The Pro Keyboardist's Handbook: Keyboard/Piano CD

This handbook cuts through the mythology of studio and touring work to address the practical realities keyboard players actually face. Dryden combines technical advice with career strategy, making it invaluable for serious students who need to understand both sides of professional musicianship.

Reading this handbook feels like getting mentoring from someone who has lived the career path you're considering. The tone is direct and honest, grounded in real experience rather than theory, and it acknowledges both the creative rewards and the practical challenges of professional keyboard work.

This book serves serious keyboard students and emerging professionals who are preparing for a career in music performance, session work, or touring. It's equally useful for jazz and contemporary music students who want hands-on insight into the business side of keyboard performance.

• Study the sound selection guidance to understand how keyboard choices communicate style and support ensemble arrangements in different musical contexts
• Apply the solo construction advice to your own improvisation practice, focusing on vocabulary development that translates across multiple genres
• Use the touring and band dynamics sections to prepare for real-world collaboration scenarios before entering professional settings
• Reference the songwriting principles while working on original compositions or arrangements to strengthen your musical voice

Students preparing for music careers or contemplating performance majors benefit from reading this as part of their professional development outside of lessons or rehearsals. Teachers can assign sections to students who are serious about performance as a career, using it as a springboard for conversations about realistic goals and industry expectations.

• Professional sound selection and keyboard setup
• Solo construction and improvisation in commercial contexts
• Songwriting and arrangement fundamentals
• Career planning and professional networking strategies
• Touring and ensemble dynamics awareness