The Art of New Age Piano

I wrote this article a while back and found it again as I was rummaging through my files.

Recommended Listening

What is New Age music really? It's just a term that describes a spirit filled approach to music making. And before the term New Age was coined (way, way before!) there was Shakuhachi flute music. When I first heard this CD by Riley Lee, I instantly knew I was listening to a master; someone who has no distinction between feeling and playing.

In fact, I assume that playing the flute is as much a natural act for this man as breathing is. This music seems to flow and grow organically. It is quite different than what most Western ears are used to and, surprisingly, may even irritate those who need to have resolution in their music. But, if you enjoy a tranquil atmosphere that lingers delightfully, you'll enjoy this (New Age) music.

Does Practice Really Make Perfect?

A lot of teachers will tell you that you must practice a certain number of hours a day if you want to play piano. This is all fine and well if your goal is to play classical repertoire. If your goal is just to play what you feel, then you may be like me and hate practicing the piano.

In fact, practice will not make you a better player. It can sharpen your skills technically, but it won't help where it really counts - having the ability to transfer your feeling from the heart to the keys. To achieve this skill, practice is not necessary, only the desire to experience the joy of spontaneous expression. I don't practice the piano. Instead, I sit down and allow the music to tell me where it wants to go.

Recommended Reading

Here it is. The best book on creativity I've ever read (and probably will ever read) Michelle is a painter who relies completely on intuition to create art The principles outlined in this book are quite revolutionary in the sense that she advises you don't need any training to paint, just the willingness to try and to trust in your self. Simple and profound. Yet most great ideas are just that! Even though the book is targeted to visual artists, it is equally applicable to music! I keep this book on my shelf and use it as a reference. Highly recommended!

Perfect Pitch - Is it Really Necessary?

There's a site on the internet that promises to teach you perfect pitch. To be able to recognize any note you hear when you hear it, i.e. "yes, that's a C note etc." The thing is, you don't need to have perfect pitch to play piano, or any other instrument for that matter! Yet there are those out there who seem to need to learn this skill. What a waste of time! Don't fall for it. In fact, having perfect pitch won't make you a better musician at all and has nothing to do with musicianship.

All that is necessary is the desire to create. And if anyone tells you having the ability to know what you are hearing helps, then they obviously don't know what they are talking about. This is a particular rant I have. Especially after seeing a site that charges a substantial fee to teach this useless skill.

Recommended Reading

Free Play - Improvisation in Life and Art

I picked up this book when it was first published over 10 years ago. Another process over product philosophy. Not as genuine and authentic as Michelle Cassou's approach, but definitely worth a read. Find it at amazon.com

Recommended Listening

Winter Into Spring - George Winston

When I first heard this CD, I remember thinking to myself, "what a wonder!" And it is! The emotion it evokes. The starkness of it all. And all played with a minimum of material. This CD is highly recommended and is a worthy addition to any New Age piano fans CD collection. Find it at Amazon.com. Note: I don't make any money off these recommendations and I am not an Amazon affiliate

P.S. If you want to learn how to play New Age piano in the "Winston" style, sign up for Quiescence Music's online piano lessons.