The Complete Idiot's Guide to Playing Piano

I refer to this and use this as a piano teacher. Its like a dictionary for piano learning.

I've ben playng piano for over 40 years. I teach piano and also playa few other instruments, and I like to purchase different books to try to find new ideas and knowledge. This book covers a lot of material that a person taking traditional lessons might not learn, such as history of keyboard instruments, how to chose a piano, using keyboards, etc. This is great material that can help in educating someone about their instrument. Of course, it doesn't necessarily make you a better pianist. I agree with others that 99% of the jokes should have been left out and were actually distracting. The material tries to cover the basics. I've yet to find one all inclusive book on how to play the piano. Piano isn't something that is possible to learn really quickly or overnight. Someone can learn to "play" something that sounds okay, but to learn all of the nuances takes years and you never really can learn everything. Playing piano is physical, mental, and coordination of the two and so many things that take years to develop--like an athlete but even more so. So, this book, along with using some other beginning books and the necessary time put in reading and practice, can help a newbie learn to play. But, being a teacher, I do always recommend lessons. A teacher can help a beginner with technique, to stop bad habits before they become habits, and to learn to listen to what they are playing--these are very hard skills for a beginner to acquire on their own.

The book is great!!! I have limited musical knowledge (what I learned in grammar school) and this book helped me regain what I had previously learned and allowed me to build on it by creating a fun, relaxed atmosphere and always with humour. Thanks.

When I purchased this book, I wasn't exactly sure what to expect. I'm pleased with my purchase. I'm new to the music scene and decided to start my self lessons with the Hal Leonard series. Even though I've enjoyed the Hal Leonard series, I felt that something was still missing. So I purchased this book, it is informative, user friendly and easy to understand. I have used this book as a reference on many occasions.

I was a total novice when I brought the book and at the end I must agree with all the claims the publishers make. I am able to read sheet music and play the keyboard. I must add the author has a good sense of humor which makes reading the book fun. The only complaint I have against the book is that it lacks a sufficient number of examples for practice (maybe I am expecting too much!). But then there are other sources for sheet music. On the whole an excellent book for beginners.