Archive for the ‘Piano lessons’ Category

Three Ways Dads Can Encourage Piano Playing in Kids

Tuesday, June 30th, 2009

It’s an undisputable fact of life: kids learn by example. Both positive and negative behaviors are often learned and reinforced by a parent’s example. What better way to teach your child a skill, like piano playing, than by demonstrating it?

Dads have an extra important role to play when motivating kids to learn music. Children who are regularly exposed to music in the home are more likely to grow up musical. Kids with parents who actually play an instrument (like piano) have an even further edge.

Dad’s role is especially important when it comes to raising a budding pianist. Young children in particular look to their fathers as role models. They see Dad as omniscient, Herculean and heroic. Kids are natural imitators and will readily and willingly engage in an activity that Dad portrays as cool or fun.

Mothers, of course, can play a significant role in helping kids get excited about piano playing. The downside of having a mother who is musical when Dad isn’t is that it can send mixed messages. Children may view piano playing as a “girl” activity, at least at home.

Motivating a child to practice regularly is a chore at the best of times. Children are often even less excited about practicing when they know that their parents don’t play. It’s tough for kids to see the value in a musical education under these circumstances.

Dads can make a difference in the musical education of their children even if they’ve never played piano before. It’s never too late to learn something new. You might not become a virtuoso, but that’s not the point. The point is to show your child that piano playing is a valuable life skill.

Dads who haven’t previously taken piano lessons can get started by doing one or more of the following:

* Taking a parent/child piano class. Some music schools offer parent/child piano lessons. Many are actually founded on the philosophy that children learn best through active parent participation. Parent/child classes teach basic musical skills but also foster healthy interaction between parent and child. Plus, dads who never took piano lessons get to learn right along with their children.

* Take a self-tutorial. Piano tutorials are available in workbook and DVD form as well as online. Tutorials are self-directed and cover the basics like note reading and chords. Online tutorials sometimes have the added advantage of access to an online mentor. Self tutorials range in price. Many are free. Most courses cost between $25 and $100 for basic foundational skills. A dad can at least learn enough this way to understand what his child is learning. He may even be able to learn from his child.

* Take formal piano lessons. Remember, it’s not too late to learn. You don’t have to take classical piano either if that’s not your forte. Find an instructor who understands what your goal is: to lead your child by example. Your instructor can design a lesson plan that helps meet those needs without scaring you with long-winded classical pieces. He or she can teach you the basics and give you a great foundation for piano playing for and with your child.

Dads who master the basics of piano playing have another advantage that non-musical dads don’t. Pianist fathers have one more way to encourage kids to turn off the television and engage in something productive and beneficial. Impromptu family concerts, father/child duets or simply making up goofy songs together fosters relaxation, bonding and emotional health.

Tags:
Posted in Piano lessons | No Comments »

Piano Lessons: What Should They Include?

Friday, April 3rd, 2009

 

Piano lessons: what subjects should be included

There are a zillion piano teachers available, but by far the majority of them do

not cover all the basics of piano playing. They might teach you how to read music -

play the written music on a score or sheet music — but many of them leave out the

study of music theory, proper fingering, technique, chord studies, and so on.

Here is a list of subjects that should be included in piano lessons:

1. How to read music. It goes without saying that the ability to read music is one

of the top skills in piano playing, but often it is the only one covered.

2. Proper fingering of piano scale passages and chords.

3. Proper positioning at the keyboard for arms and fingers.

4. Development of a repetoire of piano songs in a variety of styles: classical,

pop, folk, etc.

5. The study of music theory including intervals, scales, chords, cadences, chord

progressions and etc.

6. At least a touch of arranging and improvisation so the student is not afraid to

venture away from the written music.

There are other subjects, but these six make a solid basis for long term piano

lessons.

Tags:
Posted in Chords & chord progressions, Piano lessons | No Comments »

Piano Instruction: Make Sure They Include Chords & Music Theory!

Tuesday, March 24th, 2009

 

 

Proper piano instruction is an element extremely vital to learning the instrument well. Though it’s very possible to be a self-taught piano player, piano lessons can really increase the speed and efficiency with which one learns the instrument. That’s not to say that great piano instruction makes great piano players overnight; even the most naturally talented pianists still play for years before they consider themselves advanced. But proper piano lesson instructions will maximize those years to the fullest and ensure that the student is learning the correct techniques.

Though teaching styles always vary from instructor to instructor, piano instruction generally covers the same basic areas: fingering, , music reading, scales, technique, and sight reading. The early lessons will cover fingering and posture, making sure the student knows how to hold his or her hands and where to put them on the keys; series of scales practiced repeatedly will be the basis of this area. Piano instruction will then move on to notation essentials, starting with the basics of notes and key signatures and time signatures and then moving forward to more advanced concepts in rhythm, tempo and dynamics.

Many of these concepts are introduced into the piano instruction while the student is learning to read music, a practice that runs through the entire course of the piano instruction. Teachers will assign short, easy pieces to kick start the student’s music reading knowledge and eventually move forward to more advanced pieces. Sight reading, the ability to play a piece of music without ever having seen it, is sometimes placed sporadically throughout the piano instruction, after a student is fairly well-versed in reading music.

One crucial element of piano playing that is often left out of traditional piano lessons is the study and practice of chords and music theory. To learn to read music without understanding the theory behind the music and the chords and chord progressions that form the music is almost like teaching a surgeon to cut without understanding the human anatomy and it’s interrelated parts. The student will be able to play the piano from a piece of sheet music, but take that music away or have it blow off the piano and he or she is immediately in big trouble.

There is a famous story about a lady who was a concert pianist and could impress people with her playing, yet when asked to play “Happy Birthday” at a party had to decline with great embarrassment because she didn’t have sheet music for the song handy. To be tied to the written music is a shame, when learning chords and music theory adds so much to the value of piano instruction.

Given a healthy dose of music theory and chord instruction mixed in, all of the other elements of piano instruction eventually begin to work hand in hand. Piano instruction then becomes an intricate web of gaining bits of detailed knowledge little by little and understanding the music that’s being played without fully realizing that it’s being gained.

Then playing the piano becomes more fun and a joyful event that can be shared with full understanding of the theory and form that lies behind each song.

Tags: , ,
Posted in Piano lessons, piano instruction | No Comments »

Beginning Piano Lessons: How To Get Started Playing Piano (Watch short video)

Tuesday, October 14th, 2008

Beginning Piano: How To Get Started

Maybe you’ve always wanted to learn to play the piano but never had the opportunity. Perhaps you’re a parent with a child who has expressed interest in the piano. The question is: where do you begin? How to start depends on your age and your goals.

First, you need to find a program of study that is age appropriate. For children, formal lessons are usually recommended. It’s important for kids to take at least three or four years worth of formal lessons. It usually takes that long to get a good grasp on the basics of technique, sight reading, and chord theory. After that, children will have a good foundation in music. They may choose to continue on, branching out in piano studies and honing those basics.  Or, they can use that foundation and apply it to learning another instrument.

Formal study with a piano teacher is usually recommended for children older than six. A wide variety of methods is directed at children.  Some have different emphases. Therefore, it’s important to research various methods to decide what type will be best for your child.

Younger children (ages three to six) usually do not fare well with formal lessons. If you want to start your children off early in piano, enroll them in a program developed specifically for preschool children. These types of piano programs take into account the physical and mental development of young children. They are less overwhelming and more engaging for the younger learner. Often they are group-style sessions rather than one-on-one.

Sometimes parent participation is encouraged or required. This helps to ensure that parents are able to reinforce the concepts that their children are taught. It also fosters the parent-child bond, strengthening it with a mutual appreciation for music.

For adults who are beginning piano there are a few options. Adults may choose to take formal lessons one-on-one with an instructor. Be sure to find a teacher who specializes in teaching adults or has at least worked with adults before.

Another option for adult beginners is group lessons. Music stores, community groups, educational institutions and even some private instructors may offer group lessons for adults. Students learn in a classroom-style setting with several other adults. Each person typically has his or her own keyboard on which to learn during class. Concepts are taught from the front by the instructor.

Another option for adult learners is to take a correspondence course or self-paced study. These types of programs are available for a fee in music stores, from a college or music school and on the Internet. In fact, many of these programs have DVD or software components to help visually reinforce the concepts taught in the manuals. In some ways it’s like having your own private piano teacher. Some curriculums even have live-study components via the Web in real time with an instructor.

If you are an adult beginner, set your goals. If you hope to pursue a higher level of study or want employment in the music business, then formal lessons are best. If you simply want to enrich your own personal life, correspondence studies or group lessons may be adequate. An added bonus with correspondence courses or self-directed study is that you are able to work at home at your own pace. This can be especially advantageous for the busy adult who can’t commit to regular, ongoing lessons.

So if you are a parent seeking a piano teacher for your child, make sure that he or she teaches music theory and chords along with sight reading, technique, and all the other basics. For adults with limited time for in-person lessons, look for a good course you can take at your own speed such as the Crash Course In Exciting Piano Playing for adults only.

Tags: , ,
Posted in Chords & chord progressions, Piano lessons | No Comments »

What Piano Method Does Your Piano Teacher Use?

Monday, October 13th, 2008

Learning to play the piano is about more than learning the names of notes. Students and parents have a variety of different piano methods to choose from. All teach the basics of playing piano. The differences lie in their respective emphases and their suitability for particular age groups and learning styles. While there are many methods, here are a few of the most common.

* The Suzuki method: This method of teaching piano originated in Japan in the mid 1900s. Shin’ichi Suzuki realized that children have the innate ability to learn whatever language is their “mother tongue.” This includes languages that are considered very difficult to learn when taken on in adulthood. Suzuki reasoned that children can learn to play an instrument in the same way. Like being immersed in a language from the moment of birth, immersion in music could also be instilled this way. Suzuki developed his piano curriculum in a manner that addressed the whole child. He desired to develop children who were not only skilled musicians, but noble citizens as well. In addition to formal lessons, the Suzuki method focuses on immersing the child in a musical culture. This includes listening to quality music at home, attending professional concerts, and meeting with other musicians. Of children who grow up learning the Suzuki method, a large percentage enters into careers in the music industry.

* Music for Young Children: This method is unique in that it incorporates parental involvement. Rather than merely dropping off a child at a lesson, parents actively participate in the child’s lesson. MYC builds upon the natural curiosity of a child by exposing children as young as three to different musical styles. Children are guided in exploring differences between types of music. Children are also encouraged to create their own compositions. Listening skills are stressed in MYC. It uses a multi-sensory approach to reinforce the concepts taught in class.

* The Bastien method: This method contains curriculum for both the child and the adult beginner. This is advantageous for those who never had the opportunity to take lessons in childhood. This method is not generally recommended for children younger than seven. It emphasizes good technique from the very first lesson. However, some professionals have criticized this method because of its over-emphasis on the five-finger method of playing. Students who study Bastien exclusively tend to learn to read notes more slowly than with other methods. The Bastien curriculum does incorporate graphics and colors that appeal to children.  Students who are exposed to this method should also be taught other methods as well.

* The Alfred method: Similar to the Bastien method, there is curriculum for both the adult and child beginner. The method has been around since the early 1900s.  Alfred has kept up with the times by expanding its curriculum to include software and CDs. Like Bastien, this method isn’t suitable for very young children. The method emphasizes intervals and chord progressions. Like Bastien, the tendency for students is to lag at learning to read notes. This curriculum may be best combined with other methods for a more rounded piano study.

* The Schaum method. This method has been around since the early 20th century.  John W. Schaum began teaching piano during the depression era. Eventually he founded his own music school. His teaching method focuses on sight reading, theory and proper technique. It also encourages music appreciation and introduces classical music beginning at the very earliest levels. The Schaum method is more suitable for older children.

All of these methods are available to most all piano teachers, so when you choose a piano teacher for your child, be sure to ask him or her which method they prefer, and why. Knowing where the teacher is coming from and the logic used to select a method will give you a strong hint about the compentency of the piano teacher.

Tags: , ,
Posted in Piano lessons | No Comments »

To PLAY In a Key, You Really Need To THINK In That Key

Tuesday, September 30th, 2008

To play in any given key, such as the key of A or the key of Db or any key, you really need to be able to think in that key.

When I was in college I spent one semester in Mexico City while attending Mexico City College and lived with a Mexican family. I had taken 4 year of Spanish in high school, but I certainly wasn’t great at speaking Spanish. But before the semester was up, I began to actually think in Spanish to some extent — certainly not very much, but some. And as a result, I could begin to converse more comfortably when I spoke to the locals.

And I could see that if I had spent a couple years there instead of just 3 months, I would be a lot further down the road in thinking in Spanish.

It’s the same with you when it comes to music.

You can probably think in the key of C — most piano players can, because that’s the key they almost always start in. And that’s fine. But if you had started in the key of Bb or E, you would be just as comfortable as you are in the key of C.

But there are 2 HUGE advantages in music over languages when it comes to thinking:

1. There are hundreds (probably thousands,if you count dialects) of languages. There are only 12 major keys.

2. Those languages have different alphabets in many cases. All keys in music use the same alphabet - A, B, C, D, E, F, and G. That’s it.

3. Language alphabets have many letters — English has 26, Greek has 24, Hebrew I believe has 27, and so on. And of course, the letters are not the same as in English.

So learning to think in all 12 major keys is not that hard compared to learning languages (in fact it is super easy compared to languages!). And since there are 12 months in the year, why not devote one month to learning the key of D, one month learning the key of Eb, and so on throughout the year? At the end of the year you’ll have a pretty good grasp of all 12 keys, and you’ll begin to think in those keys instead of fighting with the sharps and flats as perhaps you used to.

If you would like some help, go over to How To Think In All 12 Keys.

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Chords & chord progressions, Piano lessons | No Comments »

Piano Instruction: Formal Versus Informal

Wednesday, September 24th, 2008

Piano instruction -- formal or informal?

When you think of piano lessons, the mental picture you get might be of child sitting at a keyboard. The instructor is probably sitting next to the child, tapping out rhythm with a baton or pencil. While many do start as children taking piano instruction from a teacher, far more options are available today. Often this is good news for adults who never had the opportunity to take formal lessons as a child. If the idea of being scrutinized by a piano teacher makes you cringe, consider these other forms of piano instruction:

* Group lessons: Piano instruction takes place in a classroom-like setting. You’re usually in a group with several other students. Every student has their own keyboard, and the instructor teaches from the front. Group lessons are sometimes offered by music stores, community centers or schools. Often with group lessons, you sign up for a certain length of time (several weeks to a few months). With no pressure to sign on for long-term lessons, the commitment level required is low. Prices tend to be somewhat less expensive than private lessons too.

* DVD instruction: A plethora of DVD piano instruction curriculum is available for adult beginners and even advanced players. Topics range from learning basic notes and scales, to chord theory, specific music genres and more. Techniques are clearly demonstrated, making it easy to follow along. DVD piano curriculum ranges in price and often works out cheaper than taking private lessons. Plus, you can work at your own pace and on your own timeline. This method is not recommended for a child, as kids need a warm flesh and blood person sitting by them to help them with fingering and answer their questions.

* Internet lessons: There are a couple of options for Internet piano instruction. First, students can view video demonstrations and download curriculum and sheet music via an online music company. As with DVD instruction, you can work at your own pace. There’s no pressure to commit to anything long term. Another method is receiving live instruction via the Web. It’s similar to traditional piano lessons, except you see your instructor through a webcam. For this type of piano instruction, you must have a computer, or access to one, with Internet access. You’ll also need a webcam and an electronic keyboard or piano that is MIDI compatible. With either type of Internet lesson, you work in the comfort of your own home, and cost is usually less than traditional lessons.

* Instructional software: Similar to DVD instruction, you may also choose to purchase instructional software. This can be installed directly onto your computer. Piano lesson software is cost-efficient. And of course, you can work at home, at your own pace.

The type of piano instruction that you choose is largely dependent on your musical goals. Most piano instructors argue that traditional, one-on-one piano lessons are the only way to go. This is especially true if your goal is to become a professional musician or obtain some type of musical certification. It’s also important to note that one-on-one piano lessons are usually recommended for children over other methods of piano instruction. However, for adults who simply wish to enrich their personal lives or can’t afford regular lessons, these can be great alternatives to traditional piano lessons.

Tags: , , , , , , ,
Posted in Piano lessons | No Comments »

“I Took Piano Lessons As a Kid, But I’ve Forgotten Almost Everything…”

Thursday, September 18th, 2008

Adults can take up the piano
There are literally millions of adults today who took piano lessons when they were growing up, but at some point along the way gave them up. Some couldn’t care less, but many have an urge down deep to take up piano playing again someday.

Over the years I have never heard anyone say “I’m glad I never learned to play the piano”, but I have heard hundreds say something like “I sure wish I had paid attention when I was a kid”, or “My piano teacher was too strict (or too boring), but I would love to get back to the piano some day.”

And most people that feel that way have the “round-tuit” problem that we all have; they mean well, but the busyness of life distracts them from starting to play again. And they really don’t want to take lessons again from the little old lady down the street who can’t tell the Beatles from Beethoven. Plus it’s hard to work regular lessons into their already-packed schedule.

So what’s the solution?

There are two inter-related factors that when combined create an opportunity for adults such as this unlike any in history.

1. For the first time ever there is the world-wide web and all its endless and growing sources of information. Up to nearly 2000AD an individual was limited to the piano teachers of the region in which he or she lived. But it’s not so anymore. Many piano teachers have moved their teaching into the cyber world of the internet in the form of online lessons. Others have DVDs and CDs available in all aspects of piano playing, from the basics of a beginner to the improvisations of an advanced player. And they are easy to find, too. Simply type in phrases such as “piano lessons for adults” or “how to play the piano” or “I want to learn piano chords” into any search engine such as Google, and up pops a vast array of intriguing possibilities. (Try it — you’ll see!)

2. The second factor is one that has always existed, but until recent times has not been articulated well so that the average person could understand the concept. And that is simply that there are 3 different ways to learn to play the piano, and adults can pick one of the three, two of the three, or all three in any combination, and come out with a synergy far better than any one method alone.

The 3 methods are:

1. Reading music from the printed score. Well over 95% of all piano lessons revolve around the ability to read a piece of sheet music, and the technical facility to make your fingers do what your mind tells them to do. This is the traditional method of piano lessons; scales, drills, finger exercises, and practice reading endless pieces from the very first “Left thumb, right thumb” piece to the most advanced classical piece such as Beethoven’s “Moonlight Sonata” or Rachmaninoff’s “Prelude in C# minor”. And there are teachers online who can teach music reading. Search for them by typing in such phrases as “learn to read music” or “classical piano lessons online”.

2. Playing by ear. There are a very few individuals who can really play by ear, but they don’t need our help — they can play what they want any way they want. Playing by ear can be taught to some degree, but anyone who thinks they can end up playing like Ray Charles is kidding himself or herself. Still, normal individuals can learn to pick out a tune by ear and then match a chord to that melody, and eventually entertain themselves and others while having a ball.

3. Playing from chord symbols. Many professional pianists — especially jazz pianists — use “fake books”. Fake books are collections of songs in a “lead sheet” format, which means the melody of the song plus the chord symbols that go with the melody. To learn this form of playing you will need to learn chords — at least enough to play the songs you want to play — and you will need to learn to read the tune of the song in the treble clef — a skill much easier than learning to read masses of notes in both the treble and bass clefs.

Most people don’t even know that this form of playing exists, or if they do, they thing it is limited to pros. Not so. It is a straightforward process and produces good results after a relatively short period of time. In other words, you’ll be playing enough to enjoy yourself and maybe amaze your friends in a matter of weeks instead of years.

All of these methods are viable, and all can be learned from piano teachers online. But probably the best way of all is a synergy of the 3 ways: learn to read sheet music, develop your ear, and learn chords and how to use chord symbols to create your own styles of music.

Which ever method you pick is fine — just pick one and get going. A world of fun and satisfaction await!

For more information on the 3 methods adults can learn how to play the piano, watch my free short 5-minute video titled “I want to get back to piano playing!”

To get started come on over to the Play Piano Catalog

Tags: , , , , , , ,
Posted in Chords & chord progressions, Piano lessons | No Comments »

Some of the top piano schools in the world are right here in the US

Wednesday, September 3rd, 2008

Berklee School of Music

For those who want to pursue a career in piano, the options for training are diverse. There are a number of quality schools available in the United States and some abroad too.

* Juilliard: The Juilliard School in New York has a reputation as one of the best music schools in the world. In addition to piano and other instruments, students can also focus on dance and drama. The institution was founded in 1905 by Dr. Frank Damrosch. Damrosch was a musical prodigy and the godson of Hungarian pianist and composer Franz Liszt. A New Yorker, Damrosch bemoaned the idea that American musicians had to leave the U.S. for advanced training. He began with a modest idea to accept 100 students. Instead, he was overwhelmed by the demand for spaces in his school. Thanks to wealthy benefactor Augustus D. Juilliard, the school increased its space and programs beginning in 1919. Today the school seeks to provide high caliber training and experience in music. Juilliard prides itself in turning out some of the profession’s best leaders. Jazz pianist Chick Corea is one of Juilliard’s famous alumni.

* The Eastman School of Music is a music conservatory located in Rochester, New York. The school is considered among the most prestigious music institutions in the world. Centrally located downtown in the metropolitan city of Rochester, New York, The University of Rochester’s Eastman School of Music has been named the “Hottest Music School” in the 2008 Kaplan/Newsweek “How to Get into College” guide. A good friend of mine and former conductor of the Rogue Valley Symphony Orchestra is a graduate of Eastman.

* Berklee: The Berklee College of Music in Boston focuses on training musicians in contemporary music. Students have 12 majors to choose from, including songwriting, music therapy and more. Berklee’s programs offer very unique courses and instructors. There are also numerous opportunities for development outside of the classroom. Berklee College boasts the largest percentage of undergraduate students from outside the U.S. compared to all other American colleges and universities. This diversity enriches students both personally and academically. Some of Berklee’s famous grads include jazz pianist and singer Diana Krall and jazz pianist Danilo Perez.

* Royal College: The Royal College of Music in London attracts both British and International students. Its rich history begins in 1882. It was founded by the Prince of Wales (Edward VII) and is still closely associated with the British royal family. Close to 50 nations are represented within its student body. Most are drawn to Royal College because of its stellar reputation in the music industry around the world. It strives to turn out the world’s most skilled musicians. It counts among its alumni such famous graduates as composer Andrew Lloyd Webber and pianist Clifford Benson.

* New England Conservatory: Located in Boston, the NEC is ranked in the top five music schools in the United States. One-on-one interaction between individual students and faculty mentors is a central focus. This helps to ensure a high quality education that addresses the strengths of the individual. The NEC offers programs from the undergraduate to the doctoral level. Its Professional Piano Training Program is a unique study major, offering intensive training for career-driven piano students. Famous NEC alumni include jazz pianists Fred Hersch and Cecil Taylor.

* Curtis: The Curtis Institute of Music of Philadelphia sets itself apart from most every premier music school in the world. This is because every student receives a full tuition scholarship. Founder Mary Louise Curtis Bok envisioned an institution where finances were not a barrier. Potential students are instead judged solely on artistic merit and promise. Curtis typically admits fewer than 200 students per year. The school’s philosophy states that students learn by “doing.” To fulfill this mandate, it offers frequent opportunities for students to perform, both within in the community and abroad. It has a notable reputation for turning out exceptional professional musicians. American pianists Jonathon Biss and Richard Goode are two of Curtis’ famous alumni.

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Piano lessons | No Comments »

Do you know about our online catalog for piano players?

Monday, August 18th, 2008

Online catalog for PlayPiano.com

Do you know about our online catalog for piano players? It is a rich resource for all kinds and levels of piano players, covering everything from chords to music theory to arranging, technique, practice, styles, and tons more. Visit it at Play Piano Online Catalog

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Piano lessons | No Comments »

Have You Ever Had “Piano Lessons from Hell”?

Tuesday, August 5th, 2008

Piano lessons from Hell...

Does the idea of taking piano lessons make you cringe? Does it make you remember some old lady beating you over the knuckles with a ruler when you were eight years old for not practicing your scales enough? Do you think back to the old woman with thirty-three cats that stunk of urine and cheap perfume that your mother made you learn scales from when you were a child?

Now that you are an adult you don’t have to be traumatized any more. Simply dissociate your bad experiences and learn how to play piano online. That way, you’ll never have to smell a smelly piano teacher again.

Know that you are not alone out there. I remember taking the piano lessons from Hell when I was in elementary school — about the 2nd grade or so. My instructor, we’ll call her Wilma (mainly because that was her name) was in her eighties — at least it seemed that way to me — she might have been much younger than that. She reminded me of the wicked witch of the West, with her long crooked fingers and a sharp nose. Looking back, I’m fairly certain that she ended up teaching piano lessons to children because she needed the money.

My piano lessons took place in a music shop that seemed ordinary enough from the selling floor. Once you entered the back room for lessons, however, you were overwhelmed by the stench of urine and cigarette smoke. Apparently, Wilma wasn’t so hot at keeping her area neat and tidy. If she only knew that a little bit of Lysol goes a long way, my nose would have been so grateful!

After a few minutes, I would get used to the smell. At least, I would become less horrified by it the more I was forced to breathe it in. What I simply couldn’t get over, however, was the giant growth on Wilmas’ hand. Yes, a huge tumor-like growth joined me and Wilma every Tuesday afternoon for lessons. It was about the size of a quarter, and since she was my piano teacher, I was forced to stare at it for a hour every week. There was simply no avoiding the sight of that awful, purplish thing that seemed to be getting larger every time I visited. How any 7-year-old can be expected to concentrate on music lessons while being forced to stare at an anomaly straight out of a medical textbook - or perhaps even a science-fiction show, considering the size of it - I have no idea. And she used that hand to slap my fingers when they didn’t play the correct note, or I didn’t have them in the shape she wanted.

But, I really wanted to learn to play piano. So, I suffered through the piano lessons from Hell for a little under a year before my folks switched me to another teacher. What do I remember from my lessons from Wilma? I most remember the trauma of being forced to play music that seemed old and boring to me at the side of an old crotchety lady whose goal in life seemed to be to make the lives of little boys miserable

Perhaps your piano lessons from Hell were a bit less traumatizing. But still, who wants to make the effort to leave the house when you can teach yourself by studying online? Such a luxury would have made my 7-year old musical life immeasurably more pleasant, and perhaps I’d even be a better piano player for it. (Presuming, of course, that I had the discipline to take advantage of it!)

So, if you’ve had bad experiences with piano lessons in the past, you can still learn to play without that weekly feeling of dread. With the advent of the Internet, you no longer need to hunt down an expensive instructor. Simply look for a great course online, and start plunking your way toward your true destiny as a piano virtuoso. Even if you only end up a virtuoso in your own home, you’ll be amazed by how quickly and easily you can learn to play piano online at your own pace.

Enjoy the comforts of your own home as you learn, and trust me, your knuckles will thank you for the absence of piano teachers slapping them around if you miss a few practice sessions.

PS Having been a piano teacher for many years, I am well aware that there are many wonderful teachers who lovingly teach kids. But I also have heard a few horror stories over the years…

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Piano lessons | No Comments »

Google list of piano courses

Friday, August 1st, 2008

How To Play Piano By Ear

Google just listed some of our piano courses in their data base to make finding them easy. It’s a pretty neet listing of about 129 of our courses. Go to:

Google Base Listing Of Piano Courses

Tags:
Posted in Chords & chord progressions, Piano lessons | 1 Comment »

Piano Lessons in PDFs With Embedded Audio & Video Are Here to Stay

Wednesday, July 23rd, 2008

PDF piano course

Does anyone still doubt that the Internet has deeply changed practically every aspect of modern life? Even people who usually resist technological change have to admit that this is true, even if grudgingly. I am one of those people who had been hearing the words “email” and “website” for years before I even had a real idea of what they meant. As a piano teacher who has, more recently, greatly benefited from these new technologies, I can now admit that I should have paid attention to these new technologies much earlier.

Of course, I still have misgivings about certain aspects of the Web. Still, as far as music is concerned, we have no choice but to accept the changes. Anyone can see that the revolutions which have taken place in the music recording industry, thanks to mp3s, file sharing software, and social networking websites are huge, and that there is now no going back to the old ways.

Thanks to PDFs and other Web-based publishing formats, the same is true of music instruction and notation. Like the recording industry, the world of music instruction is changing dramatically. It’s not my place to say whether these developments are good or bad. Whatever they are, they are here to stay, so it’s best for us recovering Luddites to accept these changes and move on.

The PDF format has been around since the mid 1990s, but as a format for music notation and instruction, it has only recently arrived. Whether or not we are completely familiar with what a PDF is, thee format is the future of online music publication, and countless music instructors and students alike are even now using PDFs for a variety of musical purposes.

In short, PDF stands for “portable document format.” It was created by the Adobe software company in 1993, and its purpose is to resemble, as closely as possible, real-life documents. Unlike programs such Microsoft Word, which is basically a word-processing program, Adobe’s software focuses on the two-dimensional presentation of words, pictures, symbols, and other graphics on a page. In this light, it’s easy to understand why PDFs are perfect for music notation. Obviously, it’s practically impossible to create music notation in a word processing document; PDFs provide a highly functional alternative.

Piano PDFs are a story unto themselves. As one of the most popular instruments in the history of the world, piano is at the center of the current boom in music lessons for adults. Naturally, many busy adult pianists have turned to the Web to provide instructions and guidance through the difficult process of learning piano. In an overwhelmingly large number of cases, PDF is the preferred format for Web-based music instructors, as well as those individuals whose hard work is giving us rapidly growing databases of music that was previously only available in real-world books. Instead, now there are PDF’s that have video and audio embedded, so it is in essence just like a web page.

So, when you are looking for an online piano instruction service to use, any instructor who uses PDFs is a good bet. This shows that he or she has kept up with emerging technologies and cares about providing a high-quality learning experience for students.

At the same time, if you plan to continue your piano instruction to advanced levels, it becomes more and more important to familiarize yourself with the PDF format. After all, soon you will be proficient enough to seek out pieces to play that are not directly related toy our music instruction. When this time comes, you will want to use one of the many vast online databases of musical pieces, many of which use exclusively piano PDFs.

Tags: , , , , , , ,
Posted in Piano lessons | No Comments »

Beginning Piano Lessons Online: Useful, But Beware!

Friday, July 18th, 2008

Beginning Piano Lessons Online

When learning how to play piano, free opportunities present themselves all over the Internet. Most notably, many websites offer quick step-by-step lessons, as well as free online sheet music, which beginning pianists can use to learn how to play piano at no cost. Obviously, like any free service, these should be approached with caution, and many should be taken with a grain of salt.

After all, they are free for a reason. In spite of everything the Internet has to offer, most of the best ways to learn piano still involve paying money to a highly qualified professional instructor of some kind.

Whether you are learning how to play piano using free lessons, or you are using a pay service, any high-quality learning process begins with the fundamentals. It is one thing to show a few diagrams and to instruct the beginning pianist where to put her fingers; it is quite another thing to instill in the pianist’s mind a real understanding of the structures, systems, and theories that every great piano player must have internalized.

Thus, when learning how to play piano, free or through a pay service, make sure that the instructions use real musical terms, rather than downgraded proxy terms. That is, for example, an instruction shouldn’t refer to notes on the piano as numbers or as fingers; instead, the instruction should use the actual names of the notes — C, D, B flat, G sharp, and so on.

In other words, a beginning pianist wants to internalize the fundamentals of music as early as possible. If you feel like your ability to play music is proceeding faster than your actual knowledge of piano and music, then there is something wrong with your instruction. Both the skills and the knowledge should go hand in hand.

When starting out, the budding pianist can expect to be assigned a lot of repetitive tasks. She will have to play a lot of scales, arpeggios, and simple songs that are designed to help piano students master the complex methods of keyboard fingering. This is normal, and in fact, it is necessary. Any piano lesson program that doesn’t involve a lot of repetitive tasks is probably not the best way to learn how to play piano. Free lesson plans are often guilty of this.

This repetition is what leads a lot of beginning pianists to give up very early, but for the more persistent, things do get better. After a while, when you have internalized the fingering techniques that every pianist must master, songs will grow more complex, and then the repetition becomes a joy. For pianists who are a little further along in the learning process, there is nothing more pleasurable than opening a book to a seemingly incomprehensible notation and working at it until it becomes a beautiful piece of music.

For now, though, most of the songs played by beginners are relatively simple and straightforward, not involving a lot of sharps or flats, and not requiring the pianist to move her hands around a lot. In fact, most songs will be in the easiest key — C major — and won’t deviate from standard hand positions.

Of course, this will all change when you begin to learn about more complex chords, more difficult keys, and more convoluted melodic structures. Once the basics are learned, it won’t take long before these fun elements come into play.

In short, what I have been driving at is that starting to learn the piano rarely offers instant gratification. When learning how to play the piano, free services tend to offer unrealistic, quick goals. In reality, learning piano is a gradual process that involves lots of practice, lots of repetition, and a strong commitment on the part of the pianist.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Chords & chord progressions, Piano lessons | No Comments »

Piano related stuff you may have missed…

Wednesday, July 16th, 2008

Here are a couple articles I have written recently that do NOT appear in my blog, so you may have missed them. If any of them interest you, take a look:

Play music! The absolute joy of playing music!

Middle C — The Piano Key That Lauched a Million Careers!

Play notes on the piano keyboard using all 88 piano keys.

Read music! Secrets of music reading and speed sight reading.

Chromatic and whole tone scales

Tags:
Posted in Piano lessons | No Comments »

Piano Study Is for Adults Too!

Saturday, July 12th, 2008

Adults can learn to play the piano too!

If music in general and piano in particular interests you, then now is the time to begin. When it comes to learning the piano, age is no barrier. If you truly desire to learn the instrument, you will apply yourself accordingly no matter what your age.

While we do absorb information like sponges in our formative years, we do not necessarily have the deep interest and sense of commitment that we do as we mature. That’s why adulthood is a great time to learn a new activity, such as the piano. Think of it, you are making a conscious, independent decision to develop a new skill. No one is telling you, or making you, take lessons. You are studying the piano because you want to study the piano.

We tend to throw ourselves with verve into activities that interest us. That’s why, if you have the interest, you can learn the piano from scratch in adulthood. Music is a great avenue for creative expression. In our fast-paced lives, learning to create music may be exactly what you need as a break from your daily routine.

The approach you take to learning the piano is important when you’re an adult. In our jobs, we tend to work at a harried pace and often expect immediate results. This attitude can spill over into our music study. If you desire to learn the piano, you have to take a systematic approach and set reasonable goals.

Decide whether you want to take private lessons or self-teach. You might want to take a few lessons to get the basics down and then continue study on your own. You may choose to do web-based studies. Whatever learning method you choose will only take you as far as your attitude does.
To succeed at learning the piano from scratch, as an adult, consider these suggestions:

* Have fun. You didn’t decide to take piano to add extra stress to your life. If you miss a day of practice, big deal; it means you missed a day of practice. Besides, you don’t want to practice seven days a week. Piano is an interest, not your career.

* Take the first step; don’t try to take five steps at once. Learn a concept or element, practice it, and then move to the next step. Trying to leapfrog steps because you’re in a hurry to get to Moonlight Sonata by Beethoven will only get you frustrated. Frustration leads to giving up your dream.

* Set reasonable goals. Remember, you’re new to this and you may feel overwhelmed with all that piano playing entails. Set a daily goal and focus on that alone. Do the same the next day.

* Get tips and ideas from other adults who successfully undertook piano studies. Ask them what worked best for them and what pitfalls to avoid. You will gain valuable insight into proper study methods. You will have someone you can bounce ideas off who can relate to what you’re doing.

* As you progress beyond the basics, make sure you gravitate to music you enjoy, not just music the lessons tell you to play. You will continue with a lifelong study of the piano if you learn to play your favorite music.

Learning to play the piano is not just for children and teens. It is a creative pursuit for all ages. Decide today to begin your study of the piano – it will be music to your ears for tomorrow and beyond.

Tags: , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Piano lessons | No Comments »