5 comments about How to Play the Flute: Everything You Need to Know to Play the Flute (How to Play).

1. I was very pleased with my purchase. Item arrived on time and in great condition and great sound!



2. only adequate. The book only offered the VERY basics - had expected it to at least go beyond basics into intermediate skills - - could have done it without the book! Lessons were extremely over-repetitive



3. This book is clear, informative, interesting to read and helpful in pointing out pitfalls of poor playing before I even get into bad habits. I'm sure that it's value will continue to unfold for me as I continue to use it.



4. This is a great little book. It had been 30 years since I had played flute in college and I had forgotten many of the fingerings. With this book, I was back playing in a few hours. Money well spent.



5. This is one amazing little book-as a beginning flute player in middle age with previous experience on classical guitar,this guide has outdone another method book I'd gotten even tho it came with a DVD. Lavishly illustrated,the author shows you how to get the best tone,how to hold the flute,how to get higher notes vs lower notes,and most important he explains the "why?' behind all of the proper way to do this or that. Easy to read diagrams make learning to read music a fun and delightful experience. Highly recommended!

3 comments about Piano 101 : Book 1.

1. I found this a great book to start learning piano. My college class uses this book and It is definately a great help.



2. If you have never played piano, you can start with this book. It will take you from finger numbering to types of notes, through A/B/C/D/E/F/Gs, and a selection of known songs.



3. This book explains everything really well and has some great practice songs in it. My only complaint would be that it's a little too easy - I had taken a little piano before and I could pretty much play everything in the book with some practice. If you are just starting out though, and have never played before, it's a great resource. Highly recomended!

5 comments about Roadshow: Landscape With Drums: A Concert Tour by Motorcycle.

1. Every Neil Peart book is better than the last. Don't get me wrong, I like them all, but he is making incredible strides as a storyteller with each book. His writing is so good now that you really care what he's going to have for breakfast in Denver, or if he'll change his bike's oil in Dallas or Oklahoma City. Simple everday things, for sure. But the prose are so riveting, he makes you want to know.
   
   I admit I'm a huge Rush fan, and I know that influences my enjoyment of his books. But I am also a published author, and I can recognize the work of a talented writer. His musical talents aside, Peart can write, and it seems that he's found a perfect niche in these travel memoirs.
   
   Even if you're not into Rush, give this book (or one of his other books) a chance. His books are hidden gems in the literary world that I fear may not be fully appreciated.



2. I found this book very interesting as I am intrested in my favorite performers lives. The only reason I gave it 4 and not 5 stars is because of the constant Christian bashing. It's obvious Neil is very bitter about Christianity for whatever reason. He never really tells us why. He did mention that after the tradgedies happened in his life that the Bible was no help. He quotes all the church signs he comes across in his journeys through the US. I agree that some of them were over the top but others had a good message. As a Christian myself I am praying for Neil. I pray God will change his heart and turn his face toward Christ.



3. Full disclosure here; I've been a loyal Rush fan since I first heard them back in 1979. With that said, being a fan only adds to the enjoyment of reading the smooth and vividly descriptive writing of Neil Peart.
   
   He did a fantastic job of giving the reader a candid look at the band, their history, backstage antics and the more indecorous side of the music business. He does an equally impressive job of describing the freedom, beauty, aroma, and adventure of touring our beautiful country on a motorcycle. As a "Beemer" rider myself, I share his love for the open road. I can relate to the sights, sounds and exhilarating thrill each mile brings; I often found myself "riding with him".
   
   Throughout the book you will find many examples of his quest for perfection in his music, practice, and performance. (To those of us who've had the pleasure of attending a Rush concert, that discipline is readily apparent) At times he appears a bit fussy when things do not go according to his plans (but then, don't we all?). He reviews his performances probably more harshly than the most anal music critic, often not giving himself the credit due for such great performances; all while enduring the trials and tribulations of living on the road. The book describes in detail what it's like to tour with the band all that it brings, and at the same time portrays his private struggle of carrying on while overcoming insurmountable loss; pleasing everyone but himself. He describes the delicate balance of work and home life in living color.
   
   I came to admire his methodical, exacting approach toward his music, writing, and riding. In addition to the portrayal of one who is fun-loving and self effacing, you will also find by reading this book that he is an intensely private person with a close circle of steadfast friends, which I'm sure is a luxury at his status.
   
   In summary, Roadshow is a fantastic book for Rush fans and motorcycle travelers, and more so to those of us who are lucky enough to be both.



4. Neil Peart's books encompass a lot of things which makes them hard to categorize, but if you had to pick one genre, he specializes in Travel Writing -- what he sees, thinks and experiences while traveling around the world via car, bike, or most frequently motorcycles. Most of his books rarely mention his career with Rush. This one chronicles his motorcycle travels during their 2004 30th Anniversary Tour, and its his most straight forward and best to date. Peart writes with a vivid, conversational style that makes it easy to imagine his journey (He travels separately from the tour entourage and keeps a low profile), and he peppers his books with opinions and observations - which are enjoyable whether you are a Rush fan or not. Most of this book is about riding the open highways and enjoying the winding scenic roads of America, Canada and Europe, so this is not the definitive Rush memoir. But if you're open to something intelligent that defies catagorization, this is a very enjoyable read.



5. I wish everyone could appreciate the lonliness of fame. Everyone knows your name and what you do but no one really knows you. Neil Peart is a man of many levels and the fame is only the top level that the world knows and although appreciated for its brilliance, left the rest of him unknown and unappreciated. I am so glad he has chosen to write his mind, as it is+ honest- love it or hateit. It is accepted by those of us who will never be able to get to know him on a personal level to have a random cup of coffee. Written for those of us who just might in an unusual way understand or don't and want to. Hats off!!!

4 comments about Suzuki Piano School, Vol. 1.

1. I started my 3 1/2 year old in this program and she is now five. She is playing unbelievably! This program is for everyone! Make sure you buy the companion cd or cassette with this. Also get Nurtued by Love, by Dr. Suzuki.



2. I quit Suzuki piano as a child (didn't like my teacher, didn't like learning notes), but recently took it back up again. I now understand the value of Suzuki--and wish my first teacher had embodied what the method is all about. I am currently teaching myself, but see how the use of both hands and chord usage in progressing songs is very valuable in the learning process. What they teach you in the building/base songs transfer easily to more complex songs and classic pieces--and the pieces are all very nice--I recommend ordering the CD/tape to learn, as learning by ear is just as valuable as learning to read at this stage--I think they go hand in hand--and memorizing the song from the CD then being able to translate it onto the piano is very rewarding. I'm now on the second book...looking forward to the third! I was able to easily branch out to other piano books based on my foundation knowledge from the Suzuki method. That said, I did supplement it with some theory (as I don't have a teacher, and these books rely on a teacher for that aspect). I recommend Humphries book for theory--with internet reading as a supplement! Hanon exercises are very helpful, too.



3. My 2 small boys began taking piano lesson this fall and they have been able to read this book. It is so easy for kids to practice. It helped my kids allot that they will be playing in the Christmas celebration at their school



4. This book is to be used by teachers who have had teacher training in the Suzuki Method through the Suzuki Association of the Americas. The student listens to it's companion CD daily to help develop his ability to hear the music more clearly and to get a feel for the flow of the music. Through a positive environment, the trained teacher guides the student in acquiring excellent piano technique and a natural feel for the music, as well as self-confidence. For more information, go to www.suzukiassociation.org.

5 comments about Complete Preludes, Nocturnes and Waltzes: 26 Preludes, 21 Nocturnes, 19 Waltzes for Piano (Schirmer's Library of Musical Classics).

1. This book is an excellent value with offerings suitable for the intermediate to advanced player. A wonderful opportunity to add these selections to your music library. The book itself is about 245 pages it stays open easily on my music stand. The pages are large and printing is dark.



2. Carefully transcripted and correctly analysed in both tonal and expression matters this sheet music Chopin collection covers the needs of both the experienced and the amateurs pianists.



3. This is an excellent book from Schirmer's Chopin collection "Complete ...", in this case "... Preludes, Nocturnes and Waltzes". Really amazing collection of Chopin's master pieces. This book worths every cent you invest in it.



4. i've never thought getting this would be beneficial since there are tons of free resource on the net, but i was wrong. better arrangement, more detail, it's just better for learning and playing. again i'm an beginner, but i like this book so much. chopin all the way!



5. not that i/ll ba able to *play* many of the pieces here. i have always liked the schirmer library series. this has quite a lot in it compared to some volumes.

1 comments about Strategies for Teaching Strings: Building a Successful String and Orchestra Program.

1. Undoubtedly the most important work on string teaching published in the past 20 years. Hamann and Gillespie give concise tips and comprehensive aid to the teacher of the string orchestra class. Covering beginner to advanced, the work is thorough and will continue to be useful for years to come. As a former Don Hamann student, I can say the only thing better is a class from the authors!

5 comments about Progressive Steps to Syncopation for the Modern Drummer (Ted Reed).

1. I recommend this book for anyone interested in developing there reading and coordination skills for drumset. It also challenges you to use your imagination to adapt each page to your particular drumset needs.



2. I am currently using this book to teach my son basic drumming with a roland practice pad. It has been a fantastic help.
   
   This book would be helpful to any beginning student learning to read music, not just drummers, since it so clearly breaks down rhythmic notation. The exercise progressions make a lot of sense, and there are quarter note guides that align the drum notes relative to the downbeat, which is very helpful for learning syncopation.



3. Any drum teacher worth having will insist you buy this book. I bought this for my daughter who will be adding jazz drumming to her arsenal of rock drumming. This is one book all drummers should have



4. If you want to significantly improve your independence skills, buy this book and then find an instructor who can show you the more than 40 different ways to apply it to the drum set.
   
   Alan Dawson used this book extensively with his students. Thankfully, one of his students has documented those 40+ ways. See "The Drummer's Complete Vocabulary As Taught by Alan Dawson" (Paperback), by author John Ramsay. Ramsay did a great job of identifying (and providing audio examples) of the numerous ways you can apply Syncopation.
   
   An excellent precursor to this book is Jim Chapin's "Advanced Techniques for the Modern Drummer". That book will help you develop the basic independence you'll need to dive into Syncopation. Or if you already possess the ability to play the swing ostinato while playing swung eighth notes and triplets and sixteenth notes between your snare drum and bass drum, then you can likely dive right in.



5. This is a fantastic book to learn all the drum syncopation you need to set yourself apart from any other drummer

5 comments about Banjo For Dummies (For Dummies (Sports & Hobbies)).

1. I purchased 2 intro to banjo books. This one is CLEARLY the one to get!



2. EXCELLANT CHOICE FOR A NEW "PICKER". SHOWS HOW TO PICK SCRUGGS STYLE AND CLAWHAMMER. STARTS SLOW AND EASY FOR THE BEGINNER AND MOVES INTO ADVANCED PICKING. REALLY WORTH THE MONEY TO LEARN HOW TO PLAY.



3. I'm a beginner and found this book very helpful. It covers everything you could want to know about banjos, from tips on purchasing one to playing every thing. I am delighted with this purchase and would recommend it to anyone who wants to learn to play this instrument.



4. "Banjo for Dummies" is by far the best banjo-tudoring instruction manual that I have viewed for teaching banjo playing. It is very clear and easy to follow. It is my opinion that this is an excellent product and a great teaching tool! Thank you.



5. This book is packed with all kinds of useful information and I recommend it for anyone new to the banjo. It is also useful to those of us with a longer history with this great instrument.

5 comments about Classic Guitar Technique, Volume 1.

1. this is the ideal next book in the excellent Aaron Shearer classical guitar learning books. I like these books a lot. Very good buy for the price.



2. This book offers enough exercises to obtain a well practiced hand before moving into harder pieces. Other books seem to offer you building blocks, then show you the pyramide, but miss connecting the two. Shearer does an excellent job of helping all the pieces come together.



3. This book was originally purchased from a music store in Montreal, Quebec, Canada for my grandson who was visiting from the Czech republic. His music teacher recommended it as a great basic tool for learning to read music and understand the basics of the guitar. With the help of this book he was able to show Joni that in order to be a great guitar player, no matter what type of music, a good foundation in reading music is essential.
   After Joni returned home to the Czech Republic, the book was stolen from him. His father sent me the co-ordinates to allow me to easily replace it by ordering it from Amazon. Thanks. (PS, it was on sale at the time and I paid less for this copy than for the original).



4. Recently I enrolled in a school of music. I was aprehensive at first (I didn't want to have to practice little children's music) but soon was happy to hear that my instructor uses this book. When I first looked thru the book I could see that it was meant for serious students. I appreciate the methods used here. The music that one must practice is beautiful and I really get a sense of accomplishment when I "get it right". I would recommend this lesson book to all instructors.



5. I finally bought a guitar and started taking lessons. This is the book my instructor teaches from and I can't beleive how quickly it progresses to playing actual songs. It keeps my interest, so I know I'll be flying solo soon enough.

5 comments about The Piano Shop on the Left Bank: Discovering a Forgotten Passion in a Paris Atelier.

1. This book was chosen for our tennis club's monthly book and the review from all was "enjoyed" by all!



2. Brilliant reading from a musician's point of view - I'd love to find the real piano shop but I'll leave that to my imagination and my next trip to Paris.



3. I've had this book for ages but didn't get around to reading it until recently -- and was able to read it straight through in a single sitting. Wonderful story, very educational -- I enjoyed learning about the different makes of pianos, particularly the Faziolis and the French Pleyels and Erards, enjoyed reading about the author's experience at a master class, enjoyed meeting the quirky characters he encounters -- the tuner who drinks too much (Jos) and the other piano lovers. Although I enjoyed Perri Kinze's Grand Obsession (which I would also recommend), I liked this a bit better; both books are educational as well as entertaining. At one point, the author was describing an occasion when he overheard someone playing Beethoven's Diabelli variations -- which he compared to Bach's Goldberg variations. I was not familiar with the Diabelli variations, so I turned to the back inside cover of the book to make a note to myself -- I was delighted to see that a previous owner of the book (I purchased it used) had already made that note there -- obviously, the book spoke to both of us in a similar way. Overall, I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in learning more about pianos, Paris, or music in general.



4. Don't try to read this book unless you have a passion for the piano, for pianos, and for the wonderful sound they provide. But if that is the case you will love this book loaded with serendipidy finds and beautiful sound. The setting is Paris, the once in a time center for high art and music. The book will inform about pianos and about listening to perfect pitches.



5. I came across an excerpt from this book in a magazine some time ago and decided I needed to read the whole story! I just love this book. From the time I was a very small girl, I have loved pianos, especially grand pianos. My dad taught in a small college when I was a teenager, and in their chapel was a magnificent old Steinway that must have been built in the late 1800's. How I loved to slip into the chapel when no one was around, and "commune" with that piano.
   
   And today my very own precious antique baby grand, an anniversary gift from my husband, stands in my living room...........
   
   Thad Carhart's story struck a very "strong chord" for me. His stories of the various pianos that he met while visiting Luc in the piano shop revealed how each was almost like a living breathing individual to him. I learned so much about these gracious, tuneful instruments from his book: how they are constructed, and the fact that different pianos lend themselves to different types of music, etc. His descriptions of Paris draw me to that city! The way he wove his family life into the story and his dips into his past piano experiences when he was a boy make for a joyous reading experience.
   
   From one piano lover to another, thank you, Mr. Carhart, for writing this book!