Writing Essentials for the Beginner Pianist

A multi-purpose workbook for early level pianists or any general musician using the keyboard to begin the study of basic scales and triads. Each concept is presented initially, as an activity of discovery and experimentation. The student learns 5-finger patterns built on the major and minor tetrachords, major tonic and dominant triads; is introduced to the parallel and relative minor relationships, as well as learn the (8-note) major and relative natural minor scale patterns, and the major V-I authentic cadence; and a technical supplement with fingerings is included for keyboard practice and for use in the lesson assignment as needed. The purpose of this design is to save time, as well as to support other efforts to simplify music theory and effective practice of piano technique.
About the Author: CATHERINE A. THOMPSON, B.M., M.A. ET, has a diverse background as a multi-instrumentalist (flute, piano, harp, guitar), freelance musician, educator, and expressive arts therapist in the Los Angeles area. As adjunct faculty at Pasadena City College, she has developed and taught the special grant-funded Music Appreciation program for Older and Disabled Adults at Pasadena City College in Pasadena, CA. She continues to share and perform music as freelance pianist, accompanying instrumentalists and vocalists, and as a church music director. In addition to maintaining a studio of private students, she has performed and collaborated as a pianist with numerous ballet and modern dance companies, chamber ensembles, and soloists in the cities of New Orleans, Boston, Detroit, Toronto Canada, and the former Soviet Union. She is an active member and adjudicator of the MTAC (Music Teachers Association of California), American Federation of Musicians Local 47, and International Association of Expressive Arts Therapists. She has 30+ years experience teaching students of all ages, including students with physical and mental disabilities and autism. She promotes the importance of developing customized formats for teaching according to a student's own learning style. She began her collaboration as a content editor and consultant with Clara Castano and Peter Yazbeck for CCRIDDLES(TM) products in 2008. CLARA CASTANO, B.S., is the President and product developer of CCRiddles products. As a result of her teaching expertise with adults and children, she promotes her insights into the benefits of creative drills, learning styles, and memorization techniques. She became inspired to create the CCRiddles(TM) Learning Cards(TM) and Music Theory Workbooks during her sixteen years of collaboration with Peter Yazbeck. Their mutual goal to offer a playful and less intimidating method for tutoring basic music theory concepts is now available with CCRiddles' series of Learning Cards(TM) and music theory workbooks.