Recently, a student emailed me this question: "Can you guarantee that I will be successful with your piano course?" I thought about that, and here is how I responded: "As you know, your success lies in how often you practice. I can't tell you that you will be successful because I don't know how much you will practice. However, what I can do is assure you is that the curriculum continues to be presented in very easy to follow instruction and in small increments so that you can progress without confusion. I can also assure you that you will receive a very high quality level of support as a preferred member. I hope this helps you feel more comfortable with trusting that if Continue Reading
Love Music? Learn Piano!
Scores of people want to take their love for music to the next level by learning how to play the piano. However, too many feel that they don't have a natural ability or lack musical talent, and ignore the urge to sign up for piano lessons. If you have a deep love for music -- no matter if you are a senior, adult, teenager or a child -- piano lessons can be a boost to your self-esteem and your social life. Making music can be a solo act, but it is often contingent on playing with other musicians and connecting with other people. It is often more fun, too! Learning a popular piano jingle comes with great satisfaction, like when you gather with friends and family around a piano. Now that's Continue Reading
Piano Provides Joy Throughout Our Lives
I hope to be doing something like this when I am in my 90's. This is a 90 year old couple, obviously loving to entertain... what joy they bring to each other, to those around them, and for themselves. I couldn't help but shed a tear of joy through the endless smile I had throughout the day after I viewed this view: Continue Reading
Piano Lessons and Tough Olympic Skaters..What Can We Gain?
1. Aim for balance. Take a cue from figure skater Mirai Nagasu, 16, who finds time for school, homework, friends and Japanese classes…plus her intense skating schedule. Goodbye, lame TV shows. Piano lessons first! 2. Ditch excuses. Limb loss, wheelchairs and brain injury don’t stop Olympians from high achievements in competition. Don’t let the anything stop you from your goals! Piano lessons are worth it! 3. Stay dedicated. Some world-class athletes travel hundreds of miles for every practice. Makes the few-seconds to walk to and practice the piano seem not-so bad, huh? 4. Have fun. U.S. athlete Noelle Pikus-Pace tapes funny messages to her sled before races. Find ways to make Continue Reading
What Can We Learn From Olympic Athletes?
CONSISTENCY.... Consistency is KEY! Consistent effort leads to success. What would happen if you were consistent in your piano practicing? When you watch these athletes, remember that they have been working towards this moment for an very long period of time. Some started when they were just children, and they have trained every day to reach this shining moment. They have made sacrifices. They have trained when they didn’t feel like it. They have put in the work necessary to be the best in their field. * What would happen if you practiced piano when you didn’t feel like it? * What would be the result if you carved regular practice times into your week and disciplined Continue Reading
The 5 Letter Word That Will Hurt Your Piano Lesson Progress
There's something I hear from many students when they start to learn piano. It's a five letter word that will kill your progress dead in its tracks - want to know what it is..? Later. Later is the one single word that will make the difference between learning how to play the piano and not learning at all. Reading sheet music, and playing your favorite songs by using my step by step piano lesson method is achievable without any doubt, for pretty much anyone that does it consistently. That's why it's so frustrating to hear students say, 'I'll practice later.' There are 2 problems with using the "later" attitude. #1: Life gets in the way - The time you thought you would Continue Reading