Summary of Fundamentals of Piano Theory - Level Eight, by Keith Snell & Martha Asleigh

Unlock the secrets of piano mastery with 'Fundamentals of Piano Theory - Level Eight'. Transform your skills and impress friends with advanced music theory!

Welcome, budding pianists and music theorists! Buckle up because we're diving into the delightful (and slightly torturous) world of Fundamentals of Piano Theory - Level Eight. This is the book that separates the Chopins from the wannabes.

Now, before we get into the nitty-gritty of musical genius, let's clarify: this isn't just about playing "Chopsticks" on the piano. No, my friends, this is piano theory, where notes have names, and they come together to form harmonies that either make you feel like a maestro or want to throw the piano out the window.

So, what's in store for you in this eighth level of enlightenment? Let's break it down!

Firstly, we dive headfirst into the deep sea of keys and scales. Forget the simple C major; we're talking about the keys that sound so fancy and exotic that your neighbors will think you've magically become a concert pianist overnight. Major, minor, and the ever-elusive modes-that's right, we're getting modal on you! The authors, Keith and Martha, challenge you to master these concepts as though your musical future depended on it. Spoiler alert: it probably does!

Next, we tiptoe (or hammer) into the world of chords and their mysterious voicings. That's right, it's time to ditch the basic triads because the world of seventh chords and even jazz chords awaits you. If you thought your music journey was tough until now, just wait until you try playing a D#7b5. Yes, you heard that right! The concept of voicings will have you juggling notes like a circus performer at a piano recital.

But don't worry; if you're feeling overwhelmed, this book contains a wealth of exercises to help you practice. You'll find a lovely array of worksheets and quizzes that will make you feel like you're back in school-only this time, you actually want to learn (or at least that's the hope). Get ready to flex those brain muscles as you decipher not just how to play, but why these musical elements exist.

And let's not forget about music terminology! This book is practically a dictionary for aspiring musicians. From "diminuendo" to "legato," you're going to sound super smart when you use these terms at your next dinner party-so long as they're not too snooty or above your guest's heads. Otherwise, you may scare them off, and that would just be tragic for your social life.

At this point, you may be wondering: "Do I really need to know all this to play the piano?" Well, dear reader, if you want to serenade the world rather than just impress your cat with your mediocre skills, then yes, you do!

So, to sum it all up, Fundamentals of Piano Theory - Level Eight is your ticket to becoming a piano wizard. Just grab your dusty old keyboard, plop down at the bench, and prepare to unleash a wave of theoretical knowledge that will either set you up for glorious musical endeavors or have you questioning your life choices as you struggle through those advanced exercises.

And remember, though the path may be littered with sharps, flats, and the occasional frustration, keep playing! You'll be thanking Keith Snell and Martha Asleigh when you end up dazzling all your friends with your newfound skills at the next karaoke night-just please, no "Chopsticks." That would be tragic. Happy playing!

Maddie Page

Classics, bestsellers, and guilty pleasures-none are safe from my sarcastic recaps. I turn heavy reads into lighthearted summaries you can actually enjoy. Warning: may cause random outbursts of laughter while pretending to study literature.