As its title implies, this anthology consists of materials that are essential aids to learning for those who wish to make music and for whom the piano is a chosen means of musical expression. Making music is our birthright, and nothing else can satisfy this need. You are about to embark on an exciting adventure! In the words of the wonderful and inspiring pianist and teacher Arminda Canteros, with whom I studied many years ago, “Playing the piano is like love. The more you give to it, the more that comes back, which then grows your love to give again.” I sincerely hope that the spiritual uplift that can be yours through playing the piano will allow for this loop of love to take hold as it has for me and countless others who have taken solace, expressed joy, celebrated happy occasions, entertained, and simply had fun through contact with the piano’s wonderful keys–keys to happiness, keys to fulfillment, and keys to living.