Matthew,
I'm a 74 year old "senior" who took piano lessons for two or three
very brief periods of time during my childhood and teen years; but the
materials used and the approach to learning, did not appeal to me - did not
excite me - did not give me early "successes" and satisfactions -
only a continual sense of "I'll never learn this stuff."
As the years have gone by, I have occasionally sat at the piano my wife and I bought
more than 40 years ago and played from some of the sheet music, pop song and
hymn books written for piano players. However, when I played, my wife
would often say, "Would you just stop the noise!" Sort of hurt
my feelings, but I sympathized with her because my playing really was so awful.
A year or so ago I decided that I really would like to learn to play the piano
with a much improved level of knowledge and skill, but I did not want to repeat
the approach of long ago. I decided to make a commitment to learning to
play by ear. I made an effort to find local piano teachers and materials that could help me
start out on my goal of learning to play by ear, but without satisfying
results. So I turned to the internet and was amazed at all the information and
resources that were available.
I settled on your web site, and ordered the first few items available for beginners. I was emotionally touched with joy when I
found that the materials and instruction were so clearly presented that with
even only a little practice and study I could begin the process of learning to
play by ear. In just a few weeks, if not a few days, I was experiencing the early
satisfactions that I had wanted and needed in my youth.
My piano practice time is extremely limited because I'm still quite active with
obligations to my business, my church ministry, and my family. However, I have
found that by following your instructions, DVD's etc. my skills are
developing. I know my piano playing must have significantly improved
because for the past year, I have never heard my wife say: "Would
you please just stop the noise." And I have even played a hymn or two, a time or two, for my little church congregation!
From the bottom of my heart, Thank you Matthew for bringing a long time
cherished desire and joy to me. There is
a long, long way to go to reach the skill level I'd really like to have. Time
and circumstances may prevent me from ever getting "there." However, the trip itself is one of the most
satisfying ones of my life. Keep up the good work; keep the DVD's and other materials coming.
Overland Park, KS
This is Caroline, I can't begin to thank you enough for the piano course. I am stopping at the moment at lesson 5, to allow my brain and finger tips to absorb it all in. I love the way you teach. This course is so much fun. I look forward to practicing everyday. I also think you are very kindhearted and too generous to give me that extra DVD!!! God bless you. I like how you open your student forum for all to see, because i enjoyed reading peoples discussions about the courses. I also love how you start off with a simple melody and you build it up with chords and variations to show us how you can really dress up a plain melody. LOVE IT! I watched the Xmas DVD and can't wait to get started on that! I learned about a 7th chord yesterday, I had no idea what it was used for, so when i learnt that it was used to move onto a higher chord I was soooooo pleased, felt like a kid who found a candy at the bottom of my pocket..haha. All these little details make learning piano so much fun, because I know how to use them. Well, if ever I know someone who wants to learn, I will highly recommend to them your courses. Take care and god bless your family!
Mrs. Kido, Japan
Matthew, a few weeks ago I received my copy of Chords Galore. I purchased it during the promotional period because of the introductory price, but I knew I wouldn't watch it right away. I was sure the DVD was full of good information, but I thought to myself, "What could be more boring than an entire DVD full of lessons on chords?"
Steve, Missouri
This is Clark... I ordered your DVD Advanced III the southern gospel stuff. This is great ! Thank you so much for making this. I've taken lessons off of many top Southern gospel pianist like Tracey Phillips etc.. I play at singing conventions and attend gospel music schools, but this helps break it down where I can slow it down and learn. I'm already starting to apply some of these things to other songs I play. Great Job ! I can't wait to practice this more and to continue with the rest of the DVD. I'm glad I ran across this resource ! Let me know if you ever continue with the southern gospel series. You're great..
Clark, West Virginia (USA)
I really appreciate the great service you provide. Since it is a DVD it can sometimes bring up a lot of questions and it's really helpful knowing you respond to my emails so fast and answer my questions. That was the one thing I was nervous about when ordering online. I knew I would have a lot of questions and it's so nice knowing you will answer them. A lot of services online do not have great support like you do and I really appreciate it. And I am hoping to buy your next DVD soon, because it has been a dream of mine to play by ear. Thanks again. -
Luke, New York
Hi Matthew. As a piano teacher who has a great interest in learning more about playing by ear as opposed to the traditional methods, I am very impressed with your course. You make the approach to the keyboard so easy to understand and your inventive methods are clear, concise, and easy to follow. Also, your personality comes across as a very sincere person that makes you feel an infinity to you even though we've only met via your DVD's. Thanks for giving budding pianists an effective method that will propel them into the wonderful world of playing by ear.
Jim, Arizona
What a deal! Matthew is a great piano teacher and we have found these dvds to be so beneficial! we loved them so much for our daughter, that we bought the advanced set as a gift for our Pastor's wife who wanted them. Athough she has played beautifully for many years, she says that she has learned so much and isn't even finished with the lessons, yet!
Stacy, USA
Hi Matt! I wanted to say thanks so much for the wonderful music lessons you have been sending me. I have already purchased all of your DVDs and I am so excited. I am 70 years old, recently retired, and have always wanted to play piano. I took traditional lessons about 10 years ago, and frankly, I was a bit overwhelmed until I eventually stopped playing. Thanks to your lessons I am already making much more progress than I ever dreamed. Never did I think I could play piano by ear. Thanks again for your encouragement and may God bless you and your sincere efforts to help others play piano.
Bill, USA
| Discussion Board |
| Discussion | Posts | Topics | |
 | Beginner's Discussion & Questions Last Post By Matthew Stephens on July 3, 2010 Feel free to post your questions, tips, and discussions here. | 180 | 44 |
| Chord Changes to Songs Last Post By Matthew Stephens on February 1, 2012 If you would like the chord changes to songs, post the lyrics here (double space & one phrase per line). Start a new thread for each song and specify whether you want the chord changes in number form or for a specific key. Anyone can post! | 245 | 56 |
| Christmas Piano By Ear Last Post By Matthew Stephens on December 11, 2010 This DVD features some pretty tough Christmas Hymns and techniques you can use on these songs. It also focuses on the challenging chord progressions as well. | 20 | 3 |
| General Discussion and Questions Last Post By caz_johnstone on February 2, 2012 Feel free to post questions, tips, and discussion about playing the piano in general. | 114 | 30 |
| Introduce Yourself Last Post By Matthew Stephens on February 1, 2012 Introduce yourself to others on the forum. | 160 | 48 |
| Learning to Play Piano Success Stories/ Motivation Last Post By Matthew Stephens on January 9, 2010 Feel free to post your successful experiences learning to play the piano. Encourage others to continue on the journey to playing the piano. | 18 | 7 |
| Miscellaneous Discussions Last Post By Matthew Stephens on February 8, 2009 Please post your NON-Piano By Ear discussion here. Rude or offensive posting will not be tolerated. Any inappropriate threads will be deleted at the moderator's sole discretion. If you do not agree to these terms, do not post. | 29 | 6 |
| Piano By Ear Radio Show Last Post By Matthew Stephens on April 22, 2009 This discussion is a place for you to submit questions for my radio show on blogtalkradio. Any general discussion about the radio show is welcome as well. | 4 | 2 |
| Piano By Ear...Advanced (Vol 3) Discussion Last Post By Matthew Stephens on January 22, 2010 Feel free to post questions and discussion about Volume 3 (in progress) | 37 | 8 |