asking her any questions I might have. She never told me what she expected me to have learned by the next lesson. I might add that I was a self-motivated student even though my parents are the ones who suggested I take lessons and who found me a teacher. My weekly lesson was showing her where I was in the book and playing a few exercises or pieces to demonstrate how I was progressing. She would offer suggestions and answer my questions. This book is great for self-learning. Everything is there: sight reading, theory and technique- all very clear and easy to understand. Since the book is for older beginners the sight-reading pieces are not trite like you might find in other beginner books. There are many familiar folk tunes and famous melodies. I highly recommend this book for anyone no matter your age!
I must add that although this is a great book for self-learners, it is still great to have a teacher for the weekly encouragement.

8 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars I bought this book based on David Reece's review...., April 22, 2006

By 

mommyofchristopher "mommyofchristopher" (United States) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Beginning Piano for Adults (GP 23) (Plastic Comb)

....and I was very disappointed with this book. It was difficult to follow and overwhelming. Maybe, I need a teacher to explain everything on each page because each page was packed with a ton of stuff in small print. Whew!! I never made it to the back of the book. I am still stuck at the beginning, and have gone back several times trying to decipher this book. I liked James Bastien's children's piano books a lot better.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beginning Piano for Adults by Bastien and Bastien, November 4, 2011

By 

Nancy D. Eden (Indiana) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Beginning Piano for Adults (GP 23) (Plastic Comb)

I have been a piano teacher for 50 years and have taught students of all ages, including in private homes, in a music school and in a college. This is by far the best book for teaching adults I have encountered and I have used it with many students. The Bastiens' course allows for each person to begin with no previous knowledge of the keyboard and commence playing almost immediately. Continuing with the well presented material, the student can learn theory and technique to become an accomplished player. An outstanding feature is that following their plan to provides comfort in negotiating all keys. The instructions are given simply, but thoroughly, neither underestimating nor insulting the adult learner.