Music Books

This is a great follow-up to Chris Lopez' "First Stage" guitar book for beginners. I am in the transition stage; going from beginner to intermediate in my playing and not only do I take lessons one hour per week, but I also go back to these books for the basics. They are easy to follow, and will help you remember the basics of playing that guitar....

This book continues to present the need to know, nuts and bolts information that's necessary to play the guitar. This second book builds on the first by introducing the reader to scales and how to play the scales from many different positions on the fretboard. There's enough info in this book to keep a person busy for a long, long time, but again it's given in an easy to comprehend format that seeks not to confuse, but to provide a practical, down to earth guide to making some music with your guitar. Don't miss out on this unique book.

The best guitar tutorial I've seen-excellent chord charts are easy to use, with logical progression that make it easy to locate desired chord. Simple and straight forward.

It's hard to believe that learning scale patterns could be made so easy. The "Next Stage" Guitar Book is great. It also includes easy to understand tabs and standard notation. What a great deal and savings on private lessons. A Must Get!

I find this book The "Next Stage" Guitar Book easy to read and understand. Most of all the patterns in this book are moveable and has made my lead guitar playing more exciting. Also we have found out that these patterns can also be used on the bass guitar as well.

A director named Burton with the first name of Tim
Wrote this tale of a skeleton, tall and slim.

Jack Skeleton is the name of this "hero"
He comes with a ghost dog known as Zero.

As the title implies two holidays meet
Do we say "Merry Christmas" or "trick or treat?"

Jack wants to spread Christmas and help Santa out
But he's a little misguided when he takes the toy route.

The kids are a bit surprised by Jack as S. Claus
Some of his Christmas traditions would make anyone pause.

Before you read this give the movie a look
The film helps the reader make sense of the book.

Illustrated with drawings instead of claymation
This book still creates quite a sensation!

Although this book is aimed toward the younger readers, it is the original poem of the Nightmare Before Christmas, so no matter if you are a Burton fan or study literature, this is an essential item to add to that collectio

Hmm, where do I begin... I LOVE JACK SKELLINGTON first off, and this book is SOO COOL! And yes, you can probably tell I'm a teenage girl so far... but yeah, I read this book when I was really little (same with watching the movie) and at first it scared the crap outta me (hey, I was little). But when I got older, I started to realize that this thing kicked @$$. It made me laugh, made me smile, made me cry a little, everything! Best holiday book ever! It's not really a little kid book, but it's not too scary either. The scariest part about it are the drawings, just cuz they're so abnormal. Also... if you haven't seen the movie, make sure you do. But all in all, this is probably my favorite book. GOOD JOB TIM!

I bought a copy of this book a couple years back, only to find my young nephew (only 5 back then) reaching to look at it often when he visited. I've now decided to buy him his own copy of this book, while it's still in print, because I see this movie's "legend" continuing to grow as an annual Halloween classic. Such is the unique and wonderful world of Tim Burton; his style often does not catch on immediately, but it slowly finds its way beyond "cult" viewing and into the hearts and minds of mainstream audiences. This book features a generous offering of pre-production designs (including many of Burton's own drawings) and behind-the-scenes photos, which are fun to look at again and again. A beautifully illustrated book, and fun to own

I'd like to know more about Nightmare Before Christmas.

Once again what a great compilation of songs. My favourite is 'The Strangest Thing'. Keep the songs coming George! Awesome!!

A friend of mine played this for me, I didn't even know this collection of George Michael songs was available. It envokes all the emotions one can contribute to the feel of slower songs (sexy,sad,etc.) I play it when I'm doing something around the house I don't like to do, just to get me into a different mood. Love it!

This is George Michael's masterpiece. It has the catchyness of FAITH with more sophistication. His songwriting abilities are simply unbelievable. Don't buy this album if you're looking for dance tracks only...it's mostly ballads. But, then again, a George Michael ballad is not just any ballad!

The first time I heard 'Older' I was disappointed because I was still in love with George Michael's 'Faith' album. This is NOT a repeat of what he'd done with previous albums. The overall mood of the album is rather fatalistic - the sound of a man who has lost everything he really cared about. After I got over the fact that this wasn't more of the same, I associated more easily with songs that speak out of desperation.

Synth instruments paired with traditional ones create a truely wonderful sound. I would call it a bit of a dated sound except I don't know of anyone else who used this style. I find it to be musical, sophisticated, and satisfying (even after listening to it for 10 years).

My favorite tracks are:
'Jesus to a Child' - a pitiable lament of a dead lover
'Fastlove' - an expression of the superficiality we seek in times of hurt (fast sex and partying)
'The Strangest Thing' - a search for truth in his state of affairs

In my opinion this album is truelly George's best work.

It's hard for me to put into words the depth of emotion that this album stirs. This album was recorded after the death of George Michael's partner, and most of the songs on the album reference that love. Whether the song is an upbeat pop song like "Fastlove," or a slower balad like "Jesus To A Child" that depth is always there, and George Michael is obviously a broken man. It may perhaps sound ghoulish, but his pain is what makes this album so incredible. The clarity with which George Michael conveys these emotions through his lyrics is sometimes enough to bring tears to my own eyes.

This album also marks George Michael's departure from coy references to sexuality. No longer does he settle for vague references, or needing to string togethor multiple lines of lyrics to determine that he is talking about a man, not a woman. Even the hit single from Older, "Fast Love" contained a lyric that overtly declared the sex of who George Michael is singing about:

"Stupid cupid keeps on calling me, but I see nothing in his eyes, I miss my baby. So why don't we make a little room in my BMW babe"

An interesting attribute of this album is that it also contains lyrics that reference earlier George Michael work, bridging the gap between the less personal lyrics of previous albums, and giving those old songs new meaning, as well as adding layers to the meaning of the songs on Older.

For example the word "crime" as used in his late 80's song Father Figure:
"I have had enough of crime (please let me)/ I will be the one who loves you/ Until the end of time/ That's all I wanted/ But sometimes love can be mistaken for a crime"

The word "crime" is used in this Older album again:
"Make love to me, send love through me/ Heal me with your crime/
The only one who ever knew me,/ We've wasted so much time/ So much time"

One can listen to both songs and take the word "crime" from those songs to coming up with different possible interpretations of the lyrics than the more obvious lyrics.

There are other examples of George's use of specific words to layer multiple meanings onto his lyrics, but going into them would be too much for a simple laymans review of an album.

But perhaps I'm going into too much depth, and I should just leave you with the knowledge that musically this is one of the best albums to come out of the 1990's. After you've listened it a hundred times, you too may find yourself mineing it for the depth of layered and hidding meanings in the album.

As a 50+ adult, I still enjoy reading good fiction written for children and teenagers. And after reading this book, I quickly ordered it and the next one in the series for my two teenage nieces. The books in the On Tour series are wholesome and enjoyable reading and will hold a teenager's attention. Although they are aimed primarily at readers in their early teens, I highly recommend them as gifts for any teenage girl (and for any grown girl that still enjoys teen fiction).

I read this book, and I thought, I have to read the next one! I read the second book too, The Back-up Singer, and I can't wait to get the others! These books are amazing! I can really relate being a teen with a band! I would really reccommend there books!

The On Tour books are so cool. Jenna Rose finds herself completely out of her element when she moves. The kind of people she always hangs out with don't want anything to do with her and the ones who do are freaks! Parker, the hottie freak, thinks she's perfect for his band. If Jenna joins the band, will she lose her chance to get in with the people she wants?

It's not a new theme, but the twists to this one gives it a fresh spin and makes it one of my favorite books ever!

WARNING: THIS BOOK IS ADDICTIVE!
Me and my friends all found that starting this book is addictive. You start reading and you can't put it down for anything. You can spend an entire day without even realizing it.

Jenna Rose kinda flows through life, getting whatever she wants without much effort. Then she moves and is faced with who she really is! Can she let the people who want to get to know her see who she really is-- and then will they still want to be around her? Or should she compromise who she wants to be just to get in with the crowd that she wants to be in?

Awesome start to what's going to be a great series!

What is 14-year-old Jenna Rose Brenley to do after moving to a new town and a new high school? With her father being the new pastor at a nearby church in Ohio, Jenna Rose is automatically given the title as `the perfect Christian girl,' when all she really wants is to be accepted as a normal teenage girl by the `in' crowd at Highland High. Moving into her new home, she is accompanied by a boy by the name of Parker Blevins who is helping the new family get settled in. She finds herself instantly attracted to the witty and very cute boy who is still a bit clueless of the flirting that is going on. Jenna finds herself going crazy trying to figure out why he hasn't made a move on her, or at least acknowledged that he is the least bit interested in her. After being invited to come with him to watch his band practice, she finds that his friends are well, different. Her struggle for popularity is getting harder by the day and Jenna finds herself willing to do anything to be accepted. After deciding to try out for the dance team, she meets Jamie Valentin, a jock, who is actually showing a lot of interest in her. Liking the attention, she begins flirting and making him struggle to just get her name. After a while it gets intense and she finds herself in an uncomfortable situation where she even a little scared. After pointing out her discomfort, Jamie agrees to leave her be but then threatens to do the unthinkable. Soon after that, rumors begin to spread and she is immediately made the laughing stock of the whole school. Though Parker's friend try to comfort her, she finds herself pushing them away because they are not exactly her type of friends, and she even finds herself taking her anger out on them. She is mad at God, her father, and even Parker and the rest of the group for absolutely no reason at all. After admitting her wrongs, accepting the group, and forgiving herself, she finds that she had had friends all along who had loved her and tried to make her feel welcome. She even finds herself wanting to grow into a stronger Christian and accepting the Lord as her savior.
This is a wonderfully written book that I didn't want to put down. I found myself picturing the details that I found on every page. As I neared the end of the book, I was mad that it had to ever end. I laughed, I cried, and I could relate to all the problems each teen in this story faced. I am looking forward to reading more of this series and more from this author. I recommend this book to any teen who has ever questioned their relationship with God.

In this fascinating book, Janet Lee James describes her adventures while living in the Alaskan wilderness. While that may be enough of a challenge for many, this author suffers from multiple sclerosis. Coming to grips with this devastating diagnosis, Ms. James decides to live life to its fullest extent--and follows her dreams----to Alaska. She starts out in Anchorage working at a radio station, but eventually seeks out more remote areas of the state. Traveling to Cooper Landing, on the Kenai peninsula, Ms. James finds work as a cook/waitress/bar maid in a small lodge. As part of the deal, she can live for free in a rustic cabin. 60 feet up the side of a mountain, with no running water or electricity. This would normally be enough of a challenge for anyone, but imagine doing this with the exacerbations of MS. Ms. James provides an infinitely readable and entertaining book. She is frank and honest about the problems encountered with MS, some of which can be pretty humiliating. After reading this I immediately googled her name to see if she had written more books, but was unable to find her or any other books she has written. This book is highly recommended.

I was on the fence about buying this book due to what seemed may be mostly about MS and it's horrors . But, took a chance and am glad I did . I realize it was first published in 1993 and here it is 2007 and I just got around to it .

I was captivated by Ms. James sheer gutsiness ( is that a word ? )to leave the safety of her home and family to pursue a dream she might have otherwised put off like the rest of us do , thinking we have all the time in the world . She made me laugh , and made me shake my head at some of her antics before MS got a real hold on her . amazing adventure ..worth your time and $$$ .

the last 1/3 of the book was un-nerving tho . I'm happy I didn't read it as a young girl , i would have been looking for every symptom . I learned more about MS then i wanted to also ....all the promises to her and every patient of that time over 30 years ago ...saying a cure was probably going to be found in a few years with all the research . How sad . they are no closer to a cure now then 30 years ago .

I would have been terrified to go it alone in a state such as Alaska with no real friends waiting for me knowing that I had MS yet not knowing what to truly expect from it as being newly diagnosed and each case different.

I do have many questions tho , BUT those I wrote in a letter to her home . I hope she is still with us . In any case ...God Bless and may she find peace & happiness wherever she is .

This book is great - positiveley the best book I've ever read. It follows the story of Janet, a woman with MS. Instantly, you feel as if Janet is an old friend. A good book for when you're feeling frustrated with the world and wishing you could do like Janet did...fly away to Alaska. A true story of adventure!

I have read all sorts of books on MS--- Medical journals, personal accounts, alternative healing.. This wonderful book brought me to new heights in my understanding of the disease.. I wanted to jump on a plane to Alaska and pick up where Janet left off! I loved her bravery, her honesty and especially her sincerity. I, too, am a vagabond and traveler with MS... One of my favorite books ever on the subject!

What an excellent, excellent, excellent book and a brilliant author. The author had the courage to share the often unspeakable truths of what can happen, which doctors NEVER tell you about. She also has a warm and charming way of infusing humor and inspiration so others to gain a sense of hope and to "go for their dreams and make them happen. I can't think of a gutsier auther!
I loved it and would love to meet her!

Well researched and poetically rendered, this book tells a compelling story of The Little Town That Could. It's not just for R.E.M. fans, either; some of the best passages take the reader to the early 70s, when chance meetings, boredom, a thriving gay subculture, and some unsung movers-and-shakers who watched from the wings made things happen. Rodger Lyle Brown was there for much of the action and he captures the voices (and vices) of scores of characters who sowed the seeds that were reaped by bands such as the B-52's and R.E.M..

This book is a must for anyone interested in the Athens music scene (REM, B52s). Actually, it's insight on the challenges new bands face in breaking through makes it a must read for anyone in the music business. Greatly entertaining and a fast read. And I actually knew a few of the people mentioned in the book.

It's great to see this book back in print - seemingly a modest look into a grass-roots community of eclectics and artists, PARTY OUT OF BOUNDS actually presents a valuable piece of history - the rise of the Athens GA music and arts scene.

The reverberations from Athens ultimately threw a spotlight onto similar developments in Austin, Boulder, Chapel Hill, Winston-Salem, Minneapolis, Seattle/Olympia, Monterrey MX, and countless other places off the beaten track of the commercial culture industry, spawning a tremendous amount of great and influential work in the process, and this book is - amazingly - still one of the only documents of it all.

Browne was a part of the scene, so his resources, contacts and memories aid in the construction of a rich cultural history. The DIY spirit of the times has been reflected in other works (Clinton Heylin's FROM THE VELVETS TO THE VOIDOIDS springs to mind) focusing on other places, but certain other aspects - the diversity among the people and participants - is largely overlooked in most histories, and Browne gives the art influences, the 'Southern' influences, and the gay influences that all formed some of the scene's foundations the respect they deserve.

And Browne does detail just how stressing and grueling being in a struggling young rock band can be - the joy and the myth is here for sure, but so is the work and financial strain. Browne hits the perfect balance in the writing - he manages to convey, with equal import, the cultural significance, and the fun and energy in scenes like the one that exploded in Athens, and one is also left with a great picture of how such developments can impact (culturally) cities and towns for decades afterwards: again, though this book is Athens-specific in its' historical focus, this in many ways is the story of many places.

At every level, this is an essential recounting of the history of grass-roots and underground creativity in the US.

-David Alston

Just so that the author isn't the only one posting reviews, let me just say that I've lost track of the number of times I've enjoyed this book. Every time I reread it, it conjures up a movie in my mind, artistic college kids in the deep South living to party and play music. Although I grew up in Minnesota, the early punk/new wave scene of the late seventies was much the same here as it was in Athens, GA, and the (hazy) memories of that time are lovingly recounted here.

Hey folks. Yes, this is a facsimile of the original edition from 1991, except this one has a great new cover that's much more like what I wanted for the first edition. Got a new intro, too. Folks have been asking for copies for years, but it's been out of print (with used copies for as much as $50, if you can imagine). If you have any rem, b's, or otherwise fans of athens, let em know.

Any questions, email me at rodlbro@aol.com

rodger brown (author)

In 1966 Duncan's photojournalism memoir "Yankee Nomad" was published. It was an excellent, lavishly illustrated autobiography of one of the great photojournalists of the 20th Century. However, it was premature because Duncan did 18 (19 if you count this one) more photojournalism books after "Yankee Nomad" was published. This reviewer and long time fan of DDD's work is very grateful for this much needed 464 page biographical update.
Duncan is a U.S. Marine in the truest sense of "Once a Marine, Always a Marine." His 1951 publication "This Is War" brought a soldier in the trenches eye view of the Korean War to the world. It was a shocking look as the everyday heroism of U.S. Marines at War. Seven years later, his book "The Private World of Pablo Picasso" provided the world an amazing and intimate look into the private life of one of the world's greatest artists. It was one of DDD's eight books about Picasso, his art and family life. No other artist has ever been so thoroughly documented in photographs.
DDD, who when he was a marine fighting in World War II, was interviewed and photographed with his rifle in the jungle by a young Naval Officer by the name of Richard M. Nixon did two books about soldiers at war in Vietnam. And much later a nightly television essay using B&W still photographs of the Presidential Campaign that was also published in 1969 as a coffee table photography book called "Self-Portrait: USA." A dog lover he also did three books about his and Picasso's beloved pets--"Yo-Yo: Kidnapped in Provence," "Picasso and Lump" and "Thor."
The first time I met DDD was at Wilson Hick's Miami Communications Conference in the mid-1960's. Duncan was one of the guest speakers and he showed some of the Paris picture series he'd just sold to "Look" magazine of a prism technique of multiple images he called "Prismatics." He'd gotten a then unheard payment of $75,000 for that color photographic essay. Everyone at the conference was in awe of the man, his talent and his bravery. At the very beginning of my own photography career, I'd been immensely influenced by the publication of "The Private World of Pablo Picasso." I even forgave DDD for stealing away by gal pal at the conference. I'd even given her my permission to take advantage of her opportunities to hang with him. I told her I thought she'd be crazy not to get to know him better. He was truly a world-famous celebrity.
That said, I also liked, loved DDD's photographs. He was trolling through history with his cameras. He was taking the photography book concept and format to new frontiers. He was one of the strongest influences on my personal photographic style and I'm certain he was equally as inspiring to several generations of news photographers. He set the standards and kept raising the bar for excellence. He was certainly one of the truly great war photographers and unlike his friend Robert Capa, DDD survived fierce combat in several wars. It was Capa's friendship with Picasso that led Duncan to the artist's doorstep where his first picture (of thousands) was of the artist while Picasso was taking a bath in an old fashioned claw legged tub. DDD was one of the most important documenters of 20th Century Artists. This book is a must for any true fan of photography. I can't recommend it highly enough. DDD's work is right off the rating charts.

Photojournalism reached its peak in the years immediately following the Second World War. These were the years when Robert Capa, Henri Cartier-Bresson, David Seymour, Ernst Haas and Werner Bischoff wandered the world taking photos for the Magnum Photo Agency. David Douglas Duncan was one of their contemporaries. Instead of taking photos for the more glamorous Magnum, he worked for Life Magazine. Interestingly, his reputation is not as great as the Magnum photographers. One has to wonder whether it was his talent or the place he worked for that caused him to be consigned to the role of a lesser master of Twentieth Century photography.

"Photo Nomad" is a collection of Duncan's work from the late 1930's to the late 1970's. Duncan like his peers was everywhere during this time period. If something important was happening in the world, Duncan was there taking photographs. His photographs of the Korean and Vietnam Wars are especially powerful. However, if he will be remembered for any images, it will be for his wonderful photographs of Pablo Picasso. "Photo Nomad" is as much a history book as it is a collection of first rate photographs. Highly recommended.

Great photo history of the wars and their effect on our country. A good book for young audience viewing.

The photographs in this book are fantastic and fascinating. However,the author's wordiness (comments on almost every page, written in a sort of notehand style) detracted from them. I would have liked to have seen a lot fewer words, letting these marvelous photographs speak for themselves.

David Douglas Duncan's book is an extraordinary collection of photographs documenting a range of events in this interesting man's life. Of special interest to me were the photographs and images he captured in Korea during the war. That was a place I served during the last year of that conflict,and the book brought back many memories of a time long ago.

This book I treasure, and it is my intent to return to it often in the years that remain in my life.

How happy I am that I was able to locate it through Amazon.com.

The Power of Horses is a wonderful, unique collection of memories of Country Music legends love affairs with horses. Each star has a different take on the influence their horses have had in their lives - both as youngsters & in later years. These stories are inspirational to many aspects of life.
This is a book that any horse person or country and western music fan needs to own. It is a difficult book to put down once you start reading. It is easy to read, well thought out and flows well.

This book is a must for anyone who has or is interested in horses. All the top country music artists tell about the good things horses bring to their lives. There are some great photos in the book including Brad Paisley, Kix Brooks, Lynn Anderson, Toby Keith, Charlie Daniels, Clay Walker, and Tommy Shane Steiner. You will also find that the author has done an outstanding job of putting together the history of each of the country music legends.

The book is a great gift for kids or adults, is easy to read, the stories flow nicely and are very well written. I found it very informative as well as entertaining. Anyone who likes horses and or country music would REALLY like this book! Be sure to get extra copies to give as gifts!
I loved the authors use of words and the selection of photos that were used. The stories will make you laugh, cry and wonder.

Regards,
David Selman
Tracker Outdoors
www.tracker-outdoors.com

Get ready for a great read because this book rocks! If you love horses you have to read this book. Likewise if you are a fan of country music. The author does a great job in bringing out the emotion in these stories. Each person profiled tells how a horse helped them learn about life. The Power of Horses is very inspiring and uplifting, so get ready to feel your heartstrings pulled.

A great job of giving the fans a closer look at some of their favorite stars, sharing special moments and memories about one of God's greatest gifts to mankind-horses. Since history was first recorded there has always been a bond between humans and the incredible animal; which has meant so much to our survival and very existence through out the years. I don't think Lisa could have found a better way of bringing horses the recognition they truly deserve than by sharing some unforgettable stories from country music's finest stars. In her book, "The Power of Horses," Lisa proves that even in this modern age of mechanical genius, as we surpass our wildest dreams. People's love, inspiration and need of horses has never been stronger. If you are one of those millions who love horses then take a ride with the stars, you'll be glad you did.

This is a book that any horse person or Country and Western music fan needs to own. I started reading it and read it from cover to cover in 1 day. It is fun to read, and contains many very inspirational stories.

I stayed up all night reading this book and I liked it so much I have ordered several more for my friends. All the top country music artists tell about the good things horses bring to their lives, and there are some great photos in the book, too! Brad Paisley, Kix Brooks, Lynn Anderson, Toby Keith, Charlie Daniels, Clay Walker, and Tommy Shane Steiner are all in The Power of Horses, 18 stars in all. The book is a great gift for kids or adults, is easy to read, the stories flow nicely and are very well written. Very informative and entertaining at the same time. Anyone who likes horses and/or country music would REALLY like this book! Do yourself a favor and consider this book! Would I buy it again? I already did!

The techniques in this book are applicable and a "must have" for any kind of performer, though directed specifically toward classical singers. Whether you are an opera singer, a rock & roller, an actor, an instrumentalist, a public speaker, etc., you can benefit from practicing "power performance". It doesn't come easily. There is a lot of ground-work that you must do to fully benefit, but you will find practical tools to use along your journey, even before completing the book. In my opinion, it's a much more thorough discovery process than found in "The Inner Game of Music", though along the same lines. Definitely worth the investment.

Emmons and Thomas convert the "Tennis Technique" to a singer's manual for mental stamina. My favorite aspect of this book is the charts. There are charts to help you schedule, program, and maintain mental, physical, and emotional stamina throughout your practicing, preparation, and performance. The book contains many appendices that contain helpful reminders, charts, and tips for singers who teach and those who just perform. Using minimum to no scientific language, Emmons and Thomas communicate the importance of having a power performance by aiding the singer/teacher in "starting from scratch" to build up to the utmost potential of performance. Using techniques and advice from Olympians and teachers of singing, the witty language and motivating advice can help lead anyone to success.

This is a very good book. The area of the mental side of singing and performing is really paid too little attention to. There are so many books about singing technique etc. At last a good book on this subject! After having read only a few pages, it helped me already. The book is giving me very helpfull practical tips about selfconfidence on stage etc. The only thing is, that the English which is being used, is not so easy to read as in most American literature (I'm from Holland). But the positive thing about that is that I am increasing my English vocabulary...

This is a book with very down-to-earth advice. What amazed me most was that the most things I had always felt about performance, but didn't know how to put in words, are voiced accurately, objectively, concisely and fulfillingly in this book. Also, many things I had never stopped to think about are also dealt with nicely. You will learn how to make the most of performance problems, their sources and consequences in order to help you perform well. There is great joy awaiting you in this book. You will never regret buying it. Buy it. Buy it. Once more: buy it!

I am a professional trumpet player. This book is the centerpiece of a long list of reading material I've culled ideas from over the years. NOT FOR SINGERS ONLY! All musicians can benefit from this book! The book challenges the reader to think and to act. It is not a book you can read passively. If you work carefully through the charts and teaching points you will be rewarded with performances you enjoy giving and ones that audiences will enjoy hearing! Simply put, you'll get out of it what you put into it.

This is the book that all others will be judged against. It leaves "Inner Game" in the dust!

This is a great selection for an early bassoon student. My son has played for about two years and purchased this on the advice of his bassoon teacher. He finds it both challenging and interesting.

Others have written about the book's quality. It's a bit daunting for beginners, but someone has written a "My First Weissenborn" for bassoon newbies. I have "Practical Method" and have used it for years. However, there is another version of Weissenborn called just "Method for Bassoon," which is 159 pages long and has a brown cover. The additional material is a popular set of key studies by Milde which are often assigned to students.

When I moved and had to get a new teacher, she assigned the Milde studies. So I bought the "Method for Bassoon" book to replace my old, beat up "Practical Method" book, even thought Milde studies are also available separately. Either book will carry a student along for years of learning. Amazon doesn't seem to have the "Method" book available as I write this, but it's worth getting that version at another outlet. At some of the sheet music sources, both versions are even the same price!

"THE PROSPECTIVE STUDENT OF BASSOON WILL FIND A WORKING KNOWLEDGE of the rudiments of music indispensable to rapid progress, and for the easy acquisition of such knowledge the study of another instrument, preferably the piano, is recommended.

This instrument not only promotes great agiligy in the fingers of both hands, but it involves the use of the bass clef and also offers a comprehensive view of practical harmony, a subject which is also of the utmost value to the bassoon player....."
[from the book of the foreword]

I had originally ordered this book from a company that specializes in music products. It was back ordered, but my daughter needed it right away in order to prepare for an audition. I was pleased to find it on Amazon and it arrived even sooner than we expected.

This is THE basic book for learning bassoon, and it is very good. I was very impressed with the prompt service in receiving the book from the seller.