Lead Lines and Chord Changes: Piano Book

This book cuts through the theory-heavy approach many pianists encounter and gets straight to applying chords in actual playing contexts. Collins structures the material so students aren't just identifying triads on paper; they're building fluency with how these chords sound, function, and connect within melodies they're reading and interpreting.

Practical and empowering. Instead of abstract harmonic theory, you're learning the physical and aural skills that let you accompany singers, fill in behind ensemble players, and respond musically to what's happening around you. The 80 pages feel focused and purposeful, never overwhelming.

Late intermediate and early advanced pianists ready to move beyond playing written-out accompaniments and toward real musicianship. This book serves studio teachers working with students who want functional harmony skills and pianists preparing for jazz contexts or contemporary music reading.

• Start with major and minor triads before moving to dominant 7ths and extended harmonies. Let muscle memory develop on the foundational shapes before stacking complexity.
• Spend time listening to the chord progressions, not just writing them. Ear training and hand position are equally important here.
• Apply the chord changes to melodies you already know well. Familiarity with the tune lets you focus on accompaniment choices without cognitive overload.
• Work through the diagrams slowly. Collins provides visual reference for hand positioning, so use them as you practice rather than as quick reference only.

Assign this as supplemental material for students in your piano program who show interest in jazz, contemporary styles, or collaborative playing. It's also valuable for music ed majors who'll be accompanying ensembles in their teaching careers and need fluency beyond prepared parts.

• Voice leading with major, minor, dominant 7th, diminished, and augmented triads
• Reading melody lines and improvising appropriate chord accompaniments
• Recognizing and playing chord progressions by ear
• Hand position and keyboard visualization for chord shapes
• Translating written harmony into fingered voicings