Piano Lessons Outside the Box: A New Approach to Learning Piano

Usually, piano lessons consist of a teacher assigning a method book to students in an attempt to teach them how to play the music of the "masters."

The hopeful student learns to read music (in a year or two) and begins to play his first pieces.

For most, this is satisfactory. All they really want to to do is play classical music and entertain themselves and others. Nothing wrong with it at all.

But what if there was a way to play the piano that allowed you to express yourself creatively - just like painters do? There is a way. And it all has to do with a chord-based approach!

You see, chords are to the pianist as what colors are to the visual artist. The artist uses color, form, and technique to create with. The improvising and composing musician uses melody, rhythm, and harmony to create music with.

Yet the sad truth of the matter is music students rarely learn this art. If they do, it's after they've mastered note reading and piano technique. The truly creative stuff doesn't appear until well after in most cases.

Now, I don't know why this is. But one thing is for sure... it doesn't have to be that way!

For example, by using a few chords and a way to play these chords, you can create your own music. Be it improvised or composed. Take my free lesson "Reflections in Water" for example.

Here we have 4 chords in the Key of C Major. The chords are modern sounding seventh chords and are all played in open position. By using the materials of music (chords) we can quickly begin creating music - much like visual artists do.

You don't have to be Beethoven or Mozart to do this. On the contrary, the less you know, the better you will be able to improvise because you haven't learned what you "should" be doing.

I believe piano lessons can be taught much like an art lesson. You first have the title of the piece you'll be creating. You then use a step by step method that shows you how the piece was made. I've been using this method to teach with for years now and my students love it.

In short, don't think going the classical route is the only way. It's not. If you want to create your own unique music, you can!

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Learning To Stilt Walk

I have been stilt walking over a decade now. I have performed all over the world at many different venues and events. From TV commercials and casino stages to Indy parades and music festivals. After successfully teaching many people to walk on stilts as apposed to falling, I can say with confidence that my technique works. This is a quicker and easier way to become a self-confident stilt walker than most.

How do I learn to stilt walk

The best and most obvious way to learn how to stilt walk is with a tutor. However this is not always possible in which case here are a few pointers.

What stilts do I use

There are 3 main types of stilts used by stilt walkers today. The most commonly used stilts are "single pole" stilts. These stilts have been used in circuses for centuries. Most people are familiar with these. Another type of stilt commonly used is the "drywall" stilt. These stilts are hinged with a wide base making them more stable. These were primarily developed for use by plasterers. Thirdly, "poweriser" stilts are commonly used. These enable the stilt walker to leap, jump and run.

What's the best

The best kind of stilt to use depends upon the type of activity you want to do. Things to consider are:

o The type of character/job you are playing/doing; and/or

o design/weight of your costume; and/or

o height of costume; and/or

o type of movement you are planing to exercise; and/or

o environment in which they will be used.

Drywall stilts are the easiest to use and easiest to learn on. Using these is the closest to walking with your own legs! However these have disadvantages too. They can be expensive, especially to repair. They have large feet, which makes them less versatile for costuming. They can be noisy too, and often sound like Dr. Strangelove's arm. These really are geared for use by beginners. However, a professional stilt walker will use them in limited circumstances for certain performances. They are excellent for stationary costumes like statues, juggler's and big heavy costumes.

Pole stilts are the most communally used stilts by performers. These are a lot harder to learn on. However pole stilts allow for more graceful movement once you have mastered them. There are many variations of pole stilt, from home made wooden stilts to aluminum stilts. Some have the brace up the back and some up the side. Some stilts use Velcro straps, and some bolt the shoes in. I prefer aluminum stilts with a brace up the side and my shoes bolted in for my performances. Shoes bolted in are more secure as Velcro allows for more movement in the foot, which is generally undesirable. Side braces can often feel more secure for advanced movements.

Finally there are powerised jumping stilts. These have a curved spring loaded pole which uses the down force of your weight to provide lift, much like having a trampoline strapped to your foot. These are great fun and you can get some big air and great speed up on them. Costuming is sometimes restricted with the powerised jumping stilts. These certainly do take some practice. It is harder to become more advanced on these due to the acrobatic nature of the exercises these make possible!

Extra equipment

There are some extra pieces of equipment that I would recommend. Firstly (and MOST importantly), knee pads are required even when you are at a professional level. These can save you from severe injury. Secondly, shin pads are excellent for making your stilts more comfortable. All types of stilts need to be strapped on tight. The shin pads will protect your legs from the straps as they can become quite painful after extended periods of walking/performing. Also for the absolute beginner wrist guards and a helmet will help protect you from most falls. Further, these will help you feal a little safer when starting

Now I have stilts how do I start???

This is the best way of learning stilts I have found yet. Remember when falling always go knees first!!!!!

Firstly, find a friend that is willing to help and able to support your weight. Secondly, find an area that you can fix a rope between two points like two trees or two lamp posts, telegraph poles or even goal posts. To begin stilt walking, it is easier to walk on firm ground as this provides for greater stability. The rope should sit between your waist and arm pit whilst on stilts. You should also have something to sit down on and put on your stilts. A car roof is generally pretty good to sit on. Although anything a bit taller than your stilts makes the transition from a seated position to a standing position easier. Your friend can help guide you from your seat to the rope by providing support much like a walking frame.

Your feet must be about shoulder width apart. Remember to keep your feet straight and toes to the front as though you were walking on your heels. Start by standing upright and facing along the rope with it safely under one arm. This is for you to grab in case you lose your balance. First, practice "marking time" this is the name for walking on the spot. Each leg is lifted so that the stilt leg is about 6inches above the ground and then returned to the spot. This is repeated with the other leg, shifting the weight from one to the other. You can't stand still until you are a master!!! Think of it as like riding a bike. When learning to ride a bike, it is difficult to learn how to be stationary without falling off to the side. Stilt walking is the same, but you could fall in any direction!

After you have become used to the weight of the stilts and can control them, you can now try taking a few small steps. This is just the same as before, except your foot is placed a little further forward. You are now moving! When you reach the end of the rope, turn by pivoting on one foot. This is generally a good time to ask your friend to be on stand by. I tend to find that after about 20mins you pass through a pain barrier. This is your muscles getting used to a different way of walking. It does get easier to walk once you pass this pain barrier - promise.

Once your confidence has built up, get your friend to stand away from the rope and walk towards them. Have them ready to catch you if you fall. Do this every day for a week (or as often as you can). By the end of this time you will be a confident stilt walker. Once you're comfortable walking, then try some new things like running, skipping, pirouettes and managing slopes.

Technique tips

To walk on stilts you need to fall forward, the same as we do to walk normally. However, if you lean too far, you will fall over especially if you don't step forwards.

When falling always fall to your knees. This is what the knee pads are for. If you're falling backwards twist your body to fall to your knees. If you put your hands out you will most likely break your arm. Also you do not want to fall on your back; this is when most severe injuries happen.

Learn to pirouette and step out of it as this will help you in recovering falls. Also you can usually stop yourself from falling if you step out a little further, however, if you step too far, you might end up doing the splits - or worse, straining a kneecap!

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Learning Piano Online - A New Approach in Learning the Piano

Before, piano lessons would mean visiting your piano teacher regularly for the lessons or going to the music class regularly. These days, with the convenience of the internet, you can just turn your computer on and you can avail of online lessons in different forms. With the comforts of your own home, you can actually learn the piano easily and conveniently.

With the many online tools nowadays, learning piano online can be a great way to learn piano fast and, of course, a lot cheaper than enrolling in a piano class or getting a piano teacher. It will also help you chose lessons according to what you want to play or what types of genres you want to play. You will also be exposed to a lot of playing styles online.

Of course, one advantage of learning piano online is that you can get yourself a software that will help learning fun and easy. You can find good software these days that will help you in learning the instrument well and allows you to learn any time you want.

Learning piano online can be done trough videos and live chat, if you have some questions for your teacher - much like having a piano teacher with you. One big advantage too is that, you will be able to listen and replay parts of the lesson that you find it difficult, which is of course, a lot difficult to do when you are listening to your teacher in person. You can practice to perfection by repeating the videos and the instructions and listening to the demo all over again.

If you have difficulty, you can also readily browse the internet for answers and get to talk to your online teacher live as well - depending on your program.

Of course, by learning online, you can also learn to play your favorite songs if you want. Unlike the traditional way of learning the piano that you are to start with those classical pieces that may not be appealing especially for those who are very eager to play their favorite songs on the instrument.

If you don't like going to a music class because you think you are too old or you are learning along with kids in the class, then learning piano online can be a good option. Of course, there is no young and old in piano playing. For as long as you enjoy the hobby and you are willing to learn how to play it, you can actually take lessons, whatever is your age.

Of course, learning online is quicker and faster than the traditional way of learning piano. You can practice on your favorite song, or a song you are familiar with and get the latest techniques on piano playing.

Of course, there are also disadvantages of learning piano online and one major disadvantage is that there is not one who can correct you if you commit mistakes, and it is important that mistakes are corrected as early as possible to avoid it to become a bad playing habit.

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The Many Benefits of Learning Piano Chord Theory

Chances are if you've ever taken piano lessons, you probably spent at least a little bit of time on piano chords. But learning the names of a few basic chords and actually understanding chord theory are two different things. And while it's possible to learn to play the piano without learning chords, there are several benefits to learning theory.

Many piano students complain that music theory is too hard to understand. They quickly give up in favor of simply playing piano by reading a score of written music. Those who take the time to get the basis of chord theory find that chordal theory helps them in several ways.

Learning chord-based theory is something like learning math. You can simply memorize the fact that 2 + 2 = 4, and that may get you by for a few years in school. Or, you can learn and understand why 2 + 2 = 4. Once you do, you'll be able to succeed in math when the formulas become much too hard to simply memorize and regurgitate. The same is true of chord theory. It's one thing to memorize a chord chart. If you don't understand how chords work, your skills won't get you very much further than basic piano playing.

One of the most obvious benefits of learning chords is that you will soon develop the skill of playing piano by ear. Have you every watched a band play, such as those on late-night TV talk shows? The pianists seem to be able to pick up any song, off the cuff, and begin playing it without the advantage of sheet music or having practiced. That's music theory at work. There are few things more thrilling than to sit down at a piano, impromptu, and provide accompaniment for any song.

Those musicians with a bent toward writing original music will find that knowing theory is essential in creating music for lyrics. Even if you don't transcribe the music yourself, chord theory will give you the means of communicating your ideas to the transcriptionist. The final product will be exactly as you envision it.

Once you understand how chords work, you're also in a better position to learn to play other instruments; if not play them yourself, be able to work with other musicians in the setting of a band. For example, another instrument which relies heavily upon chord theory is the guitar. This is why many piano players find it easy to pick up on playing the guitar. In a band, the music relies very heavily upon the lead of the guitar and the piano. A knowledge and understanding of chord theory ensures that the pianist and guitarist are always on the same page, so to speak.

It's vital to find a good instructor when it comes to chords. It may mean the difference between giving up in frustration and success by becoming proficient. Taking advantage of jam sessions in your area will also help you put chord theory skills into practice in a casual environment. You'll be able to learn from other musicians whose passions are similar. Plus, students who learn chord theory notice a marked improvement in their general piano playing skills.

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Piano - Learning From Scratch

Many people look at the piano as a fine instrument when someone else is playing it, but a bit of a monster when they are given the task. Learning to play the piano is not so much about taming the piano as it is yourself.

You can find piano lessons simply by scouring the internet, though personal recommendations are always a great way to go. Contact music schools in your area, or look for people that play the piano for a living - it is always better to hire someone that has committed their life to a trade, rather than to hire someone that only works at it part time. Most first time piano players will begin by learning how to read music and how to find certain notes, though over time you will become quite an expert yourself.

When you first begin to learn about the piano, you may find yourself frustrated. Don't let this frustration get to you - it takes many years to become an expert player. Still, with a lot of dedication and some hard work, you will find that you'll progress with ease over time. Once you become extremely skilled when it comes to playing the piano, you may even surpass your teacher, and this is exactly what you want to do.

After years of finger exercises and playing around with various scales, your lessons may turn into something else entirely. If you find that you are starting to become bored with your lessons, it may be time to look for a new teacher. Though most people are reluctant to leave their original teacher, sometimes this is simply necessary. In fact, a great teacher will recognize your talent, and they will recommend someone that can teach advanced courses.

You will find that playing the piano absorbs many of your daylight, and night time, hours. This instrument is both wonderful and haunting, which makes it entirely addictive. If you played the piano as a child, consider picking up the instrument again as an adult. Playing the piano is a lot like riding a bicycle - you never really forget. In fact, your piano skills are something that you can pass down from generation to generation, which means that your lessons are an investment well worth pursuing.

Piano lessons are one of the most rewarding things that you ever sign up for, so why not start today? If you don't have a piano, simply purchase a keyboard (it will work just fine until you can get a piano of your own). Remember to practice and to love your instrument -you'll be composing great pieces in no time.

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