Two Ways to Learn Piano?

I’ll never forget the time one of my college professors talked about types of learners. There are two I’d like to discuss here and they are the A to B learner and the one that learns in leaps and jumps.

The A to B learner, or linear learning for lack of a better term likes to progress from one point to another.

That is, they don’t want to learn anything new unless they get point A down. Then, it’s on to the next point.

These types of learners excel in science and math because these disciplines require a solid foundation based on previous knowledge. For instance, you really can’t do well in a physics course unless you already have a good understanding of basic math.

Then there are those of us who just don’t do well in an A to B world. I fall into this category and I suppose many ‘artistic’ types do as well.

Take music for example. You could actually learn how to play piano going from A to B. And most do. This is what is done in the classical music world. You start with the basics and slowly move from there. Note reading, pedagogy, technique … all are carefully planned out to produce a student who can recreate a piece of music with proficiency.

But … what if you have problems with this approach? What to do? Most teachers only teach a linear approach and this is fine when it comes to learning technique. Yet, for those who like to ‘play,’ growth can seem slow.

And this is where the term ‘leap’ really applies. Because while it seems as if the ‘leaps and jumps’ learner is getting nowhere by playing around, he really is growing and will probably leap right over his linear learning opposite. Why?

Because much IS going on at a subconscious level.

You may feel sometimes as if nothing is happening and that you aren’t growing. Not true. In fact, you probably have already progressed light years ahead of the A to B learner.

Learn to Play the Piano Fast With This Cool Technique!

Ah ... the piano. So many want to learn how to play it. Yet all too often, lessons stop short. All that's about to change. You see, most people think they have learn note-reading before they can make music on the piano.

But not only is note reading unnecessary, it's also a hindrance when it comes to being creative at the piano.

Here's a technique that will help you learn to play the piano fast! And it won't take you years, months, or even weeks. We're talking hours here - if that.

The technique I'm referring to is something called the open position chord. And with it, you'll be able to actually create your own unique music very, very quickly.


Let's take a look at how this is possible.

First, the open position chord uses both hands right away to create a nice modern sound at the piano. The chord is split between hands. The chord itself consists of 6 notes. You can see an example of this in the lesson "Reflections in Water."

Second, as I mentioned earlier, it's a modern sounding chord. Most teachers start their students out with triads. There's nothing wrong with the humble triad. But why begin there when you can work with a chord position that gives so much for so little effort.

For example, just by fingering an open position chord, you can make music. How is this possible? Because of the wide note spread. In fact, the open position chord takes up more than 2 octaves of the piano keyboard! With this much space, all you really have to do is play around with it and music comes out.

But no one can adequately describe what the open position chord is. You have to experience it for yourself.

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. Visit http://www.quiescencemusic.com/ now and get a FREE piano lesson!

Play Piano Instantly - Even If You Don't Know Where Middle C Is!

So, you've been dying to play the piano. But you don't want to spend years learning how to read music. Of course you don't! And you won't have to IF you learn a chord-based approach to playing the piano.

Here's a method I use to get my students playing piano in a flash. First, you need to learn a few chords. But not just any chord type. No. The chord type I have my students learn first is something called the open position chord. And with it, you'll be able to create your own unique music right away!

The open position chord is exactly what its name implies. It's a chord structure that covers more than 2 octaves of the keyboard AND uses both hands right away. If you don't know what an octave is, not to worry. Suffice it to say that 2 octaves are over 16 white keys.

It's a handful to play this chord structure but once you master it, you'll be well on your way to unlocking the secrets of keyboard harmony.

So, how exactly can we use this chord to create music with? Easy. Take a look at my free piano lesson "Reflections in Water." The first thing you notice about this lesson is that it's unusual.

It's not your typical piano lesson by far. In fact, you might even think it looks like an art lesson - and you'd be right! I specifically designed the lessons using a step by step approach that many art instruction books use.

The lesson contains four open position piano chords with fingering diagrams. The beautiful thing about this chord structure is that once you master it, you can easily use it to play ALL the chords in all 12 keys. The first thing I ask you to do is play the chords - first all tones together (solid chords) and then with the tones broken up (broken chords.)

Once you have this chord structure under your fingers and you've developed a muscle memory for it, the rest is easy!

In the lesson "Reflections in Water," we use this chord structure to improvise a few minutes of music. The chord progression is laid out for you and all you have to do is simply follow along. I also provide audio examples so you can hear how I used the same chords to improvise with.

If you really want to play piano in a flash and don't want to wait, try the open position piano chord. You won't be disappointed!

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. Visit http://www.quiescencemusic.com/ now and get a FREE piano lesson!

Why Most Piano Teachers Can't Help You Create Your Own Music!

Most piano teachers have no problem teaching technique or note reading from textbooks. This is what they're good at. In fact, this is the bread and butter of their curriculum because they can make a lot more money by stretching out the "learning process" ad Infiniti.

But, most piano teachers have trouble guiding students and helping them learn how to trust themselves. Why? Because they aren't trained in this! They're trained in getting you from point A to B and while this linear approach satisfies many... it won't help you with your own artistic expression.

Listen, if you want to spend years learning how to play other peoples music (no matter how good it is) then great. You'll be taught this and you'll pay a lot of money for it. In fact, if you were to see a piano teacher every other week for 3 years or more, that's a couple thousand dollars right there!

And what will you have? The ability to read what other people have written in order to play what other people have composed. Thiink about this! Would any other artist, be it writing, painting, whatever.. spend 3 years learning how to write another persons book or paint another artists picture? No way!

The bottom line is - if all you're interested in is note reading and playing other peoples music, then most any piano teacher will do. If, however, you want to be able to improvise and create your own unique music, then find someone who will help you trust in your own unique talents and abilities.

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. Visit http://www.quiescencemusic.com/ now and get a FREE piano lesson!

Now You Can Play Piano On the Toilet!

Well ... not really. I love the piano but the bathroom is the last place I'd practice or play.

On the other hand, some of you might find this useful. Plus, you can practice the tuba, hit some cymbals, and read sheet music - all from the comfort of this musical toilet.

Just wish there was a saxophone included here since I played sax for 5 years as a young lad living in Philadelphia.

I also play guitar but not so much these days. The thing I hate about guitar is the constant tuning. But it's not that bad. Playing saxophone requires you to switch "reeds" after a while as well.

The piano? It's pretty much a self-sustaining instrument. Sure, you have to get it tuned once in a while but so what.

Anyway, when I first saw this picture I knew I wanted to share it with you. It's hillarious!