Introduction
Are you passionate about playing the piano and looking for an online method to kickstart your musical journey? Pianoforall might be the perfect solution for you. With over 450,000 members and a strong reputation in the world of online piano courses, it offers a unique approach to learning the piano. In this article, we will explore the intricacies of Pianoforall, its creator Robin Hall, and delve into the various aspects of this program.
What You’ll Need to Get Started With Pianoforall Lessons
Before we dive into the world of Pianoforall, let’s discuss the essentials you’ll need to embark on this musical journey. While the course is flexible regarding the tools you use, having a piano or keyboard is non-negotiable. For optimal learning, investing in an 88-key digital keyboard is recommended. The difference in key action between a 61-key keyboard and an 88-key digital keyboard is substantial, significantly impacting your finger strength development.
Additionally, Pianoforall provides e-books and audio clips that you can access on various devices. For Mac or PC users, downloading the e-books is essential, and you’ll need a Windows PC to view them. Android users can download the necessary application from Google Play. For Mac or iPad users, the default Books app can be used.
Who is Robin Hall, the Mastermind Behind Pianoforall?
Robin Hall, the creator of Pianoforall, is a versatile artist known for his work as a cartoonist, freelance artist, and pianist. His career took a unique turn as he transitioned from teaching cartooning to teaching piano. Robin firmly believes in the superiority of playing by ear over reading sheet music, a principle that underpins Pianoforall.
Unpacking the Pianoforall Educational Program
Pianoforall offers an extensive educational program designed to equip you with comprehensive piano-playing skills. Let’s explore the core components of the program, including books, video lessons, and audio exercises.
Books
The Pianoforall program consists of nine books, each focusing on different aspects of piano playing. These books cover a wide range of styles, including chords, tunes, exercises, and theory. The books provide a solid foundation for understanding and mastering the piano.
Video Lessons
Pianoforall includes over 200 video lessons where Robin Hall personally guides you through various keyboard functions. These videos are embedded within the e-books, making it easier to understand and follow along. The animated keyboard display ensures you can see the notes being played, making it a visually engaging and informative learning experience.
Audio Exercises and Songs
With over 500 audio exercises and songs, Pianoforall offers immediate feedback on your pronunciation. These audio exercises are strategically placed alongside each lesson, enabling you to listen and practice effectively. If you’re an auditory learner, these audio exercises will be an invaluable resource.
Breaking Down the Pianoforall Educational Program
Let’s take a closer look at each book within the Pianoforall program to understand how they contribute to your piano-playing journey.
Book One – “Party Time”
This introductory book lays the foundation for the program. It starts by teaching you the importance of chords and rhythms before progressing to improv and melody composition. Book One introduces you to the keyboard’s notes, basic chords, and music notation, including rests and rhythm. By the end of this book, you’ll be able to play popular songs and even create compositions.
Book Two – “Blues & Rock ‘n’ Roll”
Building on your knowledge, this book delves into blues rhythms and emphasizes practicing left-hand rhythms. You’ll learn essential blues rhythms and how to play a 12-bar blues in any key.
Book Three – “Chord Magic”
Book Three delves into chord theory, covering all chords for every key and their inversions. It also introduces the “cycle of Fifths,” a valuable concept for understanding music’s overall structure.
Book Four – “Advanced Chords Made Easy”
This book focuses on more advanced chords and even includes a lesson inspired by Barry Manilow. You’ll practice diminished and cluster chords and explore Beatles-style playing.
Book Five – “Ballad Style”
Book Five guides you through creating ballad-style songs, emphasizing left-hand chord patterns and the pentatonic scale. This book teaches improvisation, melody, and chord progressions, helping you apply the ballad process to known songs.
Book Six – “All That Jazz & Blues”
Book Six provides a strong foundation in jazz, teaching you to create a bluesy sound and explore jazz. This book encourages listening and imitation as a learning method. It covers jazz in four distinct keys and offers valuable tips for jazz improvisation.
Book Seven – “Advanced Blues & Fake Stride”
Expanding on Book Two, this book introduces advanced chord knowledge, fun right-hand chords, and blues techniques. You’ll learn about blues devices such as slides, tremolo, and turnarounds. Additionally, you’ll explore the stride pianist technique.
Book Eight – “Taming The Classics”
This section dives into classical music, teaching you to read sheet music and play classical pieces from renowned composers like Beethoven, Bach, and Chopin. It’s an essential section for those who wish to explore classical music further.
Book Nine – “Speed Learning”
Book Nine focuses on scales and arpeggios, providing exercises and memory tricks to enhance your playing. This section deepens your understanding of key signatures and seventh chords.
Bonus Book – “The Practice Of Mindfulness”
While not directly related to piano playing, this bonus e-book offers insights into creativity, focus, and mindfulness, which can be beneficial in learning any instrument.
Pros and Cons of Pianoforall
Now, let’s weigh the advantages and disadvantages of the Pianoforall teaching course to help you make an informed decision.
Pros:
- Audio and Visual Lessons: Pianoforall provides a unique blend of visual and auditory learning options, making it accessible to beginners uncomfortable with traditional sheet music.
- Immediate Progress: You’ll notice progress from your very first session, which can be highly motivating.
- Use of Well-Known Songs: Pianoforall incorporates popular songs into its curriculum, making it easier to learn to play by ear and enjoy playing familiar tunes.
- Promotes Musicality: Unlike traditional piano programs, Pianoforall emphasizes skills like playing by ear, improvisation, and composition, building a strong foundation in musicality.
- Left-Hand Focus: Pianoforall encourages left-hand practice, addressing a common weakness in piano learners.
- Clear and Organized Content: The course’s content is well-structured and easy to understand.
Cons:
- Limited Focus on Technique: Pianoforall does not emphasize piano techniques, such as hand position and posture. You may need to supplement the course with additional resources to address this aspect.
- Minimal Emphasis on Reading Music: The program doesn’t prioritize reading sheet music, which might leave you with a limited understanding of music notation. You may need to seek additional materials to bridge this gap.
- Missing Terms and Symbols: Pianoforall omits many music notation terms and symbols, which could be confusing for those looking to expand their knowledge. Supplementing the course with resources that cover these elements is advisable.
Is Pianoforall the Right Course for You?
Pianoforall is an ideal choice for complete beginners and those with a basic understanding of piano. However, it’s important to note that this course leans heavily into blues, jazz, and rock ‘n’ roll styles, making it less suitable for classical music enthusiasts.
The program equips you with the foundational skills needed to play in bands, take requests, and create music. While it may not prepare you for advanced classical pieces, it provides a strong base to explore various music genres and understand chords, progressions, and keys.
Robin Hall’s analogy of learning to create sentences is apt; Pianoforall teaches you to play both existing music and your compositions, fostering creativity and musicality.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Pianoforall offers a unique and accessible approach to learning the piano, making it a valuable resource for beginners and those looking to expand their musical horizons. While it may have some limitations, its emphasis on practical skills and playing by ear sets it apart from traditional piano programs.
By enrolling in Pianoforall, you can embark on a musical journey that will not only teach you to play existing songs but also empower you to create your compositions. Whether you’re a complete beginner or someone with a basic understanding of the piano, Pianoforall has the potential to help you achieve your musical goals.
Use the provided link and apply coupon code “SAVE20” at the checkout to enjoy a 20% discount on Pianoforall. Start your piano journey today and unlock the world of music with this innovative course!