Are you well past puberty and have always had a hankering for tickling the ivories? Maybe you didn’t have the money as a child. Or your family was always moving. Or you probably didn’t even know there was such a wonderful thing as the piano. Whatever the reason it is never too late to start. Really!

I began my quest to learn to play the piano at the late great age of 24. I had always wanted to play but was too busy pursuing my other interests one of which was gymnastics. I’m not even sure I knew note names but in all my innocence, after receiving a keyboard from my father for my birthday, I ran out and bought the first method book I happened upon. It was the Alfred Chord Series and I made it all the way through book 3 before finding a piano teacher.

Meanwhile I had been asked by my church to become their pianist. What follows is 10 years of struggles, learning adventures and opportunities that have molded me into what I am today. A PIANIST!

I had no goals of becoming a classical performer. I just wanted to play music. And I do. I have played at weddings, given piano lessons and I am still the church pianist. I have also added guitar to my list of skills. What I’m trying to say is don’t let age stop you or even time. Most people think I studied as a child. And I know more music theory than many college piano majors. Being an adult puts you ina unique situation on knowing what you want to learn and how. Trust me this will all make sense once you start. If you’ve always wanted to learn then go ahead. It’s actually very easy and there is a wealth of information to start you on your way. If you have no idea where to start just type “Free Piano Lesson” into your search area on the internet. Then when you’ve become overwhelmed visit the book store and pick up Alfred’s Adult Piano Method series. Many adults learn to play with this series and while it’s not the only one out there it will get you started.

Happy Playing!

K Quinn is a church pianist and author of the book The Struggling Church Pianist. Visit her website and download some free musician tools at… http://www.strugglingchurchmusician.us

Have you ever wanted to create your own unique piano songs? Just simple pieces that express how you feel? You can if you learn how to improvise first and then learn how to compose. Here’s why.

Improvising allows you to express what you feel without constraint. In essence, it’s like freewriting because the goal here is to free your own unique voice without having to worry about right or wrong, good or bad. It is a skill that students should learn before any other and is foundational for further success at composing. Once you are able to sit down at the piano and can trust your intuition to guide you, you’re ready to compose.

Composition is really just slowed down improvisation. We take the initial inspirational gem we’ve discovered through improv and flush it out using the tools of repetition and contrast. For example, in the lesson “Waiting for Spring,” we learn how to create a simple ABA form in the Key of C.

The key here is that we already know the piece will be an ABA form so how do we proceed? Easily! The way I do it is I write out the first 8-bars and then improvise to see what will come up. Once I’m onto something, I write out the first 2-bars of the melody so I can remember it. Then I use chords from the Key of C Major to finish the first 8-bars; my (A) section. Another 8-bars or so for my (B) section and I’m done! The arrangement of this easy piano song usually works itself out to be play the (A) section twice, (B) section once, back to the (A) section and I’m done. Most of the time, this comes out to about 2-3 minutes of music.

The important thing for creating your own piano songs is that you must be able to move forward and complete sections of music. This is best accomplished when you can improvise freely first!

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

Children beginning piano usually have ideas about piano lessons from television, the movies, and their own imaginations which may not be accurate. To make sure your beginner in piano lessons has realistic expectations help them stay focused on the basics simple things that make a big difference. Here are five simple steps that give amazing results.

1. Attending weekly lessons Students who are excited about starting lessons quickly lose interest when they miss their lessons and forget what the teacher has shown them. Having to start over an over again is discouraging.

2. Bringing music books to every lesson No books, no plan. No plan, no progress.

3. Setting aside a routine daily practice time Keeping a routine is the best because it builds the practice habit and that s most of the battle. At any given time there will be a choice of how to spend that time. When this decision is make ahead of time it is a lot easier for kids to stay focused on their goals.

4. Follow the teacher s practice instructions Good habits are very important. Even if they seem too simple, take them seriously.

5. Attend piano recitals and activities that set important learning goals - Goals are important because they give us direction and something to work toward. Recitals target specific learning goals that will help piano students achieve their musical dreams.

By following these five simple steps your child in piano will stay on track for a great piano year of progress and achieve the skills they need to reach their musical dreams.

For great piano tools to help children ages 5 to 11 develop their musical talent, visit Piano Adventure Bears Music Education Resources These exciting stories, games, piano lessons, and inspirational gifts feature the Piano Adventure Bear characters, Mrs. Treble Beary and her new piano student, Albeart Littlebud. Young students follow along with Albeart to learn what piano lessons are all about in a fun way that kids readily understand appreciate. Click here to visit PianoAdventureBears.com For a wealth of information about piano lessons, visit tallypiano.com