African Piano Series Beginners Level 2
Author: Kwasi Gyebi-Tweneboah
ISMN 979 – 0 – 9008043 – 9 – 6
DOI: 10.38159/npub.eb2024502
Published: 10th May, 2024.
Music has always been an integral part of the life of the African. From the day a child is born, till the person’s death, music plays a critical role through the rites of passage and other important functions. Given this, learning about musical instruments is critical to African society. The piano, although not African in origin, has come to stay and has become part and parcel of African society since its introduction to Africa.
Although the above statement in itself is true, few piano tutors focus on African centered rhythms. The book consists of short piano pieces to introduce beginners to the basic rhythms of African origin.
All songs and arrangements unless otherwise stated were composed by the author. This book seeks to introduce the learner to very simple rhythms to begin the life of the African Musician on the piano. The Pieces are carefully composed to help the learner with the basics of piano playing. I hope that this book will help bring out the musical talents of young musicians in Africa and beyond.
Kwasi Gyebi-Tweneboah,
2024.
At a time like this when instrumental music practice is on the rise with many students accessing schools, private lessons and even self-tutoring, the need for teaching material and resources cannot be overemphasized. Of chief importance is that aspect where elements of African/Ghanaian traditional music are inculcated into teaching materials or resources. It is on this note that we welcome you to “The African Piano Series (Beginners level 2)”.
The “African Piano Tutor (Beginners level 2)” as a collection of carefully curated miniature piano pieces, offers the developing pianist a great introduction or continuation of study, specifically in certain rhythms peculiar to African music practices.
Self-styled as short “etudes” or practice on specific rhythms, these pieces emphasize these particular rhythms as a way of reinforcing their interpretation, mastery and coordination between both hands on the piano. In this book, you will find original compositions such as “Abrewa”, “Asesedwa”, “Santrofie” and arrangement of a traditional song like “Adwoa Taa”.
The pieces are exciting and offer a good approach to preparation for works that feature these rhythms found in African music practices. It will be extremely useful to students of African Pianism works and students of Piano studies across the music schools in Ghana and beyond.
The brevity and repetition of practice applied in the book ensures that students find it easier to play these rhythms. Care must be taken to follow all directions on the pieces to enable the student derive all the necessary skills intended.
Of more worthy note will be the concept of individual practice of separate hands and the effective combination of both hands, slowly. Speed can be developed over time as the rhythms are well interpretated.
The joy of playing the piano or keyboard comes with its own challenges. As a student of the instrument, you must constantly motivate and challenge yourself, without excuse. Nothing is beyond your abilities and remember that you are just a practice away from developing towards your goal of mastery.
I commend the author, Kwasi Gyebi-Tweneboah, for this bold effort of composing and putting this great resource together.
To you, the learner: It is my fervent hope that this book will bring joy to you as you practice each piece, day by day, and assist you to become an excellent pianist. to be the best pianist.
Happy playing!
Edwin Ekow Annan Ferguson (Dip. ABRSM)
Lecturer: University of Education, Winneba
Department of Music Education,
School of Creative Arts.
6th April,2024
Gyebi-Tweneboah Kwasi is a native of Bonwire and had his early introduction to music through his father, Maxwell Tweneboah Kodua who was an organist and a guitarist at an early age. In primary school at St. Georges International School, Kumasi, he had the opportunity to learn how to play the piano from Kwame Asare Bediako (John K.). In the same school, he was also introduced to trumpet play. Due to his love for music, he joined New Creation, a contemporary gospel band group as a lead guitarist. It was at this stage that his musical talent blossomed. He had his secondary school education at Kumasi Academy. There, he was the choirmaster and organist of the school. He was also the president of Gospel Waves which was a contemporary gospel group in the Scripture Union.
After secondary school, he had the opportunity to attend the University of Education, Winneba where he studied for his Bachelor of Education,Music. His major instrument when he was studying at Winneba was the piano. During and after school he worked with a lot of institutions that taught beginners how to play the piano. He has also worked with Manieson Christian Academy, The Piano Lab, and J.B. Music Academy in South Africa. In all these institutions, he was a piano Instructor.
He is currently a freelance piano instructor and a sound engineer.
Gyebi-Tweneboah, Kwasi. African Piano Series Beginners Level 2 (Accra: Noyam, 2024).