Mel Bay's You Can Teach Yourself Piano [Paperback]

Matt Dennis (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 2004

You Can Teach Yourself Piano is a revolutionary concept in piano instruction. No other piano method comes close to matching this book's scope in teaching not only basic music reading skills, but also the essential technique and theory for playing in all contemporary keyboard styles. Central to the philosophy of the You Can Teach Yourself series, this beginner's book is written to give the serious adult student a solid foundation while studying on their own without the advantage of having a private teacher; it will show you all you need to know to get an authoritative start on the instrument, presenting technical and theoretical concepts as needed while offering carefully graded, challenging material to hold your interest. In addition to the incalculable assets of ear training and development of taste in modern harmony, upon completion of this method the student will be fully prepared to handle the demands of modern piano music. This package includes the companion DVD which accompanies and teaches many of the concepts in the book. CD included.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

L. Dean Bye is a professional musican, teacher, composer, and clinician. He received his Bachelor's Degree from Anderson University in Indiana and his Master's Degree from Southern Illinois University. Matt Dennis is a teacher and songwriter on the Los Angeles scene. He has been a guest on a variety of TV shows and has appeared at leading clubs and concert halls throughout the country. Matt is especially recognized for his talents in the field of jazz, where his many compositions for jazz piano are legendary. He believes that students, hearing and playing full modern chord arrangements at an early age, will find it stimulating to the ear and will be encouraged to experiment with modern sounds in their own playing. He feels that most players desire to play and improvise with more harmonic freedom. His books are carefully designed to enhance the student's knowledge and ability in performing the demands of modern piano stylings.

Product Details

• Paperback: 124 pages
• Publisher: Mel Bay Publications, Inc. (September 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0786641037
• ISBN-13: 978-0786641031
• Product Dimensions: 11.7 x 8.7 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 2.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #786,794 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Comprehensive for the adult learner, September 12, 2002

By 

Becky - See all my reviews

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

I have considerable musical background (I have played trumpet for 15 years, guitar for 6, and numerous other instruments) but never really sat down to master the mechanics of keyboard playing. This book was exactly what I was looking for because it starts from the basics of two-handed fingerings, and takes the player all the way to chord playing, etc., which is what I will focus on as a worship leader and musician. While this book moves quickly through theory and does not hand-hold, it does still cover a lot of ground from the basics to more complex concepts in music. The complete novice will probably not feel comfortable with this, but I still have to say that I am pleased and impressed with the scope of this book. If you have some musical background and are looking to cross over into piano as a second (or third or more) instrument, you will most likely appreciate this book because it does not dwell on the elementary concepts you are already familiar with.

6 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Definitely Not For Beginners, August 9, 2001

By A Customer

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

I started out in music by purchasing Mel Bay's Complete Method For Modern Guitar, which I rate 12 stars. The write up about what Mel Bay's Complete Method For Modern Guitar offers anyone is absolutely true, if you work hard and apply yourself.

What does this have to do with playing the keyboard? Read on: When I finished the course, I understood the "mysteries" of MUSIC. Now, I'm into keyboarding. I bought one, brought it home and began playing it almost instantly without ever having a lesson. Was it magic? Was it a "miracle"? Definitely not.It was because of the knowledge I gained from Mel's music course. Music is music. No matter what instrument you play. The only thing I have to work at is the famous left and right hand-playing simultaneous "thing."

A friend of mine recently bought his daughter a keyboard. This was after seeing my keyboard and after my giving him a demonstration of the technology and versatility this instrument offers-besides being fun to play. He also bought Mr. Dennis' book about teaching yourself Piano. He and his wife looked at the book and couldn't figure it out. So, he called me. He thought the book would be using the "spoon-fed technique." I looked it over and told him to send it back. This book is definitely not for beginners. If one doesn't already have an understanding of music theory, sight reading, etc., this book will mean nothing...particularly if you're 8 years old. So, I started giving Jamie music lessons until her parents find a teacher who does that for a living. 'Cause I don't. I'm just helping a friend out.

I hope my opinion helps someone out. Thanks for giving me a chance to express it.

4.0 out of 5 stars The Real Deal, December 28, 1999

By 

[e-mail] (USA) - See all my reviews

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

Well, overall this is a good book. Mostly it lets you practice and has tons of great material to play but it lacks showing detailed instructions for begining players. You will want to get another book on music first to learn the basics. Like notes, time signagatures, and every thing else. Once you have mastered the basic skills of music this book is excellent for carrying on your music skills in the piano.