It’s time for the Weekend Competition, and this week I am offering my own book, So You Want To Play The Piano? as the prize. I haven’t offered this publication as a competition prize so far on this blog, and some readers have been kindly asking where it can be purchased.
I’ve made a short video which you can watch below, describing the book and why it might be a useful addition to any prospective piano students library. It may also be of interest to parents, those who already play or are self-taught, and even a helpful resource for teachers too.
I have TWO copies to give away this weekend, so to be in with a chance of winning, just leave your comment in the comment box at the end of this post and I will pick the two winners on Sunday evening (British time). Good luck!
So You Want To Play The Piano? – The Reviews
‘This is an excellent book, a first-class introduction and guide to those wishing to learn the piano, full of sensible and practical advice and very well written by an experienced pianist and teacher. Nor is it confined to young people and children – the adult beginner is also considered. Among the subjects it covers are: how to find the perfect instrument; what to look for in a teacher; supporting a child who is learning; preparing for exams; and much more. It is completely up to date and is enthusiastically recommended.’
Robert Matthew-Walker (Musical Opinion)
‘This is an excellent book for anyone who is interested in piano lessons for themselves or a family member. It is extremely comprehensive and includes everything you could possibly want to know about piano lessons. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a book quite like this, and anyone considering piano lessons should use this book as a resource.’
Susan Paradis – US Blogger, piano teacher and educational expert.
‘The book is geared towards parents and/or students that may be new to the piano lesson experience. But it includes much more than I expected from a “parent or student guide”. For this reason, I would recommend that teachers even have a copy of it in their studio if you have an area for parents to sit while their child is having a lesson.’
Jennifer Foxx – US Blogger, piano teacher and educational expert.
‘My first thought as I read this was ‘why hasn’t anyone written this before?’ It’s full of great advice for anyone wanting to take up the piano, anyone with children about to start to play, or even piano teachers at the start of their career. How on earth did the aspiring pianist manage without a clear volume on how to find the perfect instrument, what to look for in a teacher, things to bear in mind beyond playing the right notes, and how to support a child who is learning? Melanie Spanswick’s book delivers all this and more.’
Fiona Lau (Music Teacher Magazine)
‘This book is un-putdownable because Melanie says everything I have been wanting to say for a long time. I have come across lots of talented young pianists, and I often say to myself ‘if he/she had been taught properly at the beginning, he/she would be a much higher level by now.’ Melanie’s friendly and approachable but ‘no messing about’ direct mannerism is perfect for all piano enthusiasts. This is the kind of book we all need by the side of the piano! It has all kinds of information we need.’
Noriko Ogawa (Japanese International Concert Pianist)
Publications
Melanie Spanswick has written and published a wide range of courses, anthologies, examination syllabuses, and text books, including Play it again: PIANO (published by Schott Music). This best-selling graded, progressive piano course contains a large selection of repertoire featuring a huge array of styles and genres, with copious practice tips and suggestions for every piece.
For more information, please visit the publications page, here.
Melanie Spanswick 
Sounds like just the ticket! Thanks for offering this give-away!
Hello Melanie, would love to have your book! Wish me luck
I loved the original edition which you gave out at the Yamaha workshop back in September so I can only guess that this version is even better & even more informative! Good luck with it!
Looks like a great book from the introduction on Amazon. Finally a book that not only teaches how to play but also very valuable information beyond hitting the right notes at the right time.
I’m making music since the age of 6, being married to a wife who wants to learn how to play the piano and father of a one year old son who is already starting to enjoy making music, this would be the perfect book for me. Thanks for this give-away. 😀
There is so much useful information in this book, Melanie. I would love to own it!
I’m always looking forward to update my skills. Fingers crossed!
Sounds like a book I should buy (if I don’t win one of the two!) …. good for the teacher who has plodded away for some years with a few students, and wanting a bit of a refresher course.
I’m always looking for new repertoire for my students, so I would love win this book! Luck for me!
Dear Melanie, I was so impressed by the quality of your adjudication at Milton Keynes Festival last year and the warm helpful feedback you have the contestants that I have decided to go for this book. I look forward to it enhancing my piano playing experience.
Best wishes.
Tim
This would be a very welcome addition to my studio library, one of those must have resources to share with parents and students.
I would love to win this, will be a great resource for my students and their parents.
This book would be so helpful to me as I live in an area with very little support.
Hi Melanie, this sounds like a fantastic publication! Being new to piano teaching (3 years) I would appreciate this book as a reference to help me to enhance my skills.
Very interesting! I would love this.
Here it is the 1 I have been waiting for! I would love a copy! 🎹💛✝🎶
I would love to add this to my library!
Great video! I’ve been wanting this book for a while as it looks as one that has to be in every piano studio. Hope I can win!
I would love to have a copy for my studio!
Thank you for a chance!
I would love to have a copy of the book, not just for my parents and students, but also for myself, as a teacher with only a few years of experience.
Would love a copy of this new edition – looks great!
What a great idea. Your book looks awesome.
Sounds really interesting, will have to pick up a copy soon.
Lots of adults want to learn and this sounds ideal.
This book is a valuable contribution to teachers everywhere and for students of all ages. It would get a lot of use in my studio. Melanie, thank you for sharing your expertise.
This is a wonderful asset to have in any studio. As a mentor to new and younger teachers I would love this resource to share with them and to parents interested in learning to better help their child at home. Thank you for this offering.
This competition is now closed. Many thanks to all who took part 🙂