Alfred’s Basic Adult All-In-One Piano Course

(60 customer reviews)

$13.00

SKU: B07G4TW59B Category:

ASIN ‏ : ‎

B07G4TW59B
Publisher ‏ : ‎

Alfred Publ. (January 1, 1999)
Item Weight ‏ : ‎

1.1 pounds
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Customer Reviews:

9,333 ratings

60 reviews for Alfred’s Basic Adult All-In-One Piano Course

  1. Early A. Dopter –

    Must get CD

    After a few weeks with this book, starting from scratch, I was pleased with my progress but knew something important was missing. What was missing was feedback on tempo and rhythm — you can’t trust yourself to judge yourself, not because of ego, but because you need an outsider to measure what you’re doing. A metronome could help, but I found same to be an added level of difficulty that does not seem worth it, at least in these early stages. I ordered the CD and that was the answer: you play along with a somewhat cheesy orchestral accompaniment that will rein you in if you play too fast, give you a nudge if you play too slow, and keep you on the right path while you work out your mistakes. Each song is preceded by two bars of clicks that set the tempo, so you’re learning not only how to play in time but how to get ready for what the tempo will be. You set your CD remote to “repeat”, and you keep going again and again — some of these pieces are less than half a minute. I’ve gone back to the beginning of the book (had zipped through 100 pages or so) and feel a big payoff from working with the CD. And with the “orchestra” in the background, working with you, you simply can’t fudge and give up on any passage. Nor will you cause self-loathing from your formerly unaccompanied mistakes — things will straighten out surprisingly quickly. Of course, it’s all motivation. P.S.: it’s much more fun to play along with the CD than alone, and I apologize for calling the orchestra “cheesy”. It’s probably just a digital keyboard, and it does a good job.s

    4 people found this helpful

  2. JPBlackBelt –

    WAIT! Before you buy more than one Piano Book!

    Ok, first off, I actually like this book, and I actually like it a little better than 3 stars. Here’s my problem: When I looked at piano books on Amazon, this manual and “Alfred’s Self-Teaching Adult Piano Course: The new, easy and fun way to teach yourself to play, Book & CD” both had excellent ratings. In fact AMAZON recommended them being bought together.So I bought them both.I just started them a few days ago (I thought I would use one for a few days, then use the other and decide which one I liked better to complete it before I finished the other one entirely.)This book and “Alfred’s Self-Teaching Adult Piano Course: The new, easy and fun way to teach yourself to play, Book & CD” are basically the SAME BOOK!This one has more “homework” exercises (writing in the manual itself, which I don’t care to do.) But the progression is the same, the songs are the same, almost page for page. (At least, I’m 40 pages into each, and they’re the same.)So now I have real buyer’s remorse… one of these is redundant.

    580 people found this helpful

  3. Adrian McGheeAdrian McGhee –

    Probably THE best for beginners.

    So, as far as interactive lesson books go, this one is unbeatable!I have another Alfred’s book for level one and it is about half as interactive. You can see from the pictures that there are fill-in-the-blank sections and pre-labeled sections.If you’re serious about taking the necessary time to learn this instrument fully, and the music completely, I’d recommend this book over the one with the pinkish cover and more straight on view of a grand (with a flower vase on it, that version is on Amazon, too, and by the same authors). I have both, and the pinkish one progresses much faster and seems to have a bigger emphasis on chord progression/learnin by by chord, and without a single worksheet.THIS book starts you off with some physical warm-ups, then worksheets and warm ups, before giving you a short melody that incorporates the steps and bits of theory you were just working on. I’d recommend getting the spiral-bound, too. It sits flat easier.There are supposed to be accompanying CD, but I’m not sure if mine came with them or not (I’m a trucker and have taken on leaning with a keyboard and this book, wish me luck!); I wasn’t home when this was delivered, and didn’t think to look for it when I gathered up my stuff to hit the big road again.

    44 people found this helpful

  4. ROY G. –

    I am very satisfied

    I am learning a lot since I got this book

    One person found this helpful

  5. Imran –

    Great book. It did not come with a CD.

    It is a great book! The Cd was not included in the book. Wondering how to get the soundtracks.

  6. S.A.M. –

    Very good, but you will likely need to buy an piano exercise book to supplement this material

    I recently started learning the piano again after a 20+ year break. I heard good things about Alfred books from a co-worker so I decided to give this series a try. Overall I think this is a great book for beginning adult students trying to learn on their own, particularly those that have never played an instrument before and/or don’t know how to read music. The learning curve is gentle, one thing I like is that chords are introduced early so even the beginning pieces sound “fuller” in comparison to other beginner books I used as a kid. The presentation is also top notch; the print is clear and the book is spiral-bound so it stays open.The one weakness of this book is that there are not enough exercises to build finger strength and technique. I don’t have it in front of me, but I believe there are only 2-3 Hanon exercises and nothing else. I’m not here to say everyone needs to do Hanon specifically, but I do think all piano students need to work on exercises of some kind for at least a few minutes each practice. I have played everything in this book and I just don’t think it is adequate technique-wise on its own. I would have like to have seen a few more exercises with a little more variation. Given that, I would strongly recommend picking up one of the many piano exercise books to supplement this one. I am personally using the Beyer Elementary Instruction Book and this combination is working great for me so far.

    3 people found this helpful

  7. Unkle Cleo –

    Dvd is incredibly boring.

    I already owned this book when I ordered the same with a dvd included. The book is excellent, but I found the dvd to be almost useless, so I returned them.Essentially, the teacher reads almostword-for-word from the book, and in a very boring, sterile, way-too-proper manner. Had she spoken in a normal conversational voice, instead of preaching to an audience of children, like a nun would do, I might have kept the pair. Too bad, too. This could have been a knock-out combination had the dvd been done correctly. I didn’t find it very easy to navigate either, but that could be due to my own anti-computer attitude.

  8. Heidi J. Shawley –

    What a great teaching book!

    Great book for learning piano! Easy to understand and broken into steps. Highly recommend it

  9. Cheryl smith –

    Very user friendly

    This All-In-One Adult theory was for me to help teach my husband how to play the keyboard, to learn finger placement on the keys and learn to read music.

    2 people found this helpful

  10. Albert –

    In depth book for SERIOUS students.

    This book goes deep into theory which can be great for some students but not all.If you’re looking to learn music and understand it as a language to learn and to be able to read and understand chords then this book is for you.If you’re just looking for a good time to jam and play quickly this book is not for you. I would recommend something much simpler.I wish knew there was a CD accompaniment but there is one available.

    One person found this helpful

  11. Maia –

    Excellent books for the self-starter.

    I took piano lessons as a kid, learned a little, but mostly was a poor, disinterested student because I didn’t practice. Now, as a senior, I’m interested in learning to play. I ordered all three Alfred’s Adult All-In-One piano course books because the price was right. I figured if I didn’t like the books I wouldn’t be out much money. Well, I LOVE the books. They are logical and well-organized and provide plenty of practice drills to strengthen your hands and fingers. I can’t say enough good about them. I’m learning things that I’d never been told about music before. Playing the piano is also a wonderful way to limber arthritic fingers plus gives you hours of enjoyment as you play. They are perfect for someone like me. And, if you need a piano I recommend the very reasonably priced Casio digital piano ($799) with its full piano keyboard, weighted, full sized keys and many beautiful sound options selected from a touch screen pad. No more overwhelming buttons and tabs. Since the Alfred books arrived I’ve been studying the Level One book for an hour or so then go to the piano to put the information I’ve learned into action. I’ve order two books of sheet music designed by Alfred’s at the book one level so that I have even more options for music to play right away. And Alfred’s has books for kids, too. I don’t think you can go wrong with these books.

    6 people found this helpful

  12. Deb GDeb G –

    Good book but….

    This is a good book to learn from but there are not enough practice songs for each section. Learning the C Major and G7 the two partial songs are the only practice songs for these chords. I’m 62 with no music experience so practice songs are important. I’m purchased other piano song books to practice with but they are too advanced for me. If there were more practice songs I’d give this a 5 star.

    2 people found this helpful

  13. ENRIQUE SAPIEN –

    Excellent course. I am learning, and fast. What else could I ask for?

    I haven’t finished it (I am about 70% of it) but I’ve seen and learnt enough as to rate this course.In one word: Excellent. I for sure will be getting more titles from this line of courses and author.A little bit of context: As a kid (I’m now on my 30’s) I had the chance to study a bit of organ and keyboards, just enough to learn the notes, a few chords and some songs.Fast forward to 2013 I got interested on piano, so having that previous experience I wanted to leverage it and went to take private lessons with a very experienced pianist teacher.Long story short, I was learning melodies and being able to play them, but something was missing. Basically, structure and backing theory behind what I was learning, and most of all, the ability to read the notes by sight, which was very difficult for me.This book/course gave me all of that which was missing. I am actually impressed about how fast I am grasping the concepts, and of course very happy for that.Besides, I take the lessons at home, on my own availability, saving time, gas and of course, the cost is much, much less (no comparison.)If you are serious in learning, I recommend buying a digital piano kit, there are good deals here in Amazon. I personally bought a Yamaha P95 (now discontinued and upgraded AFAIK) which is a great equipment too.Don’t think twice. This is a great course on which you will learn to play piano.

    2 people found this helpful

  14. Ted Chase –

    Looks like a great book. Can’t wait to get started.

    Looks like a good book. Can’t wait to get started

  15. Monica Lynne Layer –

    I gifted this to my daughter

    I have to keep buying more and more books for my 17 yo daughter to play, she goes through them very fast so any child out there, remenber, YOU CAN DO IT, do it for YOURSELF and everyone messes up so just start over, and play it again

  16. JC –

    It’s a good piano primer, but avoid paying extra for the version that comes with the CD.

    This is a pretty solid adult piano primer. Techniques and theory are clearly explained, and the fingerings are mostly numbered in where you need them. There are workbook pages to reinforce concepts. I am trying to re-teach myself how to play after not having touched a keyboard for about 10 years. As I have almost completed the book, and my skills have undoubtedly improved significantly, I have to conclude that it works.I do have a caveat: AVOID PAYING EXTRA FOR THE CD. I got the version with the CD, because I assumed the CD would be of an accomplished pianist playing through the exercises, in order to help me know how much I need to practice each piece before I should move on, and to help me correct subtle errors in my playing. Having such a CD would be very worthwhile. HOWEVER, THE CD DOES NOT HAVE ANY PIANO MUSIC ON IT. Instead, the CD has multi-instrument synthesizer arrangements of the exercises in the book. It sounds like children’s music, and it is neither helpful for learning how to play the piano or enjoyable enough to listen to for aesthetic purposes.My other caveat is that I am not a big fan of a lot of music in the repertoire. It includes music from a variety a genres, and silly songs like the theme from Gilligan’s Island. I would prefer a course geared solely towards playing classical music, but I do not know of one.I ordered level 2, but this time, I got the version without the CD.

    4 people found this helpful

  17. Kotek –

    Learning on my own and loving it!

    I used to play piano when I was 5-7 years old. Then I got a really bad teaching who hit my hands when I played wrong etc. Needless to say, I quit.However, when I got older I wanted to play again, so I did in college: 4 semesters of piano just for fun. Then I didn’t play for years. Now, 15 years and 3 children later, I am back to trying to play. My dd10 is in her 3rd year, so we bought a piano (we used keyboard before then), and I just really wanted to learn again. So I bought this book along with level 2 and 3 because I just loved the pieces my daughter was learning from Alfred’s books. I also love her pieces from Piano Adventures. After a couple of weeks I am no page 108 of this book. I really like the theory and technik (which my daughter lacks) so she has been learning from my book too. We love the Hanon finger exersizes. I looked over the books in level 2 and 3 and just can’t wait to get there. I have ordered Christmas books and a book with some popular songs. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn piano and not spend a fortune on lessons. I don’t think I could afford to pay $35 per lesson for my daughter and me! She does the lessons because she needs motivation like little awards, recitals, teacher telling her what to play, how many minutes a day, etc etc. However, motivated grownup doesn’t need it, and these books do great. I give it 5 stars because I can’t think of anything I don’t like about this book.

    7 people found this helpful

  18. Stanley Boschet –

    Excellent

    On time and as promised in mint condition, I’m good

  19. Carole Kensy –

    Best Book to learn to play the Piano

    If you want to learn to play the piano this is the book for you. You have to be willing to put in the time and patience with yourself to practice, practice. I personally have found it so easy to follow I know I have a ways to go but having the songs to learn along the way make you feel you are making progress. Great Book!!!!

  20. Nestor Alezard H. –

    Ok

    Ok

  21. Much0Gust0 –

    Not meant for Kindle

    I purchased this product on my Kindle and started off very pleased! It actually is a great system. I’m just starting out with my piano learning and this is a perfect book for a beginner like me. I really am beginning to be quite capable with my piano playing, and the instructions in the book are well-paced. I stumble on a few songs, but then I work hard at practicing them and feel extraordinarily accomplished afterwards. I’m excited to start on level 2 as well!However, I would recommend everyone gets it in the physical form. The screen size on the kindle version makes it difficult to follow since several songs do not fit on one page (they do in the physical version). Also, if you’re looking for some exciting songs that you can play while going through this program, you can get the 

    Alfred’s Basic Adult Piano Course: Greatest Hits, Level 1 (Alfred’s Basic Adult Piano Course Series)

    , but the page numbers line up with the physical book aaaaaand there are not page numbers on the kindle. Lastly, there are plenty of spots in the book where they prompt you to write answers (such as note names) into boxes, which you cannot do in the kindle version. I was fortunate enough to have a friend that already owned the physical version and I just used theirs after I realized the kindle one wasn’t worth it.In a sentence: This is a fantastic learning tool if you stick with it, but get the physical book and not the kindle version.

    3 people found this helpful

  22. Kay –

    Finally! I’m learning piano.

    You can teach an old dog new tricks.I have a piano teacher, she also teaches my son guitar, we trade lessons so I go every other week. The book is designed for you to teach yourself but lessons keep me motivated to practice and progress. I can go to a lesson, play for my instructor all that I have practiced and learned and get feedback and she can explain a few of the techniques and how to play some of the more confusing chords and music theory and then I tackle several more chords and songs before my next lesson. So fa this has worked quite well for me.I really can do a great deal on my own, which is nice, but I really like having the instructor to check in with and help me make sure I’m not learning things incorrectly. I’ve struggled the most with the position of my hands and wrists and fingers and she has been great at keeping me doing that correctly so I don’t have to relearn later on.At times I wish the book moved a bit slower. There are new chords every other page and I recently got overwhelmed wanting to just be able to put together what I’d learned instead of it always being something new but that is coming so I’m hanging in there through these next few pages of chords.Been leaning piano for about four months and am looking forward to being able to play some songs I know, hopefully soon!

    5 people found this helpful

  23. William B. –

    Overall 5 stars

    Love it. Alfred’s books has helped me tremendously.

  24. Leenbo –

    Recommended

    Helped me learn to play

  25. OSCAR RODRIGUEZOSCAR RODRIGUEZ –

    Arrived tattered and ungiftable.

    One book arrived in good condition while the other was tattered on corners of front and back. This was a gift so I cannot share in this condition.

    One person found this helpful

  26. Nicole –

    No CD

    Book good to learn with but no CD as advertised

    One person found this helpful

  27. P. Masuda –

    Surprisingly, the best course for beginner adults

    I am a piano teacher who has tried many adult courses witholder children and all ages of adults.The first advantage to this course is that the theory andtechnic are all in one book. Over the years, I have found that for beginners, theory and technic in a separate bookresults in the student forgetting to bring one of the booksto the lesson, or ignoring the practice of either book. Having the theory right in the main book is effective because the student can have a break from playing and immediately focus on studying music notation without playing.The CD is the most unique part of this program. Though itprobably is most effective with the guidance of the teacher,those of you who are self studying should know that practicing with the recording is a very powerful learning tool. Most people skim through lessons playing the songswith poor rhythm, without continuity and flow, and at tempos that are too slow to make the song sound good. The recording sets the bar, where you can develop good rhythmwhen you have learned to play the song well enough to keep up with the recording. You will practice a great deal until you have the mastery to keep up with a tempo on theCD that is faster than what you can do at first. My students have told me that it is great fun playing with theCD, improving all their skills and motivating them to practice more!

    9 people found this helpful

  28. LeeAnna –

    Great for preteens + with no experience

    Using this to teach my 11yr old to play piano. She is picking it up fast! She hasn’t had any previous instruction. I’m excited that they added songs like Gilligan’s Island, Over the Rainbow, and Singing in the Rain! I learned from this book as a teen, and it stopped at Amazing Grace. Now there are more songs to learn! She is very excited to learn too. We are moving at her pace, a new song and a page of theory each lesson. So far, we’ve been having a new lesson every couple days. I expect that to change as she learns to play both hands together.

  29. Rana –

    On to book 2!

    I love this course so far. Everyday practicing has gotten me through the whole thing in a month (I had a little music theory knowledge and had lessons for about 2 years when I was very young, so factor that in). I still need a LOT of polishing (probably another couple months before I can play all the pieces with few mistakes) but I think I’m going to press on to start looking at book 2 at least a couple minutes every practice session now (spending most of my practice in book 1 still though). I love the book because it doesn’t treat you like you’re 4. There are finger exercises to improve flexibility and a no-lesson section at the end of the book with several longer music pieces. The book covers a bunch of different styles too.. Classical, blues, some little tunes like “On top of old Smoky” and “Happy Birthday”. Christmas songs, hymns.. Quite a lot for one book. If you’re serious about teaching yourself, I’m personally having a blast and it’s so easy to come back to this book and WOW, I can play songs! I can’t wait to practice in the evening every day. P.S. practice your scales a LOT.

    5 people found this helpful

  30. Tonja Drecker –

    A solid book for slightly more mature students

    I purchased this one to teach a slightly older student, hoping that it would hold a fast enough pace to keep him interested. And it’s not bad. The basics of music theory are covered as well as a smooth introduction to posture, hand movements and such. The songs are fine and build at a relatively moderate pace. My student needed a little more a little quicker, though. But in general, I found it to be a good book for those, who are a little more mature and capable of grasping the basics fairly quickly. As always, it’s best to find another book or two with easier pieces to accompany it as well.

    3 people found this helpful

  31. lisa musgrove –

    Beast book for adults!!

    I have used this book many times to teach all ages of adults. I cannot say enough good about it. Easy to understand. My father bought a piano. He’s 87 years young. He’s having so much fun learning. I’m in another state. So its great he’s able to use this book.

  32. jkwdo –

    Excellent resource for adult beginners

    I started piano at age 77: totally ignorant. I stumbled onto this book at Half-Price Books, then was told by my brand-new piano teacher that this was her favorite teaching text . It builds gradually with lots of explanation. I enjoy the songs and always “ play ahead” because I just can’t wait to start a new lesson . I even bought one for my 17-year-old grandson who just started learning too.

    One person found this helpful

  33. mem –

    Very comprehensive

    This book is comprehensive and includes all the information contained in the “Self-Teaching Adult Piano Course”. I ordered that “self-teaching” book too but after receiving it and realizing that information is in here, I was going to return that one but found it would have cost me to return it rather than keep and donate it. I’m not sure why they have both since its redundant and confusing.Back on topic… This “All-in-One” course seems to be worth every penny and seems like an excellent value due to all the information it contains compared to the “Self Teaching” course. This book is the much better one in my opinion. I also have it with the special spine which can lay flat… that’s very important too! Very happy with it.

    5 people found this helpful

  34. Dorothy Thomas –

    Adult All in one course- Piano Lessons

    The book is in prestine condition and just what I need! Thank you for delivering it so quickly.

  35. Pam Holman –

    Spiral book

    I like how easy to use the book and fast shipping

  36. Mary ONeillMary ONeill –

    I’m finally learning how to play piano!

  37. Cynthia Whitmore –

    Very helpful book to learn to play the piano

    The book was what I expected and more.

    2 people found this helpful

  38. Mireya –

    Great

    Super easy to learn!

    2 people found this helpful

  39. cmybliss –

    Great Self Teaching Book

    A little background before I get into the real review: My 14 y/o trumpet player daughter has been wanting to learn the piano for years. Because she has C.P. we had been putting it off thinking that trying to coordinate both hands at once and read music would be too frustrating for her. Her trumpet teacher disagreed and recommended she start with the Suzuki method as she has and incredibly good ear and quite a bit of natural musical talent. From my understanding of Suzuki, there is quite a bit of parent involvement required. This is a problem for me given I have limited experience playing an instrument (flute. I really should have listened when my mom said I’d regret giving it up) and absolutely none with the piano. I bought this book to help rectify that, knowing that I’ll be sitting in on her weekly lessons and absorbing a lot of information there.Having only had the book a couple of days, I love it already. The book assumes you are coming to the piano with no prior musical experience and starts from the very beginning. It introduces the musical alphabet and shows where each note falls on the keyboard. When reading from the staff is introduced, the note names are printed right in the note so your eyes are traveling along the staff instead of looking elsewhere. With each lesson on theory you are given exercises and practice tunes that reinforce the lesson. There are also written exercises to really help make those connections solid. You move along fairly quickly, playing simple melodies with each hand separately to playing with both hands. Once harmonic intervals are introduced (pg.26) and you start playing the melody with one hand and harmonics with the other, you really feel like you’re making music! It’s pretty exciting to go from not knowing where middle C is located to playing Jingle Bells with a bit of harmony in 2 days! I can’t wait to continue to grow with this book.I do plan on adding scales and such to my practice sessions, as these are truly the things that will help you progress and give you a more fundamental understanding of how music is put together. Playing scales and arpeggios are just as important to a musician as stretching is to a runner. They may not be the most fun, but they are essential, which my daughter hates to hear.Some have said that the song selection leaves a bit to be desired. While I don’t disagree that songs like “Tisket, A Tasket”, “Lightly Row”, and “Aunt Rhody” are juvenile, (these are the songs all young musicians start with. The Good Lord knows I’ve sat through many a squeaky beginning band performance of them!) they are the type of song that build that foundation for the great things to come. By the time you finish this book you should be able to play songs like “Over the Rainbow” and “Singin’ in the Rain”. You can also find loads of simple piano music online for free and there’s always the option of purchasing books of beginner music if you find that you’re board by the selections provided.Also be aware that this book does not come with the c.d. Not really a problem as there are loads of nice folks who have uploaded videos to youtube of all the songs. Just search for Alfred’s Basic Adult Piano and you’ll have your pick.All in all, I really am enjoying learning with this book. I feel like I’m able to grasp the concepts that are introduced and will be able to help my daughter along once her lessons start in a couple of weeks. I’m looking forward to finishing this book, which I hope will come sooner rather than later, and starting on the next one.

    447 people found this helpful

  40. Brad B –

    Easy to read

    It’s what I bought. I will use it and hope it helps me relearn the piano.

    3 people found this helpful

  41. Tyler –

    Wonderful book for beginners

    I’ve only had one day to start ging through this book and my understanding of reading and playing music is already noticeably improved. This book moves at a great pace with a gentle balance of challenging you and yet not confusing you. Perfect for beginners.

    5 people found this helpful

  42. Lazychick –

    4.5 — Self-Study Review

    I really enjoy this book and feel that I’ve learned a lot so far, although I’m only halfway through. It would be ideal for beginner students or those needing a brush up, especially if they are working with a professional on the side. I’m in my mid-30s, doing it through self-study and find it relatively easy to do. I’m hoping to get a proper acoustic piano eventually and would love to know how to play well first. I’ve never had musical training, but have played off and on by ear–meaning, I didn’t know most chords, notes, or proper hand positions, and I certainly couldn’t read music. That’s certainly changing! Right now, I’m just seeing how far I can get with it and may take lessons later when I can afford it. I’m currently using a 61-key keyboard at the moment, but plan on getting one that’s 88-key with properly weighted keys for advanced lessons to tie me over for a couple more years until I can get an acoustic.While it’s certainly possible to learn on your own (this far, anyway!), I definitely recommend looking up instructional videos to help with hand positions and posture. I found several on YouTube, such as one called “The 5 Basic Elements of a Correct Posture,” by an English-speaking Russian instructor. I also suggest getting the CD combo package to help with tempo (hint: if it’s under $10, you are likely not buying the combo). I mistakenly bought the one without the CD and you will definitely want it, and the combination package is less expensive than buying separately. If you wind up getting the book without the CD, you can find demos on Youtube as well; it’s just a little more tedious. So far, I’ve located all but one (at the beginning of the book) and I’m just a little beyond page 50. This will come in handy for songs that are unfamiliar to you or are a little more difficult to play.Once you get to p. 50 or so, things kind of take an abrupt leap in advancement (position change) and the book kind of loses its clarity at that point to some degree, but it’s not impossible and demos definitely help. Just make sure to do those little assignments and practice loads. Because I play by ear and tend to memorize things well, I always go back to songs, even if I’ve previously played them before. That way, I make sure I’m reading the notes rather than sounding them out.All in all, I really enjoy it and I’m pretty amazed that I’m actually reading music, even if it’s with difficulty at times as I progress in the book. Because I tend to be my biggest nag, I will likely get the adult self-study version, too, but it was recommended by reviewers to start with this one. I also plan to get the eMedia Piano and Keyboard Method software program. I hadn’t seen it until after I purchased this book, but I feel that it will help me more with tempo and what not. I’m also visual, so that may help as well.

    14 people found this helpful

  43. michibilly –

    It is what it is… a beginner’s book.

    Several of the less complimentary reviews complain that the book is boring or slow… it’s a beginner book. One states that there are other books that are using classical music and not some of the simplistic music, one calling ‘When the Saints Go Marching In’ a children’s song. Really? If you’ve ever been to New Orleans you will note that every drunk in town plays it…. but I digress.This is a beginner’s book. I’m taking lessons and my instructor had no other adult students at the time and the only material was either very advanced, or kiddie books featuring ‘London Bridge’, ‘Mr. Froggie’ and other embarrassments for adults to play. Now, I should mention that I’m over 60 and have never taken any musical lessons of any kind. Before starting lessons five months ago I could not even read music. This book has been a tremendous learning tool for me, but again, I have no musical education whatsoever. Those who have played piano or have taken other lessons where they have learned to read music and possibly have learned theory will undoubtedly find this book too elementary.I have read that there is too much playing in the key of ‘C’ and that’s a bad thing. Well, for a beginner, it’s a good thing as it allows you to start playing some simple songs fairly quickly and that’s really the way to keep beginners interested and motivated isn’t it?As with all educational pursuits, first you need to define you goals. If you goal is to become a serious player, you definitely won’t be there at the completion of this book (can’t comment on successive books as I don’t have them yet). If your goal is like mine, to just be able to play to amuse myself, I think this book will put you on the right path. Some of the things I like about the Alfred’s courses are the supplemental books; you can pick up books with a lot of additional songs that correspond to the lesson books; my teacher has asked me to choose some songs to play and it isn’t that easy to pour through books looking for songs that I can play at my beginning skill level.As for music theory; you won’t pick up a ton of it in this book as it’s just too advanced for people needing a book this basic. However, I have found the ‘Idiots Guide to Music Theory’ to be a great book to help me get more up-to-speed on theory, and I use my teacher to help me with the parts that I don’t understand.There are a lot of good beginning books out there, but frankly, you really can’t compare them to working with an actual teacher, and I guess I supplement my teacher with this book…. or is it the other way around?

    32 people found this helpful

  44. MrsA –

    Great book! For kids or adults, I would think.

    For years, I wanted to learn the piano but thought my window of opportunity had passed thirty some eyed years ago. This book is great! I’ve been plinking around on the piano a few months but after starting this book (I’m about a quarter of the way through now) reading music is getting easier and I’m capable of working on playing from actual sheet music. It’s pretty awesome! I am 45 and gave up trying to live vicariously through my children😂 (neither were interested in learning).I like how easy this method makes learning. It takes practice, but the practice is fun because you can see results pretty much right away.I also like how the book lays open easily. There are bits along the way where you are asked to write in the names of notes, and chords. I find those helpful as well because it makes you form additional pathways in your brain – my boys and I like to call them synapse bridges. The neurons that fire together wire together, and doing as many methods to help remember the lessons is a good thing. I do have to go back to previous lessons from time to time for a refresher, but mostly because that’s just the way my brain works. I like the repetition. Makes my synapse bridges stronger.I know it’s geared toward adults, but I don’t see why it wouldn’t work well for kids as well. Maybe not littles. But the format is simple and seems to me all that is needed are basic reading skills and a desire to play.

    One person found this helpful

  45. Michelle Lewis –

    can’t read music, but play by ear

    Don’t think you can use these interchangeably. It’s not possible. Just because you play by ear doesn’t mean you can read sheet music. I’m starting from scratch. I’m breaking old habits and learning how to read it. Once I have done it, I’m teaching my grandson. Then if he wants to learn more, then we’ll pay for it. 🙂

    7 people found this helpful

  46. Peter M. Ranon –

    You can teach an old dog a new trick (play the piano well enough for self entertainment)

    The media could not be loaded.

     We bought a piano (Yamaha C2) when our youngest daughter Lia expressed interest in playing the piano in 2009. I turned 50 that year and decided that I wanted to learn to play as well as I always had an interest. I played musical instruments while growing up but never that seriously (no marching band, etc.) so I knew how to read music but never a keyboard based instrument that required two sets of staffs (melody and chord) to be read simultaneously (sometimes the left and the right hands go in opposite directions and mostly at different beats!). So I started with Alfred’s All-In-One Course Book 1, then 2, teaching myself how to play (also purchased Book 3 but have only peruse through it but haven’t started it yet). Once I learned the basics though, I figured that “Life’s too short” and that Alfred’s taught me enough fundamentals that I should just start playing music I enjoy for self entertainment. In this video, I play short snippets here and there from Andrew Lloyd Weber’s “The Music of The Night” from Phantom of the Opera. I thought it was impossible at first (so many sharps/flats) but you soon realize that you just play on the black keys instead of on the white ones. I wrote the keys and fingers used to play the key (1, 2, 3, 4, 5 convention starting with your thumb) on the notes to simplify and eventually learned to play the whole song. Like most compositions, there are several pages of music but only a fraction of it is unique and the rest are variations on the same theme. I play the only the unique snippets here and there to try to fit the video within the acceptable limit for Amazon Video Review. Anyway, I hope you also tell yourself that “I can do it” and after learning the fundamentals, just start playing like I did as it is quite rewarding (much better than singing since the piano does the heavy lifting). Hope you enjoy! Yes, “you can teach an old dog a new trick.”

    546 people found this helpful

  47. Alex –

    I’d like to give it 5 stars, but…

    First, I think this is a really fine book for adult learners — especially those who may have played piano or another instrument before. The material doesn’t belabor each new subject, so if there is something you aren’t sure about after you’ve moved ahead in the book and want to review it, the information will be easy enough to find and you don’t feel like you’re getting hammered with too much material. Most of the songs are typical to primer books for just about any instrument. Some of the guitar books have the same songs in them, in almost the same order.The audio files from the DVD are very helpful, especially if you aren’t familiar with the tune. They give you good examples of what it should sound like at tempo. Which made me think of something. If you don’t have a metronome you should get one and use it. Practicing with it will help even out your playing immensely.One thing I did notice, is that the DVD doesn’t appear to have all of the audio files on it that the book (and the Amazon and Alfred websites) say it should have. I’ve emailed Alfred’s tech support and am waiting for a response to see how I can get copies of the missing audio files. As near as I can tell the following are missing.Lullaby, Chasing the Blue Away, Good People, Auld Lang Syne, The Stranger, Over the Rainbow, At Last, Singing in the Rain, Laura, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, Ballad of Gilligan’s Isle, Chattanooga Choo Choo.That said, by the time you finish the previous lessons you should be able to work you way thorough these songs with the mp3 file. It may take you longer without hearing the audio, but you should be able to do it. If you need the audio (that matches) the music, there’s a program called Musescore that you can use to enter the notes and play back the file. This may seem tedious, but there is one important benefit from this — if you enter the notes using the keyboard (instead of the mouse) it reinforces what you have learned in the book reading the music.When I hear back from Alfred’s I’ll update this post with their response.8/20/13: I heard back from Alfred’s tech support. The CSR Matt was very helpful and sent a CD out with the missing items on it. Great customer service! I upped my score to a 5 now. I am very pleased with the book.

    9 people found this helpful

  48. GLADYS M. –

    Awesome! Self explained !

    I used this book in an elective class in college. I remembered being very easy to read so I bought it for my 7 year old niece that got a piano for her 7th birthday. She is infactuated with this book. She loves it and it’s learning on her on!!!!

    5 people found this helpful

  49. Craig –

    A solid beginner book

    I’ve had the book for 3 months and practiced consistently, 30-60 minutes a day, 5-6 days a week. I’m on page 84 of 159. Seems a good time to give a review.Aspects of the book I like:–The practice pieces incrementally increase in difficulty in a reasonable way. I feel like each new piece or concept only asks me to develop one new skill or piece of knowledge. I haven’t ever felt that the next piece is beyond my ability to play with some effort. Some pieces required a week or so to develop comfort, but most I felt comfortable moving forward after a couple days focused on a song.–The inclusion of music theory is helpful for a beginner like myself to understand concepts. I’m learning a bit about how much I don’t know. Picking up the proper terminology is going to be important if I ever want to play with other people or get lessons.–There’s a guy on that popular video sharing website (You know which Tube I’m referring to) who gives short lessons and tips on each piece. He’s been very helpful for any songs that I just need to be pointed in the right direction.Things I don’t love:–I’m not sure there’s any book where it’s possible to begin learning piano while only playing songs you’re really excited to show off in public some day. This certainly isn’t that book. Not to say I have major issues with the pieces. If you buy this book I recommend approaching it with a similar mindset as I have: the pieces are fine at worst, quite fun at best, but most important they build a repertoire of techniques and skills that will allow you to move forward in your musical journey.

    13 people found this helpful

  50. Stephanie Henderson –

    Great tool for beginners and those who need a refresher course.

    I love the way it is set up. My piano teacher recommended this to me, because she uses it during our sessions. It comes with two discs to assist with teaching you everything you need to know about playing piano, reading and writing music sheet music. It is hands down the best piano lesson book I’ve ever seen and used.

    6 people found this helpful

  51. Mother –

    Use More than One Method Book

    At first, I liked the layout of this book until I got to page 37 and I hit a road block. I still very much like this Alfred book for learning playing music with chords; however, this book rapidly gets into the G7 Chord before I felt I had the coordination and technique to move my fingers to do so. I felt that more practice reading in the Middle C Position, Treble and Base C Pentascale Positions, and G Pentascale using both fingers together and simpler chords is needed before moving to the G7 Chord. Since I couldn’t seem to progress with the technical skill of playing the G7 Chord fluently, I started feeling frustrated and did not enjoy playing from the Alfred Method Book. Alfred went very heavy into the G7 chord in almost every song beginning on page 37. I switched to the Faber Piano Adventures and got to about halfway through that book in Chapter 10 before I hit another road block since the Piano Adventures book seemed to be moving all over the place.I then switched back to Alfred and began again with page 32 Introduction on Cords and I am using in conjunction with Bastien Adult (Chapter 3) so that I have more practice. I find both Bastien Adult Level 1 and the Alfred Adult Level 1 cover topics in a similar order and gives me a better foundation before moving on to the next topic. Bastien has more theory written homework (with answers in back so I can check my work), and Alfred has more piano exercises. I think the two books together are a perfect fit for a self learner. Alfred does go more in depth in Chord playing and I find the songs in Alfred to be more challenging. It seems like if you are self teaching yourself, using more than one method book is a good idea. There is No one perfect method book, but if you use more than one, I feel it gives you a stronger foundation. Plus, the more songs you practice, the better Piano Player you become.

    24 people found this helpful

  52. Eris –

    Love it!

    I’m an adult learner who’s played violin mostly casually since 4th grade, in a wide variety of music genres, and with great sight-reading skills because I loathed to practice. I’ve done everything from “Twinkle, Twinkle” to Handel’s Messiah, to jamming with random drunk Scottish bagpipers. I’ve seen and played a lot of music is what I’m trying to say. This book has been great at helping me get “back to basics” (guess who never learned to name notes by sight, haha) and has been invaluable at teaching me a new instrument.Cons: the “write it in” exercises can feel excessive at times, and they introduce traveling and RH syncopated rhythms at almost the same time which is driving me slowly insane.Pros: the songs are the right mix of challenging and easy so I can generally figure it out within a single session, explanations are straightforward and walk you nicely through the exercises, progression is (mostly) smooth, and it provides a nice variety of either recognizable or easily decipherable songs to practice whatever skill was just discussed.I’ll be supplementing with Suzuki method (because I did their violin series and it’s actually a cult you guys) as well as some easy Joplin arrangements so maybe I can figure out how to make my hands do different rhythms, but I’ll be sticking with Alfred’s as my main course books. And if I ever get called out on not being able to identify a 6th interval or whatever I’ll go back and do the rest of the homework 🙂

    3 people found this helpful

  53. Heather Desplechin –

    Easy to use

    As someone with ZERO musical knowledge I found this super easy to follow. I took up piano during covid as something to do and this book was recommended to me by my friend who studied piano for 30+ years. Clear directions, useful practice exercises. Covers music theory, notes, beats and lessons build on what is covered in previous sections making to super easy to work your way through the book. Would definitely recommend for any adult looking to begin piano.

    6 people found this helpful

  54. Ben Wiley –

    and when I got this book it didn’t disappoint. I mean

    This arrived swiftly. I’m a self-taught person so I know all the notes, the major scale in every key, the four main triads in every key and inversion, etc – but I don’t know how to PLAY. I’ve been checking out “The Jazz Piano Book” by Mark Levine for most of my information. But that’s advanced stuff. What I desired was something to teach me to play properly, and when I got this book it didn’t disappoint. I mean, it starts off VERY basic, to the point that I know the stuff in the beginning of the book already – but that was reassuring, knowing that the book starts at square one and builds from there. It starts with something very important – exercises for the hands, something often overlooked but important from the very start, as many self-taught pianists play too hard and develop habits that cause problems down the line (carpel tunnel syndrome, for instance). So this book intends to start you off properly with warm-ups and stuff. Next, though, it gets right to the point and starts you on some reading on the treble clef and even starts with a simple song (“Ode To Joy”, from Beethoven’s 9th Symphony). So you start playing right off the bat basically. That’s a good thing. One thing to note here is that the books do not come with a CD – but when I started reading I saw they mention a CD, so you won’t have that as a reference, although I believe with a metronome and taking the time to really digest note-reading, you should do alright in playing the stuff from the book. Sometimes I think CDs make it too easy for people and they tend to gloss over really learning to interpret the music as written. I’m also trying to see if the book doesn’t have some site from which to download the sound files, though, just to feel like I got my money’s worth. Looking over the set of books (I bought all three), I believe I can really make some advances as far as learning to play classical goes. I would totally recommend this course to beginners looking for a start.

  55. SeattleDude –

    This is a very good book. I didnt give it five stars because it could use modernizing. But.

    So I am certain I had a version of this 20 years ago. It feels very familiar and as I am already a musician I am using it to train myself Piano. I was taught Bass Clef in school as I played a lower brass instrument. I certainly have some experience with treble but Piano is a challenge with both at the same time and this book really builds the relationship with the hands and eyes. It’s a very good method and I am actually through half in a couple of days but that is expected as Im not really a newbie. But there is very good instruction. What keeps it from being 5 stars is that its quite dated. I suppose there is no reason to rewrite a book but I don’t care for a lot of the songs and i think that is hurting it interest wise. For me I am more interested in hammering through it and then getting better sheet music. But that is honestly me nitpicking. This is a very effective system so there is a lot to be said for dont mess with it. But I would like to learn to music I can relate to or like.

    4 people found this helpful

  56. Nathan –

    An amazing and easy to follow piano book

    First off, I may not be the target audience as I have a fair amount of musical experience (8+ years). Having been in choirs, taken private voice lessons and having directed church choirs, I already had a grasp of music theory. Still, I had only used pianos or organs in the past for plucking out the melody, and any brief attempts at playing with two hands ended with frustration. I simply didn’t have the time to take lessons, so I figured this was all I would ever be able to do.After a conversation with an organist friend, I searched for the best adult piano book and purchased it on a whim. A week ago it arrived, and I’ve made it about halfway through, taking a 3 day break in the middle. (Since I have a grasp of the theory, I’ve skipped the theory sections, so I’ve been able to move faster than most students might).The instruction on fingering and the difficulty progression through the book is perfect. Although I struggle with each new song, after a few attempts it starts coming together. Every day I am extremely impressed with the new songs I am able to play. I (and my wife, who has taken years of piano) are dumbfounded at how quickly I’ve been able to progress, and it’s all thanks to this book! I will undoubtedly be purchasing the level 2 book when I complete this one!

    6 people found this helpful

  57. LEE4HIM –

    Well…I’m learning the Piano!

    I have no product to compare this too, so I am giving it 4 stars because it would be unfair to give it 5 without it being based on a competitors product. I am 32 years old and played trumpet in high school, but don’t remember anything. My grandmother bought me a really nice keyboard when I was in grade school and it has been sitting in the attic for over a decade so got it out, dusted it off, and bought this book so I could have a new hobby to take up my time in a constructive way. The book starts out simple with a middle C approach and introduces you to each key with exercises to help you learn them. Then after a time it introduces you to each chord with helpful exercises to learn each one and so on. After a bit it moves you up the Trebel and Bass clef to the G approach and so on… Super fun and it does get difficult, but if you stop and practice until you get things perfect before moving on it doesn’t get to difficult. I remember when I got the book, I looked forward in it, and thought I will never be able to play this stuff, but now I am playing it with ease. Great book and a fun and easy way to learn the piano. My new hobby is very fulfilling and from the amount I can learn it will last me a long time, and in the end I should be able to play a decent piece of any music with ease. I would recommend for sure! If your using a keyboard instead of a piano there are a few things mentioned in the lessons you will have to overlook since this book is based on a piano, but it isn’t necessary for you to have an expensive piano to get this book…just a quality size keyboard.

    10 people found this helpful

  58. Al928 –

    Alfred’s Adult-All in One

    Background:I’m a music major in college but my main instrument is guitar. I had to buy this book for my college piano class which I decided to take to force myself to practice piano. Again-my main instrument is guitar & I’m a music major-I already know fundamental theory (major & minor scales/keys, chords-triads, upper structures, major & minor modes etc…). I am learning to play piano because I pretty much have to as a student & because I want to have a strong functional & practical understanding of harmony & counter point (so I guess traditional & more contemporary). Playing songs I like on the piano isn’t really my goal.The Not so Good Stuff:I give this book a two not in comparison to Carl Humphries’s book, but because I feel that it doesn’t do the job. I understand that my goal in playing piano isn’t a common one & that many people want to learn to play the piano for fun & want to learn to play pieces (as you should really). However, I feel that this book is pretty childish & teaches in a way that becomes a hindrance in the future. This is supposed to be a book for adults but it doesn’t seem that way-it could move a lot faster & provide some theory through out the book so that the reader can develop an understanding of what goes on when he or she plays the keys.Perhaps it’s my prior education that makes me feel this way but I feel that knowing some theory helps to demystify what goes on when you play which helps you get your brain & fingers in gear. The concept of a major scale isn’t explained until page 100 of 159. Then it goes & attaches the formula to the C major scale which can be misleading. All major scales have the same formula-it doesn’t make sense to teach them as separate systems. I can understand if wind players can’t work with that kind of explanation but on the piano they’re pretty much structurally the same. Teaching them as different systems is just over whelming & a waste of time-it’d be better to give C major as an example & explain how the formula is universal & begin to explain the circle of 5ths/4ths (isn’t that the whole point of 440?). Believe it or not, that kind of information can really help when learning a song you like or that some one else wants to hear. It may seem daunting but adults are better than children at grasping concrete concepts & this book would be pretty easy even for kids learning piano.Another gripe is the middle C approach. There are more notes to start on than middle C & again, due to the nature of our musical temperament, countless tunes aren’t in C. It isn’t bad to start out playing this way-it’s easier to read. However, there isn’t any mentioning of keys until page 100-this can be a really awkward idea to grasp after getting used to playing only the white keys & an occasional black key. So if students find the music for a song they like but it’s not in C, what happens?The Good Stuff:You play actual tunes really quickly which is good because you work towards a musical goal not just technical ones which can get boring really quickly. A lot of reading is done-notes not text, so the student new to reading music gets a lot of practice getting familiar with the notes on the staff. The book also does a good job at providing exercises right before tunes so that the student can ease in to the tune with some physical familiarity on the keys. Finally,the spiral binding is great-book stays open every where.I’d say if you don’t have enough time to dedicate to ‘serious’ study/practice or consider yourself a slow learner and or just happen to be new to music, then you might want this book. I think Carl Humphries’s the Piano Handbook is a better choice for those who want to move faster & have the time & focus to apply themselves (I own that one too). The downside is that the material moves fast. A good idea may be to get both so that for the first few chapters you supplement the material in the harder book with the practice from the other book until you can move through Humphries’s book without training wheels so to speak. It’s more work but it’s the best bang for your book & the way to actually learn to play the piano & not what’s given.

    27 people found this helpful

  59. RectifiedGTRz –

    Great for beginner or review

    This is a very good adult course. I am a trained classical musician (play classical guitar) and 25 years ago I learned some piano. I wanted a course that would provide some refresher training as well as new insights. I was able to go through the book in three days, in maybe an hour or so each day. If you are an absolute beginner, this book will help provide you the basics of not only the mechanics of piano playing but also theory as well as gradually getting into the various key signatures. I like the course because it teaches chordal playing in both hands and introduces contrary motion scales. It also introduces position playing and very basic chordal theory (I-IV-V). I bought the three series and looking ahead each book builds on the last and gradually introduces new key signatures. The only thing I don’t like about it, it seems to favor the use of the sustain pedal. While this makes things pretty and makes chordal changes a snap, I practice each piece both with the sustain and without, trying to hold the chord shapes as if I was using a pedal. I don’t recommend this for young adults or children, however. The pieces are a bit old fashioned for them. By the end of the first book you will be playing some useful tunes, albeit in an easy format (such as Scott Joplin’s The Entertainer and Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas). I also like the inclusion of some bluesy type 2nd intervals. You will learn something and you will feel like you have accomplished something by the time you end this course. Highly recommended! Also buy the series and get the scales and arpeggios book if you are serious about learning to play.

    23 people found this helpful

  60. Kevin –

    So far so good! I love that feeling you get when you play a song you recognize for the first time!

    I’m about a third of the way through. The book introduces the music concepts that are completely foreign to me in an easy to understand manner and doesn’t overwhelm you. I work at my own pace and go back and review old stuff as much as I feel I need to, but I always keep going forward, it’s kind of addicting. My only experience with music before were guitar tabs (and I was never very good). My first real feeling that “I’m really playing the piano!!!” was when I was able to play jingle bells by reading the sheet music. All in all there is no shortcuts to learning piano and this book is easy to understand, simple, and straightforward. You will learn everything you need to begin learning piano as an adult, but don’t forget Practice practice practice!From what I’ve heard I would recommend getting a teacher to check your technique, posture, etc as the book doesn’t go into all that great of detail posture/technique or correcting it, or making sure you are doing the right thing. But that is no reason to not buy this book.IF I COULD DO IT AGAIN1)If I could do it over again I would get starter lessons from a teacher and buy a “digital piano” first instead of a keyboard. I’m pretty sure this book was designed for a regular or digital piano, not a keyboard., but there have been NO PROBLEMS SO FAR learning on a keyboard, aside from non-weighted keys.2) I would get the book WITH THE CD. There are online sources that play each of the melodies and songs in the book (youtube), but I would rather have the CD right there (no youtube commercials). It’s worth the extra money to see what it’s “suppose” to sound like.

    7 people found this helpful

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      60 reviews for Easy Songs For Ukulele Supplementary Songbook

      1. Brent David –

        Concise yet easy to read and understand

        This is the perfect book for those who want to do more than just play chords.

      2. Harpo –

        Good for new ones or more advanced

        Easy to play notes and chords good for newer one like me.

      3. Bag Lady –

        Easy for absolute beginners

        I have been playing the ukulele for 3 weeks and having never played any musical instrument before in my life – I believe that makes me an absolute beginner. I love how easy it was to start playing the songs in this book. Made me feel like I could actually play something that was more advanced than children’s nursery rhymes. The tabs are a lifesaver and help me out enormously as I struggle to read musical notes. Definitely recommend this book for anyone who wants to expand their repertoire as they learn.

        One person found this helpful

      4. Mary Anne –

        Uke book, for the uke… with fun songs

        All the songs in this book fit the uke with its standard tuning of GCEA (high G). Some of the other books I looked at seem to have just taken guitar melodies and then put UKE chords on top, but the melodies then fell off the range of the instrument you have so are unplayable. Not so with this one. Every note is playable on the uke (tabs are provided) and all the lyrics are given. I never saw some of these verses before (btw, turns out that Tom Dooley guy was a jerk after all). This is a great book for sing alongs. Lots of fun tunes: “I walk the line”, “house of the rising sun”, “all my loving”.

        8 people found this helpful

      5. AJM –

        Fun song book

        I’m a beginner ukulele player and I’m enjoying this book. The songs are fairly easy to play. The book has both notes and tabs which is convenient.

        One person found this helpful

      6. Texas Lone Star –

        A great start for new uke players, even better for experienced stringed instrument players.

        for an inexpensive beginner uke book, it’s great. There are some really good songs in here and the chord guides through each song and tablature for note playing comes quick, especially if you’ve toyed with guitar for some considerable time. You’ll be playing the uke immediately. A few songs by the Beatles and Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash and more. The tablature helps you get the tune if you’re not familiar with a song.

        One person found this helpful

      7. annabyrd –

        Easy ukulele book

        Great beginner’s ukulele song book. Nice large notes and writing.

        One person found this helpful

      8. Kokitty –

        Nice book.

        Great for beginners!

        One person found this helpful

      9. Jim Hickey –

        Good but not for everyone.

        The Bad: I am a music instructor and try and avoid using TAB with beginners. I try and get them to use the black dots…so, as this book contains TAB I would only use it with experienced students or adults who want to work on melody. Thus, the 3 star rating because I can’t use it for everybody I teach.The Good: The songs are cool! It is a good supplement to the Ukulele Book 1 so if you are purchasing that book, this is a good add on to your purchase. If you are a TAB reader, it is fine.

        7 people found this helpful

      10. Yana Marshall –

        This is just right

        I am a beginner, and this book is just perfect to carry around with me and practice. I don’t have to worry about charging up my laptop to find ukelele chord music to play outside or in my car or whatever. The only problem is that I have to stop to turn the pages. I don’t have to do that with my laptop. But I like the freedom and light weight of a book. The songs are classic in this book, and great to learn.

      11. Pami K –

        good book

        I have the method 1 book and want to continue. Method 1 made it very easy to learn notes and chords

      12. Giovanni Bello –

        great

        This product it is really helpful, for a beginner UKU player, i really recommend it.I start using it, and is easy, since i got it, i play and play my UKU

        9 people found this helpful

      13. Gina –

        familiar songs. simple to learn.

        bought the easy songs and the method books 1 and 2. easy to follow and learn. familiar songs. great price.

        One person found this helpful

      14. LKB77soldierswife –

        I feel it’s a useless book for someone learning tab

        I play several instruments, but have never learned a string instrument before, so I decided to start learning the ukulele. The book starts by defining very simple music terms which I found silly (like “verse” and “chorus”), But it gives absolutely NO explanation of how to play the tablature. I have no clue what all the numbers on the four lines listed as TAB even mean. I wish it gave SOME kind of explanation of how it all worked. I feel it’s a useless book for someone learning tab.

        2 people found this helpful

      15. E. Moyer –

        A Great Way to Start!

        I bought this songbook for my beginning Ukulele students. I love the tabulature in addition to the notes. It’s a perfect way to learn the fingerings while learning to read the music, words, & chords. The songs are all familiar. I think it is a good supplement to any instruction books.

        16 people found this helpful

      16. La –

        Worth picking up

        If you are a beginner, this is really worth picking up. Lots of great songs, like “I’m so Lonesome I Could Cry,” (Come back, Hank Williams…)

      17. Harry –

        Four Stars

        My daughter says it could benefit from some more contemporary selections.

      18. Daniel Hixon –

        Enjoying This Book

        I don’t love every song in this book but I do like most of them. The chords are mostly easy and great for establishing a foundation. This book and the 

        Makala MK-S Soprano Ukulele

         were a gift for my wife last month and she sounds great playing the songs.

      19. Ed The Techy –

        Great beginners guild for learning the ukulele and playing songs

        Great beginners guild for learning the ukulele and playing songs. Simple and easy to follow. Don’t give up and you will be able to play fairly quickly. Very fun instrument.

        2 people found this helpful

      20. John Davis –

        Four Stars

        Good song book for Uke

      21. Josy –

        Don’t get this on your kindle.

        I’m a beginner uke player. Some of these songs are easy for me, but others provide a good stretch. However the kindle format means you have to turn pages to play the entire piece. You can make the image larger, but that cuts off part of the page. I suggest buying the book. I do love the Hal Leonard Fast Track books for uke and harmonica. I’m going to order this one in paper.

        4 people found this helpful

      22. olharv –

        A good basic book for beginners

        wide song selection. easy to see cheats, Print is very dark and high contrast – you can see all the notes even if slightly buzzed on mai tais. Not all the tunes are going to be your faves but you will probably like half of them. Not bad for a book with twenty songs. With the notation, I expect that this book would be very good for duets, one fingerpicking and one strumming.

      23. M. Sean Cary –

        Great for Beginner Uke Players

        My daughter loves it and has now learned most of the songs.

      24. sshomekid –

        Ukulele book

        I bought a ukulele for my grand-daughter. I grew up with the guitar, I don’t know how to play the ukulele, this books has the fingering charts, however, I’m not sure what sounds are correct…so, the book is great, but the player (me), I still don’t know what I’m doing.

      25. J. Milligan –

        Just OK

        This book is definitely for a beginner. You can actually get most of this type material for free on the Internet if you will just do a little searching. But the book does serve its purpose and it is a good purchase if you would rather have a book than trying to find some similar material on the Internet. It also makes a nice gift if someone is receiving a ukulele for the first time.

        34 people found this helpful

      26. Steve Vrana –

        The Internet Really Makes This Obsolete

        When I bought my first ukulele two years ago, I purchased this songbook. What a mistake. Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing wrong with the songs. Each title includes sheet music for piano with easy to read ukulele chord diagrams. And the most difficult chord in any of the songs is a B flat–and that isn’t that tough to master. You also get complete lyrics.So what’s the problem? There are only twenty songs, and not a lot of variety: five Beatles songs, two songs each from Elvis, Woody Guthrie, and Hank Williams. Truth to tell, I haven’t opened this songbook since the day it arrived. There are numerous websites where you can print practically any song you want. Why would you spend good money on this? And this songbook says nothing about strum patterns. Overall, it’s just not very helpful. It was a rookie mistake on my part. I wish I had my money back.

        3 people found this helpful

      27. D –

        Easy read and to learn the songs

        Such a easy to read and learn uke book. I love that’s it tabs. I don’t play often so not good at uke or guitar but this is a book I can play the songs and pick up no matter how long it’s been since playing

        2 people found this helpful

      28. Ronald K. Ridley –

        Easy pop tone for uke

        Pro – I like the strings with the number of the fret on it as well as the chord bars shown for the songs with the words.Con – It could tell you when to play the chords and with what strumming pattern as well as when the picking comes back on. This could be used as a duet with one person strumming the chords while the other person does the picking.

        2 people found this helpful

      29. Customer –

        I love that this has the tabs

        I love that this has the tabs. It makes it easy for almost anyone to pick up and play. The songs are great, a nice variety of genres.

        3 people found this helpful

      30. Steve Foreaker –

        Ladies and Germs, I present….

        Good book. Songs are easy and fun. Hell, if I could play everyone of these songs well, I’d be a hit at any party.

        3 people found this helpful

      31. Dennis Lopez –

        Not much Popular Songs

        I was expecting popular songs – old and new, but it is the kind of a song book that is nice to have but will be not be in use. I wish for song books like this, there is a way to view the lists of songs.

      32. ShannyBanany –

        Loving the Hal Leonard series!

        We had such great luck with Book 1, we ordered Book 2 and lessons are coming along wonderfully. I also ordered Easy Songs for Ukulele Supplementary Songbook, which my 11 yo daughter LOVES. These books were recommended by her instructor – highly reecommend!

      33. Pandora Logsdon –

        Four Stars

        Everything we need to learn simple Ukulele and have fun.

      34. Hisako –

        Purchased for Self

        I did not recognize too many of the songs, and there was not very much variation to the music being played. I recommend using online music/chords/tabs if you want more popular, up-to-date music, or even easy songs like these in the book

      35. Joann W. Layton –

        It wasn’t what I was looking for.

        The book is probably a good book but it wasn’t what I was looking for. I was looking for the old folk songs I learned to play on the ukelele on but the songs in this book were too modern for me.

      36. Karen C. –

        Four Stars

        Still learning to play.

      37. El Kabong –

        Good book but not for me (yet)

        I bought this thinking I can start learning my daugther’s ukulele that she no longer wants. Boy was I wrong ! This book is great, in my opinion once I find the Ukulele for Dummies or Ukulele 101 book.

        One person found this helpful

      38. Myrna –

        Love this book

        The little diagrams with the dots above where you change cords is just what I was looking for. You don’t have to memorizethe D cord, or the C cord, etc. Much easier to play songs without much memorizing.

      39. dan –

        decent songs

        has couple of cool songs in here, tells you chords, not that great of a selection though, but im happy.

        One person found this helpful

      40. Kindle Customer –

        Good book

        Good book. It has good songs, but I wish it had more classic songs.It also makes u rate the book and you can’t get out of it so I’m giving it a lower score.

      41. Julie –

        very good

        Great songs, but there are easier versions out there. I am a very new beginner and found some of the cords difficult but all in all this is a great book of songs

      42. alliecat –

        Wonderful!

        This is the best book for beginners! It has tabs too. It’s got the song “walk the line” and “your cheating heart”

        2 people found this helpful

      43. A. Mary Mc Evoy –

        A beginners delight

        This is a very useful book for the beginner.It is written very well with this in mind.I recommend it highly.It arrived in very good time,packed to perfection,and in first class condition

        One person found this helpful

      44. leadguitar126 –

        useful for uke players

        I enjoy trying popular songs on the ukulele. Especially when the chord diagrams make it easy to figure out how to play the chords on the uke! More like this.. please!

      45. Kindle Customer –

        Good Beginning Songbook

        This book has a lot of good eawsy songs for the beginning player. It should be used witth the Hal Leonard Ukulele Method, Book 1 to teach students, or yourself, to read notes (or tabs) which ultimately will lead to a better more advanced uke player. The songs can also be played just with chords.

        2 people found this helpful

      46. LookInto’s Matt –

        The book is okay but the song aren’t all that great

        I just wanted to learn to play the Ukulele for fun and bought this in addition to the Uke which came with it’s own book and DVD. This book is okay but the songs are more on the lame side. It was cheap enough but I don’t think I’d buy it again knowing what I know now.

      47. Eric –

        Starter book

        This song book is a little thin on music and chord charts, it was a good starting point for me but i needed several other books to really get enjoyment out of this purchase.

      48. Lucie –

        Easy to follow

        This is a great songbook for ukulele beginner; with the pictures of the chords right above the text / notations and the selection of the songs almost “guaranteed you will know”, as a complete beginner I had a blast trying them all on the 1st day I picked a ukulele into my hand

      49. Ginny Straub –

        ukelele song book

        I was disappointed that the book was more suited for adults than an 8 yr old child who was beginning to play. The instructions were good, but I did not think I could give it to him b/c of the song selections. Age appropriateness would be good to lidt with this item. Thank you.

        2 people found this helpful

      50. Debbie –

        Easy Songs for Ukulele

        Came on time and in great shape. Haven’t had a chance to play any of the songs, but looks like great songs. Thank You

      51. Brandon W. –

        Great for learning!

        This was great! Everything I expected. Made a perfect gift for my wife who is learning how to play. It was fun for me too and I already play.

      52. Nicky Burns –

        Good songs

        Like the songs good for a beginner like me~

        One person found this helpful

      53. Daniel –

        Perfect for beginners

        Ecellent and easy to follow.

      54. Wayne –

        great book

        I purchased this book in hopes it would help me learn to play the ukulele. There are a lot of great songs in this book. Now I just have to learn to read and play them.

      55. Pascal J. Benvenuti –

        Songs that are fun to Play !!!

        Great little book that is loaded with songs that are fun to play on my Ukulele.

        2 people found this helpful

      56. T. P. Stropes –

        Great for the Novice..

        This is a nice book to have for your first song book. Call me old fashion but I like a songbook instead of having to hunt songs on the internet. For the money its a good deal.

      57. Kim –

        Okay

        Nice, simple, with the chords, tabs, and lyrics. Don’t like that you have to stop and turn pages. They could have avoided this easily and included more CURRENT songs. Other than that, it’s okay.

      58. Vicki –

        Four Stars

        Good.

      59. pete519 –

        Four Stars

        Good basics for Uke

      60. Bonny K. –

        Very Cheaply made but works

        I have to leave the back stand out all the time, because it is made so cheaply, however IT DOES WORK, just don’t open and close it to many times.

      Add a review

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    • Books

      Stick Control For the Snare Drummer

      $10.00       Buy now

      Stick Control For the Snare Drummer

      $10.00

      SKU: 1892764040 Category:

      60 reviews for Stick Control For the Snare Drummer

      1. B. Fotiu –

        A necessary resource for any drummer

        Stick Control: For the Snare Drummer should be required reading for any drummer, from the veteran looking to maintain their skills to the beginner looking for a good starting off point in percussion.This book does not teach basic technique, as in holding drumsticks or types of strokes, but it does present a lifelong regimen for establishing and maintaining performance. After receiving my shipment from Amazon I started from page 1 exercise 1 (a simple R L R L beat) playing for 20-30 minutes per day. These exercises, while playing along with my metronome, have already began to improve my sense of time, my internal count (“One and Two and Three and Four and”) and my basic technique.Eventually I will move on to Stick Control: For the Snare Drummer’s companion volume 

        Accents and Rebounds: For the Snare Drummer

         to help round out my skills but for now I have months of exercises and a fine resource in Stick Control.

        3 people found this helpful

      2. R. Powlus –

        No accents?

        Great for building skills, but no accents. I think many of these excercises would be greatly improved by accenting some of the notes. I often accent the first beat of each measure, then next time the second, then third… I gave it 4 stars, it would have been 5 with accents.

        9 people found this helpful

      3. Davpis –

        A book for all drummers

        If you play drums you need this book

      4. Sunshine –

        Stick control from start to finish

        I got this to work on my hands, you will understand why this book is so respected as soon as you start to use it.

      5. G-Lo –

        Important book!

        This is an essential book for sticking.30 minutes everyday practicing rudiments is important, and it’s all written out for you. Great way of learning music and sticking patterns. It’s hard to read, small print, but not as small as some individuals complain about.

      6. César –

        A classic!

        A classic! Every drummer should have one.

      7. Thomas Owens Jr –

        The Ultimate Drummer’s Bible…

        Now available on Kindle, is AWESOME! No worry about faded pages, minimal carbon imprint, etc…PERFECT!

      8. B. Rautio –

        The first choice for developing your stick technique!!

        This is THE book on stick-technique! If you’re gonna buy just one book to use for stick-practicing – this is it! Singles, doubles, combinations and even the buzzroll are all covered thoroughly. You don’t have to be a master-reader to understand the exercises. They are short, easy-read and still far from boring. The level of difficulty changes along with the speed you select on your metronome. In other words; you can buy this book and practice meaningfully with it for the rest of your drumming career. And that really says it all.”Stick Control” has been on the market for a very long time but is still hot and recommended by many of the drumming legends like, for example, Peter Erskine.You can use it even if you don’t have a drumset. All you need is a pair of sticks and a metronome (and preferably a practice pad).GREAT BOOK!!!

        3 people found this helpful

      9. jenbrik –

        EASY TO FOLLOW and YOU CAN SEE YOURSELF IMPROVING.

        Love this book. It’s easy to follow. My drum teacher loves it too. He remembers using it when he was a kid. Great for practicing, for warm-ups, for hand coordination. It starts with easy exercises then gets more and more complicated. My teacher was able to help with the more difficult parts.The hardest part is discplining yourself to do the exercises. I would highly recommend it to beginners like me.

        13 people found this helpful

      10. Russell –

        A Must Have for Learning Percussion

        An old classic. This book teaches the fundamentals of drum technique and stickings and is a must have for working on your technique. This particular book’s quality is quite good as well. It’s a regular finish, too, btw, not the matte finishlike the old copy of the book.

      11. Jeremy Martin –

        Excellent drum method

        Highly recommended for serious percussion players looking to improve their stick control.

      12. Mike –

        Still the best training book for over 40 years

        My son in law asked for this book for Christmas. He is an accomplished drummer but wanted to get more practice. Ironically, I had this book over 50 years ago when I was taking lessons!

      13. Andrew BaerstAndrew Baerst –

        A Classic with a Modern Update

        I’ve owned the paperback version of Stick Control forever. It’s a staple in for many drummers over the years. Recently my copy went missing. After giving up the search I bought the Kindle version and have really enjoyed having Stick Control handy no matter where I am (not that taking the paperback version was too difficult, but that might have led to the misplacement). Classic practice companion. No nonsense. A never ending source of practice and ideas.

        2 people found this helpful

      14. Armando Padilla –

        Will Improve Your Technique

        The book really expands your mind in terms of what and how you play drums. Some patterns are trickier that others. After a few days of dedication to the book, my playing improved a lot. Play against a metronome to a comfortable speed – take your time with it to really appreciate the essence of what the book teaches. So much to discover in this little treasure of pages.

        One person found this helpful

      15. Robert –

        In my opinion, the gold standard for developing technique

        I own about 7 different drumming books and this one is by far the best I’ve ever owned. The author presents a system for training the muscles that is second to none. Drumming technique is all about muscle memory and comprehensive muscle memory training is all about teaching your brain patterns and mastering them one at a time.This book is immediately accessible for beginners. The exercises are deceptively simple and progress in a perfectly hierarchical manner. Each new exercise builds and expands upon the previous exercise which just enough of a twist to cause your brain to note and learn the distinction. This makes practice easy and progress quick.I don’t know whether it’s good or bad, but you can spend months (as I have) working on just the first page! Not because the exercises are tough, but because even the simplest of exercises takes time and devotion to master.I can think of no more important skills for a drummer to develop than timing accuracy and independence of limbs. If you purchase only one drumming book, and Stick Control is it, you’ll still have an extraordinary tool at your disposal.Follow the directions exactly – how you practice is as important as what you practice

        4 people found this helpful

      16. Brian B –

        INCREDIBLE BOOK

        Hands down the best investment I have ever made. I’ve been playing drums for about 9 years and I have never been able to play so effortlessly. This book has a bunch of simple rudiments with alternate stickings to really build your dexterity and control with both hands. My left hand (I’m right handed) has always been very weak and I could never quite get the grip the same as my dominant hand. I’ve been using a metronome with the first page for about 3 days for a little over an hour each day and I’m already noticing significant improvement. I’ve tried to do excercises on my own to build strength but actually having the notes in front of me helped me to focus more and I am slowly but surely gaining control over my left hand and even more with my right too. I never write reviews on anything I purchase but I had to for this book because it’s amazing. Well worth the money!

        2 people found this helpful

      17. Salvia Plath –

        now im just like the guy from whiplash

        great book

      18. reviewer –

        Good book but do not buy used

        This book is full of good exercises for stick control. However, the condition of the book was poor. I purchased a “like new” used version that was listed as “small damage on cover.” There are actually numerous areas of damage on the book and the most pronounced on the cover was so deep it went all the way through to the back cover. The pages are still usable, but all have some level of damage. Definitely would not have listed this as “like new” and would not have purchased had I known the extent of the damage.

        One person found this helpful

      19. Luis B. –

        This Book is a Classic

        I started playing drums when I was 15 and I’m 76 now. This was the first book my drum teacher gave me. If you want to learn drumming the traditional way than this book will do that for you. The book may seem a little stiff with its exercises, but once you learn the exercise than you can put your own interpretation on it so it can fit you. I see the book as a foundation template for further exploration into the field of drumming as an art form. The book is good for a beginner or advanced student.

        One person found this helpful

      20. oscar ordonez –

        Stick Control: For the Snare Drummer

        Great book! Must have!!

      21. Amazon Customer –

        I own two

        Probably one of the single most important drum books I’ve owned, and I’ve barely made it past the 3rd page.

      22. owlRnothing –

        Will not help you learn to read music, but…

        I like it and it will force me to learn to read music better. That said, don’t think this is going to teach you anything about reading music. Page one just starts in with the measures and notes, assuming you already know how to read music. Still, it is the standard for a reason and I’m glad I got it.

      23. TH –

        Excellent Learning book

        The best in stick control

      24. Ken Veto –

        Stick Control for the Drummer

        This is one of the essential books for serious drum practice. I do exercises out of it for 20 minutes at each practice session. I didn’t give it 5 stars because there are way too many exercises and little guidance about how to do them. Log on to YouTube, type in the search term ‘stick control’ and you will find videos from a number of drum instructors that show you how to get the best use out of this book.

        3 people found this helpful

      25. Zeke –

        Excellent Drummer’s Practice Book

        I bought this for my son. According to all of the drum instructors and Drummer’s I know this book is a must for practicing.

      26. Joe Suarez –

        Great learning tool.

        What can I say about this? It has been around since 1932 and has been the staple for snare drummers. I hated it at first but it does teach you stick control and lead hand control. Very repetitive but that’s how you Develop muscle memory. Great book for learning it’s just very repetitive. My instructors been using it for over 20 years.

        3 people found this helpful

      27. shaun wintershaun winter –

        Awesome book

        Every drummer should have this book

      28. Catherine Kelso –

        Old but very relevant

        There just isn’t any way around the basics. Whether you are playing just a snare or a whole kit this book is where to start to get the chops you need to pull off some really great rhythms and fills.

      29. Eusi Ndugu –

        Great book for beginners

        This is one of my beginning drum teaching books.

      30. Amazon Customer –

        El mejor libro de ejercicios

        El mejor texto de cabecera para un baterista

      31. Mike Cavanaugh –

        Drummers Bible – A MUST HAVE

        As a drummer…please do not make the mistake I made. I knew about this book, but did not use it. Ten years later, I find myself in a situation where I am making a record…..and that my act will consist of being ambidextrous and playing drums both left and right handed. Hence – I have been doing the snare exercises in this fantastic and mystical book, really. You will not believe how good you will get when you go through this guy’s sticking patterns – and fast. My improvement in two months is epic! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED – THIS IS THE DRUMMERS BIBLE – I MEAN THAT. READ IT DEEP – IT WILL UNLEASH MYSTERIES OF DRUMMING THAT YOU WILL LOVE! Every real drummer I have ever met will tell you a story about this book if they have been in the book!

        3 people found this helpful

      32. Lee Brodinsky –

        Great for the rudiments but suggest one starts first with a competent and experienced instructor.

        Love the exercises, but as someone who uses just practice pads and basically is learning sticks as a supplement to add another dimension in my drum circle, need to have someone show me closed, short rolls, etc as I can’t figure out a number of exercises and how they are played. However, what I have learned has given me some sound fundamentals, my hands getting faster as I couple this with some videos and other material. In essence get an instructor, and when up to speed, tackle this book and you will find it effective. Legendary writing in drumming as the preface and the quotes from many of one’s idols indicates. Well its now 2 years later since I wrote my review, and am taking half hour lessons via Zoom with an instructor for the last 8 months or so with stick and pad. Would have studio space for a kit but the pandemic has zapped that for now. He has clarified much for me and my technique continues to improve. A reviewer didn’t like that the book does not have accented exercises. For this my instructor has me working with the Ted Reed book one on Syncopation. There are wonderful accented exercises that can be quite challenging. Stick Control is still the core which should be in everyone’s collection.

        8 people found this helpful

      33. Amazon Customer –

        OutStanding!!!!!

        OutStanding Book!!!! Always in use!!!

      34. steve o’connor –

        Here’s your rudiments, get to work.

        Here are all your drum rudiments in classic form.

      35. Kumar A. Desai –

        Best drumming book by far

        You know when you hear an amateur drummer who sounds clunky with bad timing, lacking finesse, and plays with tree trunk arms and stiff wrists? Yes we’ve all heard drummers like that. Well that was me until I got hold of this book.Within a month of solid (1 hour a day) practice of the first page I began to sound so much better. Of all the drumming books this one has had the greatest impact in my playing. Practicing from it is a bit like meditation – no obvious benefits from doing it – but then a couple of days later your drumming has changed in some incomprehensible way (for the better).The book will reveal your weaknesses and the endless pages of potential exercises means that you will have a lifetime of weaknesses to work on.You will get better and you do need to use this book if you take learning this instrument seriously. Definitely the best drumming book by far.

        22 people found this helpful

      36. Steve –

        I didn’t want to like this

        I bought this because it was recommended by several of the online drum teachers I follow.I had low expectations – it’s ancient, it’s for snare drumming, there’s a picture of a revolutionary war drummer on the cover for chrissakes.But, I started following the drills as instructed from page 1.Within a few days, my rolls, stick control and coordination had a demonstrable improvement.Within a few weeks, I realized I had gotten much better at reading music – even music for set drumming in other books.I limit myself to 45 minutes of practice with this every other day because I’m 52 and don’t want to create overuse injury since I’m just playing for fun.But it was well worth the price.

        31 people found this helpful

      37. Jay Kim –

        … drumming books and this one is by far the best I’ve ever owned

        I own about 7 different drumming books and this one is by far the best I’ve ever owned. The author presents a system for training the muscles that is second to none. Drumming technique is all about muscle memory and comprehensive muscle memory training is all about teaching your brain patterns and mastering them one at a time.This book is immediately accessible for beginners. The exercises are deceptively simple and progress in a perfectly hierarchical manner. Each new exercise builds and expands upon the previous exercise which just enough of a twist to cause your brain to note and learn the distinction. This makes practice easy and progress quick.I don’t know whether it’s good or bad, but you can spend months (as I have) working on just the first page! Not because the exercises are tough, but because even the simplest of exercises takes time and devotion to master.I can think of no more important skills for a drummer to develop than timing accuracy and independence of limbs. If you purchase only one drumming book, and Stick Control is it, you’ll still have an extraordinary tool at your disposal.Follow the directions exactly – how you practice is as important as what you practice

        12 people found this helpful

      38. Mike –

        Where Greatness Begins

        Don’t let the Minuteman drummer on the cover throw you. This isn’t just about marching band. This is exactly how you learn the snare. This perfect little book contains just what you need and nothing you don’t. There are no cute “comic book” style panels and no anthropomorphic eighth notes dressed as hip-hoppers, trying to make drumming “cool” to a bunch of iPhone-addled 21st century kids. Frankly, if your kids need that stuff to keep their attention, they either aren’t mentally ready to learn music or just aren’t interested. This is strictly a book of exercises that, if you take it seriously, will teach you more than a thousand amateur youtube videos could. Is it exciting? Not really. Can it get boring? Sure. The list of things that never get boring is awfully small. Is it repetitive? Absolutely, but that’s a good thing. The drum set, maybe more than any other instrument, is about about muscle memory and control. The great ones still practice the fundamentals. This book, an inexpensive metronome and an occasional lesson with someone who can help clean up your technique will get you on the road to drumming excellence. Master this book and you’ll have the foundation to go anywhere you want as a drummer.

        10 people found this helpful

      39. S. Howe –

        Excellent book!

        I’m a beginner, unfortunately without hours a day to dedicate to practice. I do like to sit down with my pad and some sticks whenever I get a chance though. That being said, this book is very easy to understand, with no super-technical text or music notation. It’s something anyone can pick up and start using right away.Coupled with my Korg MA-30 metronome, this book has helped me improve so much that I decided to keep a log of metronome speeds over the last few weeks. Every time I sit down to practice, I write down the metronome speed for each exercise that I can play at with no mistakes. I have gone up 10 beats per minute (as high as 14 on some simpler ones) over a few weeks, in just a few minutes a day! Well, it’s a lot for me :)The funny thing is, I haven’t even made it past the first page of exercises yet. For a beginner like me, they are difficult enough for now. When I get good enough at the first page, I’ll move on to the second, and so forth. This further cements the book’s value, there is enough material in here for a lifetime of learning, and if you’re already a pro, enough material to keep you conditioned.I’m still very slow but I can see benefit every day in both speed and timing. If you get this book and stay with it, I bet you will too. I recommend keeping a log so you can track your progress! Positive reinforcement will only make you want to practice more!

        5 people found this helpful

      40. HE –

        Great book for learning rudimental drumming

        I used Stick Control when I was a kid learning rudimental snare drum to march drum corps. My instructor used this book and his instructor used this book as well. It is like an etude book for drummers and has the rudiment patterns in different forms to which in the long run if practiced diligently; slow and with pace, will condition the hands to remember rudiment patterns to the point in which one can play the patterns without thought; in the same way that the Arban etude book works for brass instruments and if such exercises are practiced in the same way. This book works as a good supplement to drum lessons, other books, or other things that a person is learning. I recommend this book be used with a teacher for further guidance (otherwise, some things may seem tedious). This is in all an old book, but still a good book and many drummers that I came in contact with from drum corps to professional drum set playing all used the etudes out of this book at some time or another and attest that this book helped with their drumming. Another book many drummers use along side this book would be “Accents and Rebounds” by George Lawrence (the same author of this book); again another book to use with a teacher along side this book.

        2 people found this helpful

      41. Timmytimtim –

        Love this book

        I passed on to a friend but will be ordering another one. It’s challenging for me to apply the patterns in this book but that’s the point to be broken and stretched, my skills on ‘steroids” . 😅

      42. David L.Hart –

        A classic rudimental book

        This is a classic snare drum/practice pad workout book, there are lots of YouTube videos guiding you through it, there’s a page inside of accolades from everyone from Steve Gadd and Joe morello to Carmine Appice and Cindy Blackman, to give you an idea it’ll the level of player who use this book.

        One person found this helpful

      43. Amazon Customer –

        Great book

        Great book

      44. John Leonard –

        must

        I took a few brush up lessons in my late 40’s. The teacher was like “let’s go back to basics–let’s see how you do with Stick Control.” After running through the first couple of lines at first I thought, this seems silly, but then after a week I realized this book is great. I can’t believe I’ve had four drum teachers and only the fourth one told me about this. It should have been the first. All drummers need to know about this book.

        One person found this helpful

      45. Dustin –

        Foundation

        Recommend for all Skill levels on any instrument.

      46. Drumbeat –

        Review For Stick Control

        Back with an old friend! Started playing drums in 1962 at age 8 and started using Stick Control in 1965 at age 11. Turned pro in 1971 at 16 …..thanks in a big part to Stick Control!! My teacher for 8 years who was himself a published author of 15 books on the snare drum at school, was a good friend of George Stone back on the east coast in the 1920s and 30s. He got some first hand advice from Mr. Stone on how to study and use this book the best!! Would like to share the info here. Playing each two bar phrase 20 times each is Very Important!!! Study each exercise carefully BEFORE you even try to play it with sticks. Not only are the notes important but make sure you are playing the sticking (Right hand left hand) correctly. Go through it in your head FIRST….then start with your sticks slowly! Make sure it is right first. You have heard the saying “Practice makes perfect”….but really….”Perfect practice makes Perfect”!!! Slowly start to play each exercise faster. My teacher gave me six exercises each week along with using several other books. We went through one page each month….so it took four years to go through this book!!! I retired in the year 2000 from drumming after almost 40 years…as I had to concentrate on my “Day Gig”. I had loaned out my Stick Control to a student in 1999 and never got it back. I decided to buy a second copy and start practicing on a pad again just recently…..so this is my second go around with Stick Control after my first go around 55 years ago!!! But….great books only get better with age….you will get a great deal out of this book for years to come. My best wishes to you….and good luck in your practice!!!

        71 people found this helpful

      47. Dawn –

        Small font

        Small font. Hard to see at arm’s length.

        2 people found this helpful

      48. Kevin –

        The item was delivered on time.

        I like this book because you special information exercisers for the drums.

      49. Shabbyitup –

        A drummer for 50+ years and he LOVES IT!

        My husband is a gifted, talented drummer that has been drumming professionally for 50 + years and could not read a NOTE of music! Hence, why I say gifted. He can listen and jump right in and play and not miss a Beat. Grandpa was a professional musician also. It’s in the blood LOL what can I say. now in our golden years he decided he wanted to learn how to read music. This book was a hit. He loves it and is learning a lot from it. Impresses me because a gifted talented drummer can even pick up a few tips. One hint he did give me was that this book would be good for someone who started drumming in a school band. Rudiments are the foundation and very important for drumming. They are a big asset. This book assist with teaching those skills.

        One person found this helpful

      50. Jennifer D. Williams –

        Summer fun

        My 14yr son wanted to stay fresh with his drum skills. He really enjoyed this book.

      51. Lucas McAbee –

        This is the book you need to buy – jazz, rock, punk, it doesn’t matter

        To a beginners surprise, this book will enhance your drumming skills. Make sure to read the directions because they give good advice, and to continually practice and you will see results. Personally, I typically play rock/punk music which makes it sound like this book wouldn’t be for me. But it’s for any drummer, and the sheets are well written and rise in difficulty at a great pace.There are two drum books that have helped me tremendously – this is one of them.

      52. Joel –

        Great Practice Material!

        At the beginning of this year (2014) I started practicing again and typed up my own basic practice routine which did not really work for me. I came across this book with alot of positive reviews and thought I would give it a try. So far I have been practicing for about 1 month for around 2 hours a day with hands and feet with a metronome. Once I get through the book, I am going to practice alternating between feet and hands (replace R hand with foot or L hand with foot etc). I focus on my grip also gripping the sticks with the pad of your fingers instead of a full grip. I can truly say that I can tell a big difference in my technique, control, and with the two combined, speed! Definitely worth the buy for any level of drumming if you use it!

        3 people found this helpful

      53. Nathan Couch –

        Incredible

        Holy crap, this book is intense. Right out of the gate this really humbled me. I thought I was halfway decent with my stick control but boy this book expose some weakness. Theres no fat to this thing just exercises to be worked with a metronome. I wish I had started with this.

        2 people found this helpful

      54. Albert B –

        Put In The Work

        When I don’t know what to practice or lack motivation I only have to put in some reps with my Stick Control to make gains in stick control and develop tempo.It is as dynamic as you are creative. As with any drumming book, exercises can be expanded across the four limbs and orchestrated around the whole drum set.

      55. Roby E. Gamboa –

        Great content, but stored as a series of images

        The content is an excellent set of exercises for both new and experienced drummers. The format, however, is a series of (high-quality) scans of the print edition, which means if you’re viewing it on a tablet or other Kindle reader, you have to treat each page as an image and zoom into the section you want to work on. This makes switching from page to page more than a little bit of a pain. In this case, it’s sheet music, so I can kind of see the need for handling it the way that was provided. Still, there are modern music fonts in Unicode that are up for the task of rendering the content as text. Doing so would also reduce the size of the e-book considerably.

        One person found this helpful

      56. Paul –

        It was the best of books, it was the worst of books!

        As anyone who’s used it knows, this book can be somewhat dry and, after many, many hours of practice, it can become an object of hate just like an old High School Chemistry textbook. However, there is a reason that it is the “industry standard” and that is because the exercises within it will make you a better drummer, with the application of perseverance. It is suitable for all levels, including the complete beginner, providing you can understand and follow the notation. This is the third copy of this book that I have purchased as it remains a relevant tool ……….. the other two copies were burnt after graduation!!

        32 people found this helpful

      57. BTA –

        Easy to follow but challenging enough. Can pace yourself or speed up also.

        I’m just learning…starting out on drums and this has been the easiest practice book to follow. It helps you be more comfortable and natural with stick control and beats. I don’t read music very good so this is very clear to read. It’s for snare drumming whether loud or soft but the rest of the drums could easily be incorporated with filling in the rhythm. It’s helped me to actually produce drum rolls with timing. Works with metronome or without. Really get a lot out of this for beginning practice. It’s about 60 pages long and is size of say sheet music..regular copy paper dimension. Paper back so easy to prop up on music stand.

        2 people found this helpful

      58. Matthew Kusnohadi –

        Classic drumming book

        Every drummer needs this book, whether drum set, marching, band percussion, anything. Gotta practice your rudiments and this is a very comprehensive book that will set up a very solid foundation for any drummer. Pick this book up if you want to improve.

      59. Matias Pfund –

        PERFECT!

        This is a great book!! A lot of information that brings you the best to became a better drummer!

      60. mark –

        The Bible of drumming

        I had a copy of this in 1971. It finally fell apart and I replaced it with a new one. This is a serious piece of any drummers arsenal

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    • Books

      Alfred’s Drum Method, Bk 2

      $10.00       Buy now

      Alfred’s Drum Method, Bk 2

      $10.00

      SKU: 0882847945 Category:

      14 reviews for Alfred’s Drum Method, Bk 2

      1. Amazon Customer –

        Five Stars

        exactly as “advertised” Easy to follow

      2. Richard W. Grout –

        Wonderful!

        The product was just what I was hoping for, and the reason I made the order. It came on time (actually early) and has been perfect for my needs. Thanks so much, and God bless you!Dick Grout

      3. MkcMkc –

        AWESOME BOOK -PART 1 & PART 2

        Vert good book for basic to Advance learner.My special thanks to SANDY SIR ,WANAMAKER SIR and DAVE BLACK SIR.

      4. Subhash P. –

        Five Stars

        Super Book

      5. Carolyn –

        Torn cover

        Item was supposed to be new but arrived with 1/4 of the front cover missing.

      6. mollygirl –

        School required!

        Thanks for carrying this. School required. Student reports good results from use.

      7. DT –

        Drum Traning Book

        Useful

      8. H Rhode –

        Good price

        My son uses this for school. The price was good.

      9. Matthew T Kenney –

        Alfreds Drum Method, Book 2 DVD

        Awesome to view….like the option to view section by section as well as watching the whole thing…can note the interesting or challenging pieces and be able to go right to it. The store I bought it from had a great price and shipped very quickly. I am happy with the whole transaction. Great product, great store and Amazon rocks as the place to go for products. Very happy.

      10. Jayden –

        Great

        My son needed this for school, it is what the school requires, it is one of their favorites, so I guess its pretty good!

      11. Kevin Hall –

        Good stuff

        Great book for teaching kids or for refreshing your reading skills.

      12. NY customer –

        Five Stars

        Quick delivery and item as expected. Thank you.

      13. MMH –

        Five Stars

        Good book

      14. James A. Root –

        the book is not bad, I just thought it was written and a …

        Look, the book is not bad, I just thought it was written and a walkthrough, come to find out one must be able to read music to understand it.

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