The key to fast and fun piano proficiency!

Whether you’re a wannabe Mozart or are an experienced hand at tinkling the ivories, the latest edition of Piano For Dummies has what you need to take you to the next level in making beautiful music using this much-loved and versatile instrument. Working as an introductory course—or as a refresher to keep those fingers nimble—you’ll find information on getting started, improving your technique and performance, and the best ways to practice until you hit finely tuned perfection. And, along the way, you’ll pick up the techniques for different styles, including classical, blues, and rock.

In an easy-to-follow style, the book also helps you sharpen your sight-reading. You can also tune in to audio and video online to help you improve your creativity and discipline, as well as hear and see that you’re hitting the right notes.

• Choose the right piano
• Know your keys
• Scale up for success
• Care for your instrument

Whatever you want from your love affair with the old “88,” you’ll find enough right here to keep you hammering happily—and even more proficiently—away for years to come!

P.S. If you think this book seems familiar, you’re probably right. The Dummies team updated the cover and design to give the book a fresh feel, but the content is the same as the previous release of Piano For Dummies (9781118900055). The book you see here shouldn’t be considered a new or updated product. But if you’re in the mood to learn something new, check out some of our other books. We’re always writing about new topics!

• Explore the basics of the piano keyboard
• Read music and understand keys and time signatures
• Play melodies and hone your techniques

If you've dreamed of playing piano, here's where to start!

There's no better way to start learning music than by learning how to play piano. It doesn't matter if you've never had a lesson or need a refresher on piano basics, this book helps you discover the joy of making music on the most versatile instrument of all. Simple step-by-step instruction gets you started, guiding you from basic beginner tunes into more advanced techniques. Get acquainted, or reacquainted, with how to read music, play chords, and build your own playing style.

Inside...

• Play your first notes
• Find Middle C and beyond
• Get started with beginner tunes
• Approach old lessons in a new way
• Navigate sharps and flats
• Learn more with online audio and video

Table of Contents

Part 1 Getting Started with Piano

Chapter 1 Preparing to Play a Piano

Chapter 2 Meeting the Keyboard Family

Chapter 3 Finding the Perfect Keyboard

Chapter 4 Taking Good Care of Your Keyboard

Chapter 5 Eighty-Eight Keys, Three Pedals, Ten Fingers, and Two Feet

Part 2 Deciphering Squiggles on Paper to Create Sound

Chapter 6 Reading Lines and Spaces

Chapter 7 Joining the Rhythm Nation

Chapter 8 Changing the Beaten Path

Part 3 One Hand at a Time

Chapter 9 Playing a Melody

Chapter 10 Scaling to New Heights

Chapter 11 Hey, Don't Forget Lefty!

Part 4 Living in Perfect Harmony

Chapter 12 The Building Blocks of Harmony

Chapter 13 Understanding Keys

Chapter 14 Filling Out Your Sound with Chords

Part 5 Technique Counts for Everything

Chapter 15 Dressing Up Your Music

Chapter 16 Great Grooves

Chapter 17 Perusing the Aisle of Style

Part 6 The Part of Tens

Chapter 18 Ten Ways to Improve Your Practice and Performance

Chapter 19 Ten Ways to Supplement This Book

Chapter 20 Ten Questions to Ask Prospective Teachers

About the Author

Hal Leonard Corporation, headquartered in Milwaukee, WI, is the largest sheet music publisher in the world.

Adam Perlmutter is a freelance music writer, transcriber, and engraver.