Why Learning Piano Enhances Respect From Musicians
As you know, this site is about helping aspiring musicians turn into enterprising musicians. So, where do you start?
You have your ears, eyes, and fingers. In my opinion, I think it’s your ears, and here’s why. There was a man from Japan by the name of Suzuki that came up with an incredibly simple, but innovative way to teach young children how to play called the Suzuki Method that was primarily based on playing by ear.
The idea was that since children learn to listen before they learn to speak, and they learn to speak before they learn to read. Amazingly, it started ideally when they were in their mother’s womb, and she would play all kinds of music, so the baby could hear the vibrations, but mostly classical because the harmonies and rhythms are easier to comprehend.
All parents should play as many different genres of music during this time of at least 2–3 years. Let me take a minor opinionated detour here.
This way the child learns how to accurately calculate melodies, harmonies, and yes, rhythms in their developing mind even long before their little hands can hold any kind of instrument.
All Music is NOT Created Equal
Of course, if you’re an adult you’re going to listen to whatever you please. However, despite what the musically uneducated think, there are genres that are psychologically, and even physically harmful, and should be avoided at this young, tender age. That’s all I have to say about that.
What’s the Fun Way to Develop Listening Skills?
If you’re an adult that already has your own listening habits, that’s fine. However, to be a highly respected musician, regardless of your instrument, you need to develop as wide of a listening palette as possible. Even if you don’t particularly care for a particular style this discipline is critical. Here’s why.
Let’s say you happen to be sitting in a club, or just sitting around at an impromptu jam session with some great musicians someday, and whoever was supposed to be there that plays your instrument isn’t there. This is your big chance. But if you’ve never heard the material, or you’re not even familiar with the style, there goes your chance that may never come around again.
There’s an old adage in the music industry; especially. Good luck doesn’t just happen, you have to prepare for it. You have no idea how many bands and legends have been made just because two aspiring musicians traded phone numbers.
YouTube is Your Best Friend
If I had YouTube when I was a teenager I may have flunked every other course, but I would have SOO known every band, every musician, every style there was under the sun.
The late great genius keyboard master, Lyle Mays. Composing/arranging partner with Pat Metheny. A great example to follow.
I used to buy albums and scour the record jacket, and especially the notes learning every name, and every fact about them I possibly could. Then, if I ever saw them playing with another band, I’d buy that album, and learn everything I could about those musicians, and whomever they had played with, and even why.
With YouTube’s library and search capability combined with Wikipedia there’s no end to the vast variety of music you can expose yourself to, and most of it in a quality format.
What Other Keyboard Skills You Should Develop
Of course, if you jump into a jam session you’d better be better than the average bear. So, how do you get there? Three skills that the best musicians know, even if they don’t play piano. Scales, arpeggios, and sight reading. This includes all types of major and minor scales, and modes. Press yourself to develop your own arpeggio exercises. I might add that as you learn scales and arpeggios, you will somewhat naturally start learning chord progressions.
Knowing chord progressions will save your life in a pinch. Even if you don’t know exactly what some of the chords are, there’s a chance you know some transition chords that will muddle you through. Learn different voicings and inversions as well so you can better compliment a guitarist well.
Great Resource to Learn and Apply These Skills
You must check out this product that has been used by thousands of pianists all over the globe. All it really takes is steady commitment, patience, and passion. You’ll excel to the next degree faster than you think, but it does take persistence. You’ll study every component of mastering piano, at a very affordable price too. Go at your own pace. But of course, as soon as you begin you’ll be so excited you can’t stop. I must warn you, however. Never practice more than 2 hours at any sitting. When you come back the next day many of those licks you were struggling with will flow like hot butter.
Originally published at https://musiciansmeans.com on May 9, 2022.
