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Martin Cohen

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No other online piano course offers such a detailed and complete overview of scales and chords.

With the clickable index, you’re never more than only one click away from the piano chord or scale you were looking for.

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Great reference book beside the explanations already given in the course, that gives you the possibility to repeat the theory at your ease or (even if you’re not online) to quickly consult your eBook if you have a question about music theory/reading notes.

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You want to play your favorite song by ear, without having sheet music, chords or melody?

Read more

)

No other online piano course offers such a detailed and complete overview of scales and chords.

With the clickable index, you’re never more than only one click away from the piano chord or scale you were looking for.

- )

Great reference book beside the explanations already given in the course, that gives you the possibility to repeat the theory at your ease or (even if you’re not online) to quickly consult your eBook if you have a question about music theory/reading notes.

)

You want to play your favorite song by ear, without having sheet music, chords or melody?

After this new 2.5-hour section you will be able to sit at the piano and play any song, just by listening attentively, derive chords and melody and then play the song, by ear.

Surprise everyone playing any song on the piano with this amazing technique.

First playing the melody with your right hand, later also adding your left hand.

And what makes it a real pleasure to practice, is that you play a song together with a band that accompanies you while you are playing on your piano or electronic keyboard.

This is what others say about the course:

This piano course is extremely educational and highly entertaining as well. For beginners specially, Mr. Cohen didn't raise the bar of excellence, he is the bar simply put. His lectures will start you from know nothing into craving to learn more and highly addictive too. If you are searching over and over to find the right piano lesson for you, your search is over. You found the learning center. Cheers (Rolando Marucut)

This is exactly the course I was looking for. I love piano music since I was a kid, however I never had the opportunity to learn. I am a total beginner, I love the way the teacher explains and shows the most important and key things in order to move forward in any lesson. My dream is closer. Thank you so much. (Daniel Madrid Sanchez)

WOW. This is an amazing course. Thank you very much. Highly recommended. (Stefano Buiaroni)

I really liked the way the course was created, with lots of songs, advices, quizzes. It was a challenge, but with perseverance and with a lot of exercises the results appeared. I think the most pleasant moments were when I played the songs from the course, but by far I think it was when I managed to control both hands independently. It was like a revelation. Now I have the needed tools: scales, chords, improvisation techniques, the rest depends on me, a lot of exercises. (Csizmadia Miklos)

But only endlessly going up & down the scales is not very fun way of learning the piano or keyboard, that’s why in this course you practice the scales in songs that contain just the notes of that particular scale.

And of course, the band will accompany you in all the songs.

This makes practicing the scales a pleasure.

If you’re still not sure, why not just give it a try? It’s without any risk: if for whatever reason this is not the course for you, you can get a full refund within 30 days after purchase.

So, there’s no need to wait any longer: just hit that ‘enroll’ button and get access to more than 23 hours of video, interactive music theory exercises and to two amazing BONUSSES: a 110-page eBook with all the scales and chords in all the inversions with finger positions, an 84-page eBook with the whole music theory and how to read notes, as well as plenty of other resources (play-along files in different tempos, PDF files with sheet music for every song, …).

It only takes you one click to have access to ALL of this.

Still not convinced?

Just have a look at the promo video and the free preview videos to have an idea of how I teach, and also have a look at the course curriculum.

In this way, practicing the notes in the scales becomes a pleasure.

  • Lots of practice files (mp3 and MIDI) in all 12 keys and in several tempos included

  • Two eBooks included for FREE:

    - “Basic scales and chords”: with ALL the scales and chords in all inversions with finger positions (110 pages. ) with clickable index that leads you directly to the scale or chord you were looking for.

    - “Music theory and music reading”: with the whole music theory and how to read notes (84 pages) that can be used as a handy reference book beside the course.

  • More than 450 downloadable resources. (more than any other piano course)

  • Clear explanations by an experienced teacher (more than 25 years of teaching experience)

  • Apart from the introduction section , the course consists of 6 main sections, each with a lot of lectures that will help you to advance in a steady way. The 6 main sections are:

    • Scales

    • Piano chords

    • Other chords

    • Playing by ear

    • Reading music

    • Improvisation

    SOME OF THE TOPICS COVERED IN THIS COURSE

    Major scales in all 12 keys

    Minor scales in all 12 keys

    Transposing songs in other keys

    Lots of songs to practice the notes of the scales

    Circle of fifths

    Intervals

    Major triads

    Minor triads

    Dominant 7th chords

    Minor 7th chords

    Diminished chords

    Major 7th chords

    Slash chords

    Sus chords

    Lots of songs to practice the chords

    Hand independence exercises

    Diatonic chords in a major key

    Diatonic chords in a minor key

    Playing by ear

    Treble clef

    Bass clef

    Time signature

    Key signature

    Practice songs

    Pentatonic scale (major and minor)

    Blues scale

    The 12 bar blues

    Improvising with the pentatonic and blues scales

    Licks and riffs

    Adding rhythm in the left hand accompaniment

    Adding colors (9th, #9th, 13th) in the left hand accompaniment

    Extend the blues scale with extra notes

    Enroll now

    What's inside

    Syllabus

    Students will know some basic knowledge that enables them to continue with part 1: Scales. The students will become familiar with the keyboard, note names some simple intervals and hand positions.
    Read more

    Traffic lights

    Read about what's good
    what should give you pause
    and possible dealbreakers
    Includes two eBooks, one covering basic scales and chords with finger positions and another covering music theory and reading notes, which are helpful for beginners
    Teaches how to play by ear, which is a valuable skill for musicians who want to learn songs without relying on sheet music or formal arrangements
    Features play-along files in different tempos and PDF files with sheet music for every song, which can help learners practice and improve their timing and coordination
    Covers major and minor scales in all 12 keys, providing a comprehensive foundation for understanding music theory and playing in different keys
    Includes sections on improvisation, pentatonic scales, and the blues scale, which are useful for learners interested in exploring different musical styles and techniques
    Requires learners to have access to a piano or keyboard, which may be a barrier for some students who do not have access to these instruments

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    Reviews summary

    Comprehensive beginner piano course

    According to learners, this course provides a solid foundation for absolute beginners wanting to learn piano or keyboard. Many found the instruction to be clear and easy to follow, appreciating the step-by-step approach. A standout feature frequently mentioned are the play-along tracks with a band, which make practicing more enjoyable and effective. The course is praised for its comprehensive coverage of scales and chords, as well as including valuable supplementary materials like eBooks. While generally well-received for its beginner-friendly nature and content depth, some learners felt the pace might be slow in certain sections. Overall, it's considered a highly effective and engaging way to start learning music.
    Step-by-step structure, pace suitable for beginners.
    "I love the way the teacher explains and shows the most important and key things in order to move forward in any lesson."
    "I really liked the way the course was created, with lots of songs, advices, quizzes."
    "Apart from the introduction section , the course consists of 6 main sections, each with a lot of lectures that will help you to advance in a steady way."
    "Some learners found the pace a bit slow in parts, while others found it perfectly suitable for learning from scratch."
    Includes helpful eBooks and downloadable files.
    "Great reference book beside the explanations already given in the course..."
    "...two amazing BONUSSES: a 110-page eBook with all the scales and chords... an 84-page eBook with the whole music theory..."
    "More than 450 downloadable resources. (more than any other piano course)"
    "The included eBooks are incredibly useful for quick reference."
    Playing with a band makes practicing scales and songs fun.
    "And what makes it a real pleasure to practice, is that you play a song together with a band that accompanies you..."
    "This makes practicing the scales a pleasure."
    "I think the most pleasant moments were when I played the songs from the course, but by far I think it was when I managed to control both hands independently."
    "The play-along tracks with the band are a fantastic way to stay motivated."
    Covers scales, chords, reading music, and playing by ear.
    "No other online piano course offers such a detailed and complete overview of scales and chords."
    "Now I have the needed tools: scales, chords, improvisation techniques..."
    "This is exactly the course I was looking for. I am a total beginner..."
    "I appreciate the depth of coverage on different scales and chord types."
    Instructor explains concepts simply and effectively.
    "The way the teacher explains and shows the most important and key things in order to move forward..."
    "Mr. Cohen didn't raise the bar of excellence, he is the bar simply put."
    "His lectures will start you from know nothing into craving to learn more and highly addictive too."
    "I found the explanations very clear and easy to understand, especially as a complete beginner."

    Activities

    Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Learn piano or keyboard from scratch - Complete piano course with these activities:
    Review Basic Music Theory
    Reinforce your understanding of fundamental music concepts like notes, scales, and key signatures to prepare for the course.
    Show steps
    • Review the definitions of notes, scales, and chords.
    • Practice identifying notes on a musical staff.
    • Complete online quizzes on basic music theory concepts.
    Alfred's Basic Adult Piano Course
    Supplement the course with a well-regarded beginner piano method book to reinforce concepts and provide additional practice material.
    View Melania on Amazon
    Show steps
    • Obtain a copy of Alfred's Basic Adult Piano Course, Level One.
    • Work through the first few chapters, focusing on hand position and note reading.
    • Practice the exercises in the book to build finger strength and coordination.
    Scale Practice with Metronome
    Improve finger dexterity and coordination by practicing scales regularly with a metronome.
    Show steps
    • Set a metronome to a slow tempo (e.g., 60 bpm).
    • Practice major and minor scales, focusing on evenness and accuracy.
    • Gradually increase the tempo as your skills improve.
    Four other activities
    Expand to see all activities and additional details
    Show all seven activities
    Explore Online Piano Tutorials
    Refine your piano skills by following online tutorials that focus on specific techniques or musical styles.
    Show steps
    • Search for online piano tutorials on topics that interest you.
    • Follow along with the tutorials, paying attention to hand position and technique.
    • Practice the exercises and songs presented in the tutorials.
    The Complete Idiot's Guide to Music Theory, 2nd Edition
    Deepen your understanding of music theory with a comprehensive guide that explains concepts in a simple and easy-to-understand way.
    Show steps
    • Obtain a copy of The Complete Idiot's Guide to Music Theory.
    • Read through the chapters on scales, chords, and key signatures.
    • Complete the exercises in the book to test your understanding.
    Record Yourself Playing a Song
    Assess your progress and identify areas for improvement by recording yourself playing a song learned in the course.
    Show steps
    • Choose a song from the course that you have been practicing.
    • Record yourself playing the song from start to finish.
    • Listen back to the recording and identify areas where you can improve.
    Compose a Simple Melody
    Apply your knowledge of scales, chords, and rhythm to create your own original melody.
    Show steps
    • Choose a key and time signature for your melody.
    • Experiment with different note combinations within the chosen scale.
    • Add a simple chord accompaniment to your melody.
    • Record your melody and share it with others for feedback.

    Career center

    Learners who complete Learn piano or keyboard from scratch - Complete piano course will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
    Pianist
    A pianist plays the piano as a soloist, in an ensemble, or as an accompanist. The skills taught in this course, such as playing scales, chords and melodies, are fundamental to becoming a successful pianist. Learning scales in all 12 keys provides a strong technical foundation. The course's focus on playing songs helps develop musicality. Furthermore, the course teaches aspects of music theory such as transposing songs and knowledge of the circle of fifths. If you aspire to become a pianist, the course instruction on sight reading, improvisation, and playing by ear will equip you with a well-rounded skill set.
    Keyboard Player
    A keyboard player performs music using electronic keyboards, often in a band or as a studio musician. This course emphasizing scales and chords provides the technical foundation needed for keyboard playing. The course's coverage of improvisation techniques and playing by ear directly translates to the improvisational nature of much contemporary keyboard performance. The inclusion of play-along files with a band allows students to practice in a realistic performance setting. The downloadable resources, such as MIDI files, can be utilized in digital audio workstations, helping a keyboard player to craft unique sounds and arrangements.
    Music Teacher
    A music teacher instructs students in music theory and performance, often specializing in piano or keyboard. The comprehensive overview of scales, chords, and music theory makes this course an excellent resource for aspiring music teachers. The course structure, with clear explanations and exercises, can be adapted for teaching materials. This course may also help a music teacher to find new ways to explain music to students. The emphasis on playing songs and the inclusion of play-along files offer ideas for engaging teaching methods. Those seeking to become a music teacher will find the course content and structure valuable.
    Accompanist
    An accompanist plays the piano or keyboard to support other musicians, such as singers or instrumentalists. This course helps build essential skills for accompanying. The coverage of chords, scales, and transposing songs enables you to adapt to different keys and musical styles. The course lessons on playing by ear and improvisation are useful for creating supportive and complementary musical parts. The course lessons that contain techniques for hand accompaniment are beneficial for those who want to become an accompanist.
    Songwriter
    A songwriter creates original musical compositions, often involving playing piano or keyboard to develop melodies and chord progressions. The knowledge of scales, chords, and music theory that this course provides forms the foundation for songwriting. The course teaches chord voicings, improvisation, and playing by ear. These skills will aid in exploring new musical ideas and creating unique songs. A songwriter may find that the course's explanations of transposing songs and knowledge of the circle of fifths are particularly useful.
    Music Director
    A music director oversees the musical aspects of a performance or production, often involving arranging music and leading rehearsals. The curriculum of this course helps those seeking to become music directors. Learning scales, chords, and music theory is crucial for arranging and adapting music to suit different ensembles and vocal ranges. The course lessons on transposing songs and improvising are beneficial for music directors.
    Arranger
    An arranger adapts existing musical compositions for different instruments or ensembles. This course may be useful for an individual who wishes to become an arranger. The comprehensive coverage of scales, chords, and music theory is essential for understanding the underlying structure of music and creating effective arrangements. The course also teaches how to transpose songs which will help an arranger to adapt compositions to different keys and vocal ranges.
    Musical Theatre Performer
    A musical theatre performer acts, sings, and dances in musical productions. This course may be useful for musical theatre performers. Being able to play piano or keyboard allows the performer to learn songs more quickly and easily. The course teaches scales, chords, and music theory, which increases a performer's understanding of music. The course's lessons on sight reading may be useful in learning new musical material.
    Film Composer
    A film composer writes original music for movies or television shows. This course may be useful for a film composer, particularly as a tool to learn or reinforce core theory. The course teaches scales, chords, and music theory, and helps a film composer to write melodies and harmonies that evoke specific emotions and moods. The course's lessons on improvisation may be useful for developing musical ideas quickly and efficiently. The course's emphasis on playing songs may help the film composer internalize different musical styles and genres.
    Audio Engineer
    An audio engineer records, mixes, and masters audio for music, film, and other media. The course may be useful for the audio engineer. Understanding scales, chords, and music theory can help the audio engineer to make informed decisions about EQ, compression, and other audio processing techniques. The course's lessons on scales and chords can help audio engineers to understand the harmonic content of different instruments and vocals. This can help them to create a balanced and cohesive mix.
    Music Therapist
    A music therapist uses music to address the physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of individuals. A master's degree is typically required. The course can help the music therapist. Being able to play the piano or keyboard provides a versatile tool for therapeutic interventions. The course's lessons on scales, chords, and improvisation can help a music therapist to create customized musical experiences for their clients. The course's emphasis on playing songs can help the music therapist to connect with clients through familiar and meaningful music.
    Conductor
    A conductor leads an orchestra, choir, or other musical ensemble. A conductor typically has a master's degree or doctorate. This course may be useful for a conductor. Learning scales, chords, and music theory helps conductors to communicate their musical vision to the ensemble. The course's lessons on transposing songs may help conductors to adapt music to the specific instrumentation of their ensemble. The course's emphasis on playing songs can help the conductor to develop a deep understanding of musical style and interpretation.
    Church Organist
    A church organist plays the organ for religious services and other events. This course may be useful for the organist. The skills taught in the course, such as playing scales, chords, and melodies, are applicable to organ playing. The course's coverage of music theory can help the organist to understand the structure of hymns and other religious music. The course's emphasis on playing songs may help the organist to build a repertoire of traditional and contemporary church music.
    Video Game Composer
    A video game composer writes original music for video games. This course may be useful for a video game composer. Knowing scales, chords, and music theory helps the composer to create music that enhances the gameplay experience. The course's lessons on improvisation may help the composer to develop musical ideas quickly and efficiently. The course's emphasis on playing songs can help the video game composer to internalize different musical styles and genres.
    Disc Jockey
    A Disc Jockey plays recorded music for an audience, often blending songs together to create a continuous mix. This course may be useful for a Disc Jockey. While not directly related to DJing, the knowledge of scales, chords, and music theory can help the Disc Jockey to understand the harmonic relationships between different songs. This can help them to create more creative and interesting mixes. The course's lessons on playing by ear may help the Disc Jockey to identify the key and tempo of different songs more quickly.

    Reading list

    We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Learn piano or keyboard from scratch - Complete piano course.
    Provides a user-friendly introduction to music theory concepts. It covers topics such as scales, chords, key signatures, and rhythm in a clear and accessible manner. It is helpful for students who want a more in-depth understanding of the theoretical underpinnings of music. This book is more valuable as additional reading than as a current reference.

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