All You Need to Learn the Piano - This Book

The name of this book is called Smallwood's Piano Tutor. This book is as the name is, a small book, though I don't know if this is the reason why the name is Smallwood. Whatever the case, judging by the number of pages, this book is small, that is few pages, only 56 pages.

But frankly speaking, apart from the number of pages,  there is nothing small about this book.

The book is produced by Francis Day and Hunter Limited, distributed by IMP published by IMP Music publishing Ltd. The book contains 55 Lessons for daily practice and exercise.

What is Special About This Book

I as Kindson The Piano Man personally recommend this book both for beginners, intermediates and professionals. I have used this book for the past 8 years of my career as a pianist. Let me tell you why I say that this book is the best for you.

1. Starts from the Basics: One problems that learners face that make them abandon the lessons altogether is failure to begin learning from the basics. You actually need some time as a beginner to understand some of the theoretical aspects of music. This is formally called Music Theory.  This means that you need to understand concepts like musical notes, octave, keys, key signature, time signature, interval, finger positioning, middle C etc. Not necessarily that you need to study these concept indepth, but you need to know how they related with the keyboard and the music you will like to play. The first part of the Smallwood's Piano Tutor, say about 7 pages cover this basic things in a very simple manner.

2. Daily Lessons: Whether you just started learning a week ago, or two years ago or you have been playing for several years, you need not underestimate the value of Daily Lessons (excercises). This are meant to strenghten your fingers and improve your speed the keyboard. Just like in typing, if you regularly do this lessons, you will continue to improve. The Smallwood's Piano Tutor contains daily lessons customized to help you improve your speed and strengthen your fingers.

3. Brief Dictionary of Musical Terms: On page 56 of the the Piano Tutor, we see a one-page dictionary of musical terms. This can come handy especially when you want to understand what  certain musical word mean while your are taking your lessons. Simply flip to the end of the book, page 56 and you have it.

4. Keyboard Layout for Beginners: On page 8 and 9 of the book, we see a keyboard layout. This can be very handy for beginners. The reason is that its not very easy for beginners to find the keys without looking at some reference. So this two pages can actually be torn out an place on the keyboard providing on the spot reference to the player while playing.

5. Superb Lesson Arrangement to Enhance Progress: The lessons on this book has carefully been arrange to enhance the progress of the player from beginner to intermediate and then to professional provided to follow meticulously. In fact I would advice that if you have this book, this 56 page book, try to follow along carefully from the first page and work your way through. The arrangement is such that it begins with easier lessons or keys  and gradually progresses as you move on to more tasking lessons. This is the natural way the piano lessons should be. So don't skip  pages and in a short time, you will be happily  entertaining your friends.

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Final Notes.

I would recommend that you buy this book as soon as possible as it costs very little. In fact, each time mine gets worn out, I simply buy a new one. So buy one and start learning immediately. 

Do let me know if you have any challenges following through. Added to that if against all odds, this book does not work for you, let me know so I could recommend what would be exactly suit your practice pattern and schedule. I remain Kindson The Piano Man  and be sure that I would always be available to respond to your concerns.