Here’s what real piano learners are saying about their experience using the ideas in “Play Piano: A Learner’s Guide to Playing, Reading, and Creating Music”. Each story is unique, but they all share a common thread: these learners are enjoying their piano learning and shaping it to their specific musical interests.
“I decided to learn piano in adulthood, which I thought was maybe the wrong thing… The book says “No, that’s not true! You can learn at any stage.” … [It] really gives you a mindset and learning philosophy that you can take with you in any stage of your journey.”–Stella (Interests: Reading Music)
“When I first heard of a piano education book I imagined something dry and technical… but it ended up being more of an invitation to explore on my own… It opens up the world of piano to be something less intimidating… I think the book is a great moral support and a friend to keep by your piano.”
–Ian (Interests: Composition, Reading Music)
“I’ve started a really fun journey, it’s been challenging but also fun as an older adult… I had no idea that I would be able to achieve what I have been able to do at the piano… The book is a combination of technical information as well as encouraging information, different ways to personalize your own approach to playing music.”
–Spoon (Interests: Reading Music, Improvisation)
“I have a much different vision [now] when I sit down and play… Even my friends say… ‘Wow, that sounds really nice! You are really playing the piano.’ And I realize, I really am! There are lots of activities [Chris] walks a learner through in the book… to help you build a positive mindset… It’s brought me a lot of happiness.”
–Roxane (Interests: Improvisation, Playing by Ear)
“I set my goal to [sight] read 500 pages [in a] year, and I read over 600 pages… I’ve stopped counting the number of pages I’ve played…I’m seeing the constant progress, and that keeps me going… What the book helps you see is that anything you want to do, you can.”
–Angelina (Interests: Sight Reading)
“When you’re trying to teach yourself [piano] like I was for 8, 10 years, you almost begin to lose a sense of what’s the normal learning experience… This book is a really excellent launching point for a new piano learner. It covers every major point of concern that you need to be thinking about while you take on a new hobby that is learning piano.”
–Michael (Interests: Improvisation)
“To be able to sit down and just play [piano] is a big deal to me… The whole thing has been nothing short of amazing…. [Chris’s] personality comes through in the book, where it’s all about the joy…. There are so many suggestions in this book that anybody could pick up and find which part helps them learn the best.”
–MiMi (Interests: Improvisation, Reading Music)