The Contemporary Keyboardist and Expanded

By John Novello

(Instructional). This comprehensive, 562-page method, called "Solid, readable and relevant" by Keyboard magazine and "The major work for today's pianists" by International Musician , is divided into four sections. The first, "A Philosophy of Music," deals with communication, cause-effect principles and practice disciplines. The second section, "Mechanics," covers all the basics of keyboard music and playing (notation, harmony, improv, sight reading, etc.), as well as their applications. The third section, "The Business Scene," contains guidelines and industry advice for contemporary keyboardists. Section four, "Interviews," provides insights into the artistry and technique of famous players such as Herbie Hancock, Henry Mancini, Edgar Winter, Keith Emerson, Paul Shaffer and many more. Includes an index.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0634010913
• ISBN13: 9780634010910
• Release Date: January 2000
• Publisher: Hal Leonard Publishing Corporation
• Length: 576 Pages
• Weight: 3.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.4" x 8.5" x 11.1"

Customer Reviews

Come back to it again and again

While there are several jazz theory books out there, there is no one book that covers the concepts as clearly and practically as The Contemporary Keyboardists. A good intermediate player who combines the applications of this text with the techniques in "The Craft of Piano Playing" by Alan Fraser will soon find themselves playing almost anything they can imagine.

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Stellar Reference

John Novello is an amazing musician. Having a book that gives insite into his approach would be quite valuable all by itself, but he has put together a very comprehensive work that is a must have for any musician looking to expand his/her knowledge and abilities. In this modern age where the electronic keyboard provides the easiest access to the world of instrumentation, as a songwriter/arranger I find John's Contemporary Keyboardist to be an essential reference, especially as my main instrument is the guitar.

Review from a pro composer

I have had an opportunity to use John's book for many years. I am a film and TV composer with many credits and years of experience. But I could not play or write Jazz. Johns book unlocked the secrets of improvisation and chord voicings in this book. Within two weeks I finally understood Jazz and could play it. Also his detailed layout of extension chords, has been valuable to me as an arranger and composer. For anyone who is serious and passionate about piano, jazz and keyboards this book is vital and valuable. I appreciate the amount of research and time John spent creating such a great tool, especially since he is a very active performer and recording artist.

the "keyboardist" bible

john novello's contemporary keyboardist is a complete guide to become an professional modern keyboardist. it features hundreds of easy exercices in many different music areas such as basic rithim, improvisation, advanced harmony etc... plus many interviews with today's most important jazz players such as herbie hancock, chick corea etc... A MUST.