Are Downloadable Beginner Piano Lessons a Joke?
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by: kandy.waltjen.lcdtvdeals
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Date: Mon, 1 Feb 2010 Time: 4:47 PM
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The internet is truly remarkable for its ability to transcend what was previously thought to be the only ways to disseminate information: TV, newspapers, radio, telephone, fax, telegraph, and before that, carrier pigeon. Now, if someone falling down some stairs gets captured on video, it can be seen across the globe in a matter of seconds.
Does that mean that the internet has the answers to all our information questions and learning needs?
I have been involved in the music industry for several decades and have witnessed the trends from hard work to instant gratification that are consistent with many areas of modern times. Virtually instant MP3 downloads are a way of life to access the latest 'hits', and it seems just a matter of time before someone figures out a way to send music and other information directly into our brains without necessitating any connecting device at all.
When it comes to learning to play an instrument, most of us are aware of the fact that it is like learning a new language and that we really need to be spoon-fed the information and techniques by a real person. I'm talking about a living, breathing human consuming the same oxygen in the room with you, vis-a-vie: private lessons. Having a personal instructor show you what to do, and reacting to your ability or inability to emulate what you are taught is considered the only way forward to real progress. Really, how else can you learn?
Attempting to answer that question in the digital age are step-by-step downloadable lessons which you purchase online. Theoretically, you are supposed to be able to be shown a technique and duplicate the results without any feedback. You CAN take as long as you need before going to the next step, which seems like the concept's saving grace, but if you have real difficulty, who do you ask for help?
Isn't this analogous to learning how to drive a car by reading a book? Sure, you can learn what all the pedals and knobs do, but is this a real substitute for actually getting behind the wheel with a real person by your side telling you what to do?
I was recently introduced to an entire downloadable piano learning program called "Rocket Piano". They offer a free introductory course which I checked out. It is broken down into three levels: easy, medium, and hard, depending on whether you ever have taken any lessons before. The instruction begins with detailed explanations of fingering, the keyboard, and types of notes in written music and seems pretty comprehensive. This is actually more than most instructors get to in your first private lesson.
They also have something they call "Jayde Musica" which is a music note game which has the option of turning on/off various clefs so you can isolate a specific area you want to work on. In theory, this could be a really enjoyable way to learn to read/play in treble, base, alto, and tenor clefs.
It took me years to get comfortable with treble and base clefs, and I still don't know how to read alto and tenor, so this part of the program is pretty impressive, although I'm not sure how essential it is to have those skills.
With a refundable price of $39.95, I have to say that I'm tempted to say that trying this easy beginner piano lessons course is a no brainer. I never thought I'd ever say that.
For more info, go to: http://www.squidoo.com/easybeginnerpianolessons.
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Magura Satinabe
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