| If you've ever wanted to learn to play piano, you | | | | exercise your brain and gain a reputation as a |
| are in good company. Many people list "Learn to | | | | semi-genius! |
| play the piano" on their New Year's Resolution | | | | One of the fastest and most satisfying ways to |
| lists, or have it as a goal for their future. | | | | learn to play piano is taking a chord-based |
| However, not many people take the steps | | | | approach. Most piano teachers will teach from a |
| necessary to learn how to play. | | | | classical method. This includes those infamous |
| The sad part is that taking the time to learn to | | | | scales, learning to read music, playing Fur Elise |
| play piano has many advantages. In all actuality, | | | | again and again...all the (boring) things we typically |
| with the right method, learning to play doesn't | | | | think of when we picture piano lessons. |
| take as much time as most people expect. | | | | The classical method does work, but it takes |
| I believe that everyone can benefit from having | | | | forever...which is why most teachers focus on this |
| some musical ability. The piano is one of the most | | | | approach. Think about it. If you were a teacher, |
| versatile instruments. With a few simple lessons, | | | | charging $40 an hour, would you go with a |
| you can learn to play: | | | | method that will take your students years to |
| Classical | | | | master? Or would you choose a method that has |
| Swing | | | | them improvising their own music and |
| Jazz | | | | understanding musicianship within a few months? |
| New Age | | | | I'd personally go with the option that will |
| Rock/Pop | | | | guarantee me long-term clients who will pay me |
| I can guarantee that you will never get bored | | | | $40 a week for years on end. |
| playing the piano. There is always a new style to | | | | Learning to play by chords, however, is better for |
| try, or a new song to master. Plus, sheet music is | | | | the students and not the teachers. If your goal is |
| most likely available for your favorite songs, which | | | | to learn to play piano, a chord-based approach to |
| makes the process even more fun. | | | | learning will give you more satisfaction, more |
| Playing the piano is seen as a very intelligent skill, | | | | quickly than the classical method. Your time-spent |
| and with good reason. The skills you master when | | | | learning will be greatly reduced and, better yet, |
| you learn to play piano will help increase your hand | | | | you'll actually understand how music is created. |
| eye coordination and improve your left and right | | | | So find a teacher, or website, that focuses on |
| brain thinking. There is always something new to | | | | chord-based teaching, and you'll be able to finally |
| learn when you learn to play piano. | | | | reach your perpetual "learn to play piano" goal. |
| Just by learning a few songs on the piano, you'll | | | | |