| Learning to play the piano by starting out with a formal | | | | of your PC printer, the cost of ink and how long it lasts |
| piano teacher at your side to ensure that you learn all | | | | (or not,) and the amount of time you have available - |
| the basic fundamentals properly is the best way to go. | | | | things like that. |
| Trouble is - many things can prevent you from starting | | | | 2. Now think about how you want to use this course. |
| your piano education this way. Surely there must be | | | | Meaning - use it just at home, or go somewhere to |
| an alternative? Yes, on line Internet self-study courses | | | | use another piano, go to a friend's house to share |
| exist which can be very beneficial while still being | | | | something - things like that. |
| affordable. | | | | 3. Now you should have a framework of facts and |
| Let us explore the subject. A little bit about how and | | | | desires to use while reading about any specific course |
| why choose an online piano instruction course. Why | | | | of piano lessons. This helps you stay focused on |
| should you consider any lessons? Do you want to | | | | getting what you really want and can use. Don't get |
| know: | | | | distracted by all the "gee whiz stuff" - you know what |
| - How to play? | | | | I mean. |
| - How to play better sooner? | | | | 4. As you read Internet review and comparison pages |
| - How to play more musically? | | | | about all the various courses, pay extra attention to |
| - How to sound better? | | | | the testimonials from real people. How can you tell if |
| - How to experience less frustration? | | | | they are real? Really good question - a major clue is |
| - How to have more fun? | | | | whether or not you can contact that person - for |
| - What's all this squiggly stuff in the piano book? | | | | example, the "Piano For All" course has testimonials |
| So, it's fairly obvious that some instruction of some kind | | | | that provide names and email addresses on request. |
| is required to learn the piano or keyboard. Let's | | | | Pretty hard to fake that. |
| continue to assume that at this time, formal lessons | | | | 5. From most any page on a review site, you can get |
| are not possible for you. So, now what? Many options | | | | right on to the course creator's official home page. |
| are available on line. But, how to wade through all | | | | These are the sales pages. This is where the "gee |
| these choices? To help you figure this out, you will | | | | whiz stuff" lives. Do watch all the video demos and |
| need to think a bit - consider the following carefully | | | | stuff. Are you comfortable with what you are seeing |
| before you decide which product to purchase. | | | | and hearing? Can you understand it? And, sometimes |
| Fortunately online instruction now comes in many | | | | there are special sales - you never know. |
| formats. Some are computer based, some have hard | | | | 6. My personal experience says to try to separate and |
| copy books, and some have everything in video. Some | | | | then balance what you "think" with what your "gut |
| are on DVD, and others have play along audio CDs. | | | | feeling" is. When is doubt, your gut feeling is usually |
| Good, but confusing - for sure. Sorting it all out and | | | | right. Because it is your sub-conscious mind trying to |
| making a choice that fits your needs is important. | | | | guide you. |
| 1. My suggestion is to first think about what you have | | | | 7. The big thing, and the magic is to get started. Playing |
| at home. Meaning - where are the PC, the piano, the | | | | the piano in fun and rewarding in many ways. Go for it. |
| DVD and CD players physically located. Consider the | | | | You can always add formal lessons at any time. I |
| speed of your Internet connection, the remaining | | | | have. |
| capacity of your PC hard drive, the speed and quality | | | | |