For this blog post, we interviewed Harry M.! Harry lives in Florida and is enjoying his time at the piano. 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: I started using Scott’s program a long time ago, and right now I’m studying jazz piano. I’d grade myself as an intermediate player.

I believe it was around 2012 when I first learned about Scott, I saw him on a TV show. He peaked my interest then, and I searched for his program online to learn more. After waiting about 70 years to learn piano, I thought I might try it. Piano is a challenge for me. At my age, I honor having a challenge, it keeps my mind busy and active.

Q: Do you play for others? If so, in what settings?

A: I just play for myself. I have no desire to play for anyone except me, I am my only critic. My family was full of country musicians, and I didn’t like country music, so I formed a band back in high school and played more modern music. We played at country clubs, a television program, and recorded some vocals from Nashville. I wound up forming the band, but I just played the drums. I didn’t get a chance to play another instrument. When Scott came along, just by coincidence, I said “Now is the time I’m going to do it”. I hadn’t been near a piano in many, many years, so this just sort of… happened, for me.

Q: Tell me more about the band!

A: I thought I was a better drummer than the ones I grew up listening to! I formed a five-piece band: a sax, trombone, standup bass, piano and drums. We played every weekend for different country clubs around Nashville, and that expanded into some parties here and there. We even had the opportunity to play for Sandra Dee and Marty Robbins— that was pretty incredible. The band lasted for a few years— we were all just youngins. The others moved on, and I eventually moved to Florida. I brought my drums with me, and would periodically play with bands on the beaches.

Q: What happened after you moved to FL?

A: I started college at the University of Florida studying architecture, I didn’t really immerse myself in music for five or six years while there. I worked for an architect in West Palm Beach, and eventually started my own practice, which kept me busy for years. Music fell to the backburner.

Q: You mentioned jazz piano earlier: how is that coming along?

A: I have a mentor, I have a person I’m taking jazz lessons from on the computer. I’ve tried a couple other online lessons, and they didn’t work out like I wanted them to. I got through Scott’s lessons over a number of years and was very pleased with what I was able to do. I am hoping he does something to go beyond the six courses he has, because I really enjoy learning through him.

Q: How was learning piano with Scott’s method, versus learning other instruments?

A: I never had a formal education for drums, I had to teach myself how to play, and sometimes it was a struggle not having any guidance. Scott gives you something to rely on. You know what the next steps are, and you know what to practice in order to grow your skills.

Q: Has playing piano helped you in other areas of life?

A: I will periodically get up at 3 in the morning to play piano. It helps me fall back asleep after. Every single note means something, it’s very in depth, the person playing and listening to it can feel it. I am a firm believer that we need more music in the world.

Q: What’s your next music-related goal?

A: I want to get a really good grasp on how to play jazz music at the piano. Jazz is something rather different, and has challenged me to grow in so many ways. It’s difficult to change from playing root chords in your left hand, to playing specific notes and patterns with your left hand. I still have trouble switching it up like that, but my ultimate goal is to get really good with that. If I can get both my hands moving, that would be fantastic.

THANK YOU Harry for sharing your story with us! I really enjoyed hearing how you came to find Piano in a Flash and how it has helped you rediscover your passion for music.

If you’d like to learn more about Piano in a Flash and how I teach online lessons, click the link below to sign up for a webinar!