This beginning piano course introduces children or adult students to basic music notation and helps them build a solid foundation of piano skills. Theory and instruction appears alongside music examples in an integrated approach to learning. The play-along CD and DVD will help the student to develop a more musical approach and become more secure in both dynamics and rhythm. It is highly encouraged to use the play-along CD as much as possible. The CD and DVD contains model renditions of most of the pieces in the book as well as play-along accompaniments to make practicing more fun. After successful completion of this book the student will be well prepared for further piano studies in various styles of music. DVD 115:00 minutes.
Jazz pianist, composer, arranger, writer and educator Per Danielsson is a native of Stockholm, Sweden. Growing up with a jazz guitar playing father, Per was exposed to the sounds of Oscar Peterson and Bill Evans at an early age. He began his formal musical education with piano lessons at age nine. Later studies included lessons with Robert Malmberg and world renowned jazz pianist Bengt Hallberg.
After graduation from Kungsholmens Gymnasium in 1981, Per spent six months performing in the inaugural Royal Swedish Army Band. In 1984 Per was the recipient of the Pat Coil Jazz Piano Scholarship to North Texas State University, one of the largest music schools in the United States, internationally known for its outstanding jazz studies program. His two years at NTSU included intense studies in performance and arranging with Steve Harlos, Dan Hearle, Paris Rutherford and another important influence, the legendary jazz artist and educator Rich Matteson.
While at school Per was selected to play piano with the NTSU Jazz Singers on their 1985 tour of Taiwan. And in 1986 Per won a national audition and spent the summer performing in Disney's All-American College Orchestra at EPCOT Center. This was followed by the offer of a full-time job as a professional pianist for Walt Disney World.
Per has performed with a variety of jazz and show artists including Rich Matteson, Louis Bellson, Clark Terry, Rosemary Clooney, Bobby Shew, Nick Brignola, John Green, Maureen McGovern, Rich Little, Mike Post and Mark Murphy. He has also performed with Swedish jazz legends Arne Domnerus and Jan Allan.
After fifteen years as a professional musician, Per completed his Master's degree in jazz studies, composition and arranging, studying with one of the finest jazz writer-arrangers of today, Chuck Owen.
Now an educator as well, he teaches jazz improvisation at the University of South Florida in Tampa. Per often shares his musical experience and expertise with students of all ages who participate in Disney's Magic Music Days jazz workshops.
Per's playing can be heard on his own trio CD "Zulu Time," as well as the CD "So It Goes" which he co-wrote and co-produced with jazz saxophonist Tamara Danielsson. His current projects include trio and quartet recordings with jazz great Danny Gottlieb. Per also shares his knowledge in current publications by Mel Bay including, Essential Jazz Lines of Bill Evans, and First Lessons Piano.
