Alfred Music recently announced the USA launch of mastering the piano, the first series of books from Faber Music as part of their major new piano program: Lang Lang Piano Academy. The series will be distributed exclusively in North America, Canada and South America by Alfred Music. Mastering the piano comprises of five progressive books for teachers and students in which Lang Lang, one of the world’s most prolific and high-profile recording artists, explores and develops piano technique for young players. This is the first time Lang Lang has worked with a music publisher anywhere in the world and the distribution of this series initiates an ongoing collaboration between Lang Lang, Faber Music, and Alfred Music through the Lang Lang Piano Academy.
“We are thrilled to be working with Lang Lang on this major new initiative. His extraordinary talent and charisma have inspired millions to take up the piano,” said Kathryn Knight, Director of Publishing and Business Development, Faber Music Ltd. “Through the Lang Lang Piano Academy, he will have the chance to touch the lives of young pianists everywhere and to set them on their musical journeys.”
The five books in the mastering the piano series are progressive, ranging from established elementary to intermediate (Levels 1 to 5). The first three books (Levels 1-3) are now available and will be followed by two additional books (Levels 4-5) in October. Each book contains separate units that develop different aspects of piano technique through focused exercises and studies, as well as masterpieces by composers such as Bach, Beethoven, and Schumann. Students can pick and choose what they would like to focus on and tackle the units in whatever order they prefer.
The books also feature a selection of characterful world music, with arrangements hailing from around the globe, including Europe, Africa, Asia, and America. The series is illustrated in full color with photos of the pianist, and incorporates messages and tips from Lang Lang throughout, indicating the style and learning techniques he recommends.
With guidance from Lang Lang himself, mastering the piano provides an educational resource that captures his passion, drive, and unparalleled mastery of the piano, communicated in an accessible format. Additional supporting materials are available to download from the website www.langlangpianoacademy.com.
“The piano is my passion. Through the Lang Lang Piano Academy, I hope to inspire today’s kids to explore the piano and celebrate the wonderful world of music,” said Lang Lang. “There are no shortcuts to learning the piano and playing it well, but the journey along the way should be imaginative and rewarding, as well as challenging. My aim in this series is to develop a more creative way to study the piano that appeals to the next generation of pianists—wherever they are in the world!”
Lang Lang made his initial impact with US piano teachers while performing as the guest artist and conducting a Master Class at the 2008 Music Teachers National Conference in Denver, CO. Throughout his prestigious career, Lang Lang has remained passionate about the importance of inspiring new generations of young pianists, and the announcement of this new series comes at a time when Lang Lang is more committed than ever to his work on education projects and charitable activities. The remarkable reputation of Lang Lang as one of the world’s leading concert pianists precedes him and he was recently included in “Time 100,” Time Magazine’s annual list of the 100 Most Influential People in the World. He is credited with playing no small part in encouraging more than 40 million children in China to learn to play the instrument.
The mastering the piano series is now available at music retail stores and at alfred.com
