QUESTION 5 (by a visitor to PianoMagic.com):
I'm considering your course, but I think
I have a problem. You show an unusual fingering for playing
chords on your website. By using the index finger instead
of thumb, it seems you might be trying to reinvent traditional
playing techniques. My questions are, WHAT do your students
think of your teaching method? Wouldn't I learn more from
a private teacher?
ANSWER (by Instructor Michael Anderson):
The fingering for chords shown on my
web site is not unusual. If you study 'traditional' playing
techniques long enough, you also will experience the handshape...but
you will be considered an "ADVANCED STUDENT" before
you cover it. You're welcome to wait 7 to 10 years before
learning it...or learn it now and bypass the 'Beginner' experience!
However, you should take as long as you think is appropriate
before learning to play with freedom. Most people want it
quickly. This is what I offer! As for what my students think,
I hope they will tell you themselves, with comments below.
As for a private teacher, if you want to learn traditional
classical technique, you should definitely work with a private
instructor. Just remember that ultimately, all learning is
a result of SELF TEACHING. The question is this: Do you need
someone to tell you what you should be playing, or can you
decide that preference for youself? Your answer should determine
the direction you pursue. I wish you well in your decisions!
***** Michael Anderson
ANSWER (by a Piano Magic Student):
I have saved a lot by NOT going to a private teacher! I used
the thumb initially, but it was not a problem to change to
the new fingering---within the hour---no problem--muscle memory
comes into its own. LOGS
ANSWER (by a Piano Magic Student):
mike is so good at teaching. i fhe says you do something it
is good to do. i learn more in pmmo with mike than years with
private techer.
ANSWER (by a Piano Magic Student):
You are correct. Traditional playing techniques are out the
window - and so are the traditions of "practicing"
scales, finger exercises, etc., as well as the "tradition"
of not being able to play any MUSIC after several years!!!
The Piano Magic method is a method of PLAYING the piano from
the very start. It is like nothing else you will find in this
galaxy. As for the "private teacher" question, Michael
Anderson can and will teach you more in two weeks than you
could rightfully expect to learn from any "private teacher"
in two years. The real bonus is that Michael and this method
are teaching me things that I would not learn from any traditional
teacher or method over any period of time. It's worth its
weight in gold.
ANSWER (by a Piano Magic Student):
This student thinks the fingering technique helps an awful
lot and gets you to advanced playing much much quicker than
the traditional method. I had 6 years of piano lessons and
I have learned more in 3 months here than I ever did in those
6 years...and I am playing songs that I Like!...piano lessons
= hard work and practise...pianomagic = fun to practise And
Mike is a very patient and helpful teacher and is here to
help you every day if you need it...not bad for 189 bucks!
ANSWER (by a Piano Magic Student):
I believe you know what you are talking about refering to
the fingerings.I see it leaves the thumb for 7th 6th etc...
I just cant wait to go up to there..
ANSWER (by a Piano Magic Student):
I thought this also but in no time it has become second nature
to me teton
ANSWER (by a Piano Magic Student):
Hi. It is brilliant! Go for it! logs50@hotmail.com
ANSWER (by a Piano Magic Student):
A private teacher? HA HA HA HA HA I don't think you will find
a private teacher who knows this method. It is more than playing.
Mike shows you how to live the music. I can't find the right
words to describe it but it's very very good! I learned more
in the first two months than all my previous years with books,
courses and private teachers. I think Mike is here all day
everyday and knows his stuff. he will help you and you will
be happy. Jim
ANSWER (by a Piano Magic Student):
The fingering works. It feels a little odd at first, particularly
if you've learned traditionalmethods, bit I got used to it
after the first few days. PMMO is like having a private teacher,
because Mike will respond to any questions or problems that
you have individually. It's also like belonging to a group
lesson, because other members will help and encourage through
the forums Buffy (UK member)
ANSWER (by a Piano Magic Student):
That "unusual" fingering becomes "usual"
very quickly and I find it especially helps my arpeggios flow
smooth and easy. This method is the BEST on the market. I've
learned chords long ago, but never knew how to make them sound
like a professional sounding accompaniment for the melody--that
is no longer true. I've never been happier--when even Michael
Row The Boat Ashore sounds great and professional, I KNOW
I'm in the RIGHT PLACE! Michael becomes our private teacher,
and the best part is, he's available to us every day (and
evenings too). His PRIME concern and interest seems to be
keeping his Web Site running smoothly and each and every one
of his students getting and understanding what he is teaching.Rusti
ANSWER (by a Piano Magic Student):
I think Mike's course is WONDERFUL. I have taken lessons before
and think Mike has given my playing a little more color. The
chords sound a lot better than the usual method taught by
private teachers. Also, with Mike's course you learn to sound
more professional with only a few lessons. Thank you Mike!
Pam Shedd
ANSWER (by a Piano Magic Student):
In a teacher, I look for knowledge of the subject material,
the ability to effectively convey that knowledge to me as
a learner, integrity, and availabilty when I desire help.
I found all of these in abundance with Michael Anderson and
PMMO. Mike is an excellent, self taught pianist, a GREAT teacher,
and he is amazingly dedicated to the PMMO members. I have
taken both piano and voice lessons in the past and I'm confident
that PMMO offers better instruction than most private instuctors
for folks that desire to play the piano or keyboards by ear.
In fact, what PMMO offers is not available anywhere else that
I'm aware of (I shopped around a LOT) at ANY price. If you
want to learn to read music and play note-by-note-by-rote,
PMMO is not for you. But if, like me, you want to learn to
play the music in YOUR head, the songs you already know, on
the piano and experience musical freedom, PMMO is the place.
ANSWER (by a Piano Magic Student):
The index finger is the way to go. I recognized it right away
because years ago, I saw a professional musician using that
fingering to perform his pieces. Mike's teaching method is
SUPERB. He doesn't just tell you the answer but he patiently
goes through the process to help you come up with the right
answer. In that way, you don't learn by rote which is boring
but through discovery and creativity. There is nothing like
this in the world. You can try learning from instructional
books, videos, and internet courses, but having a live guide
is a quicker way to success. Mike is that guide who has been
there and can take you there. He has become a private teacher
to all of us. Unfortunately many private teachers are like
the blind leading the blind. Mike definitely has clear vision
to enlighten you to SEE with your brain and PLAY BY EAR passionately
in your heart and magically with your eyes. Rosa
ANSWER (by a Piano Magic Student):
I would imagine that very much depends on the private teacher.
I find it very convenient to take 'lessons' online at my own
convenience. But if a private teacher works better for you,
I would say go for it.
ANSWER (by a Piano Magic Student):
I initially thought the same thing about the fingering. I
had taken some piano lessons many years ago and I was taught
to use the thumb instead of the index finger for my left hand
chords. As a beginner, I found it to be easy to shift from
a base chord position to other chords, e.g., from C Major
to a chord inversion of "F", "G', and even
a modified "G7." But from there to a four-fingered
chord I was helpless! Also, I had to almost stop playing to
locate my new base location for a more distant chord. My brain
and left hand were not accustomed to that kind of movement
on the keyboard. Initially easy yes, but ultimately limiting
and crippling for my playing. So crippling that I had literally
stopped playing for 13 years. Was it tough to learn? No, not
even for a piano klutz like me. It took me about a week to
become accustomed to the new playing position. It is now second
nature and I have no fear of four-fingered chords! The teaching
is very clear and understandable. But, if you have any questions,
you will be walked through your problem by any number of caring
folks. By the way, Mike answers his own phone! He can and
will give you a lengthy answer - if needed, audio instruction
and even video! I love being a part of the Piano Magic Family!
Pastor Gary – e-mail me if you would like!
ANSWER (by a Piano Magic Student):
It took me about a week to get use to this hand position,
and I sure am glad that I was taught it. Don't know about
a private teacher,,, never had one.
ANSWER (by a Piano Magic Student):
That "unusual" technique took me just a few hours
to get used to. I wouldn't go back to the traditional position
for anything! Mike has simplified learning not only how to
play the piano, but also music "thinks," to its
bare essence so that even I can understand it! About the private
teachers? I never studied with any, so I'll let this one go
except to say this: It seems that the "traditional"
method requires years and years of personal instruction. That's
a whole lot of commitment, planned sessions, and way more
money that I'd ever been able to afford. Randy V.
ANSWER (by a Piano Magic Student):
I wasn't sure about the left hand fingering either, but Mike
was right about it too. I think his teaching methods are ideal
for me. We have freedom to work on what we want or need the
most. With a little self-discipline, you should be fine. Also,
I've never heard of a private teacher teaching how to play
by ear. Popeye
