Please help me to help you by making the most of the following links which will give you access to much more recent content, as well as some options to support my channel: Video Management Website: www.dan-the-composer.com Blog: piano-jazz.blogspot.com/ All Videos: ua-cam.com/users/danthecomposervideos All Playlists: ua-cam.com/users/danthecomposerplaylists eBooks and Podcast Collection: danthecomposer.gumroad.com/ Water Pianism Syllabus: piano-jazz.blogspot.com/2022/04/water-pianism-syllabus.html Patreon: www.patreon.com/danthecomposer Don't forget the Bell icon when you Subscribe to be notified of all new uploads!
I'm 64.5 years old. Today is my first lesson. I have had a Casio CTK-671 keyboard that I bought almost 20 years ago but could never figure out how to learn to play. So that keyboard sat in a box in the attic. Now, with so many excellent videos on UA-cam, I'm doing this. Let the games begin!
A man held a lecture on speech on MIT, and he illustrated that knowledge is the most important thing, practice second most important, and talent least important thing in developing a skill. It translates to everything. He gave a lecture on speech, but through your videos, we gain knowledge for playing the piano and music, and so we know what and how to practice. Making progress is making us feel good and fulfilled, and alive, given that people are here to experience things, and pass .on to the next generation to take on and improve, and to create further. This is me saying thank you for your lessons. Relationship, hovewer abstract it may be, with you is making the relationship with my piano better, and as time passes, more people will be affected by the positive energy of my effort that you helped grow. Thank you!
I had posted a question about fingerings but it was before I found this video. It was about your use of 1-2-3 fingering on a triad vs. what I’ve always assumed should be 1-3-5. This answered my questions. I removed my question after seeing this. Thanks.
Thank you for sharing your experience, I am restarting my learning to play piano for the second time after nearly 30 years and so grateful of this free advice. I will certainly be approaching my learning with a different mindset now. Thank you
Many thanks Dan. This is an excellent piano gym workout for my hands and my musical mindset. My lack of precision was quickly revealed, so I personalised the exercises to focus on that. Not fluent yet but getting there day by day. I’ve stuck a list of exercises on my piano music stand to remind me what I need to do everyday. There are no ‘magic bullets’ but this is pure learning lubrication ! Thanks again.
Wow Dan...I’m thinking this should be the first video to watch...before the major scale mastery series. This sets a foundation for all the practice that comes after. Thank you very much for this one! Also, I’m thinking that “left hand descending” would be the weakest link for all right handed players...like hitting a tennis backhand where the left hand leads.
Yes indeed. Thank you for your comment. I agree. I’ll add the video to the best beginner’s playlist! 🙏🎶 Glad you enjoyed it. I noticed also that you had commented but I hadn’t got round to responding but now I don’t see them. Feel free to ask again... Thank you for your contributions! Best, Dan
Thank you Dan for sharing your journey. And how inspiring! I've Struggled with my left hand which wouldn't move independently of my right hand, so I tried switching hands - Right chords and left scales or melody and practicing this has helped. I'm feeling a little more freedom and will persevere with the exercises you share so generously with us.
My pleasure! Thank you for your comment 🙏🎶 As you know, I love to receive your updates and observe your progress and I’m humbled to be part of your admirable journey. Thank you for sharing as always. I wish you and yours (animals included!) a most excellent 2020. 🙏🥳🎶 Shall be in touch! Best, Dan
My great teacher, have you done any lessons on how to read music, I saw that PDF that was printed for you with technical exercises and would want to have it but I dont know how to read music
Greetings! I have a special podcast episode on that: ua-cam.com/video/9OviH5YOdU0/v-deo.html - give it a chance, it will change your life! Also, personalise your own technical exercises, you don't need to read a score for that.. that's horribly a waste of time! See my technical exercises playlist for tons of examples to copy: ua-cam.com/play/PL4cPpP-Ua6NUL0vQymra4RqVf7Z1WDD02.html Best, Dan
Recently bought a Yamaha Reface CP, it's lovely, I improvised on it with an electronic music set and just need some simple funky chords for deeo house/lounge (St Germain, Nordic Lounge feel). Very simple chord grooves and melodic expressions. So I'm not committed to becoming a keyboardist but really enjoy playing a keyboard. I busked a saxophone for 30 years so have an established confidence to commit to notes, just need some keyboard riffs to go on adventures.
Those techniques are amazingly useful, unfortunately i have aphantasia so i cant imagine it visually. Do you have any alternate methods or am i just limited to piano?
Thanks for your videos! I am trying to star playing Piano. Having some troubles to visualize the notes A to G faster. Do you think it is a good idea to put a stick note one each one with the letters?
I did but I personalised them. Some I didn't need and some didn't apply to my style so the ones I enjoyed, even if I couldn't do them, I did them. You must find your natural limit with a metronome where you can do them comfortably, then increase by 10BPM each time you can do a good number of repetitions, eyes closed. Enjoy! Best, Dan
Thank you. I was playing only the Major 7 chord type (1357) based on the major scale of Ab, as an example. I was playing the same chord with both hands over two octaves... try it :)
I really like to your exercises start about 14:41 I sat right down at my piano or well keyboard and started doing them haha. I'm can reach pass the B but as you said that is beside the point haha. I always feel in some form shape or fashion your lesson take me to another level and will apply some where in my endless piano journey because its always something new to learn I will finished the video now haha and keep you posted but I had that point out quickly hahah
Great that you tried... as you say, it's nice you can go further but unnecessary since you'll never do it. It's like how they bend an aircraft wing to insane levels until it snaps.. proving it will never go that far in normal operation but it's nice to know how far it CAN go. Thank you for your kind words... glad to be part of your, and many's, destinationless journey :) All the best for 2020, Dan
Thank you for watching! No, because I never write what notes I’m playing or give scores. This is to stop people copying me and encouraging them to either work out what I did on their own or personalise the general idea for themselves. All for your benefit! Best, Dan
@@danthecomposer I totally agree with your approach. However, it would be helpful to have a time stamp on the video to indicate the start of an upcoming exercise; this would save a lot of time poking around again and again searching for a particular exercise or topic. Just a suggestion. I've solved the problem for myself by noting the time on the video alongside a short description of each exercise or topic you cover so brilliantly.
@@ngallure Thank you. Yes, I do now do that :) Obviously after this video... I'll go through it eventually and do timestamps unless someone beats me to it. You may be happy that I'm about to upload your previous request: Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered! Thanks for the request. Best, Dan
Start with major scale mastery above all else: ua-cam.com/play/PL4cPpP-Ua6NUAnf54mQbk1xjbc4xDfu4K.html - then get your chord mastery down: ua-cam.com/video/j1e1hvHYwNk/v-deo.html - this should keep you busy for a while. On the side, listen to a lot of jazz to identify what you like (not only piano). Then start making a list of your favourite pieces. After a few months of this, you'll be ready and well-orientated to start learning jazz progressions and playing them with some melodies/improv! Keep me updated. Best, Dan
jadolow_ Indeed... so why not master each finger combination and be done with the restrictive mentality of fixed fingering? You should see a video of pianists with missing limbs. You wouldn’t know they have such a problem. Thanks for watching so far 🙏🎶 Best, Dan
What do you mean exactly? The notes of what? Repertoire? Or technical exercises? Or scales? Chords? Would like to help but need clarification... Best, Dan
10:30 V. Funny! How come I can do that fist. 😀 I have trigger finger symptom in my left hand middle finger. And it kinda started when I started practicing keyboard 7 months back. But then I kinda dint do much practice with left.. cause actually its my dominant hand so knew wont need much to catch on with right later. Its was right that doesnt move at all that time. 😀 But yeah its pretty okay now. I mean feel more confident than even left hand now. And left hand condition has improved somewhat.. I mean middle finger no more make clicking or popping sound but I cant make fully close fist yet. So maybe gonna take time but otherwise its okay.. not much trouble I guess when playing piano. 😀 For other stuffs its still somewhat problem cause its middle finger which makes the grip at things ... Like lifting bucket or something. But for piano purpose its alright. 😀 And why is that u always telling me things which I cant do! 😂😂😂
I have the video playing at the slowest speed and youre still moving fast. What keys are you playing at 26 min mark? 1, 3, 5, 6,7?? Im confused on that part
Hello there, thanks for watching. I was just giving examples of different chord types, demonstrating that it doesn't matter what chord type you play, it's the precision of the thumb's octave jump which makes arpeggios smooth. I played the following chords in the key of F: Until 26mins: F6. Then I played m6 (F, Ab, C, D)... then whole diminished (F, Ab, B, D)... then F, Ab, C, E... then augment(#5)7 (F, A, C#, Eb)...then sus7 (F, A#, C, Eb). Hope this helps! Best, Dan
It would also be easier for me to see if you had a computerized keyboard that lights up as you hit the keys above the live 1 so I could see Exactly what keys you were playing. These are helping so much tho
@@RanBlakePiano Hey! Not sure if you were trying to confirm the right account or looking for my Piano channel? If you are looking for the piano channel, it's Accidentals Happen (this account) is the one to follow or just click ua-cam.com/channels/9Bi3qRV26TIzGYGIZhM_Dg.html
Nothing. I am not motivated by future goals, I am motivated by present action in service. Positive results/success is a by-product of 'continual presentness'. I wish I had more to say but this is all that can be said! Best, Dan
@@mobapki.pl-lideraplikacjim5386 Absolutely. Nothing will change, even with 1 million. I'm all about spreading wisdom and self-mastery. That will never stop.
Please help me to help you by making the most of the following links which will give you access to much more recent content, as well as some options to support my channel:
Video Management Website: www.dan-the-composer.com
Blog: piano-jazz.blogspot.com/
All Videos: ua-cam.com/users/danthecomposervideos
All Playlists: ua-cam.com/users/danthecomposerplaylists
eBooks and Podcast Collection: danthecomposer.gumroad.com/
Water Pianism Syllabus: piano-jazz.blogspot.com/2022/04/water-pianism-syllabus.html
Patreon: www.patreon.com/danthecomposer
Don't forget the Bell icon when you Subscribe to be notified of all new uploads!
I'm 64.5 years old. Today is my first lesson. I have had a Casio CTK-671 keyboard that I bought almost 20 years ago but could never figure out how to learn to play. So that keyboard sat in a box in the attic. Now, with so many excellent videos on UA-cam, I'm doing this. Let the games begin!
I am exactly this age now and just starting the piano too!
Transcendental piano,
Zen piano,
Dan piano,
Beautiful piano.
This video need to be watched 3 times to really get all the details from it. Such an inspiration
Great unlocking for piano learners. Thanks to your contribution on piano
A man held a lecture on speech on MIT, and he illustrated that knowledge is the most important thing, practice second most important, and talent least important thing in developing a skill. It translates to everything. He gave a lecture on speech, but through your videos, we gain knowledge for playing the piano and music, and so we know what and how to practice. Making progress is making us feel good and fulfilled, and alive, given that people are here to experience things, and pass .on to the next generation to take on and improve, and to create further.
This is me saying thank you for your lessons. Relationship, hovewer abstract it may be, with you is making the relationship with my piano better, and as time passes, more people will be affected by the positive energy of my effort that you helped grow. Thank you!
man your lessons are unbelievable! This what passion does to a person. Happy new year.
Thank you for sharing your path to reinforce and help us in our on journeys! Kind regards.
Thank you so much for this and for inspiring a lot of people all around the world.🌹
I had posted a question about fingerings but it was before I found this video. It was about your use of 1-2-3 fingering on a triad vs. what I’ve always assumed should be 1-3-5. This answered my questions. I removed my question after seeing this. Thanks.
Great stuff. Now, I just have..,.to...do...it! Thanks for your recent update via email and best of luck!
Thank you for sharing your experience, I am restarting my learning to play piano for the second time after nearly 30 years and so grateful of this free advice. I will certainly be approaching my learning with a different mindset now. Thank you
Many thanks Dan. This is an excellent piano gym workout for my hands and my musical mindset.
My lack of precision was quickly revealed, so I personalised the exercises to focus on that.
Not fluent yet but getting there day by day.
I’ve stuck a list of exercises on my piano music stand to remind me what I need to do everyday.
There are no ‘magic bullets’ but this is pure learning lubrication !
Thanks again.
Your videos and advice is really helpful! Love your approach to the piano! I’m a beginner at 30! Thank you xx
I will be really happy when you hit 100 000 subscribers!You absolutely deserve it because of your kindness and generosity!
Very kind of you to notice. Thank you for your positive words and for being part of this channel 🙏🎶
Best,
Dan
With this video You earned a new subscriber....you have reached the level that Neo reached at the end of the first matrix movie
totally inadequate comment but very heartfelt - thank you!
Most appreciated. Thank you for watching. Hope it helped! 🙏🎶🎹
Best,
Dan
Wow Dan...I’m thinking this should be the first video to watch...before the major scale mastery series. This sets a foundation for all the practice that comes after. Thank you very much for this one! Also, I’m thinking that “left hand descending” would be the weakest link for all right handed players...like hitting a tennis backhand where the left hand leads.
Yes indeed. Thank you for your comment. I agree. I’ll add the video to the best beginner’s playlist! 🙏🎶 Glad you enjoyed it. I noticed also that you had commented but I hadn’t got round to responding but now I don’t see them. Feel free to ask again...
Thank you for your contributions!
Best,
Dan
So informative!
I’m a beginner at 30 and your videos are really insightful! Xx
Dan. You are woke af! Thank you
Thank you Dan for sharing your journey. And how inspiring! I've Struggled with my left hand which wouldn't move independently of my right hand, so I tried switching hands - Right chords and left scales or melody and practicing this has helped. I'm feeling a little more freedom and will persevere with the exercises you share so generously with us.
My pleasure! Thank you for your comment 🙏🎶 As you know, I love to receive your updates and observe your progress and I’m humbled to be part of your admirable journey. Thank you for sharing as always.
I wish you and yours (animals included!) a most excellent 2020. 🙏🥳🎶
Shall be in touch!
Best,
Dan
My great teacher, have you done any lessons on how to read music, I saw that PDF that was printed for you with technical exercises and would want to have it but I dont know how to read music
Greetings! I have a special podcast episode on that: ua-cam.com/video/9OviH5YOdU0/v-deo.html - give it a chance, it will change your life! Also, personalise your own technical exercises, you don't need to read a score for that.. that's horribly a waste of time! See my technical exercises playlist for tons of examples to copy: ua-cam.com/play/PL4cPpP-Ua6NUL0vQymra4RqVf7Z1WDD02.html
Best,
Dan
Recently bought a Yamaha Reface CP, it's lovely, I improvised on it with an electronic music set and just need some simple funky chords for deeo house/lounge (St Germain, Nordic Lounge feel). Very simple chord grooves and melodic expressions.
So I'm not committed to becoming a keyboardist but really enjoy playing a keyboard. I busked a saxophone for 30 years so have an established confidence to commit to notes, just need some keyboard riffs to go on adventures.
they are good exercises which gives good hand grip
Those techniques are amazingly useful, unfortunately i have aphantasia so i cant imagine it visually. Do you have any alternate methods or am i just limited to piano?
Thanks for your videos! I am trying to star playing Piano. Having some troubles to visualize the notes A to G faster. Do you think it is a good idea to put a stick note one each one with the letters?
have you thought about drawing them out on paper away from the piano? you have to be able to visualize to draw it out. hope that helps.
Did u do all exercises of the lizst technical book?? I am an early intermediate player . I have trouble with arpeggios. So how do u reckon I proceed ?
I did but I personalised them. Some I didn't need and some didn't apply to my style so the ones I enjoyed, even if I couldn't do them, I did them. You must find your natural limit with a metronome where you can do them comfortably, then increase by 10BPM each time you can do a good number of repetitions, eyes closed.
Enjoy!
Best,
Dan
At 31:00 what you start doing is really nice. I followed up until that point but then it was just too fast, but sounded awesome.
Thank you. I was playing only the Major 7 chord type (1357) based on the major scale of Ab, as an example. I was playing the same chord with both hands over two octaves... try it :)
I really like to your exercises start about 14:41 I sat right down at my piano or well keyboard and started doing them haha. I'm can reach pass the B but as you said that is beside the point haha. I always feel in some form shape or fashion your lesson take me to another level and will apply some where in my endless piano journey because its always something new to learn I will finished the video now haha and keep you posted but I had that point out quickly hahah
Great that you tried... as you say, it's nice you can go further but unnecessary since you'll never do it. It's like how they bend an aircraft wing to insane levels until it snaps.. proving it will never go that far in normal operation but it's nice to know how far it CAN go. Thank you for your kind words... glad to be part of your, and many's, destinationless journey :)
All the best for 2020,
Dan
Dan, wonderfully powerful exercises. Are these technical exercises of yours written down any where by chance??
Thank you for watching! No, because I never write what notes I’m playing or give scores. This is to stop people copying me and encouraging them to either work out what I did on their own or personalise the general idea for themselves. All for your benefit!
Best,
Dan
@@danthecomposer I totally agree with your approach. However, it would be helpful to have a time stamp on the video to indicate the start of an upcoming exercise; this would save a lot of time poking around again and again searching for a particular exercise or topic. Just a suggestion. I've solved the problem for myself by noting the time on the video alongside a short description of each exercise or topic you cover so brilliantly.
@@ngallure Thank you. Yes, I do now do that :) Obviously after this video... I'll go through it eventually and do timestamps unless someone beats me to it. You may be happy that I'm about to upload your previous request: Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered! Thanks for the request.
Best,
Dan
@@danthecomposer Thank you for being!! You are amazing!!
Im trying to learn jazz piano on my own, but usually struggle deciding what to practice 😕
Start with major scale mastery above all else: ua-cam.com/play/PL4cPpP-Ua6NUAnf54mQbk1xjbc4xDfu4K.html - then get your chord mastery down: ua-cam.com/video/j1e1hvHYwNk/v-deo.html - this should keep you busy for a while. On the side, listen to a lot of jazz to identify what you like (not only piano). Then start making a list of your favourite pieces. After a few months of this, you'll be ready and well-orientated to start learning jazz progressions and playing them with some melodies/improv!
Keep me updated.
Best,
Dan
@@danthecomposer wow! Sounds like a plan 😃 thank you!
17:01 seems about right
jadolow_ Indeed... so why not master each finger combination and be done with the restrictive mentality of fixed fingering? You should see a video of pianists with missing limbs. You wouldn’t know they have such a problem.
Thanks for watching so far 🙏🎶
Best,
Dan
How did you remember the rhythm of the notes and how to play them ? I’m a bit struggling remembering
What do you mean exactly? The notes of what? Repertoire? Or technical exercises? Or scales? Chords? Would like to help but need clarification...
Best,
Dan
cool
Hello my name is shirley from ga I play a little only by chord but need to add to the left hand to make it sound better can you help.please respond
Sure, try these videos for some left hand ideas: ua-cam.com/video/cJeCGssOo8M/v-deo.html / ua-cam.com/video/mIQQdBp1-Mc/v-deo.html
Best,
Dan
10:30 V. Funny! How come I can do that fist. 😀 I have trigger finger symptom in my left hand middle finger. And it kinda started when I started practicing keyboard 7 months back. But then I kinda dint do much practice with left.. cause actually its my dominant hand so knew wont need much to catch on with right later. Its was right that doesnt move at all that time. 😀 But yeah its pretty okay now. I mean feel more confident than even left hand now.
And left hand condition has improved somewhat.. I mean middle finger no more make clicking or popping sound but I cant make fully close fist yet. So maybe gonna take time but otherwise its okay.. not much trouble I guess when playing piano. 😀 For other stuffs its still somewhat problem cause its middle finger which makes the grip at things ... Like lifting bucket or something. But for piano purpose its alright. 😀
And why is that u always telling me things which I cant do! 😂😂😂
Your Liszt Book doesn’t appear to be availablele anymore at the link provided?
Fixed!
imslp.org/wiki/Technische_Studien,_S.146_(Liszt,_Franz)
Thanks for letting me know.
Best,
Dan
danthecomposer Thank You!!!
I have the video playing at the slowest speed and youre still moving fast. What keys are you playing at 26 min mark? 1, 3, 5, 6,7?? Im confused on that part
Hello there, thanks for watching.
I was just giving examples of different chord types, demonstrating that it doesn't matter what chord type you play, it's the precision of the thumb's octave jump which makes arpeggios smooth. I played the following chords in the key of F: Until 26mins: F6. Then I played m6 (F, Ab, C, D)... then whole diminished (F, Ab, B, D)... then F, Ab, C, E... then augment(#5)7 (F, A, C#, Eb)...then sus7 (F, A#, C, Eb). Hope this helps!
Best,
Dan
How old are you? Did you go to music school?
35. I did not.
As a beginner and a not very smart 1 either prob lol I'm lost after about 15 mins and have no idea what your talking about. But I'll keep at it
It would also be easier for me to see if you had a computerized keyboard that lights up as you hit the keys above the live 1 so I could see Exactly what keys you were playing. These are helping so much tho
join the FB group, and ask for all the help you could want 🙂
@@skepticalnotion sorry don't have a FB. But thx !
@@skepticalnotion f. B?
@@RanBlakePiano Hey! Not sure if you were trying to confirm the right account or looking for my Piano channel? If you are looking for the piano channel, it's Accidentals Happen (this account) is the one to follow or just click ua-cam.com/channels/9Bi3qRV26TIzGYGIZhM_Dg.html
Soon 100 000 subscribers! Are you going to celebrate it?
Not with any noise but I may buy a nicer bottle of red wine :) Thank you for noticing!
Best,
Dan
@@danthecomposer :) my style of celebrating!
What motivated you to reach the level you are at?
Nothing. I am not motivated by future goals, I am motivated by present action in service. Positive results/success is a by-product of 'continual presentness'. I wish I had more to say but this is all that can be said!
Best,
Dan
@@danthecomposer well said! so no matter what results of this "action" would be, you still would be doing this?
@@mobapki.pl-lideraplikacjim5386 Absolutely. Nothing will change, even with 1 million. I'm all about spreading wisdom and self-mastery. That will never stop.