So, you want to learn how to play piano. So do thousands of others around the world. Here’s how they usually go about it.
First, they try to find a piano teacher close to where they live. They may or may not know what style they want to learn, but figure the piano teacher can help them figure this out.
Next, it’s off to the piano teacher for the first appointment. What usually happens here is the teacher gives the student “an assessment” to see what they know. Now, for the most part, piano teachers won’t ask prospective students what they want to learn because they assume it will be classical in nature.
The benefits for the piano teacher in teaching the classical method are enormous! First, students must learn how to read music and this can take anywhere from 1-month to 1 year depending on how fast a learner the student is. Second, students learn classical repertoire and this can literally take forever. As this is happening over time, the student becomes a piano player who can read sheet music and play the music of dead composers reasonably well. That’s the goal anyway.
The student at this point may have spent thousands of dollars learning how to do this thus increasing the piano teachers income. What a great deal for the piano teacher! But what about the student?
Listen, if your goal is to learn how to note-read and play other peoples music for fun then that is what you should do. But if you’re interested in a more creative approach to piano playing, you may want to seek out a teacher who will show you how to play piano using a chord-based approach. Here’s why:
- Time spent learning is greatly reduced. Listen to this… you can learn most chords on the piano within one month’s time. You won’t be an expert at it, but you’ll know enough to get around on the piano. This puts you light years ahead of your classical playing counterparts.
- Musicianship is quickly realized. Do you know that most classical players don’t have a clue how what they are playing was created? That’s right! They just play the notes like a typist and never understand the mystery behind the music. Now, if you learn chords, inevitably, you’re going to learn about chord charts and once you learn how to “chart out music,” you’ll be thinking like a composer. You’ll be quantum leaps ahead of most classically trained musicians.
Look, if you really want to learn how to play piano fast, learn a chord-based approach first. You can always learn note reading later on.
Edward Weiss is a pianist/composer and webmaster of Quiescence Music’s online piano lessons. He has been helping students learn how to play piano in the New Age style for over 14 years and works with students in private, in groups, and now over the internet. Stop by now at http://www.quiescencemusic.com/piano_lessons.html for a FREE piano lesson!
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There is no better time than the New Year to begin piano lessons. If you have been thinking of enrolling your child in piano lessons, don’t wait because piano lessons have valuable educational benefits for young children. Parents know this, but the most common excuse given is “we don’t have room in our home for a piano.” This is an old fashioned excuse, because modern pianos come in all sizes. Just review the list of options below and make your decision today.
1. 76 key Portable Keyboard with Stand with Bench - Not a full size piano, but your beginner can practice on this for several years. It’s light weight, you can set it up anywhere, store it in the coat closet if you have to, and easily take it to grandma’s house. Get one with touch-sensitivity. I recommend a Yamaha because of the beautiful tone they have. Invest in a $20 portable bench also, because posture is especially important for beginners.
2. Full-size Portable Keyboard with Stand with Bench - This is an 88 key, full piano keyboard, but without the case. You just set it up on a stand anywhere, anytime. It is heavier, but still very portable and takes up a minimum amount of space. The Yamaha’s and Casio PX100 are great for beginners.
3. Acoustical Piano’s Now Come in All Sizes - Don’t be afraid to explore this possibility. You can find a size that is not much bigger than a full-size keyboard. It won’t be portable, but it also won’t be the two-ton, back-breaking monster to move that your great grandmother had either. And it won’t take up nearly the space. Acoustical pianos can also be rented to give you a chance to try it in your home first.
4. A Beautiful Grand Piano Can’t be Matched for Playing Enjoyment and Artistry - If you’re looking for a family heirloom your children can pass along to your grandkids make this investment. Grand pianos hold their value if you care for them and can even increase in value. Grand pianos also come in different sizes from 5 feet to 9 feet, as well as any wood tone, lacquered finish, and style to match your home décor.
Start your New Year by purchasing a piano that’s right for your home, and you and your children will enjoy the benefits for years to come.
For great home piano activities parents can use to help children ages 5 to 11 develop their musical talent, visit Piano Adventure Bears Music Education Resources You’ll find a treasure box filled with piano resources to create an exciting musical adventure for your child - right in your own home! Visit their website and subscribe to their f’ree internet newsletter so you can download f’ree piano sheet music and mp3s of original piano compositions.
These exciting stories, games, piano lessons, and inspirational gifts feature the Piano Adventure Bears, Mrs. Treble Beary and her new piano student, Albeart Littlebud. Young students follow along with Albeart to learn what piano lessons are all about in a fun way that kids readily understand appreciate. Click here to visit PianoAdventureBears.com For a wealth of information about piano lessons, visit tallypiano.com
Long known for his passionate songs about love and life, Eros delivers another fine album to add to his already impressive resume with the release of Eros.
Here are some of my favorite songs:
Ma che bello questo amore
This is probably my favorite song as it is about the transformations that one goes through when someone falls in love - how it can arrive unexpectedly and out of the blue (”a volte agisce di nascosto”) and how even a hug can melt away the iciest of nights (”e le notti di ghiaccio si puo’ scogliere in un abbraccio”). This song is very upbeat even though it has a couple of tempo changes.
Musica E’
Two different styles come together harmoniously in this duet with Andrea Boccelli. This sounds more like an opera as it sounds like a couple of different songs, but it all comes together very nicely. This song is somewhat similar to Queen’s Bohemian’s Rhapsody in how it changes / flows through the differents parts of the song. There are even a couple of nice piano solos.
Terra Promessa
A song about a place (the Promised Land) where our dreams and thoughts can grow harmoniously with one another. Sounds something like the doo-op sounds of the 50’s.
Piu’ bella cosa
This song starts with an acoustic guitar and quickly becomes an up-tempo piece. This is a reflective look at love and what it takes to have a special relationship with someone where nothing is more beautiful (”piu’ bella cosa non c’e'”). One part even implies that it takes more than “singing” about love, it takes passion and commitment (”cantare d’amore non basta mai..ne servira di piu’”).
Se bastasse una canzone
Nice melody with a piano that builds with a crescendo that adds in horns, synthesizers, etc.
Ancora un minuto di sole
This is a nice catchy, upbeat tune with nice electric guitar riffs and synthesizers. Another song about life’s journeys and enjoying every minute of it: “If I only had one minute of sunshine, it would be better to spend it with you” -(Se c’e’ ancora un minuto di sole, meglio spenderlo con te).
Cose della vita
A very well done duet with Tina Turner. Unlike other duets, this one is bilingual in that Eros sings in Italian, and Tina sings in English. It’s a song about the “emotional transitions” of a love gone awry - from feeling happy to feeling sad.
Un’ altra te
A song declaring that there is no one else quite like you. A slower tempo song with some nice acoustic guitars.
Quanto amore sei
Knowing that you found the love of your life is the theme to this song. A song about soul mates traveling as one - “Gia’ le nostre anime, viaggiano all’unisono” - when you can look at each other, and know what the other is thinking.
Overall this album is a gem. Every song is very well done, and there are not many artists that can express the emotions of love and life like Eros Ramazzotti. This makes a nice gift for someone wanting to learn about Italian music. There is also a version in Spanish, which I imagine is also well done.
Larry Aiello is a free-lance writer that loves to share his travel experiences. You can view his website at http://www.Italian-Link.com for Italian travel tips, recipes, discussions, etc.
