Recent Blog Posts
Keyboards for adult beginners: what’s the best option?
Congratulations! You’ve taken the first, oftentimes most difficult step in your piano journey—deciding that you’re going to learn to play the piano. The second step to conquer? Finding a piano to best fit your needs so you can start playing. With countless pianos and keyboards just a Google search away, researching and identifying options can seem like a daunting task… that’s why I’ve done the hard work for you.
Piano Playing, Singing Beagle Rocks Out in Viral Video
Buddy Mercury, a lovable Beagle, is quickly generating massive online fame as a video showing him playing the piano and “singing” appears in countless social media feeds. Also in the video Buddy’s “human,” a small child, is dancing up a storm! Scott “The Piano Guy” Houston encourages learning to play piano for fun and there’s a LOT of fun happening here. He says “Hey – if a dog can give that cute little kid so much enjoyment, just think what YOU could do for some of YOUR humans if you just sat down and learned to play some of your favorite tunes for fun! Ha!” The good news is that Scott has been successfully helping people do just that for over 20 years … Hey, don’t let the dogs have ALL the fun. 🙂 The kids are grown, career is done and it’s YOUR time now. It’s YOUR turn to play! Enjoy the video!
How to play Slash Chords on the piano
In today's video blog post, Scott Houston covers some common music theory and teaches viewers how to play slash chords on the piano. Slash chords are created when the root of a chord is overridden, and the new root is specified by the slash. For example, a G/A slash chord would be played by making a G chord with the right hand and playing an A in the left hand bass. While slash chords can look complicated when written out, Houston assures viewers that they are easy to understand and play. He provides several examples of different slash chords, including a B flat major 7/C and an F/A. For the latter example, he notes that since the A note is already in the F chord, the slash chord can be played as an inversion with the F on top. Houston explains that slash chords are often used in piano music to specify a particular bass, especially when the bass is a critical component of the song. He encourages viewers to try out his free Introductory Course or check out the syllabus for his full Courses if they are interested in learning more.
Bossa Nova Rhythm – Hand Independence
Scott teaches how to work through hand independence issues while also exposing you to a Bossa Nova rhythm. He starts by breaking down the Bossa Nova rhythm and explaining how it is played. He then provides some exercises to help you practice and develop your hand independence. After going through the exercises, he plays a short piece to show how the Bossa Nova rhythm can be applied.
Why you should play what you love
In this blog post, the author argues that playing songs you enjoy is crucial to maintaining interest in piano playing. They suggest using resources like fake books or learning by ear to find and play these songs. The author provides a hint that many songs use the same chord progressions, making them easier to learn by ear. Ultimately, the goal is to have fun playing the songs you love.
Why does music bring us comfort?
Music has a variety of benefits for mental health, from helping to ease anxiety to improving focus and concentration. But why does music have these effects? Research suggests that music can stimulate the release of natural chemicals like endorphins and oxytocin, which can boost mood and provide an outlet for positive emotions. music can also help energize our mood and provide an outlet for us to take control of our feelings. Music therapy has been used for centuries as a way to help people with a variety of mental and physical health issues. Today, music therapy is becoming increasingly popular as a trendy form of therapy. Some of the music therapy interventions that are used today include music improvisation, receptive music listening, song writing, lyric discussion, and music-assisted relaxation. Music affects our dopamine system, which is why certain types of music can be used to help us focus, motivate us, or even wind down and fall asleep. If you're interested in learning more about how music can benefit your mental health, sign up for our free webinar today.
9 interesting facts about piano
Bartolomeo Cristofori, a harpsichord maker and “Keeper of Instruments” for the Medici family, introduced the earliest version of the piano around 1709 in Florence. In Cristofori’s piano, the keys were struck with a hammer rather than plucked with fingers. It wasn’t until 1711 that the sustain pedal was added to the instrument by German instrument maker Gottfried Sibberman. Sibberman’s prototypes were famously criticized by Bach for not producing a full dynamic range of sound. The famous musician and composer Bach actually popularized the use of the thumb as opposed to the traditional fingering method (which employed the middle three fingers on each hand) on the organ. Though the wind instrument predates the piano, Bach’s innovation had great influence on the development of modern techniques used on the piano. piano has around 10,000 moving parts The world’s most expensive piano is a Heintzman & Co. made entirely of crystal and costs a staggering 3.22 million dollars! The world’s longest piano piece is a 180-note played through a baffling 840 times The U.S. National Library of Medicine has found that learning to play the piano has the potential to significantly affect brain function and mood in adults over 60 years old. Participants in the study showed a decrease in symptoms of mental illness like depression and anxiety. If you want to become a concert pianist and play concerts with symphony orchestras for a living, you probably need to learn how to read music. But assuming your interest lies instead in playing just about any and every other style, be it pop, jazz, blues, country, gospel, etc. for purely recreational reasons, you do not. Music is what you listen to, not what you read. Sheet music is simply a recording device.
How learning piano benefits your brain
Since the end of the 20th century, the importance of mental health and wellness has gained massive popularity in our culture. All kinds of activities from meditation, to walking, to woodworking are promoted as a way to help people think more positively and stop worrying so much. But did you know that having a hobby provides serious benefits to both mood and physical brain health? Adults who do creative hobbies—like learning to play piano—see better cognitive function and slower age-related mental decline. In this blog, I will explain the science behind music and brain health and tell you how learning to play the piano for fun can lead to a longer, happier, healthier life. Classical isn’t the only thing that makes you smart Reshaping brain hemispheres through creativity Playing music to prevent memory loss Reducing stress, anxiety, and depression Improving your aural awareness Listening to music you love is good for you, too People used to think that listening to classical music made you smarter. However, scientists at Johns Hopkins have found that listening to any kind of music can reduce anxiety, blood pressure, and pain while improving sleep quality, mood, and memory. When you go from just listening to learning to play, you benefit from a full brain exercise that works the cerebral cortex, temporal lobe, parietal lobes, occipital lobes, left side, right side of the brain, brain stem, you name it! You don’t have to become the greatest pianist like Martha Argerich or learn to play full concertos for a Carnegie Hall debut to reap the benefits of playing piano, either. Music therapy centers and human brain scientists have studied the positive impact extensively in recent years—keep reading below for some of my favorite findings! Piano players can reshape brain hemispheres through creative thinking Using both the right brain and left brain for an activity is known to naturally boost creativity. Modern imaging studies have proven that piano players benefit from strengthened connections between the right and left brain hemispheres and in the frontal lobe, leading to an increase in all cognitive functions—from decision making to problem solving and social interaction. This also leads to a more symmetrical central sulcus, which is responsible for registering right and left hand dominance. Through practice, you are literally reshaping your brain for the better! Piano
Using the Pentatonic Scale for Piano Improvisation: Jazz Improvisation Tip
Starting to improvise on the piano can be daunting, but it doesn't have to be! This blog post offers a helpful tip for using the pentatonic scale to make improvising less intimidating. The pentatonic scale is a great way to get started improvising because it only uses six notes. To use this scale, play blues chords in your left hand and use the six notes of the pentatonic scale in your right hand. You can vary the octave of the notes and play them in any order you like. This tip can make getting started with improvising a lot less scary, so have fun and enjoy making up your own tunes!
Is piano the hardest instrument to play?
Is piano the hardest instrument to play?Not by a long shot! The author argues that piano is actually one of the easier instruments to play from a physical standpoint. The difficult part is learning to read classical notation. If you're interested in playing non-classical genres, you should learn to use and interpret lead sheets instead. Lead sheets are much easier to learn than standard notation and just as musically correct for non-classical genres.
Do we still shame bad musicians?
In the past, bad musicians were publicly humiliated with a torture device called the Shame Flute. This contraption was a heavy iron flute that was shackled to the musician's neck, and their fingers were clamped to the keys. They were then paraded around town for all to see and were often pelted with rotten food. Today, people are still afraid of embarrassment when it comes to learning to play an instrument. But 6X Emmy Winner Scott Houston says it's time to let go of that shame and have some fun. Now is YOUR time to play!
Good Bluesy Ending
This is a great tip for ending a blues or boogie-woogie tune professionally. You start by playing a C two octaves apart on the last chord of the tune. This will give the tune a great Bluesy sound that everyone will love.
How important is it to memorize piano pieces?
Pianists have long been debating how important it is to memorize piano pieces. In this blog post, the author offers their opinion on the matter. They believe that memorization is not important, and that lead sheets are a better way to learn piano. Lead sheets are a type of music notation that contains the bare-bones melody line and chord progressions of a song. The goal of learning a tune from a lead sheet is to not need it as soon as possible. This way, you can improvise by adding embellishments, playing in different tempos, and more. The author offers a free intro course on their method of playing piano. Thousands of adults have learned to play the piano with this method.
How much is a 60 minute piano lesson?
Scott Houston breaks down different types of piano lessons, how much they typically cost, and what to expect in terms of time commitment and skill level. He also discusses some of the pros and cons of in-person and online lessons. In-person individual piano lessons are typically more expensive than online lessons, but they offer some advantages in terms of structure and guidance. In-person lessons also typically require a longer time commitment, but this can vary depending on the instructor and the student's goals.
2018 – The year you play piano!
Scott Houston is a piano teacher and performer who is looking forward to a productive 2018. He begins by apologizing for being quiet on social media over the past few months, attributing it to a death in the family. Scott talks about his goals for the new year and asks viewers to take a poll on what kind of content they would like to see on his YouTube channel. He also asks viewers to turn on notifications and subscribe to his email list. Scott ends by telling viewers about his free online introductory course, which includes a lesson on how to play a Christmas Carol.
Piano of the Future Unveiled at CES and NAMM
Japanese instrument maker Roland recently unveiled their new GPX-F1 “Facet” electronic grand piano at CES 2020. This futuristic piano has a unique geometric shape that appears to be floating above the base. The concept for the piano was birthed from Roland’s Digital Piano Design Awards in 2015. Korean industrial designer Jong Chan Kim won the grand prize with his creation and Roland tasked a team of engineers to bring his vision to life. Kim was inspired by polyhedrons occurring in nature, leading to the name “Facet” from crystalline structures. Drawing upon themes of design, connectivity and evolution, the angular build projects the ideal sound experience for both the player and audience, while incorporating the company’s PureAcoustic Piano Modeling technology and multi-speaker Acoustic Projection System. The base consists of powerful flat-panel speakers that flow through the outer frame, with resonators along the top board to improve the depth of the sound. The piano also incorporates a large Android screen enabled with Amazon’s Alexa to help pianists compose and create arrangements with ease. No matter how they are designed, people still want to play pianos. And today in 2020, learning to play is easier than you might think. 6X Emmy Winner Scott “The Piano Guy” Houston is just waiting to show you a few cool things. So what’s stopping you? Come on, the kids are grown, career is done and it’s YOUR time now. It’s YOUR turn to play!
Is Playing Music By Ear Just for the Gifted?
Scott Houston, the "Piano Guy", talks about how playing music by ear is not a gift, but a skill that can be learned by anyone. He explains that interval training and learning common chord progressions is key to being able to anticipate what notes or chords will come next when playing by ear. This is a skill that Houston has only developed over the last 20 years, even though he has been playing piano for much longer. Houston also reminds readers that in Course 4 of the "Piano in a Flash" program, students work extensively on intervalic training, which sets them up for more overt ear training in Courses 5 and 6. He encourages everyone to try playing piano, even if they have never played an instrument before.
Boogie Woogie Hand Independence
Can't walk and chew gum at the same time? Can't rub your head and pat your tummy together? Feel like your hands have a mind of their own when it comes time for them to work together? No worries... Scott tackles this common issue using a Boogie Woogie example in this post. In the post, Scott explains that the key to getting your hands to work together is to focus on one thing at a time. By breaking down the movement into small, manageable pieces, you can slowly build up the coordination needed to play with both hands. Scott also provides a few helpful exercises to get you started on the path to hand independence. So if you're struggling to get your hands to work together, head on over to the blog and give Scott's tips a try!
How do I enjoy my hobbies more?
Being a hobbyist can be a great way to relieve stress, enjoy your free time, and develop new skills. However, it's important to find a balance between pressure and fun to prevent your hobbies from becoming "work." In this blog post, some tips are shared to help you keep a healthy approach to your hobbies and enjoy them more. One way to enjoy your hobbies more is to unlearn perfectionism. We are often taught from a young age to strive for hard and fast measures of success. But a hobby is by definition something that you pursue for fun without a rigid end goal in mind. So it's important to let go of any beliefs or definitions of success that might be getting in the way of enjoying the journey. Another way to enjoy your hobbies more is to practice positive self-talk. Pay attention to your thoughts and try to give yourself a compliment every time you have a self-critical thought. This tiny practice can really hold the power to unlocking a healthier relationship with yourself, finding more confidence, and gaining optimism! Finally, stick to what you enjoy. Learning piano (or any other skill) based on vicariously imitating a musician you admire is not only an effective way to develop musical skills—it’s extremely motivating! So if you're finding it hard to enjoy the process of learning, try focusing on what you love about the hobby and what you want to achieve.
Top 3 Mental Health Impacts of Playing Piano
Are you feeling down lately? You're not alone. Many people struggle with mental health issues, and it can be hard to keep your head up. But don't worry, there are ways to improve your mental wellness. One way is to engage in creative activities, like playing the piano. Yes, you read that right. Playing the piano can actually have a positive impact on your mental health. Numerous studies have shown that piano players benefit from strengthened connections between the right and left brain hemispheres. This leads to increased efficiency in all cognitive functions, from decision-making to problem solving and social interaction. Not only that, but piano playing can also help to decrease feelings of isolation, depression, and fatigue. So if you're looking for a way to improve your mental health, grab a piano and start playing!
Taiwanese Hospital Installs Musical Piano Key Staircase
A hospital in Taiwan has installed a musical staircase in an effort to encourage patients and staff to take the stairs and get more exercise. The staircase, which is 11 stories high, plays a note as people walk up and down each step. According to news sources, the idea for the staircase came from a similar project in Stockholm. The musical staircase has been a success, with 66 percent of people choosing to take the stairs instead of an escalator.
Paul McCartney vs. Piano In A Flash
In the blog post, the author discusses how learning to read music notation is not necessary to become a good piano player. They mention how Sir Paul McCartney is a prime example of someone who did not need to learn how to read music notation in order to become a good piano player. The author then goes on to discuss their own method of teaching people to play piano, which is based on chords and melody. They mention how this method is much faster and easier than traditional methods of learning piano.
How to End it!
Scott teaches you a great ending that uses some modulation. This is a great way to end your song and make it sound more professional.
Boogie Woogie Riffs for Piano Players
In this blog post, Scott demonstrates a two-part boogie woogie riff for piano players. The left hand pattern is played in the key of C and is relatively easy to learn. The right hand pattern is more difficult, but can be simplified by using a shuffle pattern.
Piano basics: how to play piano chords
A piano is one of the easiest instruments to learn how to play. You don’t need to have any prior knowledge of music theory or be able to read sheet music. All you need is a piano and your hands! The quickest way to start playing and having fun on the keys is by using a simple formula to figure out the notes of any type of chord. In the video, you see how the formula is used to find the notes of a C major and an A flat minor chord. The formula for a major chord is R(root chord) – 4 – 3. You start on the root chord, then go up four half-steps to find the second note, and finally, go up three half-steps to find the third note. For a minor chord, the formula is R – 3 – 4. You start on the root chord and then go up three half-steps to find the second note and four half-steps to find the third note. There are other types of chords as well, such as dominant seventh, major seventh, minor seventh, augmented, and diminished chords. Each type of chord has a different sound, and you can experiment with different chord types to find the sound that you like best. If you’re interested in learning more about chords and how to play piano, I offer an intro course that covers everything you need to know to get started. In the course, you’ll learn your first song using the chord-based method. The course is free and only takes 45 minutes.
Secret Tip: How to Play (and Practice) Inversions!
Want to know a secret to playing inversions on a piano quickly and smoothly? Check out this blog post from Scott! He'll teach you how to practice inversions so that you can learn them more easily. This is a great tip for anyone who wants to improve their piano skills!
Q & A with Kate P.
In this blog post, we interview long-time Piano in a Flash student Kate P. Kate shared how she discovered Scott's program and how it has helped her improve her piano skills. She also discussed how playing piano has helped her in other areas of life, such as providing a form of meditation and therapy for her arthritis. Kate shared her goals for continuing to improve her piano playing and shared how Scott's program has helped her stay motivated to learn.
Minor 7th Chords – How to Figure Them Out!
Learning how to play minor 7th chords on the guitar can be a challenge for beginners. In this blog post, we'll show you how to figure out these chords so you can start playing them today!
Major Chords – How To Figure Them Out on a Piano or Keyboard
Scott "The Piano Guy" Houston shows you how to figure out the Major chords on a piano or keyboard. He shows the formula for building a Major chord in any key and demonstrates how to apply it.
Do you need help keeping your music vocab straight?
Learning musical terms can be daunting, but this quick reference guide can help! Whole notes are held for four beats, half notes for two beats, and quarter notes for one beat. Eighth,sixteenth, and thirty-second notes are also used, and are held for increasingly shorter amounts of time. There are also rests, which indicate silences of varying lengths. Different types of pianos include digital, acoustic, upright, and grand pianos. Acoustic pianos are made of wood and have felt hammers that strike steel wire strings to create sound. They also need to be tuned regularly. Upright pianos have vertical strings and are common in private homes and practice studios. Grand pianos have horizontal strings and are often seen in churches, event spaces, and concert venues. The treble clef is the upper staff of the two staffs in a grand staff and is used to designate the G above middle C. The right hand typically plays notes written in the treble clef. Melody is a sequence of notes that create the sounds most people can relate to as what you would sing along with. Chords are a group of notes played together that produce harmony. Lead sheets are the type of music notation used to accurately convey most non-classical genres of music. In a lead sheet, chords are designated using chord symbols above the notation of the melody line in the treble clef.
Fun with Really Big Pianos
Classic FM recently shared some great moments of people playing really big pianos. In one video, Tom Hanks and Sandra Bullock play Chopsticks on a giant piano inspired by the 1988 fantasy comedy film, Big. In another video, multiple people play Jingle Bells in a store. The last video is of Frank Sinatra singing New York, New York on a 1977 giant piano. Although these big toys certainly look like a lot of fun, you can learn to play an actual piano or keyboard and have the time of your life playing tunes you love.
A Little “Day In The Life” Vid from a Recent Shoot Trip
This fun little video gives us a behind-the-scenes look at a recent shoot trip for a new show. We get to see the green room and the set, and later we get to see the workshop where people are learning to play the piano.
Slow, Easy Blues & Improvising
Some blues patterns can be easy to learn and improvising can help make them sound great even when played slowly. Today, I'll show you how to use a blues pattern and some improvising to get that accomplished pretty quickly and easily.
Hey Scott— what’s an arpeggio? And do I need to be practicing them?
Scott explains that arpeggios are broken chords, and that while there is some benefit to practicing them, it's not necessary to do so every time you play the piano. He says that arpeggios can be fun embellishments in songs, and provides a link to a video on how to play them.
What I’m listening to this month
The author of the blog post shares a few of the songs they've been listening to on repeat over the past few weeks. They speculate that there might be a theme to the songs, and invite readers to share what they're listening to this month in the comments. The post also mentions the Piano in a Flash social media accounts, and encourages readers to post videos of themselves playing piano this month.
Piano In a Flash Featured In Jazz Times
Piano in a Flash and Bass Boot Camp are featured in Jazz Times for their innovative approaches to teaching adults to play jazz. Piano in a Flash is an e-learning business model that was established before COVID-19 took the world completely virtual. Bass Boot Camp is a live event that is held annually in Philadelphia.
Add some jazz and pizazz to your song!
Jazzing up your piano playing can be a great way to add some interest and challenge to your repertoire. Seventh chords are a key element of jazz, and there are five different types that you can use to spice up a song. Major 7th, dominant 7th, minor 7th, half-diminished 7th, and diminished 7th chords can all be used to create a more jazzy sound. Another way to add some jazz flair to your playing is to use trills and other embellishments in the higher register of the piano. Finally, remember to have fun with it! If you're not enjoying yourself, then there's no point in doing it.
4 Ways To Benefit Your Body By Playing The Piano
The piano is not just an instrument that provides benefits for your mind, but your body as well. Here are four ways playing the piano can help keep your body happy and healthy: Fights The Adverse Effects of Aging: If you make playing the piano a part of your daily routine, it can actually help fight the negative effects of aging. Research has shown that piano playing can increase levels of human growth hormone in older adults by up to 90%. Human growth hormone helps reduce wrinkles, aches, pains, and osteoporosis. Strengthens Hand Muscles: Studies have found that piano performers have changed their cortical mapping to increase finger speeds. This not only increases your fine motor movement, but can also help reduce swelling in your hands and wrists, fight off arthritis, and other degenerative diseases. Better Your Coordination: Due to the independent hand movements required to play the piano, older adults have found an increase in their hand-eye coordination. This is due to the "re-mapping" and stimulation of several parts of your brain when you are playing the piano. Reduce Blood Pressure and Stress: Playing the piano can help reduce stress, which in turn can help decrease your blood pressure. Multiple studies have shown that piano playing helps to drastically reduce stress.
Did Classical Musicians Ever Play From Lead Sheets?
In this blog post, the author explains how even classical musicians used to play from simplified lead sheets instead of classical sheet music. This was because most music was not written out note for note back then. The author's friend and colleague Robert Estrin made a video explaining the lost art of baroque improvisation, which the author shared in this blog post.
RIP Chick Corea- a true icon of jazz music
The world lost a legendary figure in the music industry with the recent passing of Chick Corea. Corea was an innovative and influential jazz musician, and was loved by many for his contribution to the genre. He was also a Grammy-winning artist, with 23 awards to his name. What made Corea such an icon, though, was not his awards or achievements, but rather his mission in life. He truly believed in the power of music to bring joy to people, and this was evident in his performances and compositions. Many have paid tribute to Corea, including fellow musician John Mayer, who described him as the "single greatest improvisational musician" he had ever played with. Corea's legacy will continue to live on through his music, and we can all learn from his example by pursuing our own musical goals with joy and passion.
My 2020 playlist
This year has been rough, to say the least. From a global pandemic to racial tensions to political upheaval, it's been a lot to deal with. And that's not even mentioning the personal challenges we've all faced. But there's one silver lining to all of this: the music. Sure, there's been some great music released in 2020. But more importantly, music has been a source of comfort and connection for so many of us. It's something we can all relate to, no matter what else is going on in the world. So, in honor of the power of music, I've put together a playlist of songs that have gotten me through this year. From start to finish, this playlist is designed to help us say goodbye to 2020 and start fresh in 2021. I hope you enjoy it!
What To Do When Your Child Doesn’t Want To Practice
Every parent wants their child to excel in their passions and skills, but what do you do when your child doesn't want to practice? This blog post offers 5 suggestions to parents on how to encourage their child to keep practicing. 1. Find out why your child doesn't want to practice. There may be a valid reason behind it that you can help them with. 2. Try to make practice fun by incorporating games or other activities. 3. Encourage your child by showing them how much better they've become after practicing. 4. Help them set goals and offer rewards for reaching those goals. 5. Finally, be understanding and patient with your child. They may just need some more time to enjoy the process of practicing.
Fact: With 3 Chords You Can Play Hundreds of Songs On The Piano
In this blog post, Scott Houston discusses how you can play hundreds of songs on the piano using just three chords. He cites the Australian comedy rock group The Axis of Awesome, who performed a skit in 2009 proving how many chart-topping hits only use four chords. Houston warns that the video contains one instance of "colorful" language, but reassured that the rest of the video is clean and entertaining. This is a great post for anyone looking to learn piano or broaden their repertoire.
How to find a hobby you love
Finding a hobby you love as an adult can be tough. With lots of options to choose from, it can be overwhelming! In this blog post, the author explores different hobby types, their benefits, and gives tips on how to find and stick with one you’re passionate about. Use the questions below to do some self-reflecting—and look for patterns in your answers! Identify one or two activities or interests before moving on to the next step. What do you already enjoy? What did you enjoy as a kid? What do you enjoy watching other people do? Consider your personality: Do you need a challenge to prevent boredom? Do you need a social hobby or prefer being alone? Are you results-oriented or do you find more joy in the journey? What are you already good at? What are your limitations? Do you have physical, financial, or time constraints you need to consider? The simplest (and hardest!) step of doing something new is taking that very first action. That’s where the power of sampling comes in! By sampling different types of educational courses to kickstart your hobby, you can learn more and feel confident before really deciding to commit. You can find local and online classes to attend across different hobby options to find the best type of class or teaching style for you. It is very common for classes to offer free trials or demonstrations so you can try them before you buy. If you’re still deciding between a couple different hobbies, there is absolutely no harm in exploring them both! I recommend limiting your classes to no more than once a day, though, so you don’t get burnt out too early. Once you find a class you like, stick with it! According to this scientific study, it takes an average of two months for someone to build a habit. Now hobbies aren’t exactly the same thing as habits, but it is a useful statistic to keep in mind during the beginning stages of your pursuit. Being a “beginner” at something isn’t always fun, and depending on how big of a challenge your new hobby is, there are going to be times when you feel like giving up. Only you will be able to tell if your selected activity isn’t the right one for you, and I recommend you try to keep learning for at least a couple of months before moving on—so
New partnership brings Palm Spring seniors safe and easy access to piano lessons
Scott Houston, "The Piano Guy", has developed an online learning platform called Piano in a Flash that brings piano lessons to students at any time from the comfort and safety of home. Houston's platform was designed in response to a need for more accessible piano courses. When COVID lockdowns began, it became apparent that this virtual method was designed for a time just like this. Piano in a Flash is excited to announce its latest partnership with the Mizell Center in Palm Springs, CA. Together, Piano in a Flash and the Mizell Center will work to bring the joy of playing the piano to Mizell’s members. The Mizell Center is a leader in providing programs and services for seniors that promote lifelong learning. Piano in a Flash is dedicated to teaching adults how to have fun playing the piano. Together, these two organizations look forward to serving the community of Palm Springs (and beyond). This partnership developed in part because of the pandemic and in part because both parties involved were willing to try something new. When the Mizell Center locked down, they began looking for virtual ways to foster a sense of comradery and their members’ continued engagement in creative, healthful activities. Enter Scott Houston “The Piano Guy” and his online method. After over 20-years of teaching his piano method on television and at live workshops, Houston recognized a need to make his courses more accessible. In response to that need, he developed an online learning platform that allows students to access piano lessons at any time from the comfort and safety of their home. When COVID locked the world down, it seemed as if this virtual method – Piano in a Flash – was designed for a time just like this. “This partnership with Mizell brings both Piano in a Flash and Mizell one step closer to our goals,” said Houston. “I’m excited to embrace this opportunity with the team at Mizell and help more people get a kick out of tickling the ivories.” This uniting of purpose with the Mizell Center is an exciting new step for Piano in a Flash. With students already signing into their courses from all over the world, Piano in a Flash is eager to join hands with even more partner companies and continue sharing Houston’s message that “You CAN play piano and it’s never too late to start.”
Improvising On Piano
In this blog post, Scott teaches a great way to get started into the world of improvising at a piano. He starts by talking about the importance of playing with feeling, and how this can help you to better connect with the music. He then goes on to give some tips on how to get started improvising, including finding a good starting point, coming up with themes, and thinking about the overall structure of your improvisation.
How To Prevent Learning The Piano From Becoming Work
When I was learning to play the piano, I would tell my 24-year-old self to keep it from becoming work. Playing the piano should be fun, and if it stops being fun, it becomes work. I find that I never get bored with the piano because there is always something new to learn. When I am working on a challenging piece, it is just a fun challenge for me because I never work on something that I am not excited about learning to play.
3 Secrets Every New Piano Player Should Know
When you’re first starting out playing the piano, it can be easy to get overwhelmed. There are so many things to learn and it can feel like you’ll never get the hang of it. But don’t worry, we’ve got some secrets that will help you along the way. 1. Start with the basics. Don’t try to learn everything at once. Focus on learning the basic notes, key signatures, and chords. Once you have a solid understanding of those, you can start learning more complex pieces. 2. Find a good teacher. A good piano teacher can make all the difference. They can help you learn the basics, give you feedback on your playing, and push you to improve. 3. Practice, practice, practice. Like with anything, the more you practice, the better you’ll become. Set aside some time each day to practice, and you’ll be surprised at how quickly you improve. Keep these secrets in mind and you’ll be playing the piano like a pro in no time.
“Wish I was better and faster at reading the piano melody from a Lead Sheet” – Q&A with The Piano Guy
In this blog post, Scott Houston responds to a question about how to become a more proficient reader of musical notes. He suggests working on single note melody lines in the right hand, and focusing on tunes that the reader already knows well. The goal is to connect what the reader hears with what they see on the sheet music. With practice, the note reading will become easier and easier.
Arthritis and piano: how it can be good for you
If you're struggling with arthritis, playing the piano may help relieve some of the pain. Piano playing can help keep the joints and muscles in your hands active and strong, and can also provide a distraction from pain. While it's best to play gentle, simple songs if you're trying to relieve pain, any regular movement achieved through playing the piano can be beneficial. If you're looking for an activity to help ease your arthritis pain, the piano may be a good option for you.
Easy Chord Substitutions-A Quick Tip to Make Your Playing Sound Hipper
If you want your playing to sound jazzier or hipper, simply substitute a Major 7th chord for any Major chords. For example, if you're supposed to play a C chord, substitute a C Maj 7 instead. This substitution works most of the time, but there are a few exceptions where it will sound very wrong or dissonant. Overall, this is an easy way to make your playing sound more modern or jazzy.
How to play piano with small hands
Many students believe that they have to have long, skinny fingers to play the piano well, but this is simply not true! In today's quick lesson, Scott Houston covers some simple but effective ways for those with small fingers to play the piano smoothly. One common habit and misconception is that students believe they have to play the notes towards the edge of the keys. Houston advises that you simply move your hands up the notes, closer to the piano, and you should never have to have your hands twisted or wrenched around to play a chord. Another issue occurs when trying to split a chord over two measures. If you are ever stretching longer than you can reach, you can "rock" up to them from the bottom, or arpeggiate. Finally, if you are still really struggling, you can invert a chord. For example, in the video, Houston uses a c7 chord to show that you can move the lowest note and move it up an octave and put it on top. This is typically a much easier way to play because it is a closer hand position. No matter the size of your hands or fingers, you CAN play the piano well!
Easiest songs to learn to play on piano
Hooktheory's blog discusses the easiest songs to play on piano using a chord-based method. This method is great for adult beginners because it allows them to focus on playing from chord changes rather than reading notation verbatim. The blog discusses how most popular music uses simple and similar chord progressions, making it easy for beginners to learn to play popular songs they enjoy. The blog also provides tips on avoiding thumb crash when playing and recommends practicing easy songs with repetitive chord progressions to get comfortable with switching between chords quickly.
Q & A with Frank!
In this blog post, Scott talks to one of his long-time students, Frank. Frank lives in the US and became interested in learning jazz and blues styles of piano a year ago. He started self-teaching and came across Scott's YouTube channel which led him to sign up for Piano in a Flash lessons this year. Frank plays informally for family and friends and enjoys the relaxed structure of Scott's lessons which emphasize having fun with the music. He finds that playing piano helps him destress from work and other worries of everyday life. Frank's next musical goal is to just keep enjoying the process of learning new songs. He appreciates that Piano in a Flash has opened up a world of music to him that is imperfect and allows for improvisation.
What Key Is A Singer In?
What Key Is A Singer In? In a recent video, I covered how to figure out what key would be the right one to sing a tune in. You can find that video at the link below: CLICK HERE TO SEE VIDEO In the video above, I take the inverse and say, what if a singer comes up to you and starts singing a tune in some key, and as a piano player, they want you to start playing along with them? Any song is going to have some distance between its high to low notes. If a singer were to come up to you and want you to play along while they sing, you’ve got to figure out what tune they are singing in. When they start singing, just stick with them and get all the way to the end of the tune. If you can figure out what the very last note is that they are singing, that is more than likely the key of the tune. In the video, I give the example of the Star Spangled Banner in the key of C and Jingle Bells in the key of E. So, about 99% of the time, whatever the last note of the song you are playing is, that will be the key of the tune. And about 60%-70% of the time, it is also the first note of the tune. Happy singing and playing! P.S. If you are interested in “dipping your toes in the water” and learning more about my method, check out some of my resources below: Try our FREE Introductory Course below: Click To Get Your Free Course
Spring Cleaning: Piano style
If you're looking for a way to organize your piano sheet music, this blog post has some great ideas. The author suggests using sheet protectors and binders to keep everything together, and then separating the binders into boxes for even more organization. They also recommend dusting off your piano or keyboard as part of your spring cleaning routine.
How to accompany yourself or others on the piano
What does key mean in music? The key of a song refers to the specific set of chords and notes that form the basis of the melody and harmony of the piece. It describes the group of pitches that make up the scale (set of notes in descending or ascending order) played in a song. The key of a song can have a major or minor tonality, which has a significant impact on its overall mood and feel. How to find key of a song with a lead sheet? There are a few different ways to determine the key of a song. One way is to listen to the song and try to determine the tonal center or the note that the song seems to revolve around. As a beginner piano player, it’s super simple to look at the key signature on your song’s lead sheet to see which key the song is written in. A key signature determines the key of a song and describes the set amount of accidentals (sharps and flats) to be played. Finding the key on the piano by ear for playingIf you’re like me and like to have fun on the piano without having to depend on sheet music all the time, you can easily find the key of a tune with a little noodling and experimentation! One way to do it is to listen to the song and try to identify the tonal center, or the “home” note that the song seems to revolve around. This is often the note that the song ends on or the note that is played the most often. Once you have identified the tonal center, you can use the piano to try playing the song in different keys until you find the one that best matches the original recording or has the lowest amount of accidental notes or notes outside of a key signature. Finding the right key for your vocal range with lead sheetsAs a singer, you can also determine the key of a tune to sing in by looking at the notes of the melody line—which will always have a different range between their highest and lowest notes depending on the songs.For that reason, you need to shift the melody line into your range as best you can, and then determine what key is needed to fit the melody line there. Here’s how: You can “slide” a tune up or down a few notes to get the melody comfortably in your range by transposing—or taking the chord changes to a tune and moving
St. Patrick’s Day songs
Looking for some great St. Patrick's Day songs to add to your repertoire? Look no further! This blog post includes a list of popular Irish songs, ranging from classics like "Danny Boy" to more modern hits like "Superheroes" by The Script. There's something for everyone on this list, so find your favorite and start playing!
Q & A with Tania A.
piano-in-a-flashWe interviewed Tania, a self-taught piano player who started with our courses during the quarantine. Tania has been playing since she was a child, learning classical pieces like Beethoven and Bach. She rediscovered her love for piano when her son, who is studying composition in Vienna, started playing better than her. Tania is grateful for Scott's lessons because they are easy to follow, provide immediate rewards, and are very personable. She enjoys playing piano because it is a relaxing activity that helps her forget about work-related stress. Tania's goal is to finish the course and she is currently in Course 4. She would recommend Piano in a Flash to people who are looking for a fun and easy way to learn piano.
Mother’s Day Playlist
If you're looking for a song to show your mom how much you appreciate her, look no further than this Mother's Day playlist! It includes classics like "Mother" by Paul McCartney and "The World's Greatest" by R. Kelly, as well as more modern hits like "Because You Loved Me" by Celine Dion and "A Song For Mama" by Boyz II Men. Whatever your taste, you're sure to find a song on this list that will touch your mom's heart.
Q & A with Dennis A.
For this blog post, we interviewed Dennis from North Dakota! Dennis got his start in the world of music rather unconventionally, but my, what a story he shared! Dennis first learned about Scott and Piano in a Flash back in February, when the COVID virus was first starting to spread. With all of his volunteer work being put on hold, Dennis had some free time and decided he want to learn how to play the piano. Dennis took Scott's free intro course and was hooked! He decided to sign up for more lessons and has been learning ever since. Dennis has found that playing the piano has helped him in other areas of life, such as stress management and focus. Dennis' next goal is to finish Scott's course and master all of the chords. Thank you Dennis for sharing your story with us!
Right Hand Agility Exercise 2
Scott Houston, one of the world's most respected piano teachers, is back with another tip on improving your right hand agility. In today's video, he demonstrates a new pattern you can use while moving up and down one octave at a time with your right hand. This will help you get more comfortable crossing your thumb over your hand while you are playing. Houston then shows how to apply this new pattern to a simple chord progression with your left hand. As always, his lessons are delivered with clarity and humor. Click the video above to watch and learn.
The Anatomy of a Piano
The piano is a complex and fascinating instrument, made up of many different moving parts that work together to create the beautiful music we know and love. In this blog post, we take a closer look at the anatomy of a piano, starting with the keys. Each key on a piano is actually quite long, measuring around two feet in total. The part of the key that we see and press down is just a small portion of the total length. The keys are attached to the body of the piano and act as levers, moving when we press down on them. Hitting the keys activates the hammers, which are small wooden sticks with felt balls on the end. The hammers are launched at the strings when a key is pressed, causing the string to vibrate and create sound. The strings are made of metal and are stretched tightly across the piano. Each note on the piano has two or three strings, which produce different tones when struck by the hammer. The piano also has pedals, which are located at the bottom of the instrument and act like feet. The sustain pedal, located on the right, is used to keep notes sounding after they have been played. The sostenuto pedal, in the middle, sustains only the notes that are being held down when the pedal is pressed. The una corda pedal, on the left, shifts the hammers to the right, causing them to strike only two of the strings. This produces a softer sound. There is much more that goes into these incredible instruments, but these are the main parts that make up a piano. I hope you enjoyed this “dissection” of this fascinating instrument!
Easy way to play the piano with both hands
Learning to play the piano can be a challenge, especially when it comes to putting your hands together. This blog post provides some tips and advice on how to overcome this hurdle, including using a chord-based method and practicing hand independence. The post also offers tips for reaching notes and explains inversions and voicings.
The Piano Guy Responds to Wired Story About Using Music Apps and Light-Up Keyboards to Learn to Play the Piano
Scott “The Piano Guy” Houston responds to Boone Ashworth's recent WIRED story about using music apps and light-up keyboards to learn to play the piano. Ashworth's story takes aim at music apps and light-up keyboards as legitimate methods to learn to play the piano for new students of any age. While the author makes some fine points, Scott Houston has some comments about this topic. Scott says that a teacher is vital, but whether that teacher is sitting with you or is being seen on a video remotely, he has found that it is not detrimental and can even be helpful in the case of adult students who are just too apprehensive and self-conscious to sit with another adult for private lessons. Scott also says that it is important to break down the preconceived notions a lot of adults have that you cannot sit down and have fun playing a few tunes at a piano without going through all the motions needed to work towards becoming a serious classical pianist. These are two very different goals with two very different paths needed to achieve them. Zhang, an artist quoted in Ashworth's article, says that you cannot learn to play something on a piano without reading it first. Scott disagrees, saying that music is not contained in black notes on white paper—it is what you play that is music. Scott adds that it is incredibly important to the eventual success or failure of a student to get them playing something THEY love as fast as possible. Unless a new student can experience the sheer joy of music making, they will never have the motivation to stick around long enough to learn it. Ashworth tested a light-up keyboard by ONE Pianos for his story and says it was difficult to play different notes with different fingers. Scott agrees that this is a top issue that his students run into and why they spend so much detailed time on it. However, in most other methods that is not the case because beginning traditional students struggle so much with the importance placed on verbatim note reading that they never get close to testing their mechanical limits until much later. Overall, the author and potential player, Ashworth, didn’t have the greatest experience and says this—Scott says, “Earned access to” aggravates him to no end because it is the elitist attitude he finds himself pushing back on with a lot of serious musicians that think it is a crime for him to be teaching someone not as
Q & A with Carl R.
Carl R. has been playing music for most of his life and started learning piano at a young age. Despite having to stop taking lessons due to illness, Carl has always maintained a love for the instrument. So, when he saw an advertisement for Scott Houston's Piano in a Flash online course, he decided to finally take the plunge and learn how to play again. Carl says that the course has been a great help in relaxing and having fun while learning a new skill. His next goal is to write a Christmas song, and he is currently working on the melody. Scott Houston's Piano in a Flash offers an online webinar that teaches students how to play the piano using Scott's unique method.
Learning Minor Blues
Scott teaches the basics of playing a minor blues as opposed to a regular (major) blues chord progression. He starts by telling us that a minor blues is simply a minor triad with a flat 5th added, which gives it a bit more of a "bluesy" sound. He demonstrates this by playing a few examples. He then goes on to explain how to construct a minor blues progression, which uses the same chord progression as a major blues (I, IV, V), but with different chords. For example, instead of playing a C chord, you would play an Eb chord. He gives a few more examples of this and then wraps up the lesson.
Moving Smoothly From Chord to Chord on the Piano
This blog post provides a simple but effective piano chord jumping practice exercise. The exercise involves moving up and down the scale hitting every note, then skipping every other note, then skipping every two notes, and finally skipping every three notes. The aim is to increase accuracy and memorize the distance between the keys.
Hey Scott— I want to learn songs my parents knew when they were growing up. Do you have any suggestions for songs to learn that were popular during the 50s?
Scott gives some great suggestions for songs to learn that were popular during the 50s. He recommends Nat King Cole's "The Third Most Popular Song" and "Another Winner," both of which have easy-to-follow melodies and rhythms. He also suggests checking out a lead sheet for the latter song. Lastly, he recommends a piano mashup of various songs from the 50s as a source of inspiration.
Is it hard to learn piano at an older age?
Is it hard to learn piano at an older age? This is a question that piano teacher, Kathleen C., has recieved over her 25 years of teaching. While you may have heard the phrase "you can't teach an old dog new tricks", Kathleen believes that there are actually some advantages to learning piano as an adult. These include being clear about your goals, finding the right teacher, and having the right mindset. Adults are more likely to be motivated to learn and be driven by personal goals, rather than by external pressure. So, if you're an adult and thinking about learning piano, remember to keep your mind open, be willing to get your hands dirty, and have fun!
Increase Right Hand Agility On Piano – Lesson 1
Want to increase your speed and agility on the piano? In this first lesson of a new series, we'll focus on working the right hand. We'll be doing some simple exercises to increase dexterity and control.
Best practice regimen for chords …
The author of this blog post discusses the best way to practice chords in order to make them more familiar to your hands. They suggest first identifying the notes in the chord, and then immediately "burning it in" by jumping back and forth between the chords in a song. This way, you will be able to better remember the chords and play them smoothly.
Don’t Read Music? That’s OK …
In his blog post, Scott Humpries dispel the myth that being a good note reader is necessary to becoming a good piano player. He argues that traditional music notation is not very accurate in recording popular music, and that guitar players have already confronted this issue by developing tablature. He recommends that piano players use lead sheet notation instead, which is easier to read and more accurate for non-classical styles of music.
Simplest Ending Ever Using Chords
Ending a song using basic chords is one of the simplest ways to create a memorable moment. Doing it right can make all the difference in a song's emotional resonance. There are countless ways to end a song, but using chords is one of the most effective and simplest methods. By finding the right chords, you can create a powerful moment that will leave a lasting impression on your listeners. When choosing chords for your ending, it's important to consider the mood you want to create. Do you want something hopeful? Something sad? Something triumphant? The right chords will help you convey the desired emotion. Once you've chosen your chords, it's time to put them together into a progression. The length of the progression will depend on the overall length of the song, but a good rule of thumb is to use four chords for a standard four-minute song. To create a sense of resolution, it's often best to start with the root chord and end on the fifth. This simple progression can be incredibly effective, so don't be afraid to experiment with it. You may also want to try using inversions or different voicings to add interest. Once you've finalized your chord progression, it's time to add the final touches. If you're playing with a band, each instrument should come in on the first chord and then drop out one by one as the progression goes on. This will help create a sense of closure. If you're playing solo, you may want to add a simple melody over the top of the chords. Ending a song is an important moment, so take your time and experiment with different chords and progressions until you find something that feels right. With a little practice, you'll be able to craft unforgettable endings that will leave your listeners wanting more.
Can you just play by ear as opposed to reading notation?
It's possible to play by ear without learning notation, but it's not advisable. If you're serious about playing an instrument, you should learn to read notation. Notation is a system that lets you communicate with other musicians. It's a way of writing down music so that it can be read and played by anyone, regardless of their level of experience. Notation also allows you to learn new pieces of music more quickly and effectively.
Can adults really learn piano?
Learning to play piano as an adult can be just as easy as learning as a kid, if not easier. There are many reasons for this, the first being that your brain is built for constant growth. Neuroplasticity becomes less potent as we age, but it doesn’t go away completely. In fact, exercising your brain as an adult can improve brain malleability, create new neural connections, and improve cognitive function. Secondly, when you're an adult learning piano, you call the shots. You can choose your teacher, what genre you want to learn, your frequency of lessons and practice sessions, and more. This freedom allows you to tailor your learning experience to best fit your needs and goals. Finally, there are simply more resources available to adult learners now than there were in the past. With the advent of the internet, there are a wealth of resources available at your fingertips, and many of them are free. So, if you're an adult considering learning to play piano, don't let anyone tell you it's too late. With some motivation and effort, you can be playing the songs you love in no time.
Q & A with Amy C.!
Q & A with Amy C. For this blog post, we interviewed Amy C. in New York! Keep an eye out for more Q & A blog posts like this one: I enjoy hearing from students, and I want you to be able to read about their story with Piano in a Flash too! Q: When did you first learn about Scott and Piano in a Flash? A: Sometime last year. I started studying piano when I was about 8, and then played until I was 15. Once I grew up, I realized I wanted to get back into piano, but life and work got in the way. Last year, I left my job in the city, and have been doing consulting work instead. I now have time on my hands to start piano again, and that’s when I started to do my research. I started seeing information about Piano in a Flash and was extremely impressed right away. Scott has a great personality, and makes his students feel very relaxed while keeping quite the upbeat nature. Being able to play and practice whenever I want really worked well for me. Q: Do you play any other instruments? A: I don’t play anything else, but my husband is a professional drummer and singer. I think it would be fun to eventually get to his level, and pull a Partridge family act. Ha! Q: Do you play for others? If so, in what settings? Church? Family parties? A: I sent a few recordings to friends. I’m working on a special project, and I feel it couldn’t have started without Piano in a Flash. Q: Oooh, a special project. What’s that about? A: Well, it’s a long, but really great, story. I’m an occupational therapist. My career life started in 1981 in public relations. My undergrad degree is in political science. After having children and becoming a single mom, I decided working a very fast-paced job in PR wasn’t working with parenting. I went back to get my teaching degree, and I learned that I really enjoyed working with special needs children. I later became an occupational therapist, and worked with mostly special needs children for years. I had this idea come to my head around the same time I started with Piano in a Flash. I started
Great Gospel Movement Tip
Check out this great blog post by Scott "The Piano Guy" Houston! He's giving away a great gospel / sacred tip to make your piano playing sound better. He talks about how important it is to use a good quality piano soundfont, and he gives away a great free one that you can use. Definitely worth a read if you're interested in making your gospel / sacred music sound better!
Piano in a Flash Student Profile: Sharon Hubbard Graessle
In the blog post, the author describes Sharon Hubbard Grassele's journey of learning how to play the piano as an adult. Sharon took piano lessons as a child, but was unable to stick with it. Recently, she enrolled in Scott Houston's Piano in a Flash online method and has been enjoying it greatly. The program is flexible and easy to follow, and Sharon has been playing the piano every day. The author encourages other adults who have always wanted to learn the piano to give it a try.
Q & A with Sue C.
In this blog post, we interview newer student Sue C. from Idaho. Sue shares how she discovered Piano in a Flash and what has inspired her to pick up learning piano again. She also talks about how Scott's teaching methods have helped her to relax while playing and to understand chords better. Finally, Sue shares her goals for the future and how playing piano has already helped her in other areas of life.
Common Questions for Scott Houston: Chord Jumping
In this blog post, Scott Houston addresses a common question from students learning the piano: how to decide whether to move up or down from the current chord when jumping to the next chord symbol. He explains that there is no right or wrong decision, and that it ultimately comes down to what sounds best. Houston also offers some general advice for playing the piano, such as staying close to one another when jumping from chord to chord, and notes that learning to play the piano is both fun and easier than most people think.
The History Of The Piano
For centuries, people have known that a stretched string, when plucked, would create a sound. This led to the invention of instruments like the dulcimer and clavichord, which evolved into the spinet, virginal, clavecion, gravicembalo, and eventually the harpsichord in the 15th century. The problem with the harpsichord, however, was that it only had one volume. In 1709, Bartolomeo di Francesco Cristofori presented the first version of the piano to the public in Florence. This early version of the piano, named gravicembalo col piano e forte, allowed musicians to create varying degrees of volume. Pianos today are still pretty similar in look and design to the one Cristofori invented in 1709. Thanks Cristofori for creating such a beautiful and awesome instrument!
Care & Upkeep of your Piano
You might not think that there's much to do to take care of an acoustic piano, but there are actually a few things you should be doing to keep it in great shape! For example, you should make sure to keep the keys clean and dust-free, and you should also tune your piano regularly. Tuning your piano not only keeps it sounding its best, but it also helps to prolong its life. If you're not sure how to tune a piano or how to clean the keys, don't worry - there are plenty of resources available to help you out. You can find plenty of helpful videos and articles online, or you can even ask a piano technician for help. Taking care of your acoustic piano is important, but it's not difficult - so get started today!
Q & A with Lynette G.
For this blog post, we interviewed a long-time student of Scott Hagwood's, Lynette! Lynette is from the United States and is pretty new to Piano in a Flash. In the interview, Lynette talks about how she found out about Scott and the program, her prior musical training, and how playing piano has helped her in other areas of life. She also talks about how Scott's method of teaching is different from other piano teachers she's had in the past. Finally, Lynette shares her thoughts on how playing piano has broadened her musical skills.
Hey Scott— how should I clean my piano?
This blog post discusses how to clean an acoustic piano. The author recommends using a soft cloth or feather duster to avoid damaging the wood or lacquer finishes. They also advise against using cleaning chemicals, alcohol, or dusting spray, as these can cause cracks or damage the piano. Instead, they suggest using a diluted solution of neutral detergent and water to clean dirt marks. For the tiny corners that dust might settle in, the author suggests using a q-tip. As a precaution, they recommend washing your hands before playing the piano, or asking guests to wash their hands if they want to play.
Q & A with Harry M.
Harry M. has been playing piano for a while and is currently focusing on jazz. He first learned about Scott and Piano in a Flash when he saw Scott on a TV show and was intrigued. He started using Scott's program and found it helpful in learning the piano as an older adult. Harry has no desire to play for anyone except himself, but he used to be in a band back in high school. The band played at different country clubs and parties around Nashville. They even had the opportunity to play for Sandra Dee and Marty Robbins at one point! After high school, Harry moved to Florida to study architecture. He eventually started his own architecture practice, which kept him busy for years. Music fell to the backburner during this time. However, Harry has recently been taking jazz lessons online and is hoping Scott will create more courses to help him further his skills. He believes that playing piano has helped him in other areas of life, such as being able to fall asleep better at night.
The New York Times, our new PR lead, and Piano in a Flash
Hannah, our new Public Relations Lead, was mentioned in the New York Times! She's done an amazing job coping with the "new normal" of working remotely. Check out the article at the link below.
Do you struggle with your left hand?
Do you have trouble playing the piano with your left hand? If so, you're not alone. Approximately 90% of people are right-handed, which means that coordinating both hands to play the correct notes at the same time can be quite a challenge. There are some tips and tricks you can use to help "retrain your brain" to play with your left hand more effectively. For example, if you're familiar with the tune you're playing, you should be able to play the melody line within a few tries. If you're not familiar with the tune, it might take a few more times to get the hang of it. In addition, it's important to practice with your left hand first so that you can learn the chord progression of the song. This will make it easier to mentally lay a melody line "on top" of the chords. Finally, if you're struggling to play more than one note at a time, try rolling your chords. This means playing each note of the chord individually, then gradually playing them closer and closer together until they sound like one sound. With some practice, you'll be able to play all three notes of the chord together with ease. So, if you're having trouble playing the piano with your left hand, don't despair. There are some things you can do to improve your coordination and make the task more manageable.
Backtracking Tip for Piano Players
Scott gives a great tip on how to make your piano playing sound more interesting when you are stuck on the same chord for multiple measures. He suggests backtracking from the chord you are on to a 4 chord before it. This will add some movement and variety to your playing.
How to Choose Your First Piano or Keyboard
When choosing your first piano or keyboard, it's important to keep several factors in mind. First, consider where you'll be placing the instrument. If it's in a shared space, you'll want to choose something with a small footprint. If you plan to move it around frequently, weight and portability will be important considerations. Next, think about who will be using the piano or keyboard. If you're taking lessons, you'll want an instrument that's comfortable to play and has a good selection of sounds and features. If you're a beginner, full-size keys and weighted action will be important. If you plan to play with a band or group, you'll want an instrument that has good sound quality. Finally, consider your budget. Pianos and keyboards can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand. Be sure to shop around and compare features before making your final decision.
Piano warm-up exercises for beginners
In this blog post, the author describes three different piano exercises that can be used as a warm-up before playing. The first exercise is a simple up and down pattern using just the white keys. The second exercise is a more challenging pattern using both black and white keys. The third exercise is a pattern using just the black keys. The author recommends practicing each exercise for five minutes at a time, and provides a video to follow along with.
5 Ways to Benefit Your Brain By Playing The Piano
The article discusses five benefits of playing the piano. The first benefit is that it can help to reshape the central sulcus, which is the part of the brain that determines one’s left or right handedness. The second benefit is that it helps improve memory. The third benefit is that it helps to fight off stress and anxiety. The fourth benefit is that it helps to increase creativity. The fifth benefit is that it helps with communication.
Survey Says Playing Piano is Sexy
A recent survey has found that playing the piano is one of the sexiest things a man can do. The poll of 2,000 women found that the top 10 sexiest things a man can do all involve music. Playing the piano topped the list, with 33 percent of women saying it was the sexiest thing a man could do. Other sexy musical activities included playing the guitar (32 percent), singing (26 percent), and DJing (9 percent). The survey also found that women think men who can cook are sexy, with 40 percent of respondents saying it was the sexiest thing a man could do. Other sexy activities included working out (36 percent), driving a nice car (32 percent), and being a good dancer (31 percent). So, if you want to impress the ladies, dust off that piano or break out your cooking skills. Or, better yet, do both!
7 Amazing Upcycled and Repurposed Pianos!
Scott Houston, renowned piano teacher and course creator, has gathered 7 of the most amazing upcycled and repurposed pianos from around the internet! With everything from a plant stand to a wine bar, these old pianos have been given new life in creative and fun ways. Scott hopes that after seeing these creative ideas, piano players and learners will be inspired to get the most out of their own pianos by checking out his online courses at www.pianoinaflash.com. By using Scott's proven method, students can learn to play and enjoy the piano quickly and easily.
Blues Turnaround Chord Progression
Scott demonstrates a turnaround chord progression that can be used to end a blues song. The progression uses five chords, which are played in root position and then inverted. Scott demonstrates how the inverted chords sound in relation to the root position chords, and how the progression sounds when played in its entirety.
Student Answer for Feliz Navidad Hand Independence Issue (Course 1, Class 8)
One of my students was recently having some trouble with hand independence in the context of a Spanish Christmas song called Feliz Navidad. Specifically, they were having trouble playing both a G and D simultaneously with their left hand while also playing an E and F with their right hand. I suggested that they try playing the G and D with their left hand, and then playing the E and F with their right hand, but in a different order than the traditional way. So instead of playing E-F-G-D, they would play G-D-E-F. This worked like a charm and they were able to get the hang of it in no time!
Painted Pianos Show Up in Knoxville
Decorated pianos have popped up in Knoxville, Tenn as part of The Piano Project of Knoxville. The project was founded by jazz pianist Brian Clay with the goal of installing pianos around the city. The launch party for the project included Clay, the Downtown Knoxville Alliance, Dogwood Arts, the City of Knoxville Public Arts Committee and Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero. There are just three pianos in the city as part of the project so far, but there are plans to install more around Knoxville. The pianos are available for anyone to play and are a fun addition to the city. If you're inspired by The Piano Project of Knoxville, you can learn to play the piano yourself with 6X Emmy winner Scott Houston's Piano in a Flash program. Don't let your lack of piano playing skills stop you from having fun with these public pianos.
How To Find the Right Key To Sing In While Playing Piano
In order to figure out the best key to sing a tune in, you must first understand your vocal range. Different songs have different melody lines that have different ranges between their highest and lowest notes. For that reason, a particular song will be best played for your particular range in some particular key. Once you have determined the key that the melody line should be sung in, you can then begin to transpose the tune to fit your range. Transposing is simply taking the chord changes to a tune and moving them all up or down the same interval (or number of half-steps) throughout the entire tune.
Learn a Boogie Woogie Bass Line on Piano
In this post, we'll learn how to play a boogie woogie bass line on piano! This classic blues/jazz style can be a lot of fun to play, and it's not too difficult to get started. We'll begin by learning a basic 12-bar blues progression in the key of C. This will give us a foundation to work with when we start adding in the boogie woogie bass line. Next, we'll add in some left-hand chords to provide a little bit of harmonic interest. Finally, we'll put everything together and add in the boogie woogie bass line. With a little practice, you'll be playing this classic style in no time!
How to Figure Out Any Diminished Chord In Seconds
Do you want to know how to find a diminished chord in seconds? It's actually quite simple once you know the tips and tricks. In this blog post, we'll show you how to quickly and easily find any diminished chord you need. diminished chords are usually built on the root, flat third, and flat fifth of a chord. However, there are a few different ways to create a diminished chord. The most common way is to start with a minor chord and lower the fifth. Another way is to start with a major chord and lower both the third and fifth. Once you know how to build a diminished chord, finding one in seconds is easy. Just use a chord finder or head to your favorite search engine and type in the chord you're looking for. For example, if you need a C diminished chord, you would type "C diminished chord" into your search engine. You can also find diminished chords by ear. Just listen for a chord that sounds tired, unresolved, or like it's missing something. Diminished chords often have a "bite" to them, so listen for that as well. Learning how to find diminished chords can be a valuable skill for any musician. With a little practice, you'll be able to find any chord you need in seconds.
Five Things You Need To Know When Buying A Digital Piano or Keyboard
With so many different brands and options available on the market, buying a new digital piano or keyboard can be a daunting task. Luckily, we've compiled a list of the five most important features to keep in mind while you're shopping, so you can be sure to find the perfect instrument for you. Firstly, it's important to consider the size of the keyboard. If at all possible, try to find a full-sized keyboard with 88 keys. This may seem like an unnecessary expense, but the extra notes are worth it in the long run. Secondly, you'll want to make sure the keys are standard size. This may not seem like a big deal, but it's important if you want to be able to sit down and play any piano or keyboard. Thirdly, you'll want to consider the feel of the keys. A lot of digital pianos and keyboards have weighted action keys, which mimic the feel of an acoustic piano. This is important if you want to be able to play on any piano. Fourthly, you'll want to think about the sounds the keyboard or piano can make. Most of the time, you'll only use the acoustic piano setting, but it's nice to have a few other options available. Finally, you'll want to make sure the keyboard comes with a sustain pedal. This is an essential piece of equipment for any pianist, and you don't want to be stuck without one. Keep these five features in mind while you're shopping for a digital piano or keyboard, and you're sure to find the perfect instrument for you.
Common mistakes to avoid when learning to play piano
Learning how to play piano can be a fun and rewarding experience. However, there are a few common mistakes that people make when learning how to play. One mistake is not establishing a routine. Many beginners struggle to make progress without some kind of routine. It is important to set some structure for your learning so that you can make the most of your time. Another mistake is focusing on reading music. While it is important to develop some music-reading knowledge, don’t let the tail wag the dog when it comes to actually playing. It is more important to focus on playing the music in a way that sounds good and feels natural. Another mistake is sitting with bad posture. It is important to adjust your body so that you are comfortable and can reach the entire piano. This will help you to avoid pain and strain. Finally, a common mistake is learning music you don’t enjoy. It is important to choose music that you enjoy so that you can stay motivated and have fun while you are learning.
A Great Professional Blues Ending for Piano Players—Piano How to
This blues ending is great for professional piano players. It's simple to execute, and sounds great. Here's how to do it.
If You Put a Piano On a Cliff…
An abandoned piano has been spotted on top of a cliff in Sydney Harbor and locals can't seem to stop playing it. The mystery instrument is currently set on the edge of a cliff at Middle Head on the north shore, with a picturesque backdrop of boats sailing across the sea. The people visiting this area LOVE playing the mysterious instrument. But the big question still remains: WHO abandoned that piano and why?
Piano in a Flash | How to start a new hobby and beat winter blues
Improve your mental health this winter with a fulfilling hobby. Learn how hobbies help fight common symptoms of depression and seasonal affective disorder, and get easy tips to find the best one for you.
Will 2020 Be THE Year You Learn to Play the Piano?
It's a new year, and that means it's time for New Year's resolutions. One of the most popular resolutions is learning to play a musical instrument. This might be YOUR resolution for 2020! The power of music is undeniable. Learning to play an instrument can be a gift that you give yourself that will last a lifetime. Check out the video below for some inspiration. The Boy and the Piano is a heartwarming tale that is sure to inspire anyone thinking of learning to play the piano. And if you've decided that 2020 is YOUR year to learn, 6X Emmy Winner Scott "The Piano Guy" Houston is here to help you every step of the way! The kids are grown, your career is done, and now it's YOUR turn to play!
7th Chords – How To Figure Them Out
In this blog post, Scott Houston shows you the formula for building 7th chords on a piano in any key. He starts by explaining what a 7th chord is, and then shows how to build them in any key. He provides a step-by-step explanation with accompanying diagrams, making it easy to follow along.
Glissandos- How to Figure them Out!
Scott “The Piano Guy” Houston teaches you how to play a glissando on a piano, keyboard, or organ. He also gives you a few great tricks for sneaking them into your playing. A glissando is a musical term for a smooth, continuous slide up or down the keyboard. To play a glissando, you simply hold down a key and slide your finger up or down to the next key.
Houston Quoted in Story about Christmas Traditions
This blog post features Scott Houston, "The Piano Guy", talking about his family's holiday traditions. He discusses how his daughter would always become obsessed with different holiday movies each year, and he would make sure to learn the chord changes to a few tunes from her favorite movie so they could sing together. He says this tradition still continues today and that it's a great way to bring up memories from different eras.
Incredible Story: Blind, Autistic Singer/Piano Player Kodi Lee Wins America’s Got Talent
Last week, Kodi Lee, a blind and autistic contestant on America's Got Talent, won the competition after impressing judges and the country with his singing and piano-playing talents. Lee will be awarded $1 million and he will get the chance to headline shows at the Paris Hotel Casino in Las Vegas from November 7-10. Lee first emerged in May when he performed a beautiful rendition of Donny Hathaway's A Song For You. Every single person in the audience stood up and clapped for Lee, who left everyone in awe. Simon Cowell considered the performance unforgettable. Playing the piano is fun, but it's also powerful and changes people's lives for the better every single day. YOU could be one of those people and Scott "The Piano Guy" Houston is here to help! Your kids are grown, the job and career are finished and it's YOUR time now! It's your TURN to play! Your Turn to Learn More: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/kodi-lee-agt-blind-autistic-singer-americans-got-talent-season-14-finals-simon-cowell-leona-lewis-2019-09-19
Jazzy Jingle Bells: Lesson 1
In this blog post, the author announces that they will be streaming a lesson once a week leading up to Christmas, teaching a hip sounding version of Jingle Bells. The author provides a link to the lesson, which will take place on Wednesday, November 30th at 4pm EST.
My method will get you “piano unconstipated”!
Learning to play the piano doesn't have to be an insurmountable task! The Piano In a Flash Online Method can help you learn to play the piano in a fun and easy way. The Method is designed to help you learn bit by bit, so you can gradually build up your skills until you're playing the piano the way you want to. And because it's designed for adult learners, you can be sure that you're getting material that is both fun and educational. So check out the resources below and get started on your Piano In a Flash journey today!
Father’s day playlist
In celebration of Father's Day, pianist Nate Bosch has shared a playlist of some of his favorite songs. He encourages others to share their own favorites in the comments below.
Piano basics: how to find the right notes on your keyboard
Learning the basics of piano can seem daunting, but it doesn't have to be! In this blog post, we'll walk you through the basics of finding notes on your keyboard. We'll start by finding Middle C. Middle C is the "middleist" (or centermost) set of two black keys on your keyboard. Once you've found that, you can find the white note to the left of it, which is C. From there, you can move up the keyboard in order, hitting the white notes D, E, F, G, A, B, and then coming back to C. These notes repeat seven times on a full size piano. Black keys on the keyboard can be sharp (#) or flat (b) depending on their position. A sharp key is the one to the right of a white note, while a flat key is the one to the left. For example, the black key between C and D can be called either C# or Db. Knowing these basics will help you get started on your piano journey!
12 Days of Christmas— Kindness Challenge
The holiday season is a great time to Spread Christmas cheer and kindness. I created this challenge with my piano-playing community in mind: I know we have some AWESOME Piano in a Flash students out there wanting to spread Christmas cheer and kindness. Maybe this is the inspiration you need! Some are piano-related, some are not, but ALL are bound to spread Christmas cheer. <br/>Whatever you may celebrate, I hope you have a WONDERFUL holiday filled with happiness and health.
Q & A with Phil R.
In this heartwarming blog post, Phil R. shares his experiences with Piano in a Flash and how the program has positively impacted his life. Phil talks about how he first joined Piano in a Flash back in November of 2017, and how he has been practicing regularly ever since. He also discusses how learning piano has helped him in other areas of his life, such as giving him a confidence boost and helping him to relax and de-stress. Phil talks about why he wanted to learn piano in the first place, and how he struggled with other online courses before finding Piano in a Flash and realizing it was the perfect fit for him. He also talks about how much the program has meant to him, particularly in regards to being able to play one of his mother's favorite songs in her memory. This post is a great testimony to the impact that Piano in a Flash can have on someone's life, and is sure to inspire others who are thinking about taking up piano to give it a try.
Arpeggios – Great Piano Tricks!
Arpeggios are a great way to make your bass line more interesting and can be used as a terrific aid when improvising or getting out of a tune! In this blog post, we'll show you how to use arpeggios to great effect in your playing.
Jazzy Chord Changes for “Jingle Bells” on Keyboard or Piano
This blog post provides some "jazzy" chord changes for the holiday classic "Jingle Bells." The author provides both the chord changes and some tips on how to add a more jazzy sound to the song.
Am I A Lost Cause If I Was Classically Trained?
Scott Hirsch is a pianist and composer who offers online courses teaching non-classical styles of piano playing. In this blog post, he responds to a question from a reader who is considering taking one of his courses. The reader has a background in classical piano and is rusty on both their music theory and ability to read music. They're wondering if Scott's courses will help them relearn what they used to know and if their classical training will be an obstacle. Scott reassures the reader that his courses will cover the music theory behind the non-classical styles taught, and that the notation used will be Lead Sheet format - which is less detail-oriented than traditional classical notation. He also advises the reader to start from the beginning, even if the free intro lesson was easy for them.
I continue to be fascinated by playing piano’s positive effect on dementia and Alzheimers disease.
A recent study has shown that playing the piano can have a positive effect on dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Even though the study is small, the results are promising. For people who suffer from dementia or Alzheimer's, playing the piano can help to improve their memory and cognitive function. The piano also provides a way for them to socialize and interact with others.
Easy Way to Improvise On The Piano!
Scott provides an easy way to improvise on the piano by utilizing a common chord progression. He explains how to turn the chords into 7th chords by adding a fourth note, and how to find the notes with your fingers. He also provides a transition chord to help lead you back into the other chords. Finally, he offers some tips on how to play music creatively.
Learning = Listening (and Stealing a few Licks!)
Is it better to imitate someone else's playing style, or to learn the skills needed to play authentically? In this blog post, Scott Hirsch addresses this question and argues that "stealing" licks from great players is the best way to learn how to play non-classical piano. He provides some tips on how to do this, including using a recording of the tune you're trying to learn, and finding a lead sheet ortraditional sheet music to help you identify the chords.
What is Comping?
Comping is a musical term that refers to the accompaniment of a soloist or melodic line. When Scott separates the right hand from the left hand and assigns a different function to each, he is comping. This technique can make your piano playing sound a lot more professional and add a layer of sophistication to your music.
Love songs to play on Valentine’s Day
It's Valentine's Day, so what better time to share some of our favorite love songs? This blog post includes four different love songs, each with a brief description. The first song is "The Phantom of the Opera", which is a classic that many people willrecognize. The second song is "All of Me" by John Legend, which is a more recent song that has become a hit. The third song is "Love Me Tender" by Elvis Presley, which is a classic that has been around for many years. The fourth and final song is "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing" by Aerosmith, which is a 90s hit that was featured in the film "Armageddon".
Can you play piano with arthritis?
Can you play piano with arthritis? This is a question that many people ask as they age and begin to experience pain in their joints. The answer is yes! Playing the piano can actually help to strengthen the joints and muscles in your hand, and it can also help to improve your mental health. Here are some tips on how to get started: -Visit your local music store and try out different piano models to find the one that is right for you. -Start with simple piano exercises to loosen your joints and prepare your fingers for playing. -Try piano lessons that teach you how to play by learning chords instead of reading sheet music. If you have arthritis, don’t let it stop you from enjoying the benefits of playing the piano!
Share Your Request for Future Piano Videos!
Hi everyone! I'm looking for topics for future piano videos. If you have any questions about piano, please leave a comment and let me know. I'll do my best to answer your questions in future videos. Thanks for watching!
Reading piano 101
In this blog post, the author argues that you don't need to be a good note reader to be a good piano player. They say that music is what you listen to, not what you read, and that sheet music is simply a recording device. They go on to say that for non-classical styles of music, even if you become a good notation reader, traditional sheet music will not give you the information you need to play the style correctly due to the lack of "words" in traditional notation to describe non-classical techniques. The author's ultimate goal is to become a good player, not a good reader. They say that lead sheets are a great way to get the majority of people to a point where they can have fun right away.
The Human Brain Can Recognize Familiar Music in Milliseconds
Can you recognize a familiar song within 100 to 300 milliseconds? A new study from University College London reports that our favorite tunes are deeply held in our minds. For this study, researchers at the UCL Ear Institute wanted to find out exactly how fast the brain responded to familiar music, as well as the temporal profile of processes in the brain which allow for this. The study found the human brain recognized ‘familiar’ tunes from 100 milliseconds (0.1 of a second) of sound onset, with the average recognition time between 100ms and 300ms. This was first revealed by rapid pupil dilation, likely linked to increased arousal associated with the familiar sound, followed by cortical activation related to memory retrieval. So the next time you hear a familiar song, your brain will be able to recognize it almost immediately!
A Quick “Spooky” Music Lesson
In this blog post, the author discusses how the key of a song can affect its overall feeling. They explain that in Western music, songs in a minor key are often associated with darker emotions like sadness or fear, while songs in a major key are usually happier and more upbeat. They also mention the "Minor Major 7th" chord, which is a chords that sounds both major and minor at the same time, and is often considered the spookiest chord of them all.
Wrong-noteless Noodling
Do you want to feel more confident when improvising on the piano? In this blog post, I will show you an easy way to do just that! I'll teach you a repeating chord progression for your left hand, and give you a few notes to noodle around with in your right hand. This is a great sounding progression that's easy to accomplish - give it a try today!
Why I love playing piano
The blog post discusses the many reasons why the author loves playing piano. First and foremost, the piano is physically and mechanically more simple to play than almost any other instrument, which makes it accessible to people of all ages. Additionally, the piano can be played very rhythmically and can produce a wide range of sounds, making it a versatile and multi-functional instrument. Moreover, pianos are perfect for accompanying other instruments or singers, and they offer a variety of health benefits, including reducing stress, improving mood, and slowing the aging process.
Hey Scott— who should I look to for jazz inspiration?
Chick Corea is one of the most well-known and respected jazz musicians of all time. He has won multiple awards for his contributions to the genre, including a Grammy in 2020. Chick's musical style is unique and diverse, blending together elements of hard-bop, bebop, classical, jazz fusion, and funk. He has inspired generations of musicians with his innovative and boundary-pushing approach to music-making. Ella Fitzgerald is another titan of the jazz world. She was one of the first female jazz artists to achieve mainstream success and is beloved by fans all over the globe. Ella's voice was unparalleled in its beauty and she won 13 Grammy Awards during her career. Ray Charles is another legendary figure in the world of jazz. He was a blind piano player who revolutionized the genre by blending together rhythm and blues and gospel. He was an incredibly skilled musician and earned 37 Grammy nominations throughout his career.
What kind of piano should I use for lessons?
In this blog post, the author discusses the different types of pianos that are available for purchase, and gives advice on which kind of piano is best for taking lessons. Upright pianos are the most popular type of piano, and are great for practice and performance. However, digital pianos are also a good option for those who want more variety in their sound, or who need to be able to practice with headphones. Grand pianos are the most beautiful type of piano, but are not practical for most people due to their size. Ultimately, the best piano for taking lessons is the one that best fits the student's needs and preferences.
You Don’t Have to Read Music to Play Piano!
A lot of people seem to think that you need to be able to read music in order to play piano, but that's not necessarily the case. While it might be helpful if you're looking to become a concert pianist, it's not necessarily a requirement for enjoying the instrument. Music is something that you listen to, not something that you read. Sheet music is simply a way of recording what you're playing. You don't need to be able to read it in order to play the piano. There are some styles of music, like jazz or blues, where it can be difficult to capture the feel of the music simply by reading the sheet music. In those cases, it's more important to be a good player than a good reader. Lead sheets are a great way to get started playing the piano without having to worry about reading music.
Are you sitting correctly at the piano?
Learning to play the piano can be a great way to improve your coordination and fine motor skills, but it's important to make sure you're sitting correctly at the piano to avoid pain or stiffness. A few things to look for include: keeping your shoulders down, making sure your back is straight, and keeping your elbows at a comfortable level. If you're sitting correctly, you shouldn't be in pain, and your playing will be more fluid.
See The Top 4 Piano Playing Myths (A.K.A. Excuses) Busted
There are many myths about playing the piano that can discourage beginners from even starting to learn. In this blog post, Scott dispel some of those myths and explains why they shouldn't hold you back from playing the piano. One myth is that you need to have large hands and long fingers to play the piano well. This is simply not true! There are many great piano players with small hands and fingers. Another myth is that you need to be a great notation reader to be a good piano player. Scott says that this is not the case either. You can learn to play piano without becoming a great note reader. The trick is to focus on playing tunes you enjoy and are excited about. This will help you learn chords and other skills more quickly and effectively. So don't let myths about playing the piano discourage you from learning this wonderful instrument!
Minor Chords – How To Figure Them out on a Piano or Keyboard
It can be difficult to figure out minor chords on a piano or keyboard, but Scott "The Piano Guy" Houston has a helpful formula. He demonstrates how to build minor chords in any key by starting with the root note, then adding the flattened third and fifth. This results in a richer, fuller sound than a major chord. By understanding this formula, you can add minor chords to your repertoire and create more interesting sounding pieces of music.
Piano in a Flash featured as great holiday gift on CBS TV in New York
It's that time of year again when people are scrambling to find the perfect gifts for their loved ones. If you're struggling to find a unique and thoughtful gift, look no further than Piano in a Flash!Featured on Savvy Living, a TV show on CBS in New York, 6X Emmy Winner Scott "The Piano Guy" Houston recommends Piano in a Flash as a great holiday gift. Piano in a Flash is the perfect gift for anyone who wants to learn to play the piano, whether they're a beginner or have some experience. The course is designed to fit into any schedule and is taught by Scott, who is a renowned piano teacher and musician.So if you're looking for a gift that will be cherished and enjoyed for years to come, look no further than Piano in a Flash!
Mind your Ps & Qs: Piano and Quarantine
If you're feeling struggling during quarantine, you're not alone. The CDC reported a significant growth in the number of people who reported feeling anxious and depressed between April and June of 2020. Music can be a great way to help manage your stress and even boost your mood. Here are a few ways you can use music as a stress management tool: 1. Make sure your playlist includes songs with a slow tempo. This will help quiet your mind and relax your muscles, which will help release stress from your day. 2. Play an instrument! It's been shown to lower cortisol levels and decrease anxiety. 3. Find that sense of accomplishment by learning a new skill or mastering a project. This can help you develop positive self-regard and inspire you to work harder.
Piano in a Flash Student Profile: Michael O’Halloran, Port Stephens NSW Australia:
Michael O'Halloran is a professional ballroom dance tutor who always wanted to learn how to play the piano. When he stumbled across Scott Houston's website, he found the perfect way to learn. Scott's simple and fun methods allowed Michael to quickly learn musical technique and play the songs he loved. Today, Michael uses his new piano skills to entertain friends and family at parties. He is even able to play the songs he hears on the radio.Anyone thinking about learning how to play the piano should definitely check out Scott Houston's courses. Michael is living proof that Scott's methods work and that it's never too late to learn how to play the piano.
What is a glissando and when do I use it?
A glissando is a musical technique that involves sliding or sliding between two notes. This can be done on any instrument, but is most commonly heard on string instruments like guitars and violins. The piano glissando is a bit different, as each note is distinctly heard rather than blending together. Glissandos can be used anywhere in a song to add drama or interest, and are particularly popular in rockabilly music from the 1950s. If you're interested in adding a glissando to your piano playing, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, use your fingernails and not your fingertips to avoid hurting yourself. You can also use your thumb rather than all your fingers. Additionally, use two fingers with your index finger being down further than your middle finger and drag upwards, or use two fingers with an interval of space between them as you run down the keys. Glissandos are a great way to add drama or interest to a song, and can be used at the beginning, middle, or end of a tune. Just be sure to practice beforehand and to protect your piano if you're using an acoustic one.
Piano and Mental Health
If you're feeling stressed, piano lessons might be a great way to help relieve some tension. Scott's method of teaching piano is designed to help people of all ages learn how to play the piano for fun and to develop a number of important skills. In a free webinar, you can learn more about how playing the piano can help improve your mental health.
Q & A with Terri R.
We interviewed Terri, a long-time student of Scott’s, who lives in New York. She shared with us how she found Scott on YouTube, and how she decided to sign up for piano lessons with him. Terri had some prior musical training, having taken four years of voice lessons and played the guitar on and off for many years. She shared with us how she enjoyed Scott’s method of teaching, which is very consistent and reliable. Terri has found that playing piano has broadened her musical skills and helped with stress. Her next musical goal is to work on her fingering skills and transition from one key to another. Thank you, Terri, for sharing your story with us!
Q & A with Kim
For this blog post, we interviewed a long-time student of Piano in a Flash, Kim Adamson. Kim has lived in Florida (USA) for years, and has been a musician even longer. Kim first learned about Scott and Piano in a Flash when she saw his show, The Piano Guy, on PBS. After taking a class taught by Scott, she decided to start working on the courses through Piano in a Flash. Kim has found Scott's method of teaching to be easy, and she has even started using some of his methods when teaching her own harp students. Playing piano has broadened her musical skills and has helped her to be able to sight-read with a cellist she frequently plays with. Thank you, Kim, for sharing your story with us!
A New Year’s Message from The Piano Guy
2023 is here, and The Piano Guy has had a chance to reflect on the last year. He had a big birthday and worked hard all year, so he feels healthy and happy. However, his home was destroyed in a hurricane and he's been working hard to rebuild. He's realized that it's important to take small, consistent steps and to find some fun in the process in order to get through tough times. He's also been touched by the success of his online piano lessons, which have brought joy to people all over the world.
Accompany yourself to easier piano playing
If you want to play the piano and sing at the same time, it's much easier to play in an accompaniment style rather than a solo style. In an accompaniment style, you simply play the chord changes from a lead sheet, rather than trying to play the melody line and read traditional sheet music at the same time. This allows you to focus on singing the melody, and sounds more professional than trying to play the melody and sing at the same time.
Can piano help reduce stress or pain you are facing?
Music has always been known to have a powerful effect on the human mind and body, but did you know that playing the piano can help reduce stress and pain? A recent study showed that patients who were played their favorite music had increased brain activity in areas associated with memory, decision making, and stress reduction. Piano playing can help fight aches, pains, osteoporosis, and chronic pain by stimulating the production of the human growth hormone and improving coordination. playing the piano can also bring about positive changes in the brain that help reduce symptoms of depression. If you're suffering from stress or pain, why not give piano playing a try? It just might help you feel better!
Q & A with Diane M.
We interviewed Diane, a recent student of Scott's who has enjoyed her time playing the piano. For Diane, one of the key benefits of Scott's method is the freedom it gives her to play the way she wants to. Additionally, the online lessons have allowed her to move at her own pace and not feel pressured to catch up to a weekly schedule. She hopes to continue improving her skills and one day play for family and friends.
The Truth About “Playing By Ear”
Scott tells us that there's no need to play by ear per se, but it will come naturally the more we play in these styles. He explains that the goal of reading/learning a tune from a lead sheet is to not need it as soon as possible. We should use the lead sheet to learn the basic outlines of the tune, but then try to play the tune without looking at the lead sheet. This way, we can add embellishments and play in different tempos without being burdened by the note reading.
Get Your Mindset Right To Learn Piano
Scott Houston's Youtube Live video last week discussed his resolution for 2018 of providing more content for viewers. In keeping with his promise, he has released a new video on Get Your Mindset Right To Learn Piano. The video is a motivational speech directed towards those who want to learn piano, in which Houston discusses the importance of the right mindset when learning anything new.
Q & A with Raley S.
In this blog post, we interview Raley, a student of Scott's who has recently begun taking Piano in a Flash lessons. Raley talks about why she decided to start learning piano at age 76, her progress so far, and what her goals are for the future. She also shares some advice for other seniors who may be considering taking up a new musical instrument.
Q & A with Cheryl M.
Student Cheryl M. talks about her experience learning piano with our program. She discusses how she first learned about Piano in a Flash, how often she practices, and what she likes about our method of instruction. She also shares how learning piano has helped her in other areas of her life, like relieving stress and boosting confidence.
Improvising Using Just Black Notes
In this blog post, the author describes how to improvise using just black notes. He explains that by using two chords and sticking to black notes, anything you play will sound fine. He demonstrates how this works by playing a few improvising examples on the piano. This is a good tip for anyone who wants to start improvising and feel more confident about their abilities.
Five Fast Facts You Didn’t Know About The Piano
In a world where technology and information is at the tip of your fingers, it feels like people value fast information and trivia more than ever. However, there’s still a lack of piano related trivia floating around on the internet. Fear no more, I’ve crafted a list of fun, little-known facts about the piano. Whether you consider yourself a piano playing newbie or expert, I’d be surprised if you knew all these fun piano playing facts. Read on to learn some fun facts you can use to impress your family and friends or simply to gain a little more info about an instrument we all love—the piano! Looking for a new way to motivate your children to complete their chores? Consider offering them the option of cleaning the bathrooms or having them sit through a rendition of Erik Satie’s (1893) “Vexations.”It’s a 180 note composition played through 840 times. That’s right, 840!If you were to sit down and play this piece completely it would take you over 18 hours to complete. The full piece was recently performed in New York City by a team of 10 pianists. They actually took turns playing throughout the performance. By the end of the concert, only a few critics remained and several of the remaining audience members had fallen asleep, but one critic shouted “Encore!” (Which is one of the funniest things I’ve heard in a long time… My kind of humor. Hilarious!) Believe it or not, Tin Pan Alley’s name was actually derived from the piano. Tin Pan Alley describes an area in New York City around 28th Street and Fifth Avenue where long ago many music publishers set up shop to produce piano sheet music. Musicians would audition for publishers by playing their new songs. Tin Pan Alley was a lively place. Day and night, passersby could hear musicians pounding away on cheap pianos. The old pianos sounded like someone was beating on an old tin pan. Thus, Tin Pan Alley’s name was born. So, don’t forget to tune your piano twice a year if you don’t want your neighbors to coin your home, the new Tin Pan Alley! A piano can cover every note in an entire orchestra. That’s right, a piano can match the lowest note of a double bassoon to the highest
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