2018 New Year's Resolution: I Will Play Piano, I Will Play Piano!

Another year has flown by, and it's hard to believe we're already approaching the year 2018.

Instead of making New Years resolutions you know you won't be keeping, why not do something different for a change? Make a worthwhile New Years resolution to bring the joy of music into your life – even if you never touched a keyboard before!

Sound far fetched? Not at all according to maestro Edward Weiss, teacher, author and composer of piano music for over 15 years.

Listed among Steinway & Sons compilation of professional teachers, and endorsed by David Lanz, one of the original greats of the mesmerizing New Age style of music, Edward brings the joy of musical self- composition to everyone.

As Edward explains: "Most people automatically assume you have to be a gifted musician who's spent years in a conservatory to compose original piano scores. Nothing could be further from the truth.

"Piano Improvisation is a musical art form anyone can learn. It doesn't matter how young or old you are, or if you've never even sat down at a piano or played an instrument in your life."

The secret? Edward's step by step online video instructions allowing his students to literally Look, Listen and Learn.

Outside of an internet connection, the only other thing an aspiring artist needs is a keyboard – and of course the desire to do something different!

Weiss talks about learning piano...

"If you're going to make a New Years resolution, make one that will actually improve your life – and not just set you up with frustrations and disappointments. Creating your own piano music is one of the most fulfilling adventures a person can take. My method lets you do just that - improvising and composing your very own pieces - easily and effortlessly."

Mr. Weiss is currently offering a 50% off New Year special at his website http://www.Quiescencemusic.com

Piano Songs - Create Them Yourself With Just a Few Chords!

Most people play other people's music. That's fine. Nothing wrong with that. The classical repertoire is fantastic and worthy of playing.

But what if you want to just sit down at the piano and create on your own? Piano songs can come out of you as easily as drinking a glass of water. Think not? It's true. All you need to realize is it can be done - if you start using a chord-based approach!

For example, in the lesson "Forest Interlude" a few chords and a simple technique is used to create a very nice little piano song.

Nothing complicated or sophisticated here. Just some simple chords in open position and a framework upon which to hang it.

But, and this is important, it's an original piece of music. No note-reading was used. No attempt to "come up" with material. You see, when you're able to freely improvise, piano songs can spill out of you as easy as words do when speaking.

So what's the trick? It's being able to let go of the need to control the outcome and allow the music to unfold on it's own. This is actually an intuitive approach to playing the piano and one that's served me well over the past 15 years.

Look, the goal for most piano players is to be able to either play the classics, or play from lead sheets or fake books. Creating one's own piano music is a foreign notion to most. That's why I'm a big fan of the New Age piano style!

It focuses mainly on improvisation and "free play" and requires very little in the way of technical know how. What is required is the ability to suspend judgment and allow for the unexpected.

This can be very threatening to some. In fact, people come up with all kinds of excuses as to why this music is "inferior" to other types. I always laugh when I hear that argument because I know there's nothing more these people want then just to "be" at the piano.

Edward Weiss is a pianist/composer and webmaster of Quiescence Music's online piano lessons. He has been helping students learn how to play piano in the New Age style for over 15 years and works with students in private, in groups, and now over the internet. Ready to get creative at the piano? Try the course risk-FREE for 30-Days! More info... 

Free Piano Sheet Music: 'Christmas Peace!'

Experience the quiet reflection of Christmas Peace! Christmas Peace uses easy chords in the left hand accompanied by a poignant right hand melody you're sure to enjoy! Perfect for beginners.

Code: QM-4302
Playing Level: Easy
Key: D Major
Composer: Edward Weiss
Pages: 1
Format: PDF file

Click here to access Christmas Peace!  

Want to be able to create your own music like this without sheets? Look into Edward Weiss's online piano lessons.

P.S. Happy Holidays! :) 

How To Be Creative At the Piano

So you want to be more creative when playing piano. Many students wish they could just sit down and improvise their own music but don't know how to begin.

They think if they can't play a fugue like Bach, they are untalented. Or, they think the music that comes out of them must be sophisticated or it's not worth anything.

Fortunately, there is a style of piano playing that bypasses this academic snobbery and allows the beginning (and advanced) student to be more creative.

The New Age piano style is geared towards improvisation and creativity specifically because it requires very little in the way of technical know-how. What it does require is the courage to just sit in front of the piano and allow for the creative act; allow being the important verb here.

Many students wonder why they have problems improvising. When I explain to them that the problem is not with technique but attitude, they look at me surprised. After all, aren't they willing to learn? Of course! But they must first shun the "creative genius" persona and be willing to let go and let the music tell them where it wants to go.

Once students understand that they aren't in charge of creating music, they begin to have that knowing inward smile. They have discovered that the secret to being creative at the piano is to release all expectations of good or bad and focus on the process. Then they can relax and fully enjoy all that music has to offer.

Edward Weiss is a pianist/composer and webmaster of Quiescence Music's online piano lessons. He has been helping students learn how to play piano in the New Age style for over 15 years and works with students in private, in groups, and now over the internet. Visit Quiescence Music now and get half-off Edward's New Age piano course!

The Most Important Thing a Piano Teacher Can Give You

I've had a few piano teachers over the years. And I can't say that they really helped me. Why? Because I can learn technique pretty much on my own.

What I needed was for someone to help me trust my own intuition and act as a mentor guiding me to my desired goal, which at that time, was to create my own music. Intuition is the most confusing thing for someone "seemingly" without it to develop. That's because they've had a long time not trusting in themselves and their own unique talent and ability.

Nothing is more important for without the ability to trust yourself, you really won't be able to hear the intuitive voice that is always present and is always willing to guide you - if you let it.

The first step to accomplish this trust in yourself is to switch from a product oriented attitude to a process oriented one. You must let go of the need to produce something that is "good" or "bad." Instead, allow for mistakes and experimentation. Improvise and start out by using simple means. A few chords, a scale, some brief instruction are all that is required.

You must be able to play! Children trust themselves and their power of intuition without exception. They haven't learned how not to. I like to use the analogy of finger-painting as an example of this.

Put finger-paints and paper in front of a child and watch what happens. They can't wait to get started in exploring this world of color and form. They're not concerned with good or bad. What they are concerned with is pure joy. And this comes from their ability to suspend judgement and just play!

Edward Weiss is a pianist/composer and webmaster of Quiescence Music's online piano lessons. He has been helping students learn how to play piano in the New Age style for over 15 years and works with students in private, in groups, and now over the internet. Visit http://www.quiescencemusic.com/ now for a special offer!

Recommended Listening: Emily Bear - Northern Lights

This one's just amazing! Why? Because the pianist/composer you're listening to here was 7 years old when she composed this. Watch the right hand as it creates the mood for the entire piece right away! A quick little ostinato pattern is played in the right while she adds in a bass melody.

But she's not done here. Contrast is introduced now as the left hand gets the ostinato pattern. She returns to a 'modified' version of her original idea a bit later.

If I hadn't known she was 7, I'd think this was done by a mature adult. As I said before ... amazing! Learn how it's done! Visit Quiescencemusic.com 

Composing George Winston Style!

If you're a fan of New Age piano, no doubt you've listened to some of George Winston's music. What I find fascinating about his songs is how he creates them.

Most improvisers/composers start with the melody, usually because it's the easiest way to begin.

What George does is start with the background. He creates an aural canvas over which he improvises the melody. This is an excellent way to create with because once you have the chord changes for the first 8-bars or so, you've pretty much finished a section of music.

Now after Winston gets his (A) section, it's another textural background that will usually make its appearance for the (B) section. The beautiful thing about this method is that it really frees up the right-hand!

Once your left hand is playing the background, you are able to create melody easily. It's like a lead guitar player creating a solo while the band lays down the rhythm and chord changes.

In fact, George Winston has referred to his left hand as the rhythm section. Creating the background first is just another way to compose/improvise. There is absolutely nothing wrong with going with the melody first if that is what inspires you. However, it's good to know how others are creating so you can learn from them.

P.S. If you like the music of George Winston and wonder how he could create something beautiful like this, I'll show you how! I'll take you step-by-step through the process and not only teach you how George does it, but how you can do it yourself! And it's all on video. More info and a special offer for you at Quiescence Music.

Easily Create Your Own Piano Meditation!

Soothing and relaxing, meditation music is designed to calm your mind and center your spirit. There is a lot of music out there that will help you do this, but have you ever thought about creating your own meditation music?

It's possible. And it's a lot easier than you might think.

The cool thing about creating your own meditation music is that you can tailor it to suit your own taste. Many instruments are perfect for creating this type of music, but the piano is especially good. Why? Because a complete beginner can learn a few chords and begin to create immediately.

But how you ask? Here's how.

The first thing I have my students do is learn something called the open position piano chord. This chord structure allows the complete beginner to create sounds that are modern and easy on the ears.

It's not an easy chord structure to master at first, but once accomplished, it really gives you all you need to easily play the piano.

One style that's synonymous with meditation music is the New Age style. In fact, New Age music is the place most look first when they need to relax and unwind.

Most people have heard of New Age piano. The man who put this genre on the map, George Winston, has literally sold millions of his soothing, reflective solo piano CD's.

You see, the thing about actually creating this kind of music on your own is that it actually allows you to go deeper than just listening to it. That's because you are actively engaged in making it. This alone will help you stay in the present and experience a deep peace seldom found by just 'taking it in.'

Edward Weiss is a pianist/composer and webmaster of Quiescence Music's online piano lessons He has been helping students learn how to create meditation music for over 15 years and works with students in private, in groups, and now over the internet. Visit Quiescence Music now and get a free piano lesson and special offer!

Don't Just Study Piano - Play It!

Many piano students spend much time learning how to play the piano. Years upon years of study time devoted to perfecting technique, tone, dynamics, etc.

All the while, many of these same students have never really played the piano. That is, they have spent their time practicing in preparation for the moment when they can "perform" for others.

Wouldn't it be refreshing if instead of learning how to play other peoples music, we could feel confident enough to create our own? Why is it so daunting a task for most of us?

I think it's because we've been taught that only a very few gifted individuals are capable of producing music from scratch - whatever the genre. Rock, jazz, classical etc. Unfortunately, this belief is enough to stop most dead in their tracks and for those, whose spark of interest was lit in childhood, it soon turns cold and lifeless.

Now, playing the piano is entirely different than learning the piano. Here we are at home. Why? Because we are playing. So different an approach it is too! Children are allowed free-play and are even encouraged to do so. But as we grow up, we decide we must "make something worthy of performance." What a tragic error in thinking! Yet one that pervades the music world.

The solution is to understand that we all have our own special music inside of us and each and every one of us has something wonderful to share with the world. This something comes through when we stop learning how to play the piano and begin to play it truly for the first time.

Edward Weiss is a pianist/composer and webmaster of Quiescence Music's online piano lessons. He has been helping students learn how to play piano in the New Age style for over 14 years and works with students in private, in groups, and now over the internet. Visit http://www.quiescencemusic.com now and get a FREE piano lesson and more!

Improvisation ... It's About Feeling

It really doesn't take much to improvise. A few chords, a scale to play in and that's that. But once these technical decisions are out of the way, we must allow our feeling to guide us.

Playing this way has many advantages. First, you don't have to worry about what you're going to play. You let your intuition guide you in this. The hands are placed on certain chords. The fingers move and the mind is in abeyance, waiting in surprise to see what the hands will discover.

You also don't have to think about what chords to use or how you're going to play them. When you take care of the technical aspects first, you free yourself to explore your materials. Of course, things can change and we must allow for this, but playing within a set of limitations will free the mind.

For example, in the improvisation exercise 'Nurturing Rain', 2 chords are used. How they are played is determined and a Key is chosen. Now the improviser can relax and explore the possibilities available.

The other way of playing, the way where there are too many choices present, distracts the improviser from improvising. The mind must be free from these distractions so feeling can be expressed easily. Many students have a problem with doing things easily.

Edward Weiss is a pianist/composer and webmaster of Quiescence Music's online piano lessons. He has been helping students learn how to play piano in the New Age style for over 15 years and works with students in private, in groups, and now over the internet. Ready to freely improvise on piano? Visit Quiescence Music now for a risk-FREE special!! 

Don't Put the Piano On a Pedestal

The piano. It’s a musical instrument that many would love to play. Yet for most, it’s got a rarefied air about it. Something almost mystical as if touching a key would cause a Steinway lid to shut tight around unworthy fingers if the note wasn’t perfect.

The above scenario is humorous yet sad. Because my friends, in the classical music world, this is what we have. A reverence for ritual and the ‘masters.’ God forbid one should just go over to a piano and play off the top of one’s head. No. This isn’t usually the case as children are taught that to make music, ‘real’ music, one must study. And study hard!

It’s not enough to just learn a few chords and go off exploring. That wouldn’t be right now would it?

It’s so sad that some children learn the ‘Tiger Mom’ approach and then, after the policeman with a stick is gone, the adult never goes near the piano again. There’s no one threatening to punish them if they don’t practice so why bother.

Think I’m kidding about this? This is the rigmarole that some kids are put through right from the beginning. If a creative approach is taught, and that’s doubtful, it’s relegated to background status - a thing not to be valued.

Yet I argue that the creative, playing part is where the value really is.
I’m not saying that one shouldn’t practice. But music should be a place primarily for play and recreation, not a testing ground to see if one has mastered a piece or not. The reward for getting it right of course, is an atta boy or that’s great from an authority figure - the dreaded piano teacher.

And sadly, this turns into deadly approval seeking as the child now is programmed to give a good performance for a pat on the back. The piano is a great instrument, there's no doubt about it. But don't make the mistake of making it more important than you - that is, don't put it on a pedestal. It might be hard to reach.

Edward Weiss is a pianist/composer and webmaster of Quiescence Music's online piano lessons. He has been helping students learn how to play piano in the New Age style for over 16 years and works with students in private, in groups, and now over the internet. Visit Online Piano Lessons by Quiescence Music now and get a FREE piano lesson!

The Piano and Music Therapy: A Perfect Match!

If there was one genre of music perfect for music therapy, it would have to be New Age piano. Soothing and relaxing, the piano offers many benefits to those in need of respite.

The wonderful thing about this style of music is that it's also easy to learn how to play!

A few chords, a scale, and you're able to make music. And not just any kind of music, but one that's conducive to alleviating stress.

Let's look at how one might go about learning how to play piano in the New Age style.

First, it's best if you learn one chord position that will give you a nice modern sound right away. The open position chord structure accomplishes this. It's easy to learn and can be used by the beginner right away to make music with. And it uses both hands as well to cover more than 2 octaves of the piano keyboard.

Once this chord structure is practiced, it's time to add in a few chords. Just a few chords is all that is necessary for the beginning adult to experience the joy of improvisation. The hands are placed on the open position chord structure and the fingers move around creating melody. Nothing more is required than an openness to explore the possibilities.

And once students get started, they find that they can't stop playing. The therapeutic aspect of this comes from the free-form improvisations students are able to play only after a few minutes of practice. They begin to unwind, relax, and forget about the problems and cares of the day. It's a music therapy that goes one step above just listening to music.

Edward Weiss is a pianist/composer and webmaster of Quiescence Music's online piano lessons. He has been helping students learn how to play piano in the New Age style for over 14 years and works with students in private, in groups, and now over the internet. Visit now and get a FREE piano lesson

How To Capture Your Musical Ideas!

Have you ever watched an artist demonstrate how they create a painting? If not, you’re missing something wonderful … how to go from nothing to something.

How to create beauty where before there was only blank canvas.

Let’s take a landscape artist as an example and assume the subject has already been chosen - a peaceful woodland scene.

Now, how does the artist go about capturing this idea? Easy! They have a working method already in place! In art, the background is usually composed first.

Foreground details are added in later.

We can apply this same concept to music composition as well; specifically New Age piano composition. You see, we can also lay in the background and set the mood for the entire piece of music. And the best part about this is it’s quite easy to do.

This is the technique George Winston uses in much of his early work. A left hand pattern lays in the “wash” so to speak, while the right hand creates a lovely melodic foreground. Why this isn’t taught by most piano teachers is a mystery to me. Especially since the use of this technique gives immediate satisfaction.

Entire pieces of music have been and are created using this technique. All we need to know are the chords and when the chord changes occur. This is done by placing the chord symbols on something called a chart.

The chart is simply bars of music drawn out that indicate when you change chords. The cool thing about creating harmonic backgrounds is you don’t have to chart out more than 8-bars to create your musical canvas. Even 2-bars is enough. Why? Because once you have the chord progression down, you simply keep playing it over and over.

Eventually, this will get monotonous. But if we wanted to, we can add in a new harmonic background and keep the piece of music fresh!

Learn how it's done! Visit Quiescencemusic.com now for a FREE sample lesson and more! 

Chord Changes for Piano and How to Chart Them Out

As much as I like to just "fool around" on the piano, there comes a time when I want to remember or capture what I've been doing. But what's an easy way to do this you ask? I'll tell you.

By charting out your chord changes on a piece of paper, you'll remember the harmonic background easier. Here's how... First, get a sheet of paper. Any paper will do. It doesn't have to be lined or ruled and it doesn't have to be music paper. Next draw out 8-bars. I usually just draw 4 bars, skip down some and then draw another 4-bars.

This is your chord chart! It doesn't have to be more complicated than this. In fact, this quick sketch method will serve you well when inspiration is running high and you want to very quickly jot down your chord changes. You can do it anywhere! On a napkin, on a piece of paper in your purse or wallet. In fact, I've actually used ATM receipts to jot down chord changes on.

After you draw out 8-bars, you know have a template to use. You simply write your chord symbols on top. The chord changes may last for 1 bar, 2 bars… whatever. Eight bar frameworks are excellent to work in because they give you your first section of music! Plus, it's a nice space of time to work in. In fact, you could use just 2 chords and fill out the 8-bars, i.e., C Major for the first 4 bars and F Major for the next 4.

After you fill up this 8-bar space, you have basically captured the harmony aspect. But, you'll probably want to jot down the first 2-bars of melody as well. This will really help you remember what you are creating. You might also want to sketch out the arrangement of your chord changes. For example, if you are playing arpeggios in the left hand, indicate the pattern by writing it in for 2-bars. Well, there you have it. My quick sketch method for creating with.

Edward Weiss is a pianist/composer and webmaster of Quiescence Music's online piano lessons . He has been helping students learn how to play piano in the New Age style for over 14 years and works with students in private, in groups, and now over the internet. Visit now and get a FREE piano lesson!

Move Over Classical Piano lessons: New Age a Hit for Spring

When most people think of taking piano lessons, the names Bach, Beethoven, and Mozart spring to mind. But not anymore. At least that’s according to Edward Weiss.

Weiss is a pianist, composer, and webmaster of Quiescence Music - an online site that teaches, you guessed it, New Age piano.

When asked why he teaches piano in this style, Weiss responds:

“It’s a very freeing style. You don’t have to read music. You don’t have to spend years playing the ’masters.’ The whole idea is to just learn a few chords and then jump in and improvise. Something I’ve always wanted to do and now that I can, I enjoy teaching others how to do it.”

The course Weiss teaches now has over 2000 members and keeps growing at a steady pace. Students receive over 150 New Age piano lessons when signing up and also receive a free workbook and more.

When asked why he thinks so many people want to learn how to play New Age piano now, Weiss says:

“I think people just get tired of playing other people’s music - no matter how good. They want to create on their own and the New Age style helps them do just that.”

Mr. Weiss is currently offering a try it risk-FREE offer at his site Quiescencemusic.com   

Arpeggios for New Age Piano Playing

Chopin used them extensively. So did Beethoven and Mozart. Arpeggios are beautiful and are perfect for the New Age piano style too!

You can hear them in George Winston's music. David Lanz uses them in many of his compositions, and of course, I use them as well. Why? Because the piano is well suited for this technique!

The left-hand is used mostly to create this cascading flow of notes. For example, in the Video 'Autumn Serenade' you can hear me use over an octave of the keyboard in the left hand. This creates a very nice background over which we can improvise (or compose) our melodies.

Because the New Age piano style focuses a lot on improvisation, the arpeggio is an excellent vehicle to use. We pick a Key to play in, choose a few chords from that Key, then create an arpeggio with them.

What gives many students problems with this technique is the crossing over part where the left hand does its main work. But once this technique is mastered, the rest is easy.

Then, you simply practice playing the arpeggio until you can improvise a melody in your right hand. You go slowly and smoothly at first; not rushing but taking your time. The rewards are great because the sound that is created by using arpeggios is full, rich, and very appealing to the ear!

Edward Weiss is a pianist/composer and webmaster of Quiescence Music's online piano lessons. He has been helping students learn how to play piano in the New Age style for over 14 years and works with students in private, in groups, and now over the internet. Visit http://www.quiescencemusic.com now and get a FREE piano lesson and more!

How to Use an Ostinato Pattern to Make Your Piano Playing Sound Incredible!

Did you know there are only a few patterns used on the piano? For example, there's the arpeggio, the bass-chord technique, crossed hands, and of course, the ostinato.

What's so special about the ostinato pattern? It's very easy to use! We take a chord (or an arpeggio) and create a loop with it. This allows the right hand to freely improvise melody. Even a complete beginner can get a simple chord pattern down. For instance, in the lesson "Ocean Dreams," we use a few chords to create a very pleasant harmonic background over which we "paint" our melodies!

It doesn't have to get more complicated than this for an absolute beginner (or pro) to experience the joy of improvisation. The chords used for this lesson are modern sounding and are used frequently in both jazz and new age piano music. We take this four-note chord and break it up creating a lovely textural sound. We vary the dynamics (loud and soft) to make our playing more musical and from this we get 2 or more minutes of music!

It's all done with chords. Chords and phrases. Actually, "Ocean Piano" is simply a 2-bar phrase repeated a number of times. By thinking "in phrases" the improviser and composer learns how to use the art of repetition and contrast to advantage. No longer thinking in just chords, it becomes easier to block out entire sections of music quickly and easily!

Edward Weiss is a pianist/composer and webmaster of Quiescence Music's online piano lessons. He has been helping students learn how to play piano in the New Age style for over 14 years and works with students in private, in groups, and now over the internet. Visit Quiescence Music now and get a FREE piano lesso

Allow Yourself to 'Be' At the Piano

My biggest creative inspiration in life is nature.... life itself. When I'm in nature, I relax, and have a chance to reflect. There is no need to 'do' anything other than just be. Something we all need to experience more these days.

Now, what I like to do as well is 'be' at the piano. No thinking, or need to try and come up with material here (unless I'm completing a melodic sketch). I allow myself to feel and express through music. Which is why I've always enjoyed the New Age style.

You see, it's really a 'healing' music and this is because musicians involved in this genre like to transfer feelings of peace and serenity into notes and chords. Visual artists have been doing this for the longest time. Just look at some of the paintings of Monet and the Impressionists and you'll see what I mean.

When you try and come up with something, you create a separation between what you feel in the present and what your ego wants to create. This 'divide' must be resolved because you simply cannot have both. And the amazing irony of all of this is that your 'best' product will ALWAYS come when you focus on and enjoy the process.

Don't try to create something. Instead, allow yourself to just 'be' at the piano and remarkable things will happen!

Try this: Spend some time in nature. Just enjoy yourself and admire what your senses take in. Now go to your piano and play the first thing that comes to mind. What you are doing is transferring feeling into notes. 

Edward Weiss is a pianist/composer and webmaster of Quiescence Music's online piano lessons. He has been helping students learn how to play piano in the New Age style for over 15 years and works with students in private, in groups, and now over the internet. Visit Quiescence Music now and get a FREE piano lesson and more!

Digital Pianos: Are They Right For You?

Many families are now purchasing digital pianos to learn on. And why not? They're relatively inexpensive, take up very little space, and produce high quality grand piano sound. But there are certain drawbacks to owning one.

For example, it's a good idea to play an acoustic instrument before trying a digital one. Why? Because no matter how well the piano sound is sampled, it will never match the pure acoustic sound and richness of a "live" piano. This factor is very important to some because they want to experience the organic sensibility only a true acoustic can give them.

When a key is struck on an acoustic instrument, it produces overtones that reverberate around the room creating a sound that no digital instrument can accurately capture. I don't know why this is but I've played on the best digital pianos and have never experienced that "woody" feel an acoustic gives out.

If this doesn't concern you, then you've passed the litmus test for owing a digital piano because while they can't give you the exact feel of an acoustic, they come pretty darn close to giving you the deep, rich, full sound of a grand piano! For most people, this is all that matters and I for one agree!

Today's digital pianos are so good that most listeners can not tell the difference between a "live" piano and a digital one. Add to that the fact that they are the most affordable of the kinds of pianos you can buy and you've got an instrument that's hard to beat.

It really all depends on what your needs are. Do you need to experience a cacophony of overtones? If so, don't go digital, But if you want that full grand piano sound without paying $50,000 for it, digital is the way to go!

Edward Weiss is a pianist/composer and webmaster of Quiescence Music's online piano lessons. He has been helping students learn how to play piano in the New Age style for over 14 years and works with students in private, in groups, and now over the internet. Visit Quiescence Music now and get a FREE piano lesson and more!

Sharing Your Piano Music With Others

So you've got a few New Age piano pieces under your belt (or not) and you want to share your music with others. Can you do it? Yes! Here's a working plan for you.

Create 3 pieces of music - For those of you who are just beginning to improvise, don't worry about this. But for those who are beginning to compose, you'll need to have 3 complete pieces to play. Why? Because this will come to around 10-15 minutes of music - the perfect amount of time to have a mini-concert! If you're in the process of creating your 3 pieces and haven't finished yet set an end goal date. For example, it's a good idea to write something like this down:

By August 12, 2017, I will have 3 complete and polished pieces of music to play for others.

This is a time-based goal and will work wonders if you write it out and place it where you can read it everyday. Most likely, you will try and find excuses for why you can't finish something on time. This goal with time and date on it will continually remind you to stay on track.

Practice your 3 pieces - Practice is the only way you will build up your confidence level. Practice each piece slowly at first. Never back up if you make a mistake. I repeat… NEVER back up if you make a mistake. Why? What are you going to do when you're playing for an audience and you mess up. You're not going to stop everything and go back. No! You go forward. Chances are very good that the audience won't even notice. I can testify to this from personal experience.

When you practice, be with the music. The audience isn't really concerned with you. They want an emotional experience through the music and the best way to give that to them is for you to be in the moment.

Overcome Performance Anxiety - To do this, you must first practice until you can play all 3 pieces straight through and you must first perform for a very small audience. Perhaps one or two people. You see you have to get used to the idea that eyes will be watching you. This makes most very self-conscious. By playing for very small groups of people, or even one person first, you get used to this and you can simply shrug it off. Playing for others should be a joyful experience. It can be if you follow these simple guidelines.

Edward Weiss is a pianist/composer and webmaster of Quiescence Music's online piano lessons. He has been helping students learn how to play piano in the New Age style for over 15 years and works with students in private, in groups, and now over the internet. Visit now for a FREE piano lesson and more including how to compose.

The Artist's Way Meets the Piano!

In her bestselling book “The Artist’s Way,” Julie Cameron suggests keeping a journal. She refers to them as morning pages where each morning, you just write off the top of your head.

This free writing exercise is nothing new. It’s been done and popularized for quite some time now. But “The Artist’s Way” really brought this practice back.

I was wondering how piano players might apply the concept of free writing to improvisation. It then dawned on me that if you time your improvisations, or more accurately, set a time limit for how long you’re going to play, it creates a space where the muse is free to express.

To this end, I created a lesson titled "Timed Piano Improvisation Exercise.” It is a lesson that uses a 3-5 minute time limit. Students are encouraged to play whatever comes up within the given parameters - 3 chords in the mode of A Aeolian.

The beauty of these kinds of exercises is that the choice as to what to play has already been made! Now, all that is required is for the student to sit down and play within the limits set.

Some fight the idea of limitations thinking it constricts creativity. Not true! It actually helps you to focus in on self-expression. That’s because you’re not thinking about the next chord to play. This choice has already been made. All that is required now is to simply create in the moment.

And when the moment is a timed practice period, it gives students the freedom to just be at the piano.

After successfully trying these exercises myself, I realize how powerful they can be. Material comes that may have never appeared any other way. Why? Because we aren’t focused on creating a product. Instead, we allow the improvisational process to lead us and this always leads to the “freshest” sounding music.

Edward Weiss is a pianist/composer and webmaster of Quiescence Music's online piano lessons. He has been helping students learn how to play piano in the New Age style for over 15 years and works with students in private, in groups, and now over the internet. Visit http://www.quiescencemusic.com/ now and get a FREE piano lesson!

Receptive Attitude Necessary for Successful Improvisation

After you learn technique and theory and a little bit of improvisation skill, you will be able to grow and create in proportion to your ability to get out of the way and let the music take over. 

To do this requires a listening ability somewhat similar to meditation. That is, you must be open and receptive to what comes next - never forcing, never trying to come up with something.

When you are in this frame of mind, wonderful things begin to happen. When you try to create, you set yourself up for blocks. Why? Because the trying blocks the listening, receptive attitude necessary for improvisation. The key to getting around this is to walk away and come back later. Believe me, you can try and try but if nothing is coming, it probably won't come at this moment.

So, just get up and come back later when you are in a more meditative, receptive mood. Try to improvise in the new age style when you're angry or upset and what comes out might not sound that good. Art appears when you are in the moment. The Art of New Age piano, like any other art requires you to learn the skills and techniques - then forget about them and begin to play.

Edward Weiss is a pianist/composer and webmaster of Quiescence Music's online piano lessons. He has been helping students learn how to play piano in the New Age style for over 15 years and works with students in private, in groups, and now over the internet. Visit http://www.quiescencemusic.com/ now and get a FREE piano lesson