Secret to Learn Piano? Chords are Key says Teacher Edward Weiss

'4-way control is mastery of the keyboard' says Weiss

Chords ... knowledge of them is essential for many styles of piano playing. And according to 'New Age' piano teacher Edward Weiss, the best way to learn them is by learning 4-way control.

Edward explains....

"I first learned about 4-way control of chords from a Jazz piano teacher. He stressed the importance of having visual, aural, tactile, and intellectual control of chords on the piano keyboard."

The 4-way system relies on flash cards to help students quickly identify a chord (visual control) and then play it and actually feel the chord (tactile control) on the keyboard. According to Weiss, aural control is accomplished by being able to distinguish major from minor and minor from dominant. These 3 chord 'types' are used over and over again in the majority of music.

Weiss also stresses the importance of intellectual control - the ability to build chords from scratch. Weiss elaborates...

"Eventually, most students want to know how a chord is constructed. It's all done with simple math and I show students how to do this as well. When a student can finger a chord from a flash card quickly and easily, they've established automatic control of chords. Something that can be done in a short amount of time with practice."

The lesson offered at Weiss's website comes with video and comprehensive notes. Those interested can sign up for the lesson and a complete New Age piano course now.  Click for a risk-FREE special!! 

New Age Piano Lesson ‘Rainforest’ Has Students Instantly Making Music

Piano lessons. Just mentioning these words brings dread for those thinking of learning the ‘king of instruments.’ Yet teacher Edward Weiss believes piano is the easiest instrument to begin on and starts students off right away with harmony and improvisation. In fact, he does that in one of his lessons titled ‘Rainforest.’

Weiss talks about the unique lesson he created...

“Rainforest’ is a lesson I designed to get students creating something musical immediately. It uses two chords in the left hand and melody from a specific scale in the right. The student is given guidelines or limits and then it’s off to the wonderful world of music making. The key is giving the right kind of limits that will set a students playing free.”

Not the usual method of instruction to say the least, Weiss’s course has been online for over 10 years and thousands have taken it. The goal, according to this New Age piano teacher is to focus in and enjoy the process of creating while letting go of the outcome or need to produce a finished product. This process oriented approach is intended to ‘free up ‘ the student’s intuition and allow them to express themselves quickly and easily at the piano.

Mr. Weiss talks about his intuitive approach to piano playing:

“Developing and trusting intuition is crucial for being able to move past the critical parent voice that haunts many trying to create. Writers have much help in this area where they learn how to free the writer within. My approach is somewhat similar in that I help students overcome their self-doubt and get them jumping in the musical waters right away. Once students don’t care what’s coming out of them, a major milestone has been reached. They’re now free to create.”

The lesson ‘Rainforest’ along with a complete New Age piano course is now available at Weiss’s website http://www.quiescencemusic.com/

Unique Valentine’s Day Gift Idea: Create a Piano Song for Your Loved One!

Another year has flown by, and it’s hard to believe Valentine’s Day is rapidly approaching.

Instead of giving chocolates or flowers, why not do something different for a change? Learn how to compose and play your very own piano music for your special love– even if you never touched a keyboard in your life! 

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

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! 

“Creating your own piano music is one of the most fulfilling adventures a person can take. My method lets you do just that - composing your very own pieces - easily and effortlessly. And he or she will love you for it!"

Ready to dive in? Click for Risk-FREE special!! 

Piano Improvisation Tips - Enjoy the Process First!

"I'm having problems staying with the music," wrote one student. "I can't seem to get it. What I mean is, I get stuck or blocked only after a few seconds of improvising. What can I do?"

The above complaint is a very common problem among newbies at improvisation. They don't understand how to keep an improvisation going. Why? Because they have it backwards!

You're not supposed to keep an improvisation going. No. That's the wrong approach to improvisation. The right approach is to let go of your need to control the outcome. Then and only then will your intuition come to your aid.

Listen, you may want to create something beautiful on the piano, but it is exactly your desire that is creating blocks! How? Because the ego is never satisfied and wants a perfect music, a good music, or something that will satisfy it. The ego is insatiable and is never satisfied.

That's why when you focus on and enjoy the process of improvising, you free yourself from this trap.

Many of us are obsessed with creating a product. Something we can be proud of and show off to friends and family. Look, there's nothing wrong with wanting to have something you can call your own, but when you are only concerned with creating the end result, your creative self (inspiration) will dry up and leave you feeling empty.

But, if you put process over product, not only will you enjoy the whole experience more, the outcome will be far superior to any forced ego product you may end up having.

To enjoy the act of making music, we must let up on ourselves and adapt an attitude of exploration. We must allow for mistakes and listen for where the music itself wants to go. This idea may be strange to some of you. I can understand that but once you really let go of trying to control the outcome, wonderful things begin to happen!

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 www.quiescencemusic.com now and get a FREE piano lesson!