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It's a very dense course. It takes a long time to study the sheer amount of information Mr Will Barrow packs into every DVD and onto every page of the slender but powerful workbook. Without question, the greatest joy (to me) is reaching a point that allows the student to jam with the band on the play-along CDs. These are professionals who become your collaborators. Overall the course is completely accessible; and Mr Barrow unpatronizing and friendly; but the successful student will spend hours going back and forth through "Sessions" as the exercises and songs come under one's fingers. It is I believe Mr Wynton Marsalis who observes, "Technique is the Golden Separator." The greatest difficulty is learning where to put one's fingers on the very intimidating infinity of possibilities that makes a piano keyboard such a famous source of fear and mystery. There is nothing trivial about learning to play one. There is most literally infinity at fingertip. Too many, improperly guided, give up in frustration before their potential blooms. This course is remarkably priced for its value – and especially compared to traditional in-person lessons. Here you learn at your pace, and you are your only judge. One may – and will – make endless mistakes and go back over and over, with never a word of criticism but lots of encouragement. A single precept here - "Slow it down and break it down." - is worth the cost. The focus of this course is most certainly on chords, as in my judgment it should be. Too many others are focused on learning to read music and on notation. Professionals, except classical pianists, are in a different "ear space" centered on playing and hearing chords and harmonies. Here learning to hear, play and then recognize piano chord shapes; and the dynamics of fingering as the chords are realized; are the emphasis skills. There is as well a good dose of music theory, a too-often overlooked or cursorily-treated but yet critical underpinning. Theory is not artistry, as the often-brilliant "front porch pickers" prove. But theory and its understanding are what make what one learns possible, and surely help shorten a path and flatten a steep learning curve. I have a good 88-weighted-key board with the indispensable headphone jack. I rigged a good computer with its jack so I can put a soft pair of in-ear phones under an over-ear set. This allows me to learn without disturbing others – you watch Barrow's DVDs as you follow him. If you spend ten minutes a day for six months, worlds will open you cannot conceive or imagine. Don't give up, and after you've satisfied yourself and your longings, teach a child. Good luck. Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
The teacher , Will Barrow won a Grammy. He is logical and aggressive in his piano teaching style. He gets your fingers moving quickly and as smartly as possible. It's an easy-does-it style to fast learning. He doesn't tell you why he's teaching you in the moment, but he's crazy as a fox!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Well presented. Will Barrow is an excellent teacher. Can easily proceed at one's own pace.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
Very well put together with the beginner in mind. Easy to follow, stop and reverse when you need to and the instuction is first class.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
Interested in purchasing this for a while and when I saw it, decided to go ahead and get it. Also have the Guitar series and very impressed with both. Perfect for the beginner looking to get up to speed fast. Highly recommended.
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