Wayne Hawkins: Piano Aerobics

Written by Kansas City's first-call keyboardist Wayne Hawkins, the Piano Aerobics book/CD pack is a multi-style, 40-week workout program for building real-world technique. Often when students decide to play in contemporary styles, they lack the chops for the job. The exercises in Piano Aerobics will introduce students to styles such as jazz, salsa, swing, rock, blues, new age, gospel, stride and bossa nova, and help them play with more musical flair.

Concepts covered include: keeping time; hand independence; articulations; building a better touch; strengthening weak fingers; accompanying; using the thumb; ear training; and more. The CD features professional musicians performing accompaniment tracks in each style.