Learning a New Musical Instrument

Maybe the beginning months of learning something new are not always soothing, but as time goes on, the newly learned ability to make music can provide endless hours of great pleasure. Here in the Music Department at the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, we have hundreds of books, scores and DVDs that enable you to learn an instrument on your own. Here is a small sampling of what’s available in our DVD collection - one-on-one with inspiring teachers in the privacy of your own home.

DVDs

Getting Started on Drums
Instructor, Tommy Igoe.
DVD MT 662.8 .G48 2001x

Hammer Dulcimer
A Comprehensive Beginner’s Course
Instructor, John McCutcheon.
DVD MT 717.8 .H36 2004x

I Love the Trumpet
Instructor, Warren Vache.
DVD MT 448 .V33 2004x

The Joy of Uke: a hands-on guide to the ukulele
Instructor, Jumpin' Jim Beloff ; special guests, Travis Harrelson, Poncie Ponce, Ian Whitcomb.
DVD MT 645.8 .J69 2003x

Learn to Play Cajun Accordion: Starting Out
Instructor, Dirk Powell.
DVD MT 681.8 .L43 2005x

Learning Bluegrass Fiddle 1-2
Instructor, Kenny Kosek.
DVD MT 279.5 .L43 2004x

Old-time Banjo Clawhammer Style
Instructor, Frank Lee.
DVD MT 568 .O43 2005x

Play Guitar Today!
Instructor, Doug Boduch.
DVD MT 588 .P591 2003x

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Books/Scores

If DVDs are not your chosen way to introduce yourself to a new instrument, check out this small selection from the many instructional books and scores we have on the shelves. Most are well illustrated and some come with an accompanying CD.

Complete Idiot’s Guide to Playing the Harmonica
by William Melton and Randy Weinstein.
qMT 682.8 .M45 2006x

Discovering Rock Guitar: An Introduction to Rock and Pop Styles, Techniques, Sounds and Equipment
by Hugh Burns.
qMT 588 .B93 2008x

How to Yodel "The Cowboy Way"
by Rudy Robbins and Shirley Field.
qMT 855 .R63 1997x

Improvisation Step by Step: Improvising Classical Music on Piano
by Misha V. Stefanuk.
qMT68 .S729 2008x

The Piano: an illustrated step-by-step instructional guide
by Frank Cappelli.
qMT 224 .C29 2007