Customer Reviews

Making Music at the Piano: Learning Strategies for Adult Students

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I am an adult beginner and found that this book provided an excellent adjunct to my lessons. I read and re-read many sections as it moved me along the difficulties inherent in learning as an adult. When I practiced (just me and my piano without the encouraging presence of my teacher), this book frequently got me over the "I can't learn this" hurdle. Making Music at the Piano helped me examine my goals, analyze my practice problems, and prepared me for a group class that was my first time playing before others. Most of all, I relied on it to provide the voices of other learners talking about their challenges, successes and tips. I continue to refer to this book and highly recommend it.

"Making Music at the Piano: Learning Strategies for Adult Students" is a must-read for any adult who is beginning, resuming, or considering taking piano lessons. It is also important reading for piano teachers. Based on decades of experience as a university piano teacher and performer, Dr. Maris offers numerous tips and insights on the process of learning to play the piano as an adult. The book covers many diverse topics including: characteristics of adult learners, rehearsal strategies, evaluating mistakes, the role of the body in piano playing, and dealing with common pitfalls (e.g., "I sound so awful I don't like to hear myself play"). With warmth and a sense of humor, Dr. Maris convincing makes the case that adult piano students can learn to play sensitively, with musicality, AND have a great deal of fun in the process. Don't miss this book!