The Contemporary Piano

Shockley, a respected composer and teacher, has written an excellent one-stop shop for all matters dealing with nontraditional uses of the piano. This is a modern-day performance practice manual similar to those written by composers dealing with performance practices of earlier eras. The author gives detailed instructions for composers—and, more important, players—of this music, which was created mostly during the 20th century and employs the piano in unusual ways. Following brief but useful introductory chapters about the construction and history of the piano, Shockley meticulously guides the reader through each topic—pedals, clusters, preparations, bowing, the piano as a percussion instrument, harmonics, muting, and even the toy piano. Highly recommended. * CHOICE *
This book is a welcome comprehensive guide to nontraditional techniques for the piano, and for pianists who are interested in playing repertoire which requires techniques and/or implements unfamiliar to both the instrument and to the performer. . . This book is a must-have resource for any performance pianist or orchestra playing contemporary music for the piano. * American Reference Books Annual *
Not since Richard Bunger’s seminal book on prepared piano in 1973 has anyone dared tackle the ever burgeoning topic of extended piano techniques. Alan Schockley’s new book is extensive, well researched and utterly necessary for any pianist preparing to explore the repertoire of our time. -- Vicki Ray, chair of Keyboard Studies, California Institute of the Arts
Alan Shockley’s new book will be indispensable to pianists who perform modern and contemporary music. We have long needed a guide this thorough, well-organized, and detailed, with plentiful examples from new and historical repertoire. -- Sarah Cahill, pianist, radio host, and faculty, San Francisco Conservatory of Music