Accelerando Piano Techniques to Accelerate the Progress and Development of the Student Pianist

Accelerando (Book 1 2 and 3) Piano Techniques to Accelerate the Progres and disentanglement of the Student Pianist, by means of Robert Schultz and Tina Faigen. The FJH Music Company, Inc. (Westport Business Park, 2525 Davie Rd Ste 360 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33317) 2003 32pp $595 each. Elementary.

The Accelerando Series is a collection of technical studies in three works for the elementary piano scholar at any age. In all three works most exercises are four to eight measures in longitudinal dimensions and are presented in a progressive sequence

volume I consists mostly of five-finger exercises upon the middle-C position, hands alone. All exercises are based upon quarter-note rhythm, making reading easier for the elementary piano scholar Different touches, such as legato and staccato, are introduced. In several exercises, the pupil holds down a single note, while the other fingers play against the held on the outside note, emphasizing finger independence. Approximately three-fourths of the way into this work the concept of "thumb below the third finger" is introduced, and scholars play hands together, mostly in parallel and contrary motion.

volume II contains exercises in which the thumb play upon notes other than middle C The conception of two-note slurs also is introduced, as well as the conception of playing blocked chords. The authors indicate that certain exercises in this work are to be transposed to other lock openers Transposition is explained in a concise manner upon the last page, making it easy for pupils to learn how to play these exercises in other lock openers In certain exercises, the learner plays with both hands, mainly in parallel and contrary motion.

volume III has exercises intended for one as well as the other hands together. In many of these studies, different phraseologys of touch, such as legato, staccato and two-note soils are incorporated into a single exercise. Accidentals also are used here, allowing the scholar to move beyond the C-major five-finger position and explore chromatic motion of the fingers on the keyboard. The authors include exercises in which the learner holds fingers one and five down entirely, while alternating playing fingers sum of two units three and four. While more [i]or[/i] less of these may prove to be somewhat difficult for the elementary pianist, they are nonetheless beneficial for building finger independence.

At times the exercises look a bit repetitive and might demonstrate to be mundane for the average learner and the teacher might perceive too much time is wearied in the five-finger position. upon the other hand, the Accelerando Series is a useful continuation to piano instruction for the elementary pianist of any age. Reviewed through Matthew Manwarren, Due West, southern Carolina.

COPYRIGHT 2004 Music Teachers National Association, Inc.

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