The Total Keyboard: The Complete Guide to Playing, Performing and Recording on the Piano and all Types of Electronic Keyboards

In his newest book, Burrows, a prolific author of music tutorials (e.g., Total Guitar), attempts to show how to play keyboard instruments. After introducing the instruments and offering some music history, he presents ten lessons that span many musical styles, from classical to techno. These lessons are intended to take the reader from "absolute beginner to expert," but because they contain a hefty dose of music theory and are well beyond the teach-yourself mode, they just don't work. Following is a nicely done chord dictionary that serves as a "reference guide for playing 27 different chord types in all twelve keys." The concluding chapter focuses on synthesizers, MIDI, programming, and recording. There are discrepancies in the invention dates for the VCS-3, Minimoog, and E-mu Emulator, but as an introduction to electronic keyboards and their myriad musical possibilities, this section provides an understandable look at an intricate subject. Sidebars, diagrams, pictures, and a glossary further supplement the text. While this book has its strengths, public libraries would be better served by Blake Neely's Piano for Dummies or Brad Hill's The Complete Idiot's Guide to Playing the Piano.
Janet Brewer, Murray State Univ. Lib., KY
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.