Beginners can make music at the piano and play musically even during the earliest phases of piano study, and this books shows how. Written for beginning adult students of any age, the book enables students to play gratifying music right away while continuing to develop their skills steadily, whether they are studying on their own or with an instructor. Throughout, the book features numerous Concepts to Consider (focusing on conceptual learning) and Activities to Explore (which build on the Concepts and emphasize ways to strengthen the kinesthetic aspects of learning). The author discusses nearly every aspect encountered by the beginner, from appropriate goals and good playing habits to the basics of how people learn and how the piano works. She provides a hands-on explanation of the characteristics of music playing and suggests specific strategies for using practice time effectively and for developing rhythmic security and technical control of sound. For students who to play as well as practice, this book is the ideal guide.