Beware of Some Piano Lesson Review Sites

I appreciate a good review as much as the next person. That is, as long as they're not biased.

Case in point. Some eager entrepreneurs ( I won't mention any names) set up review sites to review their own products.

Now, I wouldn't call that a review I could take to the bank.

The way you can tell is that only certain sites are reviewed. This is really an affilliate scam where when you click on the suggested site, another person gets paid.

Unscrupulous? Absolutely! And after I mentioned this to the cat on the piano, he had to take a nap. :)

A Receptive Attitude: Necessary for Successful Improvisation

After you learn technique and theory and a little bit of improvisation skill, you will be able to grow and create in proportion to your ability to get out of the way and let the music take over. To do this requires a listening ability somewhat similar to meditation. That is, you must be open and receptive to what comes next - never forcing, never trying to come up with something.

When you are in this frame of mind, wonderful things begin to happen. When you try to create, you set yourself up for blocks. Why? Because the trying blocks the listening, receptive attitude necessary for improvisation. The key to getting around this is to walk away and come back later. Believe me, you can try and try but if nothing is coming, it probably won't come at this moment.

So, just get up and come back later when you are in a more meditative, receptive mood. Try to improvise in the new age style when you're angry or upset and what comes out might not sound that good. Art appears when you are in the moment. The Art of New Age piano, like any other art requies you to learn the skills and techniques - then forget about them and begin to play.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

To everyone and especially my students - Happy Thanksgiving!

My wife has a precooked turkey in the oven we bought from Von's. The side dishes are also from Von's and we're having a few guests over as well.

As you might have guessed ... we don't like to cook.

I have a lot to be thankful for this year including a growing business and all the new people who are getting turned on by the New Age piano style.

Anyway, have a happy thanksgiving everyone!

-- Edward

My Practice Routine

I normally don't practice. At least not lately. In fact, the last time I really practiced was when I had a concert coming up.

And even then, the best form of practice for me was to just play the pieces I was going to play. But sometimes you don't feel like playing your "pieces." So what to do for a warmup?

I do 2 Hanon exercises to get my hands limbered up. I play open position chords in all 12 keys using the circle of fifths. I also play them chromatically up the keyboard.

You see, my problem (and some of you may have this as well) is that I get bored fast. For someone with my limited attention span, playing scales is like torture. And since I don't play scales, it's not really a problem.

What about you? What do you do to "warm up?"

Jazz Piano - Why I'm Not a Big Fan

I used to like Jazz a lot. Back when I was a wee teen living in Philadelphia. I tuned into my local Jazz station - which also happened to be a public radio station as well (big surprise.)

Anyway, the Jazz I heard was upbeat, good natured, and lively. Even though I didn't "understand" the music, I could appreciate the muscianship and unbridled enthusiasm shared by the players.

But I don't really listen to Jazz that much today. And as far as Jazz piano goes, I'm not a big fan. Why? Probably due to my personality.

You see, I'm an introvert. I like quiet things. Things that go at their own pace and don't have to keep a steady beat (as required in Jazz).

I prefer legato to staccato and enjoy the freedom of timing allowed in the New Age piano style. Here, there's no rush or need to keep up with other players or to keep strict time. It's all very rubato in the New Age piano world.

Personally, I have nothing against this music. It's just not my vibe - so to speak.

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 15 years and works with students in private, in groups, and now over the internet. Visit www.quiescencemusic.com now and get a FREE piano lesson and book!

George Winston Busy With Three New Albums

Just read this off the news wire. George is busy producing 3 new albums. And guess what? None of them will be New Age piano ... the music his fans love and made him famous.

Talk about a guy not giving his audience what they want. He's going to be doing another Vince Guiraldi album along with a homage to someone named Professor Longhair.

You can read the entire article here.