Recently, we had a book launch celebration for “Play Piano: A Learner’s Guide to Playing, Reading, and Creating Music.”

It was a pleasant Saturday evening in April in downtown Sacramento. My piano students on the “Book Launch Committee” played a critical role in helping the event take place. Amy, who first suggested the idea of the launch, also suggested the venue–an immaculate barber shop by-day doubling as an event space. Wendy brought a dazzling cake with the book cover on it. Christie supplied a large poster of the book, which we displayed on an easel. Angelina brought champagne, and Janet worked the welcome table, while my wife–who designed the book cover itself–handled book sales (she also had bags made with the cover on it).

In the first hour we socialized with guests: current students and their families, several former students, and some personal friends. It was great to see so many piano learners in the same room talking music!

After we all mingled for awhile, Amy gave a toast that captured the spirit of the book launch:

One day, I said to Chris, “Wouldn’t it be cool if once the book was published, you had a launch party, and everyone who played a part in shaping the book, could come together, meet one another, and celebrate this incredible accomplishment?”

And here we are!

As we commence this evening of celebration, I’d like to propose a toast.

This book is more than just a how-to manual. It is an invitation, a gentle, thoughtful call to anyone who’s ever dreamed of sitting down at the piano and creating something beautiful. It’s not about the rigid rules, or one size fits all methods. It’s about unlocking creativity, embracing each person’s unique learning path, and finding joy in the process.

Whether you’re an absolute beginner, or someone returning to the keys after some time away, this book is a guide, a companion, and most of all, a celebration of the journey itself.

So let us raise a glass. 

To music.

To learning. 

And to the courage to explore beauty,

One note at a time. 

Cheers!

After Amy’s toast, I acted as event host and introduced the musical performances. Emiliano played Hayden, Janet sang an original song, I performed a piano composition, and Varun and I played a duet of “Autumn Leaves.” I also honored my father, who has been my student for years and whom I dedicated the book to. Following this, I signed books for students and friends. I was flattered by the chance to do what “real authors” do. What is more, I was glad to hear how much people enjoyed meeting fellow piano learners.

As it happens, this was the first in-person event I had done with my students since before the Pandemic. The event not only launched the book, it announced the launch of this website. I made “ThePianoLearner.com” business cards and even plugged the website on Good Day Sacramento–a local morning TV show–while I promoted the book launch.

Here are some pictures from the evening (photos by Kevin Graft, except where noted as by my wife, Charr Crail):