They say you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover. Whoever “they” is. However, if you did so in regards to Rebekah Maxner’s newest piano book for early elementary students, Rock the Boat, you’d be justified. Every piece is as delightful as the colorful illustration on the cover suggests!
The student parts are truly simple to learn – whether by reading or by rote – yet capture a mature and musical sound that is sure to make every student feel like an accomplished pianist. I started playing the pieces as my 15-year old daughter walked into the studio and she promptly sat down to play through them with me. After one run-through of “The Smallest Piece” she exclaimed, “I like that one!” and we played through it several more times for fun. In fact, we even decided to record it for you. 🙂
Isn’t it lovely? The book’s namesake, Rock the Boat, is 30 seconds of fast-paced fun and frolicking! The student part primarily uses open 5ths in the left hand while the right hand sticks to the notes of the d-minor pentascale. (For this one, I thought I’d show off my new keyboard that I got this summer and absolutely love!)
A completely different style from The Smallest Piece, but equally enjoyable to play. One of my personal commitments as a teacher is to assign music to my students that I also love. If I’m bored or disinterested in a piece it will be hard for me to pass on a love for learning and playing it to my students. This collection of seaworthy songs is a welcome addition to our studio library and I know it will be enjoyed for many years to come. (Not to mention, it’s also the perfect companion to the Beat the Pirates practice incentive theme or for anyone planning a pirate-themed piano recital!) Visit Rebekah’s introduction to this latest book on her blog for some great insight into each piece.
Now, for the best part…Rebekah has generously offered to giveaway one copy of Rock the Boat to a Music Matters Blog reader! Just leave a comment below to be entered in the drawing to win. One winner will be chosen using a random number generator at noon (CST) on Friday, September 20, 2019!
Andrew J. Young says
Just listened to some of the other audios from Rebekah Maxner’s website. Really enjoy the melodies with the fun duets. A must have for the studio. I’m always looking for smaller songs for the students to learn, where they are able to play them confidently in a small amount of time. Great job Rebekah for creating music students will love. Thanks Natalie for sharing.
Carmen Roberts says
It’s always a plus when there is a duet part! Sounds great, and I will be looking at her other music as well.
Alice Corbett says
Sounds great!
Linda says
This looks like the perfect book for students who have problems with note reading. Has lots of pieces with just the basic notes around Middle C
Lavinia Livingston says
Delightful! I can see that this would spark joy and excitement: music that students want to play.
Mary Smith says
I would love to have this for some of my students!
Candace says
Oh that does look fun!
Cathy says
I was just recently introduced to Rebekah’s books, enjoying so far! Would love to add this one as well, my students would love it!
Kathy Beemer says
Awesome giveaway!!! I listened to both of the ‘samples’ and I believe my girl AND boy students would love this music.
Karen says
Sounds fun
Jennifer Smith says
This looks like a great book. Would love to have a copy for my studio.
Lisa says
So many of my students would love this book!
Melanie says
I’d love this book for my students!
Brenda P says
I have several of Rebekah’s books and would love to add this to my collection. Her pieces are well crafted, imaginative and appealing. The duets are a bonus!
Heidi Neal says
I love finding music like this that sounds so artistic and engaging yet still uses simple enough rhythms that beginners can enjoy it!
Tony says
I love this new book! ROCK THIS TOWN is coming 1/1/20 from Hantsport’s NOTEKIDDS and RED LEAF. It features 10 pieces like the D Dorian Swedish Pop IN A JAM and the tight harmony jazz of BLACK TIE SHOWDOWN in B Flat Minor.
Allison says
This looks like a fun resource for students!
Ria says
Hi – I love this! 😉
Juanita Stauffer says
I’ve been reading her blog and thinking about getting this book so this is great!