Emu XL-7 & MP-7 User's Group

Microcosmos Vol 1 is very elementary in terms of technique but zeros
in on studies to develop basic elements. My understanding is that
Bartok wrote the Microcosmos in order for his own kids to have a
method book series. The thing that I love about this series is that it
is always music - and presents universal concepts that you can take
and develop in almost any context.

Ed


--- In xl7@yahoogroups.com, "dwoodaman" <dwoodaman@y...> wrote:
> Amen to all that! There is no substitute for a good teacher, but the 
> Bartok Microcosmos is pretty great - that is if you can actually 
> PLAY the piano. I never got very far with it, but thats just me.
> I can tell you tho, if you find the right teacher its great. I teach 
> guitar, and its just as hard to find the right students... but when 
> you do, its great!
> Dana
> --- In xl7@yahoogroups.com, S V G <vsyevolod@y...> wrote:
> > 
> >      rEalm,
> > 
> >      In my opinion, there is no substitute for a good teacher.  
> Even if you only stay with it for
> > a few months or so.  Developing a good hand position and 
> techniques for relaxation are key to
> > increasing your ability to play well and fast in the future.  
> Getting this from a book is not
> > impossible, just almost impossible.  Finger exercises may get you 
> started, though if you develop a
> > poor hand position from the start, it will cramp your style for 
> years to come.  Finding a good
> > teacher is very difficult, as there are many out there and few who 
> are really good.
> > 
> >      I have used the Bartok Microcosmos (up to volume IV) and can 
> recommend them highly for much
> > more than finger exercises.  He is one hellova whacked out dude 
> with bizarre ideas about harmony,
> > modal configurations, polytonality, polymetrics, and polyrhythms.  
> Playing from his books will
> > change your appreciation and approach to music forever.  Not for 
> the weak of heart.  Nor would I
> > ever suggest them to a six year old...  :)  Who knows how it would 
> warp their minds?
> > 
> >         Stephen
> > 
> > 
> > 
> > <<Speaking of which, anyone know of any good sites with finger 
> exercises fro 
> > improving your chops, or sites with full on piano tutorials?  I 
> haven't 
> > had much luck finding decent sites...
> > 
> > rEalm>>
> > 
> > 
> > 
> > __________________________________
> > Do you Yahoo!?
> > Yahoo! SiteBuilder - Free, easy-to-use web site design software
> > http://sitebuilder.yahoo.com