Intro to Rock Keyboard: Keyboard/Piano Book & CD

Rock keyboard instruction rarely balances accessibility with genuine musicianship, but this book delivers both. Martucci grounds his teaching in the styles of established rock pianists rather than generic exercises, so students hear exactly what they're learning to play. The inclusion of complete songs means learners aren't stuck on isolated drills; they finish each concept with a real piece under their fingers.

Playing rock on keyboards feels rhythmically alive and groove-oriented compared to classical training. You'll feel the drive of the band underneath your hands and discover how chord voicings and left-hand patterns create the pocket that makes rock music move.

Pianists with foundational technique who want to branch into rock styles without starting from scratch. This book works equally well as a supplement to ongoing lessons or as independent study material for self-directed learners seeking practical rock keyboard skills.

• Play along with the recorded accompaniment repeatedly before performing without it. This trains your ear to lock into the groove while your hands build muscle memory for the keyboard voicings.
• Listen to the examples on the CD multiple times before reading the notation. Hearing the style first makes the written instructions click faster and trains your rock keyboard sensibilities.
• When improvising over the backing tracks, start with simple phrases using just a few notes. Let the recorded band establish the feel while you find your voice.

Position this as enrichment for intermediate pianists during the latter half of the school year when classical repertoire study has established solid technique. It also serves private studio instructors looking to keep students engaged with contemporary sounds while respecting their classical foundation.

• Rock keyboard theory and chord voicings specific to the genre
• Improvisation over backing tracks and chord progressions
• Playing rock keyboard patterns and left-hand accompaniment styles
• Reading and interpreting stylistic examples from established rock pianists
• Coordinating hands in contemporary keyboard grooves