by Paul Tobey
Back before the internet dominated the way
in which we find products and services we relied on more conventional
means such as; the yellow pages, print advertising and word
of mouth. While these are still effective ways to find information,
the internet is certainly as effective and in many ways far
more efficient.
The major difference between them is; the internet can display
hundreds of thousands of search results for a single search.
And, although a search engine like Google can give you many
relevant results, it makes it hard sometimes to filter through
it all and find what you’re looking for. The
choices are often overwhelming.
For example, a Google search for piano lessons reveals a
million and a half results. How would you even begin to sift
through it all and find yourself a piano course that’s
right for you? Try it yourself. Do a search and visit some
of these websites, you’ll find thousands of online piano
lessons and thousands of different piano methods.
Most of these sites do very well at pitching you why they’re
the best method for you. Most focus on the beginning piano
player. Why? Because, it’s an audience that know the
least and it’s easy to appeal to their emotions. Bold
selling statements like, “learn to play piano by ear”
and “impress your friends by playing all your favorite
music after only 1 hour” and “the secret piano
method that makes the pros jealous!”
I admire these people for their ability to pitch. In fact
the internet has made it possible for anyone with an idea
and a few copy writing courses to sell just about anything.
And, it works. But, what is the aftermath of learning one
of these so-called shortcut piano
lessons. Do they really teach you how to play in
and hour? Can you really learn to play piano by ear overnight?
Well, not really.
Certainly, it’s possible to learn how to play by ear
and to learn how to play all your favorite songs but for most
beginning piano players these are just completely outrageous
claims.
What should you look for instead, in order to avoid getting
sucked into these “learn to play fast” schemes?
First of all, if you’re even considering learning how
to play from online piano lessons I would recommend that you
do a little research on who is actually
giving the course. Are they professional musicians or just
someone with a little knowledge? Do they have a strong background
in music? Do they have recordings that you can listen to?
Or, are they offering only paper-thin shortcuts to amazing
playing?
Then, once you’ve done your research on the teacher,
look for anyone else who has taken their courses. What are
they saying? Do they give any testimonials as to the effectiveness
of the courses? Do other students give any proof of their
new piano playing abilities?
What I’m trying to point out is; if you dig deep enough
you’ll avoid spending your hard earned
money on bogus schemes that simply do not work. Learning
to play the piano is a lengthy process and should not be taken
lightly. It can be fun, but it still takes practice. Anyone
who thinks otherwise simply does not understand or does not
have enough experience to know any better.
So, let’s say you do find yourself a true professional;
someone with a lot of experience, a great track record and
plenty of proof to backup it up. What’s the number one
reason why you should learn online piano lessons from this
person rather than find a local teacher?
For starters, your online piano teacher will likely have
way more experience and credibility that your local teacher.
But, the main reason to learn online is price. A local teacher
of any credible stature will be charging at least $75 an hour.
An hour online video piano lesson will run you an average
of about $25.
There are other benefits such as; you can learn at your own
pace, there are no travel expenses, it’s anonymous,
it’s stress free and your lesson is always available
for review at any time. But, for most people it’s a
question of economics. It’s way cheaper to study piano
lessons online than in person.
So, the next time you do a search for “piano lessons”
on Google, please use the above information above to help
you choose the right piano lesson for you.
- The author, Paul Tobey, is the creator of advanced online
piano lessons for musicians who are seeking an edge in their
playing. Check out his online piano
lessons today. -
by Paul Tobey
Aside from the very young, who are often pushed to take piano
lessons by their parents, it takes a very motivated person
to keep pushing the limits of their abilities. Here's some
tips on how you might do this.
Having a goal is probably the most important of all motivating
factors. We've often heard of terms like "goal setting"
and "goal oriented" and there's a good reason for
this. If you have a clear picture in your mind of where you
want to get with your piano lessons it's often easier to fulfill
the tasks at hand.
In life, you will often encounter many "have-to's"
on the way to your "want-to's", but the "have-to's
such as piano lessons and practicing will be a pleasure if
they are aligned with your true passion. In fact, pianist
who are the most successful are the one's who are the most
passionate, not necessarily the one's with the most talent.
Goal setting is a process we call "end thinking."
This is the act of having a clear picture of the end result
of our efforts in our minds and hearts at all times. This
positive energy alone will be what carries you to your end
goal.
In addition to "goal setting" it is also important
to seek out the right information. Piano lessons delivered
by someone you have little faith in or someone who is half
hearted about teaching will not work. If your teacher does
not resonate with you or is not vibrating at a similar high
rate of passion then I suggest you find a new teacher. Have
you ever heard the saying "those that can't do, teach?"
That is not always the case but it is the case more often
than not. Make sure your teacher is passionate about playing
the piano and that they have the necessary performance experience
to give you exactly what you're looking for.
Listening to other players is also a very good way to move
ahead quickly. Now, I realize that for many people a good
player makes you feel bad about your own playing. This is
true in many cases but there is a way to overcome this fear.
By focusing on the music and not the player you will begin
to appreciate great music. Close your eyes and listen to the
music, without judgment and without fear of not measuring
up. The more you listen to great music, the more your playing
will improve.
Finally, when you get the chance to perform, seize it with
enthusiasm and pleasure. Piano lessons are only good if you
use your talent for the enjoyment of others. Think about it.
Why are you taking piano lessons in the first place? To get
better? Of course but, more importantly, you should use your
newfound ability to perform. That's the true meaning of the
musical gift you've been given. Many people do not possess
this gift, even though they wish they did. So, use your talent
for others, that energy you put out that helps others enjoy
life will come back to you ten-fold.
Having a big goal, a great teacher, listening to great music
and performing often is the key to improving your playing
and your life.
Musically Yours,
Paul Tobey
PS: I hope to see you back here again soon, when we roll
out the red carpet on the Paul Tobey Piano
Lessons Method - a training program for Intermediate
and Advanced Pianists!
PPS: We are currently designing a piano lesson program for
beginners to pre-intermediate. To be advised of this product
launch email info@paultobey.com
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