Tag: Paul Harris

Selected and Reviewed by Andrew Eales
Find out more: About Pianodao Reviews

While Pianodao has featured several books and series by my friend Paul Harris (you can explore my other reviews here), I can only scratch the surface of the more than 500 publications already to his name.

Harris’s latest looks set to become another classic, a standout publication that superbly fills a gap many of us didn’t quite realise existed.

Play with Rhythm! is billed as “a workbook for developing a sense of pulse, rhythm, and counting”, suitable for musicians of any instrument or genre, and can be used in individual or group lessons, or on your own at home. According to the publishers Faber Music,

“Suitable for players of Grade 2 (Elementary) level upwards, this practical workbook takes students step by step through a series of simple activities that will develop a real understanding of rhythm and awareness of pulse.”

Having perused a draft some months ago, and now the finished product, I think that this winning publication will quickly establish itself as an essential resource, so let’s take a closer look.

Selected and Reviewed by Andrew Eales
Find out more: About Pianodao Reviews

Since the ABRSM exam board significantly reduced their piano scales requirements last year (read a full analysis here), many have agreed that their requirements alone no longer provide the solid framework players need for the development of technique, an awareness of keys and assimilation of archetype fingering patterns.

Of the respected educators who have subsequently sought to fill the void with superior learning resources, I have already covered Catherine McMillan’s gorgeously presented Piano Scales Mnemonics (reviewed here) and Karen Marshall superb Piano Trainer Scales Workbook (reviewed here).

Joining these excellent resources, Paul Harris has now completely rewritten his popular Improve Your Scales! series, and like McMillan and Marshall has eschewed the ill-conceived limitations of ABRSM to embrace a more comprehensive and educative approach.

As Harris announces a the start of each of the six books in his new series, which cover the Initial to Grade Five requirements for all major exam boards,

“Scales, arpeggios and broken chords are important. And if taught and learned imaginatively, they can be fun!”

This is another of those moments where a disclaimer is required; Paul invited my feedback on his ideas while developing his vision for the new series, and as a good friend welcomed my help with the proof reading.

The genius in these books is all his though, so let’s see how he’s done things differently from others, and establish why these books stand out as another teaching studio essential…