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.