NEW USERS - Download these Free Lessons. The first lesson is called Hola.
1st Free Lesson - Get HOLA at http://www.sendspace.com/file/05wxk8 [/b]
(For those wanting the fingering wrote in) the single note RH version - updated file available here: http://www.sendspace.com/file/h5egm7
Don't forget to go to http://www.poppianopro.com to listen to the audio. While you are there, click on Listening Booth then the first song - Hola - to hear it.

These Videos are by the hands of Pete the bean
This video shows the fingering used in Hola.[/b] ( Click on the Picture )

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You can download Hola fingering video at http://www.sendspace.com/file/ut342j
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2nd Lesson is St. Louis Blues. [/b]
Pete sent the lesson in 3 handouts. Practice with the first one, then the second, and finally the third.

St. Louis Blues 1 of 3 - arranging a lead sheet. http://www.sendspace.com/file/pzenhn

St. Louis Blues 2 of 3 - arranging a lead sheet. http://www.box.net/shared/km2s3g6f2n
[/b]Audio for the arrangement is here: http://www.sendspace.com/file/aufwr0

St. Louis Blues 3 of 3 - arranging a lead sheet. http://www.box.net/shared/0kgmf8168s
[/b]It has Harmony added to the B section

Online VIDEO [/b]of St Louis Blues [/b]( Click on the picture )


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You can download the .avi version of the St. Louis Blues video at http://www.sendspace.com/file/5qs3rh

Here is the zipped St. Louis Blues Video file for download
http://www.sendspace.com/file/vjdc73
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AUDIO - Uploads from everyone enjoying this thread.

Alene
http://www.box.net/shared/b6xecgliq7
http://www.box.net/shared/cqliq0p78e
http://www.box.net/shared/iff9zq88e0
http://www.box.net/shared/8l39hltiou St. Louis
http://www.box.net/shared/iff9zq88e0 House
http://www.box.net/shared/8lbl7d3mi9 Hola

blues flat 7
http://www.box.net/shared/zno2iafst2

Bradfordley
http://www.box.net/shared/f4l33dhxg8 Hola

GregF
http://www.box.net/shared/x2yaahlirz
http://www.box.net/shared/lbb28vleu3 Bad Day

Mark...
http://www.box.net/shared/tlpmk7g4zh

Ragtime Clown
http://www.box.net/shared/uxuk2bx4os
http://www.box.net/shared/8utptbsyjq
http://www.box.net/shared/o4ci8h2uc2

rosa2007
http://www.box.net/shared/vjdsalofyu
http://www.box.net/shared/02qrqat493
http://www.box.net/shared/naufyls2rz
http://www.box.net/shared/83jh37lgup
http://www.box.net/shared/tkivzn3org
http://www.box.net/shared/eidgu1bpb5
http://www.box.net/shared/dkj2p7b7u5
http://www.box.net/shared/cvcxpa896i
http://www.box.net/shared/luk6d9ggev St Louis

Audio of Pete doing St. Louis Blues
http://www.sendspace.com/file/0getbc

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4 note chords for the B section of Hola. Here is a mini lesson: http://www.sendspace.com/file/jt4bb3
You will have to change the Bm7b5 to Bb Maj7 (BbDFA) to make things work Hola.

Another throb pattern lesson "Bloody Well Right You Can Improvise:
http://www.sendspace.com/file/0z6bjv

Arranging tips on 2 beat pattern: http://www.sendspace.com/file/7jerll

Latin Stride pattern. Find it here in this handout; http://www.sendspace.com/file/1hbg6x
The handout contains the Latin stride pattern for the B section of Hola. Also, the tips about using 4 note chords in the A section of Hola were meant for the LH stride pattern.
Here is a pdf example of Latin Stride pattern with 1 chord per measure: http://www.sendspace.com/file/gsp4di
It is the same pattern but the note values are doubled.

A walk up at bar 6. On bar 6 beat 3, I am hearing a B natural which is making my ears perk up. I hear you trying to do the Hola walk up. Nice. For that walk up I would play - RH starting bar 6 - beat 1 -GBG,ACA,BbDbBb,BDB. In the LH I would walk up G,A, Bb,B. see notation here: http://www.sendspace.com/file/m0vhv2

One idea that should be developed because it is good. You are doing a LH run at bar 20 of the chart on the Gm chord. How about sequence the lick down with every chord change after it like this: http://www.sendspace.com/file/qcfrj6


Check this handout for a quick lesson on tritone substitution.
http://www.box.net/shared/p855y2dacq
A quick summary is that you can substitute a V7 with a bII7 because the 2 chords share the same tritone.
To get a lighter sound on the last 2 chords Ab9-G9 here are some suggestions. Use a loose wrist on the Ab9 and bounce back out of the chord- use your fore arms to get the momentum into the keystroke. There is a slight hesitation back at the top of the bounce-relax here and drop into the G9.

Petes New Lessons/Tips/etc...
Feb 08 2009 St Louis Blues Solo http://www.box.net/shared/v4za5icfxl
Feb 19 2009 Alberti Bass Lesson
Audio: http://www.box.net/shared/bqileg0pzu
Sheet Music: http://www.box.net/shared/f1j8d6is51
Feb 20 2009 Blues Lesson
Example #1 Poached audio: http://www.box.net/shared/0mt65vlhqq
Example #2 Sunny Side Up audio: http://www.box.net/shared/9aihglbjfq
Example #3 Over Easy audio: http://www.box.net/shared/h4qaltmufl
Example #4 Scrambled audio: http://www.box.net/shared/3z9e38cli2
Sheet Music for all 4 is here: http://www.box.net/shared/by6nro569s



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Link - Interactive Chord / Scale Site
http://www.telacommunications.com/nutshell/music/keyboard.htm

Link - Online Game that will help with learning to read music
http://www.jaydemusica.com/htmlgame/Play%20Jayde%20Musica.html
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[/b]
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Hi everyone. I am new here on PW, and starting the first of the year, I want to get back to learning the Piano. I purchased a book that looks like it is going to be a lots of fun as soon as I get to that level. I got it from http://www.poppianopro.com/
A CD came with it that is going to be a big help too.

I was thinking that if anyone else is using that book, maybe we could have like a support group for it here. I know a little about theory, used to chord on a guitar, but need to get the chords on the Piano under my fingers. From all that I have been reading here on PW, this is what I am planning on working with so far.

Piano Magic
Faber Adult Piano Adventures 1
Alfreds Adult 1 ( going to use to add some variety to the Faber Method )
Improvising The Blues
The Piano Handbook
Pop Piano Pro ( Found this book on PW doing a search for Fake Book )

I do not really care at all for classical, so that is out. I have seen some Shawn Cheek videos on YouTube, and really like most of his playing.
Will be going on vacation for a couple of weeks, but I should still be able to get on PW while away.
Hope there are some others using those books that would jump in with some tips now and then.

Thanks,

Dale

There are huge threads for the Alfred books--just check the forums and you should find them.

Thank You, I did see the Alfred threads. I will read them from time to time, but will be using the Alfred book as a secondary method. I do have the book, but I kind of like the Faber book more.

Flat 7

Hi, I've been trying to get the author for postage costs to the UK for this book and am still waiting. He has sent me a snippet from the book and it really is good. I'm looking forward to seeing more.

Hoipefully, then we can get a few ideas going. Have you tried 'As Times Goes By' - it really is an excellent tutorial.

Hi RC
Where do I find that tutorial at?

Flat 7

I have Peter's book "Pete The Bean" on Pianoworld and have to sat that Pop Piano Pro is the best tutorial I've seen for learning to play from lead sheets/fake books (and I'm sure I have them all in my book collection). It does assume a bit of theory knowledge (reading and forming chords although he gives instructions on playing inversions to keep the melody on top,) and assumes you can read music but gives lots of examples.

I only wish he was local so I could take lessons directly with him from time to time (I'm not really a believe in regular full time lessons but periodic sessions to help with technique and getting questions answwered is invaluable).

I'd be happy to participate in a thread.

Rodney

Thanks Rodney!
That sounds good. I can see by looking at the book and listening to the CD that it is going to be a lot of fun, and some work. Gotta finish learning the Bass clef then ready to go. I learned the treble clef when I played guitar.
It would be nice if we could get Pete on this thread too! (hint hint)
If you read this Pete, I want to thank you for writing PopPianoPro. Hope some other Piano World members buy it from you and have a nice journey with us in this thread, that is if it is ok with you.

Flat 7

I am currently working on Pop Piano Pro on my own as I work on Alfred Adult All-In-One Book 2 and other supplemental stuff with my teacher. Pete also recommended I start working on Exploring Jazz Piano Vol. 1 by Tim Richards. I just received that this week. Looks like I'll have a lot to work on in 2009. I'll try to participate in a support group.

Also, you may want to check out this monster thread started by Rodney. Tons of great info here:
http://www.pianoworld.com/ubb/ubb/ultimatebb.php?/topic/32/1258.html

GregF

Hmmm....I'm working on the Alfred Adult All-in-One, and using the Faber Adult Piano Adventures as a supplement. Just the opposite of what you are doing. :-) There is a thread for the Faber Adult Adventures, but it is not very active, and has probably fallent down several pages. I started the Alfred Book last January, and I've only recently started the Faber, so I haven't gotten very far in it, but I do like it. There is also a series called American Popular Piano that sounds like it might be something you might like. It evidently has sections on improvising starting from the primer level. I haven't heard of anyone on here using it though.

Hi Gregf
That is a fantastic thread that you linked to there. Thanks for that. Glad to hear that you will participate in the thread. I have a book by Tim Richards called Improvising The Blues. I also have 2 Jazz studys that might help. One is from a site called Music and You and the other one is from the site that sells Band In a Box.
The nice thing about that last one, everyone can hear the audios as a preview for the Jazz course, that I think is a great resource.
Here is the URL if you want to listen to some of them.
http://www.pgmusic.com/jazzpianomasterclass/lessons/index.htm

Flat 7

blues flat seven: Thank you for the invite to your thread.I would be happy to join in the fun and answer questions, maybe give hot tips and mini lessons. I am very familiar with Faber Piano Adventures. I have used it for many years to prep my students for my course, so ask about that too.
To help things along, let me know your playing level and maybe what song you are on in the Faber books..- Pete

Hi mom3gram
I received a email from Pete, the author of the course Pop Piano Pro, and he teaches out of the Piano Adventures series too. He is willing to give us some help right here on this thread.
He does have a lots of students, so any questions we have, just give him lots of time to respond. I am glad he is participating. You have to listen to some of the sound samples from his site to see how great he is on the Piano. Go to
http://www.poppianopro.com/
and click on Listening Booth.

Flat 7

Thank You Pete
Here is little about my level. As far as playing, I can do up to pages 70 and 71 pretty easy in the Adult Piano Adventures All In One, Level 1, Lesson Book. I kind of did things backwards. I have been reading a lot for over a year, and understand theory pretty well. Have not done a lot of keyboard playing. I want to change that starting in January.
I know the Major and minor chords, just have to get the progressions under my fingers. You teach Inversions in the Pop Piano Pro book, so I think I will catch on to them pretty quick.
I used to play chord guitar, so timing should not be a problem, at least on eighth notes. Have not played many sixteenth notes yet.
I can read treble clef pretty well, and seem to be picking up the bass clef pretty quick.
I can play the C scale, F scale, and G scale pretty good. Understand the 1 Major, 2 minor, 3 minor, 4 Major, 5 Major, 6 relative minor, 7 diminished part of keys.
I also understand that the Major 7 is a half step below root, and Dominant 7 is a whole step below root.
I know the correct fingering for the 3 keys above, but need to learn to find correct fingering fast in songs. Guess this would be a good time for my First question for you about your book.
Starting with the first song, Hola on page 5, what is the best fingering to start with? I look at the second measure and see the E note, and think maybe I should save my thumb for that note, so I play the A in the first and second measure with my index finger. Is that the way you would do it?

Thanks again for helping us out here Pete.

Flat 7

Flat 7: Thanks for the questions.

For anyone wishing to join the thread the first lesson is available here: http://www.sendspace.com/file/05wxk8

Audio is available at my website: http:www.poppianopro.com


Fingering for Hola - I purposely did not include fingering thinking that you should get used to that situation pretty fast. If you purchase a fake book, no fingering is given.

Also, once I get you to add the Harmony, the fingering will change.

Finally, adding the fingering puts my chart into overload and makes it difficult to differentiate between fingering and LH pattern.

I have been both thanked for my decision of not adding the fingering (by teachers using the book) and told it would be helpful to add the fingering( by students using the book).


But, since you asked so nicely, for the single note RH version an updated file with fingering is available here: http://www.sendspace.com/file/h5egm7

Pete, your technique for arranging popular music seems to follow conventional methods. I mean, I discovered some time ago after looking closely at a typical piece of sheet music that the melody mirrors the exact same notes of the right hand chords.

I have always had this problems with sheet music, generally the artists NEVER plays it as printed.

Near the small keyboard section of our hypermarket Carrefour - that had 2 Yamahas and 3 even cheaper Delson's - there was this book, not for sale:

Steven Ashworth - Learn to Play Keyboards

It seemed quite nice, and starting with chords and inversions very early. Big reference section at end with all sorts of chords and voicings in visual format. Oriented to pop, accompaniment and some jazz, not extremely advanced stuff. Mostly simple technique and theory exercises, still keeping it fun.
Much less directive than Faber or Alfred - as it doesn't have any 'graded repertoire pieces' to practice on. The reader/learner has to supplant that with what pieces one likes (if they can be found at the appropriate level).

Faber is more general-purpose, is based on many pieces arranged progressively, including 'light classical' besides pop, traditional etc. May lead to a 'conservatory track' if pursued seriously deep enough.


Don't know Pop Piano Pro, cannot comment.

I could be wrong here (and I apologize in advance if I am), but why do I have this vague, uneasy feeling that this thread is a thinly disguised commercial or advertisement for a piano course that is for sale, and that the dialog in the thread has been pre-planned to sound spontaneous and normal, but is actually a "set up" to lure unsuspecting people to buy (lierally and figuratively) into that course (and the books, CDs, etc. that go with it)?

Regards, JF

Hi JF
I can assure you that Pete did not have anything at all to do with starting this thread. I purchased the book from his site, liked the things that he was teaching, and since it is above my level of playing, thought that it would be a good idea to create a support thread that everyone could help each other, by giving tips, and hopefully get me to the next level a little faster.
Before I purchased the book, here is the way that I found it on Piano World. I wanted to find out what most of you use for fake books, so I did a search on Piano World for Fake Book, and a post by Rodney came up saying that this course is the best thing that he has found in teaching people how to play from a fake book.
If the moderator is interested, I will give him the emails between Pete and myself where I asked him about giving some tips in a thread, and he responded saying the reason he never said anything about his book on Piano World is because it is against the forum rules.
I don't see what is wrong with someone that likes the book starting a thread asking others that may have it to make some suggestions ?????
The free lesson alone that he gave above, I think is a great resource for people wanting to learn Piano. I just don't understand why you would say that when all that I wanted to do was have a thread to support something that some other users on here may have ?????

Thanks,

Flat 7

blues flat 7 - Well, it may be only what you claim (and if so I apologize again) but it looked a little suspicious, and we've seen these sort of things so often here in the Forums that some of us are just a little "gun-shy" and cynical - I'm sure you know what I mean - PW has definite rules about using the Forums for commercial purposes which have always been stricly enforced and there always seems to be somebody trying to sneak in under the radar, so to speak, with one scheme or another. Some of us "old-timers" have a nose for these and usually can "smell" them pretty quickly.

If your recommendation is an unsolicited testimomial to what you think is a valuable learning resource then fine and good luck. If not . . .

Regards, JF

I also have this book a while back because I am interested in learning to improvise on a more intermediate level which is what this book says. I listened to the CD a few times already but because I have been so busy, I had not dug into the lessons yet. Sure is great if someone can follow through these lessons either here or if Pete has his own forum.

I agree with Flat 7 that it makes it easier when we study together. Actually a lot of threads are like that.

Actually if a piano book is good, it will speak for itself by the participation of the students. Just like if a site is good, it will speak for itself by the progress of the students playing. So there is no need to worry about luring anyone to buying anything. Most of us just want to play better.


Rosa

John Frank: I have been on the forum for the past 4 years. I have spent many hours trying to give helpful tips. I have been mindful of the forum rules. I am here because of a request from flat 7. Really, it's that simple.

Forget it Pete ....

All his post have the same tone ... guess he can't help it.

Glad you're helping out.

Hi Rosa, and Thank You...
I have seen a lot of your posts over at Piano Magic. Yes, I thought that it would be nice to get something started here to add to other methods of learning. Did not ever think that I would be accused of selling something. What a shame. Pete was nice enough to offer tips to help everyone at my request, then you get posts like that. Oh well, guess it takes all kinds.
I will send you a message over at Piano Magic Rosa. Been with Piano Magic for a year now, but have done a lot more reading than playing. Want to change that in 2009 and get to working with a couple of different methods hopefully for a few hours each day. I love Piano Magic. I asked Seaside Lee to stop by this thread when he gets a chance, thinking that it might be something that he would like to add to the Piano Magic method. He wrote me back and said he will after the first of the year, because he is kind of busy right now. I am leaving for 1 week myself on Tuesday, but hope to still be able to read the Piano World and Piano Magic forums.
Thanks again,

Flat 7

All the posts really speak for themselves here. You 'are' what you write.

It is obvious that blues flat 7 spirit is to share something good with us. I really appreciate that. Actually I put Pete's book aside because I've been too busy, but now that this thread is starting, I want to take hold of this opportunity to learn together.

We are also very fortunate to have the instructor willing to come in to help us. It's very obvious Pete just wants to help us at our different levels. Better than this we cannot get.

Rosa

Happy Holidays blue b7. I didn't even know who you are until now. My screen name is pretty obvious here and elsewhere. Maybe through this thread, we can get to know Pete too. And if we play better and better, why not promote his book further and further so more people get into the fun. We should!!

When you get Hola together, try putting the melody to Lionel Ritchie's Hello with your LH pattern. It should work. You should also find that your RH hand positions are pretty much where you want them. You can find the song here $4.95; http://www.musicnotes.com/sheetmusic/mtd.asp?ppn=MN0040432


Other songs that can take the throb pattern:
Gwen Stephanie - Don't speak
Police- Roxanne

I will paste that lesson link on this second page of the thread.
For anyone wishing to join the thread the first lesson is available here: http://www.sendspace.com/file/05wxk8

Audio is available at http://poppianopro.com

Pete uploaded a video of the fingering for Hola.
( Click Picture to see it )


Dale

Hi Pete and everyone

Just reading through after Dale asked me to take a look and this thread looks interesting but, am busy right now til after Xmas gigging.

I'm gonna have to take a look cause I've just listened to that roxanne .mp3 and it sounds fab. Bizarre really? because I had a big crowd singing along last night and someone wanted me to play Roxanne and it would have been brilliant if I could have played it like that!!!!


Lee

If you are done with Hola here is a list of songs) that can take the 10th pattern:

Baby I Love Your Way - Peter Frampton

Can't Help Falling In Love - Elvis - An easier piece to learn

Don't Know Why - Norah Jones

Dust In the Wind - Kansas - Easier Song

Fly Me to the Moon -3/4 time - Sinatra - Easier song

Heaven-Bryan Adams

Longer - Dan Hill - easier song

One Hundred Years - 5 for Fighting

Send One Your Love - Stevie Wonder


Tiny Dancer-Elton John

Unbreak My Heart -Tony Braxton

You and Me - LifeHouse


If you are looking for charts: http://www.musicnotes.com/ is where I go online shopping.
You will have to convert the arranged version to lead sheet.

A big fake book is probably the best way to go.


While you are playing Hot tunes by fake sheet, you will learn chords, The quicker you get chords together the better.Once you learn a song in a given key, the next song in that same key will contain most of the same chords., so it will be a quicker study and already feel familiar.

A huge milestone in the learning process is getting all 12 major scales into your fingers even if it is 1 octave hands separate. While you are at it, get the major chords in all inversions into the fingers as well. Do that and a lot of what happens in music starts to make sense. Yes, it is a lot of work.


When I teach chords I do it by shape. The Bastien Books use this idea:

White White White (Icing chords) C,F,G.
White Black White(Inside out Oreo cookie chord) D,E,A
Black White Black(Oreo Chords) Db,Eb, Ab,
Mutant Oreos
Black White White Bb
White Black Black B
Black Black Black F#


Learning chords by playing tunes is a lot more fun than just buying a book of chord voicings and trying to plug through that.
Eventually the patterns get into your fingers and it''s like riding a bike. You will play a song and the patterns just jump into your fingers without any thought. It will just sound right.


Throb pattern teaches you chords in close voicing.
10th pattern will force you to know the notes that make up the chord. Knowing the notes that make up each chord is essential to putting together a lead sheet arrangement.

Hi Lee, careful here - you'll be expected to read a little music too - but seriously though, the examples Pete emailed me a few weeks back are superb!!

Another throb pattern I forgot I had in the collection:
Bloody Well Right:
Here is an improv lesson "Bloody Well Right You Can Improvise:
http://www.sendspace.com/file/0z6bjv