There's a way to play any song you want on piano, without struggling for years to learn scales or read music..If you want to be playing songs almost straight away. This is the method for you
Years ago I stumbled upon an elegant solution to an age-old problem. How to get anyone to play songs on piano quickly, without them having to practice for years or read music. I've since developed and taught this simple easy system to over 18,000 beginners online. With rave reviews.
It's transformative, making a huge difference to people's lives
Read more
There's a way to play any song you want on piano, without struggling for years to learn scales or read music..If you want to be playing songs almost straight away. This is the method for you
Years ago I stumbled upon an elegant solution to an age-old problem. How to get anyone to play songs on piano quickly, without them having to practice for years or read music. I've since developed and taught this simple easy system to over 18,000 beginners online. With rave reviews.
It's transformative, making a huge difference to people's lives
There's a way to play any song you want on piano, without struggling for years to learn scales or read music..If you want to be playing songs almost straight away. This is the method for you
Years ago I stumbled upon an elegant solution to an age-old problem. How to get anyone to play songs on piano quickly, without them having to practice for years or read music. I've since developed and taught this simple easy system to over 18,000 beginners online. With rave reviews.
It's transformative, making a huge difference to people's lives
“I have been playing for about 30 mins a day for about 7 days after following about 70% of the course. I have just finished playing chorus and verse of Sam Smith's "Stay with me", both hands. I'm a complete beginner and I have wanted to play an instrument all of my life. There was a moment, brief but a moment, where I wasn't thinking about where my hands were but just enjoying playing the piano. It ranks alongside holding a proper conversation in a foreign language. I can' t recommend this course enough it's short, easy to follow and it's inspired me on to a more complex course. Thank you for sharing your method and not wrapping it unnecessarily in a 20-hour course. Fantastic.”
Or this one
“It's so silly they don't teach piano like this from the start. I can't believe that it took me 2 music teachers and 1 year of frustration before I found someone who could just”
Why Listen to me?
As a professional musician I’ve had 4 record contracts, played all over the world, recorded albums, videos, and played main stages at many of the big festivals. I’m also an educator. I set up a successful non-profit teaching underserved youth how to create music quickly and easily. As part of that journey, I did a MEd Degree in Education at Cambridge University, learning the latest teaching theory. All of that means I’ve fused years of experience with the latest theory and built online courses, specialising in getting people playing as quickly as possible without being put off, bored or confused by theory. These have now been taken by over 18,000 students, with rave reviews. I know how to structure complicated ideas easily and explain them in a way that means people grasp them fast, and in a fun way without the B.S. that so often surrounds music education.
Confused or frustrated by traditional ways of being taught piano? Want to jump to the fun bit, playing songs?
In minutes you'll be able to name all the notes on the piano (even if you think your memory is rubbish)
In another 5 minutes you'll have learned your first chords and more importantly, internalised the simple shapes that mean you'll be able to memorise how to play all the different types of chords
Most songs only use four or five chords, Ten minutes in you'll know how to play fourteen. In an hour you'll know instantly how to play 100s using this system
I'll also show you where to look to find the information you need to play the songs you want to (what chords and when and how to play them).
I'll break down how to learn those songs, so you are having as much fun as you can as you learn piano as quickly as possible. learning through fun is massively more effective than learning by rote.
There will also be a whole bunch of tricks that make you sound great, easily and simply without having to read a dot of music - No confusing notation needed
And much much more
What's inside
Syllabus
By the end of this section you will be able to name all the white notes without any prompts, be able to play 14 chords,and start playing your first song!
Read more
Syllabus
A quick hello and a promise to you that I'll deliver what I say I can
Let's make the keyboard less intimidating and use some simple shapes to easily find our way around the keyboard
Simple use of shapes and patterns can help you find your way around the keyboard easily...no more need for stickers on the keys!
Chords are our building blocks for playing songs - there's a simple secret to how you put one together, using a really simple-to-remember pattern. Here is where you play your first chord.
Here's how we can use fun imagery to embed the things we need to remember to be abe to build a chord
Introduction to a table that demonstrates the range of chords we're going to cover in the course. We'll fill out the formula as we go through. That's not all the course does but it's a core part
Most of the songs you hear are made up of happy and sad songs. Here's how to make the sad ones. With these 14 chords, you can now play thousands and thousands of songs.
The best way to learn is by having fun. What better way than by learning the songs you want to. Here we look at where you can go and find the chords to the songs you want to play, with some simple tips to make it easier for you.
The point of this course is to get you playing the songs you want as quickly as possible. Watch me go through the process of working out how to play this one. With that knowledge, you are now equipped to start having as much fun as possible learning the songs you want! How quick was that!
Let's get familiar with the black notes, learning the names of these is the key to opening up a whole heap of new chords
Taking what we already know about building a chord and our new knowledge of how to name the black notes
Building on the knowledge shapes and patterns we already know, after this you should have in the region of 48 chords at your disposal. More importantly, you'll never have to look up what they look like. You will just know by remembering just a few simple shapes and patterns
We said we'd add in a fourth finger to your chords - more flavours to choose from
As a way of fixing in our heads what we've covered, let's take one chord and play all the variations of it we've looked at so far
How is our table is filling up?
OK, we've made progress with your chords but what about paying some attention to 'how' we play them? Let's step it up a gear and start giving you some tools to make it start to sound really interesting
Ohhh you're going to love this one. by the end of this video you are going to sound amazing!
It's subtle but it can make you sound really sophisticated, passing notes
Again, another way of giving the impression that you are in charge of that keyboard
Add another flavour? Sure why not
Here is a way you can take any of those chords you've learned and try two new different (in)versions of them to give them even more interest
Slash chords are things that you'll come across when you are searching for chords songs on websites, like ultimate guitar.com. Here's a simple explainer that should completely demystify the process
The entire table for you
Just another technique to spice up your playing
Learn what not to play?
Putting into practice all the stuff we've learned! chords, when to play them, how to break down chord sheets from the internet, using our left hand to create movement, passing notes, run downs arpeggio's, spicing up our playing - it's all here
This video takes you through the sections of the song and demonstrates which chords to play where - give it a go Once you have done this a few times you will be able to apply this to any songs you find the chords for on the internet. Word of advice - for now, until we add some more stuff to the course, keep it simple with songs that only have Major and minor or 7th chords - avoid anything that looks like this A/B or D/G we' will get to that in the next Section :)
This video takes you through the sections of the song and demonstrates which chords to play where - give it a go Once you have done this a few times you will be able to apply this to any songs you find the chords for on the internet. Word of advice - for now, until we add some more stuff to the course, keep it simple with songs that only have Major and minor or 7th chords - avoid anything that looks like this A/B or D/G we' will get to that in the next Section :)
Below is the chord sheet for John Lennon's imagine - follow along
Imagine - John Lennon
[Intro]
C Em F
C Em F
[Verse]
C Em F
Imagine there's no Heaven
C Em F
It's easy if you try
C Em F
No hell below us
C Em F
Above us only sky
[Chorus]
F Am Dm F
Imagine all the people
G C G C
Living for today
[Verse]
C Em F
Imagine there's no countries
C Em F
It isn't hard to do
C Em F
Nothing to kill or die for
C Em F
And no religion too
[Chorus]
F Am Dm F
Imagine all the people
G C G
Living life in peace
[Bridge]
F G C E
You may say I'm a dreamer
F G C E
But I'm not the only one
F G C E
I hope someday you'll join us
F G C
And the world will be as one
[Verse]
C Em F
Imagine no possessions
C Em F
I wonder if you can
C Em F
No need for greed or hunger
C Em F
A brotherhood of man
[Chorus]
F Am Dm F
Imagine all the people
G C G
Sharing all the world
[Outro]
F G C E
You may say I'm a dreamer
F G C E
But I'm not the only one
F G C E
I hope someday you'll join us
F G C
And the world will be as one
Watch this brilliant comedy sketch that shows how the same 4 chords can be used to play hundreds of songs!
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Reviews summary
Quick & easy piano chords
Instructor's style makes learning simple and motivating.
Ideal for those new to piano or frustrated by tradition.
Learn chords and play songs quickly with this system.
Activities
Review Basic Music Theory
Show steps
Strengthen your understanding of fundamental music concepts like scales, keys, and rhythm to better grasp chord construction and song structure.
Browse courses on
Music Theory
Show steps
-
Read articles or watch videos explaining scales and key signatures.
-
Practice identifying intervals and chord qualities by ear.
-
Complete online quizzes to test your knowledge of music theory.
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Music Theory, 2nd Edition
Show steps
Use this book to solidify your understanding of music theory concepts related to chord construction and song structure.
View
Music Theory Note by Note: Your Guide to How...
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read the chapters on chords, scales, and key signatures.
-
Complete the exercises at the end of each chapter to test your understanding.
-
Relate the concepts in the book to the techniques taught in the course.
Alfred's Basic Adult Piano Course
Show steps
Supplement the course with a traditional piano method book to reinforce fundamental skills and music reading.
View
Melania
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Work through the first few chapters of the book, focusing on finger exercises and basic chords.
-
Practice sight-reading simple melodies and chord progressions.
-
Compare the book's approach to chord learning with the course's method.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Chord Inversion Exercises
Show steps
Improve your finger dexterity and chord recognition by practicing chord inversions in different keys.
Show steps
-
Choose a set of common chords (e.g., C, G, Am, F).
-
Practice playing each chord in its root position, first inversion, and second inversion.
-
Repeat the exercise in different keys to build familiarity.
Explore Online Piano Tutorials
Show steps
Refine your piano skills by following online tutorials that focus on specific techniques or songs.
Show steps
-
Search for tutorials on YouTube or other platforms that cover topics like chord voicings or arpeggios.
-
Follow along with the tutorials, practicing the techniques demonstrated.
-
Apply the new techniques to songs you are learning.
Compose a Simple Song
Show steps
Apply your knowledge of chords to create a short song with a simple chord progression.
Show steps
-
Choose a chord progression using the chords you've learned.
-
Create a melody that fits the chord progression.
-
Record yourself playing the song and share it with others for feedback.
Learn 5 Songs
Show steps
Solidify your chord knowledge by learning to play five songs using the techniques taught in the course.
Show steps
-
Choose five songs that you enjoy and that use chords you are familiar with.
-
Find the chord charts for the songs online.
-
Practice playing the songs, focusing on smooth chord transitions and accurate rhythm.
Review Basic Music Theory
Show steps
Strengthen your understanding of fundamental music concepts like scales, keys, and rhythm to better grasp chord construction and song structure.
Browse courses on
Music Theory
Show steps
- Read articles or watch videos explaining scales and key signatures.
- Practice identifying intervals and chord qualities by ear.
- Complete online quizzes to test your knowledge of music theory.
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Music Theory, 2nd Edition
Show steps
Use this book to solidify your understanding of music theory concepts related to chord construction and song structure.
View
Music Theory Note by Note: Your Guide to How...
on Amazon
Show steps
- Read the chapters on chords, scales, and key signatures.
- Complete the exercises at the end of each chapter to test your understanding.
- Relate the concepts in the book to the techniques taught in the course.
Alfred's Basic Adult Piano Course
Show steps
Supplement the course with a traditional piano method book to reinforce fundamental skills and music reading.
View
Melania
on Amazon
Show steps
- Work through the first few chapters of the book, focusing on finger exercises and basic chords.
- Practice sight-reading simple melodies and chord progressions.
- Compare the book's approach to chord learning with the course's method.
Chord Inversion Exercises
Show steps
Improve your finger dexterity and chord recognition by practicing chord inversions in different keys.
Show steps
- Choose a set of common chords (e.g., C, G, Am, F).
- Practice playing each chord in its root position, first inversion, and second inversion.
- Repeat the exercise in different keys to build familiarity.
Explore Online Piano Tutorials
Show steps
Refine your piano skills by following online tutorials that focus on specific techniques or songs.
Show steps
- Search for tutorials on YouTube or other platforms that cover topics like chord voicings or arpeggios.
- Follow along with the tutorials, practicing the techniques demonstrated.
- Apply the new techniques to songs you are learning.
Compose a Simple Song
Show steps
Apply your knowledge of chords to create a short song with a simple chord progression.
Show steps
- Choose a chord progression using the chords you've learned.
- Create a melody that fits the chord progression.
- Record yourself playing the song and share it with others for feedback.
Learn 5 Songs
Show steps
Solidify your chord knowledge by learning to play five songs using the techniques taught in the course.
Show steps
- Choose five songs that you enjoy and that use chords you are familiar with.
- Find the chord charts for the songs online.
- Practice playing the songs, focusing on smooth chord transitions and accurate rhythm.
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