February 27th, 2007

There are several books that offer instruction and methodology on the technique of pop rock
music. There are equally as many books that specialize in pop rock music history. However, very
few books cover both topics. Our students have been requesting a book that focuses on pop
rock keyboard technique, style, history, playing exercises, grooves, and voicings for a long time - a
complete method for the contemporary pop rock keyboard player. This book was written to serve as a
guide to those aspiring keyboardists. We have provided for our students a comprehensive keyboard-
exclusive look into the world of pop rock music.

In order to obtain a complete understanding of pop rock keyboard concepts, it is necessary to
examine the related styles, the characteristics, the technique, the practical application, and, of course, the historic evolution of the music itself. In this book, we will systematically examine the most important
aspects of pop rock keyboard styles and analyses. The various aspects will be presented chapter by
chapter. The level of difficulty will increase each chapter with examples that demonstrate and allow the
student to play along.

We will take an in-depth look at the styles of some of the most important pop rock keyboard players and
present comparable patterns to learn. We will look at the styles popularized by musicians like Little
Richard, Jerry Lee Lewis, Billy Joel, Elton John, the Carpenters, Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Genesis,
David Foster, Walter Afanasieff, and many others. The student will become familiar enough with the style's characteristics to apply the key concepts to songs. Ultimately, the keyboard player will be able to
determine when these sounds, patterns, and chords are feasible. With continued and consistent practice
and development of these drills, students can achieve mastery over this style. In other words, you too can be a great player!

It should be noted that there are other styles, in addition to the aforementioned, that have had a
profound influence on pop rock music. R&B, jazz, gospel, and Latin music can be heard in the pop rock
music of today. It would be advisable to study any and all relevant method books in order to enhance your knowledge of pop rock music. You should center your studies on the recordings of this music, various
books and articles, autobiographies, and rare video footage of the pop rock artists themselves. It should
also be noted that this book will focus on the most popular eras of pop rock keyboard music. The periods
that this book will examine are the early 1960s through the 1990s and to the present.

This book includes many left- and righthand patterns for independence development. It was
designed to challenge keyboard players to learn modern techniques, rhythms, and voicings. Although
there is a CD playback of all of the examples, drills, and patterns provided, it is advisable to be able to
read notes, chord symbols, and rhythms. If you read poorly or not at all, we recommend that you pick up
a reading book and perhaps even get a reading coach. This can only help you in the long run and make
it easier to navigate throughout the content of this book.

Finally, at the conclusion of this book, we discuss tricks of the trade for the pop rock keyboard player
of today. We teach basic MIDI concepts, keyboard equipment information, and invaluable recording
concepts no player should be without.

Are you ready to get pop rocking?

Henry Sol-Eh Brewer and David Garfield

(From the introduction of 'Pop Rock Keyboards')