Scott, I have to give it to you. You made what I couldn't capture in years of classical training simple. It's amazing what knowledge I gained through your book Play Piano in a Flash. You not only kept me informed but you also didn't have me snoring like most of the books I've read on any kind of piano/music theory. I want to give you my thanks and I look forward to getting more of your products. I read your book at my public library and I'm glad it was there. Keep up the good work Scott!
Alex, Arkansas

I saw your program on SCETV last night, and I was blown away at your instruction style. I was one of thousands who suffered through YEARS of piano lessons at an early age (seven years to be exact.) When I was finally offered the chance to quit playing piano by my parents (when I was 13,) I quit. I was unable to play a SINGLE SONG without sheet music. I am 29 now and am trying to take piano back up for my own personal enjoyment. I DO NOT want to be tethered to sheet music, regurgitating what someone else has written. I want to play the songs I hear on the radio. I want to play Billy Joel, Elton John, James Taylor, etc. YOU have given me the tools to do so, and I am grateful. My parents purchased your book for me for Christmas, and I can't wait to get started.
S.Guy, South Carolina

Hi. I've been following Scott's instructions on piano playing for 21 months now. I feel my playing is getting pretty good now, and I have most of the fake books in the key of "C," including Scott's latest fake book, which I love. I'm 75 years old now and could never even imagine I could play like this until I saw Scott on our PBS channel WMHT about 20 months ago. Respectfully,
C Landeck

I really enjoyed the class--it was just what I needed. My husband bought me a keyboard for an anniversary present. That was almost two weeks ago, and I have tried to play a little every day. (I'm taking my last MBA class right now so that gets top priority.) My goal is to have a repertoire of Christmas Carols by December.
Anonymous

Your PBS series is terrific. I am 48 years old and took piano lessons from age 7 to 16. I am simply terrible. I hate reading sheet music and I just simply butcher the piece I am reading. So now I simply do what I call, "doodling" on the piano - just play around. It’s still pretty bad, but I enjoy it (a frustrated composer is what I am.) So why am I writing you? Today I saw your program on the Blues. Wow!! It was so liberating. Why hadn't I figured this out before? I sat at the piano while you and your guest (I didn't catch his name) went through the basics. Amazing. I was even able to play along with him until he really got going. But that’s ok... I know that if I could get the basics down, base lines and chord progressions etc. I have enough skill (target practice) to play this stuff. Generally, I learn best doing (copying someone else,) and if I could find someone to spend a few hours with me to teach me that would be great. Short of that.... what do you suggest I do! PS, as a single guy, I have learned women kind of are sort of attracted to men who play the piano... even if it’s not great. Learning to play the Blues would be a dating enhancement for sure! Thanks.
L. Noyes

Thanks for the note. I watch the program on PBS all the time. And even though I have no keyboard I am a guitar player of many years. I get a LOT of ideas from the program and may consider a keyboard in the coming year... Thanks also for a great program.
M. Reiser

Hello I have been watching your show for almost a year now, and I really enjoy it. I've played classical piano for over 15 years, and I started playing popular music and jazz last year. The change is huge. Your approch is quite innovative. I can read music very easily, of course, but the most difficult part for a classical musician turning to jazz is to improvise. The label "free style" on a music sheet is quite frightening when you're used to have everything written, even the emotion to express (cantabile, furioso, etc...). So keep the good work. I particularly enjoyed your Holiday special. The jazzy version of Christmas tree was stunning.
Fernande

You are a genius! I am beginner and have learned so much with your book. I think you have a really good, simple and fun teaching method. Everything is very clearly explained, and even I can understand it (my native language is finnish and can understand your books in english easily). I have yelled many times here in my home, I LOVE YOU SCOTT :)
Sanna, Finland

Thanks a bunch Scott. I can play and read sheet music easily now. I never thought at 36 I would be able to play and read sheet music ever. Now I can be more helpful teaching the youth at church to become better singers and ministers. GOD HAS BLESSED YOU.
P. BREWER, GREENVILLE S.C.

Scott, same story - always wanted to play but knew I wouldn't have the patience for lessons so never persued it. Didn't know a note of music and middle C didn't mean a thing. Was channel surfing, stopped on your PBS (WNIT)program, sent for your book, the rest is history. Been playing about 5 months; albeit slow, my timing isn't great, and have to use Hal Leonard's large-print fake books. When folks hear me they recognize the songs - but who cares - I'm playing for me and having a great time. Scott, thanks again for you book. I'm 70. J Weir, Indiana
Jerry Weir, Indiana

Thanks to you Scott, and PBS for bringing me and my grandchildren hours of fun! After watching your show, some of my grandchildren elected to take piano lessons (traditional) even though they still do your stuff. It's not a competition. We are enjoying music on many levels, including as an audience. My grandkids even got excited listening to a PBS jazz program the other day, pointing out some rythems they recogonized from your teachings. What's so bad about that???????Thanks,
Lynn

I played piano for 3 years, became discouraged then quit. No one could teach me how to play accompaniment. They could play well but could not teach me. Watching Scott renewed my desire to play, and starts out simply and then he adds some embellishment to add to the beauty. Thank you Scott!!
Dave Nelson, Ks

I have only seen your show twice, but I love it! I've been playing guitar for around 20 years and every know and then I get into a rut. I used to have a keyboard to screw around with that taught me some new ways to look at my fretboard on my guitar. In the 2 shows I have seen, I've managed to pick up more ideas for my guitar than I would have if I played a keyboard for 2 months! Thank you and keep up the good work
Anonymous

Hello Scott, It has been a year now since I picked up your book "Play Piano in a Flash." Since that time I have read and reread your book and played an average of an hour a day. It is now my bible for learning to play the piano. In all the years I have tried and failed to really have fun and play the piano you have shown me the way in much less time than I could have ever imagined. Now I am passing the word along to anyone who wants to know how to play piano that your book is the only book to buy. Thank you for all your help and inspiration in showing me that playing piano is easier than it looks. I look forward to spending time on my piano now knowing that I can truly play it the way it should be played. Sincerely,
D. Langkamp, Dubuque, Iowa

Hello Scott, I just wanted to tell you that I had a break-thru. I was getting down because I could play the notes but not the sound of the song. Then I saw you on TV saying to play by sound, so I did the small melodies Row Row Row your Boat and Jingle Bells and then two others. Then out of nowhere it came together. I started to play with out looking at the keys. Thank you very much, you don't know how much it meant to me. Now I can start playing from your fakebook that I purchased. I just wanted to tell you thanks!!
Anonymous

Dear Scott, I read your book Play Piano in a Flash. I saw it on TV on Channel 56 a few years ago. Except for a few Christmas carols and hymns I have never played music others have composed. I tend to like to make my own music. I play them on my keyboard synthesizer. I now have a CD burner as well. Your book has revolutionizes they way I do music and even look at life. Your book is a very simple direct no-nonsense way to play music instead of the complicated ways most teachers teach. Also. When I have a problem with something I look for a simple solution rather than to go through the same complicated bull the rest of my friends and family go through to solve problems. Who knows I may even put out a CD someday. That however remains to be seen. Sincerely Dave
Dave, Michigan USA

Hi Scott, I am writing to thank you for your great book. I first saw you on PBS Ch 54 Erie, PA. I was in our local Chapters and picked up your book. I did not put it down until I had finished it! I play in a band and also take classical piano lessons from a qualified teacher. I have been trying to find ways to improvise with my band, as I don't find it challenging some times! I usually keep it simple with chords only or a repetitive pattern. I play the Hammond with the band and use a Yamaha S90 at home for the piano lessons. This has opened a whole new world of possibilities for me! I really enjoyed the blues part, walking the bass and the blues scale. I would like to catch you in person, however I live in Ontario, Canada and you don't seem to come this way very often. Thanks again for enlightening me. Regards,
C. Cook, St Thomas, Ontario Canada

I just wanted to "thank you" for assisting me in being able to do something that I have wanted to do since I was in the 5th grade. (Don't tell anyone, but I'm 63). When I was in the 5th grade, it was considered "Sissy" for a guy to play piano, thus, I became an athlete. On the off-season, I enrolled in my high school band and became quite adept at playing the trumpet, so I had the ability to read music. In addition to extending my appreciation, I want you to know that I have become quite proficient at playing THE BLUES. Man, us black dudes dig the blues. I am now proceeding towards jazz. That is really my goal. Thus far, I am working on Miles Davis' "All Blues" and I seem to have Herbie Hancock's version of "Watermelon Man" pretty good. I'm happier than shit (pardon the candor!) I'm having a bit of problem with finding the fifth, sixth and ninth cords, but I'm about to order your chord finder so, perhaps that will eliminate that problem. Again, many thanks and I'm always on the lookout for your programs.
Zack

I feel like I know you... watching you on TV and now thru your book... All I can is thank you... I am so excited to finally understand and play piano... Any chance of coming to New York? Sincerely,
Jill

I participated in your piano class at KVCC in Kalamazoo last Saturday. Received my order of books yesterday. Thank you, thank you. It is so exciting. Now all I need is a piano. Ha! Ha! Just wanted to tell you how interesting and fun your class was for me.You are a very good teacher. Keep up the great work. I will be looking for your PBS show next year. All of your students can say, "We knew you when"---like before you became famous. Thanks again.
Carol Gibson

You are the best!! I watched one of your PBS television shows about a year ago. I could not play but always wanted to. Like many, I thought I could never learn because I had no musical talent. After I watched you, I purchased an electronic keyboard. Within a few weeks, I was able to play enough that I contacted a nearby nursing home and offered to be a volunteer and play music for the residents.I have gone on many occasions and it is the greatest thing! To see the look on their faces when I play a familiar song is an incredible feeling. I am not a great player but I can play for my family, friends and even play in public. Two weeks ago, I played keyboard during the Social Hour for my church's silent auction dinner. I attended a workshop of yours a few months ago and while there, met another attendee who told me she always wanted to play but had no idea if she could. If you can believe this, she is now my piano student. She plays pretty well and is thrilled that she can play for herself and her family. I owe all this to you. You are wonderful. Please keep doing what you are doing, you have brought so much joy to so many. God bless you.
Bill

Hey what's up Scott. Yes, I am another person telling you that you've made it easy for me to play the piano: I really love the way you lay it out, I don't know why my teachers never taught me that way.
Anonymous

I originally discovered you on my local PBS channel and was amazed but skeptical as to what you were saying. As a kid I had no interest in playing the piano but as an adult I have thought about taking some lessons for years. I bought your book about a week ago and have been very pleased with the results that I am seeing already. Thank you for writing such an easy to understand book. It's great. Regards,
Jeff, Vancouver, Canada

Dear Scott, First of all, I would like to thank you for such a wonderful show on public tv. I watch you on Channel 32 from WHUT (Howard University). I am one of those students who took piano lessons from 2nd through 9th grades. I had a mother and grandmother who both played the piano. But I was not that fond of practicing. I was not always that "accurate" with the counting (as I recall,) and played it how I thought it ought to be played. But I did manage to be able to read music (very helpful for singing, as I did in Madrigals and other choirs). I loved Bach and the two-part inventions, but I never felt like I could play "popular music." It did not make sense to me even though I was used to hearing my mother and grandmother play the oldies of the 20's and the 30's, and I enjoyed singing to them. Your program has really encouraged me to play again. I want to learn those darn chords now! I make up different arrangements of songs when I sing to myself or whistle, all the time. I want to be able to do the same on the piano. Thanks again! Best regards, J.Utman
J.Utman,

Scott! I've been enjoying music since high school band but always admired the 'old timers who could sit down at the piano and play anything... NOW, because of Piano in a Flash, I'm one of them!! I am SOOOO happy to be playing Coletrane and Parker! How cool it this!
S. Heyer Sr., Mesa, AZ

I attended your class Thursday night at Zionsville and really enjoyed it! You are a great speaker! You share your enthusiasm for what you love. I have always wanted to enjoy the piano but with normal lessons I hated it!! My mother plays by ear, and she wanted her daughters to learn to play what she thought was the "correct" way - so hence lessons we started and then dropped after the first Thompson book!!! I can't wait to tell her you offer material on how to learn to play by ear!! Thanks again for a fun evening of learning! Best of luck on your PBS endeavor!
Kathy, Zionsville, IN

Dear Scott: In December I purchased your book and one of the fake books. My daughter was home for only three days and was so thrilled that she could play songs. She has asked for a keyboard for her birthday. Phaedra (fay-dra) is a lawyer, and a very intelligent person but did not read music well. With using your book she was playing songs in less than an hour. I bought it for myself but being mom I had to cook and clean over the holidays and could not use the piano to learn yet. I did have the JOY of music though...and could not pry Phaedra away from the piano the whole time she was here. Thank You, Thank You for making music a part of my life. It has been a dream of mine to play for years.
E. Glushek, Neepawa, Manitoba, Canada

I watched your program on Public TV. Fantastic! I learned more about piano and music in one hour than I have learned in the past 40 years!! In the program and on your web site, there are several products advertised: DVD, chord chart, book, etc. I want your program on DVD. How much does ALL of your stuff cost with the DVD?
Steve

Dear Scott, Below is a copy of a letter I sent to our PBS station: I'm writing in regard to the Scott Houston "Scott the Piano Guy" program airing on your station. I am a forty year old New Orleans Native and student under Mr.Houston's "Play Piano in a Flash" course. As a local station you already know the importance of music in our city, and it's rich history. As a viewer/ student I'm thrilled to report that Mr Houston's program has had the single, greatest impact on my life and countless others. It has afforded me an artistic outlet many crave and the gift of music many enjoy. I had taken piano lessons as a child but of course got bored and quit like a large percentage of the population. This program had me playing almost immediately, and since it's fun I practice daily. Additionally I have spoken with family members and friends in the community who view the series simply for listening pleasure. It has a great blend of education, entertainment, and local flavor that keep us watching and supporting your efforts. Thank you very much for staying in touch with the heartbeat of New Orleans. Best Regards, J Gremillion
J Gremillion, New Orleans La

After embracing many instruments beginning in the 4th grade, (guitar, trombone, electric bass, snare drum) each of which I played in stuctured music programs all the way through college (Symphonic band, Marching band, Jazz band, Swing Choir, Country band, Pep band) I had always dreamed of playing the piano. As a young kid, I was always envious of friends who took piano lessons. I had no piano, no room for a piano, and couldn't afford one anyway (there weren't keyboards for a couple hundred bucks at that time.) I saw your program on PBS a few years ago and began playing at age 37. I am absolutely in love with the piano. I went on to study Jazz piano with a fabulous instructor -- DC Dowdell, (apassioforjazz.com) in San Diego, and am building a great, very professional repetoire. I now own a 6' 10 1/2" Bechstein B Grand, which has become a part of the family. My 6 year old named the piano "Grace." And Scott, I can PLAY that thing!! I AM FOREVER GRATEFUL TO YOU FOR OPENING THOSE "BARN DOORS." DON'T EVER STOP TEACHING AND SHARING. MAY WE ALL LEARN TO KEEP IT RIGHT OUT THERE IN FRONT OF US, EXACTLY WHAT WE ARE TRYING TO DO: ENJOY THE MOST REWARDING INSTRUMENT IN ALL OF MUSIC. God Bless You. A fellow (born and raised) Hoosier,
D. Fuller

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