Accelerando (Books 1, 2 and 3) Piano Techniques to Accelerate the Progress and Development of the Student Pianist.

Accelerando (Books 1, 2 and 3) Piano Techniques to Accelerate the Progress and Development of the Student Pianist, by Robert Schultz and Tina Faigen. The FJH Music Company, Inc. (Westport Business Park, 2525 Davie Rd., Ste. 360, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33317), 2003. 32pp. $5.95 each. Elementary.

The Accelerando Series is a collection of technical studies in three books for the elementary piano student at any age. In all three books, most exercises are four to eight measures in length and are presented in a progressive sequence.

Book I consists mostly of five-finger exercises on the middle-C position, hands alone. All exercises are based on quarter-note rhythm, making reading easier for the elementary piano student. Different touches, such as legato and staccato, are introduced. In several exercises, the student holds down a single note, while the other fingers play against the held out note, emphasizing finger independence. Approximately three-fourths of the way into this book, the concept of "thumb under the third finger" is introduced, and students play hands together, mostly in parallel and contrary motion.

Book II contains exercises in which the thumbs play on notes other than middle C. The concept of two-note slurs also is introduced, as well as the concept of playing blocked chords. The authors indicate that certain exercises in this book are to be transposed to other keys. Transposition is explained in a concise manner on the last page, making it easy for students to learn how to play these exercises in other keys. In certain exercises, the student plays with both hands, mostly in parallel and contrary motion.

Book III has exercises intended for both hands together. In many of these studies, different styles of touch, such as legato, staccato and two-note slurs, are incorporated into a single exercise. Accidentals also are used here, allowing the student to move beyond the C-major five-finger position and explore chromatic movement of the fingers on the keyboard. The authors include exercises in which the student holds fingers one and five down entirely, while alternating playing fingers two, three and four. While some of these may prove to be somewhat difficult for the elementary pianist, they are nonetheless beneficial for building finger independence.

At times the exercises seem a bit repetitive and might prove to be mundane for the average student, and the teacher might feel too much time is spent in the five-finger position. On the other hand, the Accelerando Series is a useful supplement to piano instruction for the elementary pianist of any age. Reviewed by Matthew Manwarren, Due West, South Carolina.