
Forgot how I got hold of the promotional video for the play by ear Piano Workshop. All I remember is how much I was in awe of the logical presentation in this video. The presenter (whom I later learned to be Mr. Chan, aka Chan Sir) clarified a number of common misunderstandings of piano playing and revealed the most appealing elements of this play by ear piano course: 1) match up chords with our favorite melodies, on our own without the use of music sheets; 2) improve our ear (hearing) and memory; and 3) achieve much faster results than traditional classical piano learning. I was so impressed and convinced that I decided to give this course a try during my vacation in Hong Kong this summer.
My daughter who started her classical piano training since the age of 4, received the highest level (level 10) of classical piano certification at the age of 17. This Certificate of Merit was awarded by the Music Teachers’ Association of California (USA), vs. the 8-level system of the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (UK). As for me, I am just a beginner. I took some piano lessons long time ago but have not touched the piano since I switched to play the guitar. It is quite obvious that at this stage I am not going to invest 10+ years to resume piano learning.
This play by ear piano course in Hong Kong rekindled my interest in piano! Knowing how to play the piano by ear without music sheets is a goal most people aspire yet feel unattainable! This course promises students the ability to create on our own the accompaniment chord patterns along our favorite melodies. Although this course offers only 4 in-person training classes (a total of 8 hours), with the very well-thought-out course materials which include written notes and 40+ video clips, plus the guidance of an experienced piano instructor, this course provides a rare opportunity for those music/piano-lovers who want to see the biggest and fastest output with the least amount of time and efforts.
But I soon realize that without seeing the music notes on the music sheets, matching fingers of both hands with the right timing is far more difficult than I thought! :P My sense of rhythm/tempo has always been weak, and it reveals on my guitar playing as well. I was feeling a bit of pressure and frustration at the beginning, but after a fair amount of practice on the piano, I was delighted to see good progress, and it gave me a sense of fulfillment! This course helps improve my tempo and hearing. I feel very thankful to be given this godsend opportunity! Of course this is just a good start. In order to grasp the technique of matching the melody with the most fitting chords, plus to improve the piano playing skill, “practise hard” is the only key to success! I am confident that I will become a better piano player playing music that I love, but that’s on condition that I continue to study and practise hard after this impromptu piano course. I will take advantage of the additional resources that the Organization offers, which I hope will help expand my learning with advanced technique of adding introduction, bridge, and ending to the music, also many more songs to practise in order to firm up my skills of applying matching chords to the melodies.
I take this opportunity to give a big thumbs-up and to say "thank you!" to Chan Sir and the rest of the staff at the Pop Piano Hong Kong Organization. Wishing you all good health and much success!