Unlock your creativity at the keyboard! Are you ready to begin a lifetime of enjoyable music making? This is a book about how to play the piano your way. Whether you're a novice, intermediate hobbyist or classically trained pianist, this book can help you play the piano "off page" in ways you never dreamed possible. How this series is different: Like other piano methods, you can expect to learn well-known tunes and delightful originals by reading written music. But Creative Chords takes learning to play the piano much further by giving you the tools to "do your own thing." The Interactive Practice Studio (IPS) provides access to amazing accompaniments ("backing tracks"), additional information about specific topics, and videos of the author demonstrating new techniques and concepts. Learn to: Read and play well-known melodies by ear; Improvise embellishments and variations; Add chords and "stock" accompaniment styles; Create full-sounding arrangements according to your own tastes and preferences. Prior experience improvising or playing jazz, blues, or popular music styles is not necessary. Only basic reading skills are needed. - Back cover.