Great idea… I’ll try to add that to the pile for future posts.
thx,
SH
Nadine Danford
Posted at 11:15h, 23 September
I enjoy the many hints and info you give but miss seeing you on TV (Naples). A couple of years ago I attended the program you gave at the Villages and enjoyed that very much, also. Don’t know if you remember, but I gave you a copy of an old magazine advertising someone doing a cruise and giving piano info. It was shortly after you had announced the same type of trip you were doing. What a great idea that was! Thanks for all the information you have given over the years. You’ve made a lot of piano players more aware and made piano playing more fun!!!
Nadine
I just love the way you teach. I am trying very hard to learn how to play the piano with both hands but it seems the left side of my brain does not cooperate with my right side LOL. Talk about not being able to walk and chew gum at the same time! You give me great hope that one of these days it will finally all connect and I will be able to play a tune and apply cords at the same time. I have found hope in your teachings. Thanks Scott.
As trite or mundane as this sounds … The entire secret to getting your hands to work together is to work on whatever it is you are on VERY, and I mean V-E-R-Y slowly at first. You just need to give your brain a chance to connect the dots of “this first, then this, then this one, etc…”. I know it sounds TERRIBEL to your ears when you work on something that slowly, but if there is a secret–that’s it.
Slow down to get it underhand, then speed it up as needed. You just HAVE to walk (or in this car crawl) before you run.
To get on the list you need to fill out the form right here on this page to the right … For spam reasons we can’t do it for you.
Just put in your email address, first and last name, and zip code. That’s it!
Thomas Benton Sr
Posted at 09:41h, 24 September
You make things look so simple. I have a heard time counting 16th notes with a metronome. If i could, I could play 95 percent of my favorite songs. Tom
Thanks Diane. How nice of you to say… We’re always working on trying to keep shows on the air. The best way you can assist is to contact your local PBS station and simply put in a request to the programming dept. that you’d like to see “The Piano Guy” in their schedule. The show is free to the stations so there is no financial reason they would object. They simply need assured that there will be an audience. Your calls, emails, etc. to the station make all the difference in the world…
Regards,
Scott
ARTHUR PEPIN
Posted at 12:21h, 24 September
ALL YOUR PIANO IDEAS FOR EASY PIANO HINTS ARE EXCELLENT FOR ANY PIANO PLAYER, YOUNG OR OLD. WHEN CAN WE EXPECT ANOTHER EXCELLENT PIANO BOOK LIKE ONE OF YOUR BEST ON THE MARKET THAT HAS BEEN OUT FOR SOME TIME. THE BOOK I PURCHASED YEAR AGO “SCOTT THE PIANO GUY’S FAVORITE PIANO FAKE BOOK: 70 GREAT SONGS, BASIC AND ADVANCED CHORD CHART FOR EVERY SONG, ” EXCELLENT, VERY GOOD PRINTING, GREAT SONGS, ETC, ETC, I WOULD BUY YOUR NEW BOOK THE MINUET IT IS RELEASED. YOUR ONE ON ONE IS ALSO AN ABSOLUTE MUST FOR ANY PIANO PLAYER. KEEP UP THE EXCELLENT WORK. ART P.
You ought to check out the online lesson program here on this site too if you have not yet signed up for a Course. People are loving it…
Thanks for nice words!
Scott
Nancy Kern
Posted at 12:33h, 24 September
Thank you!
Just starting “playing” again after a long absence.
Taught myself “Ode to Joy” with my own chords!
Hope to keep it up, so thanks for being there. NK
All of your giveaways are appreciated. If we already know them – fine, but if we don’t, they can always be incorporated or used as building blocks for our own future variations. I had a blast with “Jingle Bells” a couple of years ago.
Bill
Terry Baker
Posted at 17:35h, 24 September
Thanks for these tips, I really appreciate having more little tricks in the bag to use
I always check out out your email. I use your “cord finder” every day. I know you have discontinued selling it, but it was one of the best buys I ever made.
Old man starting the piano late, and still at it after 12 years,
Good to hear Charles! Keep it up … That chord finder really was a neat gadget and I was sorry when it became unavailable. However the new thing I found to replace it does a great job too – and it doesn’t take batteries. Ha! You can find it here: http://www.scotthouston.com/Chordwand-Piano-Chord-Finder/dp/B008DGE3BK
Corinne Hochgraef
Posted at 18:07h, 24 September
Enjoy your emails. ‘Have incorporated several of your suggestions.
My Granddaughter just started Keyboard lessons for therapy for Tourette’s syndrome,and ADHD and it seems to be doing wonders as she becomes more proficient and realizes she can find calm in music and accomplishment, we are glad she is doing this every Saturday. Your video on ending with the extra cords I shall show her! for sure Thanks Joe Smith
Wow – that’s great news re: your Granddaughter! Hope she can put to use some of my tips.
SH
George Reimer
Posted at 15:51h, 25 September
Recently, I had some work done on my computer and seem to have lost some my earlier downloads.
cara nome
Posted at 16:02h, 25 September
I WOULD LIKE MORE MUSIC KNOWLEDGE BUT DO NOT KNOW WHAT COURSE TO ENROL L IN. I AM CLASSICALLY TRAINED, KNOW SOME ABOUT WHAT YOU OFFER, BUT HATE TO PAY FOR SOMETHING I ALREADY MIGHT KNOW. WHAT TO DO???
First off – we have a 30 day refund policy, so know there is absolutely no financial risk to give it a try.
Having said that, a good place for you to start is at this link: http://3.136.150.220/syllabus/ where you will find the gritty details on the content covered in each course.
However (and this is a big however…) take into consideration the fact that I teach a very different style of piano so even if you think you know something from your classical training, you might not know it the way we do it, or I teach it.
We have found from many, many folks in your same shoes (having taken classical lessons previously) that even if a topic is a “quick review” for you in some cases, that it is still very helpful to hear coming from “our side of the fence” and hear any little tips or twists that apply directly to our style of playing.
So knowing all that, I would err on the side of starting in a class you might think is too easy than the opposite. If you don’t get a good foundation in the different way we approach making music, you will think I am from Mars in some of the things I teach 🙂
Scott, Thanks for the super easy chord ending — Thanks to you, I am now playing
just about everything I pickup on a lead sheet.
Thanks again for your kindness and great instructions.
Sincerely,
Your 78 year young student,
George
Can’t imagine you would remember me, I was at the last workshop you did in Indianapolis. It was so much fun, please let me know if you hold another. By the way great ending, I have just the piece I need it for….Thanks
Glad you can put this one to work Lyle! As long as you are on the newsletter mailing list, and you entered your Zip code when subscribing, I’ll for sure let you know whenever I hold any live event in your area. For anyone else that might be reading this comment – make sure your zip or postal code is entered with your newsletter subscription as that is how we notify you if I am coming to do a show anywhere…
Dave N
Posted at 22:52h, 29 September
Love electric keyboards. Haven’t played in years. Can sit at a piano and play with right hand whatever comes into my head … Am dying to use your tools and tips. Any suggestions on electric KBs?
Thanks!
You can 99% of the time do everything I ever talk about equally as well on an electric KB. Assuming it has normal, full size keys like an acoustic piano you can have at it and dig away…
Bee Gresko
Posted at 23:51h, 29 September
Scott, I have been wanting to write you for a long time just to tell you how much I enjoy playing the piano your way. But I must admit, I’m a “SENIOR” and learned how to play chords with songs many years ago (before your time!) when I was a new second grade teacher & wanted to learn the melodies in the kids’ songbooks & I noticed they came with simple chords. So I found a piano teacher who taught me six weeks of just chords. For many years I didn’t play that much and now that I’m retired & inherited a piano, I play every day. I have three of your “Fake books” which I go through over & over. When I first saw you on tv I got so excited. It was like you validated that it was ok to play for enjoyment like I do and to not have to be a super player. What I found most helpful, was your little book with the chart of how to figure out chords beyond the basics like diminished and some of the other less common chords.
I love all your little tips now and then about different endings etc. and I love your teaching style & enthusiasm. I hope you keep me on your email list. Thanks for all you do!.
Scott thanks for all the short emails. When I see your name it makes remember I have not been to the keyboard in awhile. Always too busy but now I will try to make to something I really love to do. Play Music. Thanks again
Neil Berman
Posted at 08:34h, 23 SeptemberThanks for the tip Scott!
Mo
Posted at 08:50h, 23 SeptemberSimple, neat, yet I never thought of doing this before. Thanks for the tip!
Donald Hartung
Posted at 09:43h, 23 SeptemberThank you for the simple ending. I appreciate the videos you send. They are very helpful.
Joe
Posted at 09:48h, 23 SeptemberYou are a great teacher
James Ferrantelli
Posted at 10:10h, 23 SeptemberThanks Scott
Sandra Sullivan
Posted at 10:15h, 23 SeptemberThanks, I would like more information on pedal use. Are there any tips you can give us.
Scott Houston
Posted at 12:32h, 29 SeptemberGreat idea… I’ll try to add that to the pile for future posts.
thx,
SH
Nadine Danford
Posted at 11:15h, 23 SeptemberI enjoy the many hints and info you give but miss seeing you on TV (Naples). A couple of years ago I attended the program you gave at the Villages and enjoyed that very much, also. Don’t know if you remember, but I gave you a copy of an old magazine advertising someone doing a cruise and giving piano info. It was shortly after you had announced the same type of trip you were doing. What a great idea that was! Thanks for all the information you have given over the years. You’ve made a lot of piano players more aware and made piano playing more fun!!!
Nadine
phyliss proctor
Posted at 12:00h, 23 SeptemberI just love the way you teach. I am trying very hard to learn how to play the piano with both hands but it seems the left side of my brain does not cooperate with my right side LOL. Talk about not being able to walk and chew gum at the same time! You give me great hope that one of these days it will finally all connect and I will be able to play a tune and apply cords at the same time. I have found hope in your teachings. Thanks Scott.
Scott Houston
Posted at 12:31h, 29 SeptemberYou’re welcome Phyliss.
As trite or mundane as this sounds … The entire secret to getting your hands to work together is to work on whatever it is you are on VERY, and I mean V-E-R-Y slowly at first. You just need to give your brain a chance to connect the dots of “this first, then this, then this one, etc…”. I know it sounds TERRIBEL to your ears when you work on something that slowly, but if there is a secret–that’s it.
Slow down to get it underhand, then speed it up as needed. You just HAVE to walk (or in this car crawl) before you run.
Hope that helps,
SH
curtis cover
Posted at 13:45h, 23 SeptemberI suggest that the cord be rolled instead
Scott Houston
Posted at 12:28h, 29 SeptemberI take that suggestion, and agree with it!
Scott
Reggie Graham
Posted at 15:50h, 23 SeptemberGreat tip Scott!
Naomi
Posted at 16:54h, 23 SeptemberThat I can do 🙂 Thank you for the tips 🙂
Peter Vogl
Posted at 17:13h, 23 SeptemberGreat, thanks
ed h
Posted at 18:15h, 23 SeptemberThanks Scott as usual, you deliver nuggets. Ed
Grace Johnson
Posted at 21:17h, 23 SeptemberThanks!
Robert Wilson
Posted at 08:30h, 24 SeptemberScott, you are the best. Simple instructions,,with great results. Cheers!!
Scott Houston
Posted at 12:27h, 29 SeptemberThanks – tell my wife that would ya? 🙂
Joy Knight
Posted at 09:07h, 24 SeptemberPlease add my e-mail to your distribution
Scott Houston
Posted at 12:26h, 29 SeptemberHi Joy,
To get on the list you need to fill out the form right here on this page to the right … For spam reasons we can’t do it for you.
Just put in your email address, first and last name, and zip code. That’s it!
Thomas Benton Sr
Posted at 09:41h, 24 SeptemberYou make things look so simple. I have a heard time counting 16th notes with a metronome. If i could, I could play 95 percent of my favorite songs. Tom
Scott Houston
Posted at 12:25h, 29 SeptemberNot to sound too sarcastic, but honestly – why do you need to count 16th notes with a metronome to play a song? I don’t get the connection?
SH
jc
Posted at 09:44h, 24 SeptemberVery good! All your videos are excellent.
Diane Combs
Posted at 10:07h, 24 SeptemberThanks so much for your newsletter and all the helpful hints you continue to give. I look forward to each and every one.
You are the best teacher out there and I like your style very much.
Is there any chance that you’ll be back on T.V. with a new show?
Your student,
Diane
Scott Houston
Posted at 12:23h, 29 SeptemberThanks Diane. How nice of you to say… We’re always working on trying to keep shows on the air. The best way you can assist is to contact your local PBS station and simply put in a request to the programming dept. that you’d like to see “The Piano Guy” in their schedule. The show is free to the stations so there is no financial reason they would object. They simply need assured that there will be an audience. Your calls, emails, etc. to the station make all the difference in the world…
Regards,
Scott
ARTHUR PEPIN
Posted at 12:21h, 24 SeptemberALL YOUR PIANO IDEAS FOR EASY PIANO HINTS ARE EXCELLENT FOR ANY PIANO PLAYER, YOUNG OR OLD. WHEN CAN WE EXPECT ANOTHER EXCELLENT PIANO BOOK LIKE ONE OF YOUR BEST ON THE MARKET THAT HAS BEEN OUT FOR SOME TIME. THE BOOK I PURCHASED YEAR AGO “SCOTT THE PIANO GUY’S FAVORITE PIANO FAKE BOOK: 70 GREAT SONGS, BASIC AND ADVANCED CHORD CHART FOR EVERY SONG, ” EXCELLENT, VERY GOOD PRINTING, GREAT SONGS, ETC, ETC, I WOULD BUY YOUR NEW BOOK THE MINUET IT IS RELEASED. YOUR ONE ON ONE IS ALSO AN ABSOLUTE MUST FOR ANY PIANO PLAYER. KEEP UP THE EXCELLENT WORK. ART P.
Scott Houston
Posted at 12:20h, 29 SeptemberWell thanks Art! (your twenty bucks is in the mail… KIDDING!!!)
Just in case you are not aware. there is a Vol. 2 of that book you mentioned in case you don’t have it. You can find it here:
http://www.scotthouston.com/Scott-Piano-Guys-Favorite-Fake/dp/1423461703
You ought to check out the online lesson program here on this site too if you have not yet signed up for a Course. People are loving it…
Thanks for nice words!
Scott
Nancy Kern
Posted at 12:33h, 24 SeptemberThank you!
Just starting “playing” again after a long absence.
Taught myself “Ode to Joy” with my own chords!
Hope to keep it up, so thanks for being there. NK
Scott Houston
Posted at 12:16h, 29 SeptemberGood to hear Nancy – glad you’re back at it!
Bill Hutchins
Posted at 16:25h, 24 SeptemberThanks Scott,
All of your giveaways are appreciated. If we already know them – fine, but if we don’t, they can always be incorporated or used as building blocks for our own future variations. I had a blast with “Jingle Bells” a couple of years ago.
Bill
Terry Baker
Posted at 17:35h, 24 SeptemberThanks for these tips, I really appreciate having more little tricks in the bag to use
Scott Houston
Posted at 12:15h, 29 SeptemberI’ll try my best to keep them coming!
charles fletcher
Posted at 17:40h, 24 SeptemberI always check out out your email. I use your “cord finder” every day. I know you have discontinued selling it, but it was one of the best buys I ever made.
Old man starting the piano late, and still at it after 12 years,
Charles Fletcher
Scott Houston
Posted at 12:15h, 29 SeptemberGood to hear Charles! Keep it up … That chord finder really was a neat gadget and I was sorry when it became unavailable. However the new thing I found to replace it does a great job too – and it doesn’t take batteries. Ha! You can find it here:
http://www.scotthouston.com/Chordwand-Piano-Chord-Finder/dp/B008DGE3BK
Corinne Hochgraef
Posted at 18:07h, 24 SeptemberEnjoy your emails. ‘Have incorporated several of your suggestions.
Scott Houston
Posted at 12:12h, 29 SeptemberYeah! 🙂
Charles R. Smith
Posted at 10:26h, 25 Septemberwant to play
Scott Houston
Posted at 12:11h, 29 SeptemberThen take my online lessons and do it!
Joseph Smith
Posted at 11:39h, 25 SeptemberMy Granddaughter just started Keyboard lessons for therapy for Tourette’s syndrome,and ADHD and it seems to be doing wonders as she becomes more proficient and realizes she can find calm in music and accomplishment, we are glad she is doing this every Saturday. Your video on ending with the extra cords I shall show her! for sure Thanks Joe Smith
Scott Houston
Posted at 12:11h, 29 SeptemberWow – that’s great news re: your Granddaughter! Hope she can put to use some of my tips.
SH
George Reimer
Posted at 15:51h, 25 SeptemberRecently, I had some work done on my computer and seem to have lost some my earlier downloads.
cara nome
Posted at 16:02h, 25 SeptemberI WOULD LIKE MORE MUSIC KNOWLEDGE BUT DO NOT KNOW WHAT COURSE TO ENROL L IN. I AM CLASSICALLY TRAINED, KNOW SOME ABOUT WHAT YOU OFFER, BUT HATE TO PAY FOR SOMETHING I ALREADY MIGHT KNOW. WHAT TO DO???
Scott Houston
Posted at 12:09h, 29 SeptemberFirst off – we have a 30 day refund policy, so know there is absolutely no financial risk to give it a try.
Having said that, a good place for you to start is at this link: http://3.136.150.220/syllabus/ where you will find the gritty details on the content covered in each course.
However (and this is a big however…) take into consideration the fact that I teach a very different style of piano so even if you think you know something from your classical training, you might not know it the way we do it, or I teach it.
We have found from many, many folks in your same shoes (having taken classical lessons previously) that even if a topic is a “quick review” for you in some cases, that it is still very helpful to hear coming from “our side of the fence” and hear any little tips or twists that apply directly to our style of playing.
So knowing all that, I would err on the side of starting in a class you might think is too easy than the opposite. If you don’t get a good foundation in the different way we approach making music, you will think I am from Mars in some of the things I teach 🙂
Hope that helps!
Scott
judy wagner
Posted at 19:43h, 25 SeptemberI like your suggestion “the same chord” Terrific
Scott Houston
Posted at 12:00h, 29 September🙂
George E. Wells
Posted at 14:45h, 27 SeptemberScott, Thanks for the super easy chord ending — Thanks to you, I am now playing
just about everything I pickup on a lead sheet.
Thanks again for your kindness and great instructions.
Sincerely,
Your 78 year young student,
George
Scott Houston
Posted at 11:59h, 29 SeptemberAttaboy George! You’re so welcome…
Andy
Posted at 00:26h, 28 SeptemberNice! Thank you, Scott, for all that you do.
Scott Houston
Posted at 11:59h, 29 SeptemberYou’re welcome!
lyleseverson
Posted at 21:43h, 28 SeptemberCan’t imagine you would remember me, I was at the last workshop you did in Indianapolis. It was so much fun, please let me know if you hold another. By the way great ending, I have just the piece I need it for….Thanks
Scott Houston
Posted at 11:59h, 29 SeptemberGlad you can put this one to work Lyle! As long as you are on the newsletter mailing list, and you entered your Zip code when subscribing, I’ll for sure let you know whenever I hold any live event in your area. For anyone else that might be reading this comment – make sure your zip or postal code is entered with your newsletter subscription as that is how we notify you if I am coming to do a show anywhere…
Dave N
Posted at 22:52h, 29 SeptemberLove electric keyboards. Haven’t played in years. Can sit at a piano and play with right hand whatever comes into my head … Am dying to use your tools and tips. Any suggestions on electric KBs?
Thanks!
Scott Houston
Posted at 14:11h, 26 NovemberYou can 99% of the time do everything I ever talk about equally as well on an electric KB. Assuming it has normal, full size keys like an acoustic piano you can have at it and dig away…
Bee Gresko
Posted at 23:51h, 29 SeptemberScott, I have been wanting to write you for a long time just to tell you how much I enjoy playing the piano your way. But I must admit, I’m a “SENIOR” and learned how to play chords with songs many years ago (before your time!) when I was a new second grade teacher & wanted to learn the melodies in the kids’ songbooks & I noticed they came with simple chords. So I found a piano teacher who taught me six weeks of just chords. For many years I didn’t play that much and now that I’m retired & inherited a piano, I play every day. I have three of your “Fake books” which I go through over & over. When I first saw you on tv I got so excited. It was like you validated that it was ok to play for enjoyment like I do and to not have to be a super player. What I found most helpful, was your little book with the chart of how to figure out chords beyond the basics like diminished and some of the other less common chords.
I love all your little tips now and then about different endings etc. and I love your teaching style & enthusiasm. I hope you keep me on your email list. Thanks for all you do!.
Scott Houston
Posted at 14:11h, 26 NovemberThanks for the nice words!
Mike Tete
Posted at 16:51h, 30 SeptemberScott thanks for all the short emails. When I see your name it makes remember I have not been to the keyboard in awhile. Always too busy but now I will try to make to something I really love to do. Play Music. Thanks again