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Hi Scott! I have been teaching piano lessons for about 4 1/2 years now. I took lessons for 11 years as a kid. I am so intrigued by your method! I still feel like I am a terrible sight-reader and struggle to sound "polished." I can hardly wait to try your book. Who knows! Maybe I'll be out of business! I have a waiting-list of about 8 students and several adults that have also asked me about lessons. I'll be referring them to your site if I am convinced! Thanks!!
C. H. Mclaughlin, N. Manchester, IN

Dear Scott, Here's a funny story: I'm probably going about all this learn-to-play-the-piano-with-scott-by-just-playing-left-hand-chords all backwards. In grammer school and high school, I played the trumpet. So at age 14, when I decided to play the piano, you guessed it, I couldn't read the left-hand music. If it wasn't middle C or the C one octave below, I hadn't a clue. I actually spent about a year rewriting the bass cleff in treble cleff notation so I could get by just a little. Not backwards yet? Read on. Then one day I discovered Scottthepianoguy on Comcast Channel One. Five or six episodes there for the learning. But one day when I tuned in, the whole Comcast "Music" category was gone. I was heart-broken. A few weeks later, I discovered Scottthepianoguy on KCSM, the PBS channel from San Mateo, California. I was back in business. Without a TV Guide, it took me about a month to figure out that you were only on Thursdays at 5:00 p.m. But now that I've learned that, don't call on that day at that hour, because I won't answer. Still not backwards? Read on. I learned from that program that I could also buy your book, "Play Piano in a Flash!" So I ran right down to Barnes and Noble and got my own copy. Read the whole book in less than two days. All of R&B with only C, F, and G? Fantastic! I can do this. What's backwards, you ask? Read on. Now after a year of Comcast Channel One, Scottthepianoguy on PBS, your book, and a couple of other chord sites on the Internet, I'm finally (watch it, here comes the punch line) going to have my piano delivered next Saturday, December 30th. Musical Regards,
Leonard

What a great show! If only my mother had started me this way. I totally resisted those early lessons and now, 50 years later, I'm learning piano on my own and loving it. The whole idea of playing only songs you like (My Funny Valentine etc.) makes it so much more fun. Also, the concepts of chording and saying "to hell with the time value of notes" allow beginners like me to enjoy the thrill of hearing music magically come out of their fingers. CONGRATULATIONS!
C. Snyder

Hi Scott, Just a note to let you know how meaningful your approach to playing the keyboards has been for me. I found that by following your suggestion of getting a scale book, I have improved my keyboard skills immensely. I purchased STEP ONE: PLAY KEYBOARD SCALES by Len Vogler. This provided me with some understanding of the Ionian scales and how they relate to the Circle of fifth and the key of the song. With a little effort each day I have learned the chords, the chord variations, the chord inversions, etc. on a “roll up piano” because for a time my organ was in storage until I settled into my new home. I like to play a wide variety of music but most notably the earlier music of the 1920’s. The hymns I play so much better because of being able to utilize the chord variations and play them in the key that sounds best to me. Sometimes, I like to change keys during a song (Amazing Grace from G to C, for example). To carry this to an extreme I found the words to a song I liked with the chords. I was surprise how easy it was to play without music. I just turned sixty four years old, so I guess we are never too old to learn. Thank you. With Warm Regards,
Eva,

Scott, I saw you on PBS-- 35 years and 5 years of classical piano lessons too late. The only thing that ever improved my playing was typing lessons. Pitiful! Thank you for finally discussing what I have been waiting to hear about chording all of these years. I knew about lead sheets but not what the heck to do with them or where to get them. I hope that you have everything that I need to know about chords on your site. God knows that I never understood the chord theory I was taught. I kept waiting for that barn door to open. It stayed stuck. I will hit the purchase section of your site in a minute. I can obviously read notes, and find them on the key board. I have watched your PBS seminar twice. I understand your chord theory, but need to learn the chords. Given that, should I go directly to the ear seminars or to the initial seminar? If you come to Palm Beach County, FL please alert me. I am from Michigan originally. I am guessing that you are from the midwest by looking at your schedule, but perhaps you are just doing your seminars there now because the weather finally broke. Anyway, please come down here to FL next winter. Shake off the snow and write off the trip. Perhaps you were just here for the PBS show. I do not know if it was taped locally. In any event, I have just emailed your schedule to a very talented young man, T. Thompson, in Grosse Pointe Michigan. He is a non classical talent. He is Fourteen/Fifteen, writes, plays guitar, sings like an angel writes, constantly performs, and plays guitar better after 2 years than most people do in a lifetime. He's been to Interlachen (sp)-- the whole bit. He just sort of fell out of his piano lessons. You can guess why. Good job, Scott. You are passing along an important technique which will preserve the arts in the lives of regular people and budding pros, like my Michigan buddy. Thank you for sharing your gift. Go South and conquer!
L. Kay Matthews, Florida

Hi Scott, Again, I find myself thanking you for helping me to achieve a lifelong dream. I wrote to you in December asking about an electronic piano that might have your system built in. Since that time, I purchased a Casio LK90-TV (in my budget) and your video bundle, book, chord finder, and Favorites Fake Book. I am now playing "The Girl From Ipanema" This is the first time I have been able to read the notes and memorize the chords and put them together. One of the greatest helps you have given me is that once I learn the chords in a song, they can be used in many other songs and it keeps building. I feel that after I have most of the songs in your book under my belt, I'm on my way to comfort piano. I am looking forward to buying more of the fake books on your site. Thank you for making your fake book so user-friendly: key of "c" tunes, melody line and using chord pictures above each tuen. I hope some of the other fake books are similar. Friends are asking how I did this, and I am telling them to go to you; hope you get more sales. Thank you for what you have done for me, I am grateful.
T. Van Dyke

I love your newsletters with these video tips. I actually think you could sell a subscription for these (oops, did I suggest such a thing?!) I love the way I can play and re-play the video over and over. However, your tips are not as easy as you make it look! Further, not all of us have such large hands (particularly awkward for my right hand to hold down the C note with the baby finger). I enjoy your TV programs. Often, it exposes me to new music (or music I overlooked) and gives me ideas that can be liberating. I’ve had several years of classical piano training as a child and later as an adult and since seeing one of your specials several years back, I’ve been a convert ever since. I play the piano almost daily now. This was after 25 years of letting my piano sit. I have nine fake books and play numerous songs and know a ton of chords, but I’m stuck on reading music and playing block chords (at most, doing arpeggios). However, little by little, I’m overcoming my pedantic thinking – thanks to you! Cynthia
C. Fedors,

My 16 year old neice and I attended your workshop in Houston on 8/28. Thanks for the tips and the laughter. I just ordered 2 Christmas Fake Books one for each of us; your rendition of Jingle Bells got us ready to brush up on holiday music. I took piano lessons years ago for years and have made much more progress with your examples and instructions!!!! Thank you!!! My neice took several years of lessons with rave reviews from her teacher but quit since she couldn't play the kind of music SHE wanted the way SHE wanted to. Well she's been at the piano everyday since your class and since serveral of her friends play guitar, she is playing her music her way!!! You have teenagers singing your praises now!!!
D. Massey, Texas

I just have to tell you, that you have brought incredible joy into my life with your little book, Play Piano in a Flash. All my life (and that's more than half a century now!) I've wanted to play the piano. About 25 years ago, I took "piano lessons" for 3-4 years because I had two young daughters, and I wanted to get a head start so I could help them when they began playing piano. However, I spent hours and hours (and lots of money) studying John Thompson's Note Speller, Scale Speller and Chord Speller and practicing everything from Edna Mae Burnam, John Schaum and Michael Aaron to Beethoven's "Fur Elise" and Burgmuller's "Twenty-Five Easy and Progressive Studies for the Piano" (I never did find the "easy" part!)--yet never could I just sit down and play a "real song." I could play the Hanon exercises backwards and forward though, but who cares?! Strangely enough, my daughters had the same outcome after their 6-7 years of piano lessons.So, for the past 15 years, my piano sat silent, just a pretty piece of furniture in my living room. Now I'm a rather intelligent woman, and I've known many people with lower IQ's than mine who play the piano beautifully. I've always thought there must be some "secret" I was never told about how to play this beautiful instrument. Then one day last October, I saw you on my local PBS station. I must admit I was very skeptical about how easy you made it look but thought, "What do I have to lose? I can spend $15 on his book or just get rid of the piano and forget it." After reading less than half of your book, a musician friend (he's a drummer and guitar player--not a pianist) loaned me Hal Leonard's "The Easy Fake Book." (The one with a chord speller in the back.) Well, guess what? I took your advice and found some songs that I liked and just started playing them. (I did have to refer frequently to that chord speller in the back of the book, but the more I played, the more chords I learned.) And what do you know--I actually began to play real songs based solely on "the secrets" you shared in your book. Of course, the tunes were a little lop-sided at first, but I eventually got the rhythm going, and then I expanded to every song in the book. I progressed to "The Ultimate Fake Book" and even the "Broadway Fake Book." What a thrill that after only a few months I can now sit down at my own piano and play hundreds of songs that I like! (I haven't progressed into rolled chords and arpeggios yet, but I know I'll get there before long.) I don't ever aspire to being featured at Carnegie Hall or even playing with my local symphony. But I am thoroughly enjoying every moment I get to spend playing, rather than just practicing, my piano.Thank you so much for sharing your talent and wisdom and for making all of this so simple and so fun! Sincerely,
D. Mercer

Scott, I bought your book 3 days ago, and I just finished learning "Hello" by Lionel Richie. Not bad for a drummer! I just want to thank you for this invaluable and inspiring gift. If you are ever passing through Winnipeg, I would be happy to help you or your staff with any arrangements.
C. Ireson, Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada

Dear Scott, I saw you on a PBS promo. I had been struggling with the left hand for two years. I tried some of your simple tips from the TV show. WOW in just a few minutes I was able to play the left hand part (not well but playing it regardless.) Please tell me how I can order your video. I'm anxious to get started so I need your tape NOW!
E. Radburn, New York, NY

Thank you! You have quite an accomplished organization going, and it is obvious you are working thoroughly to have the success you do in sharing music with people. Here is where I am coming from - I have a degree in music education: my teacher wanted me to go to Eastman but I did not want to practice: I play by ear, read, have taught piano for 1-3 levels, and am looking to teach again. I also wrote music for tv documentaries and have awards for those. I have also provided arrangements and performance for local amateur variety-parody shows in St. Louis which raised money. I have played out for private parties, but not in a long time. I currently play on a rotating basis at one of the hospitals in the atrium of the doctors building. My own style has very much been restricted to laid back ballads (Mysty, etc.) , and I was quite leary when I put the DVD (from the library - sorry no buy yet) player. I had seen your show on TV occasionally and rarely listened to the entire program (my loss for sure as I know now - btw, your program The Piano Guy does not seem to be airing in St. Louis to which I am most disappointed. I say that because after watching the first six chapters of Tips, Cheap Tricks & Professional Secrets, I found myself going to the piano, and whoa, blues started to happen with both hands like never before. Now I want you also to know I have taken jazz lessons - some from some excellent teachers, but it was not until you shared with me and your guests the way to enjoy it, that I felt the freedom to let go and let play happen. Since my playing has largely revolved around arpeggiated bass (groan, I know), this has been like a window opening for me. I was even fired by one of the best jazz teachers in the area as he told me he had never had a person who plays by ear be able to cross over into jazz, because one needs to think the patterns, etc. through before putting fingers on the keys. So I backed off for a long time. All of a sudden this morning, I was really having fun playing the keys and doing things I had never done before. At this point I don't think I could duplicate all of it, but it was great. I was having a ball! I will keep going at it, believe me, as it was too much fun! Thank you so very much. I will be checking out your website more. I wish your program would air in St. Louis. You seem to be covering all the bases for sure, and making sure that is not only fun, but self satisfying in giving the joy of playing back to oneself and those who listen. You are COOL! P.S. You told me I COULD do it! Best wishes,
L. Mendelsohn, Chesterfield, MO

Thank you Scott. I travelled 5-1/2 hrs round trip to Troy, MI yesterday to participate in your class. You are a superb presenter, teacher, instructor, and entertainer. Your commitment and enthusiasm to this wonderful instrument and sharing it with others is graciously received and appreciated. You have given us (back) the gift of music. We truly appreciate your time and your efforts! Surely, the piano manufactures OWE YOU!
Anonymous

Hey Scott, I'm a 17 year old student in high school, and I just wanted to say how great your show is. It helps me improve my piano skills. I watch your show everytime it's on because I record it through DVR. I just want to say thanks and hopefully I will be at one of your workshops because you are just so amazing. Exspecially when you did the song "Let it be," my all time favorite when played on piano. Sincerely,
J. Putraw

Scott, I first have to say thank you so much for giving me the gift of playing the piano! I thought I could never do it, but your method has proved me wrong. I'm actually playing songs that I like, and I just got introduced to this method a few weeks ago! It's awesome!
B. Cain

Dear Scott, I want to let you know that I have been playing piano for 50 years (still at the hobby level!) and that you, your techniques and especially your TV show are a real inspiration for me. Your enthusiasm is infectious, and I race to the piano after the show to try your techniques. Thank you SO MUCH for bringing a new dimension to my playing, even after all these years. You are more than a fantastic musician, you are a marvelous teacher and an ambassador for the musical life. Regards,
Linda

Scott, Awesome. Thanks for the personal response. I've played for 20 years off an on, and I have to tell you I was blown away by how cool I think your show is. Keep up the good work.
Jon

Thank you Scott. I have learned a lot from your material. I am having so much fun playing the piano now. I play in our church and use all chords since you pointed out it is easier for the song leader. I can learn the music quickly this way. Now I am adding the base chord (G/C). It sounds great on some pieces. I was just playing the same chord on both hands. Hope you had a great Thanksgiving. Your thankful friend,
S Merkert

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

Scott, I love your show on PBS. I'm 53 years old. I have played piano since I was six, but haven't really touched one for the last 15-20 years. I saw your show about 1-1/2 to 2 years ago on playing with chords, and I've been re-born to play. Thanks for the inspiration. I never miss your new show either. It's great when you have the pros show how they play. Keep up the good work!
Trace

Scott, What you do, even without the seminars, just with your TV shows and book, is show a guy in is sixties that he really can sit down at a keyboard and make music. I've been playing, purely for my own enjoyment, off and on now for a couple of years, since watching several of your programs and buying your book. I'm not as good or advanced as I should be in this amount of time, but that's probably because I just do it for fun, and I get caught up in what I can do with all the various bells and whistles on my keyboard. But I am good enough to sit down and play my own style of bluesy, jazzy tunes, and put together my own little jam sessions on my keyboard. And while I'm doing it, I am transported into some dark, smoky little bar, playing cool riffs in the F blues scale. It's a cool feeling to just sit down, run through a few songs, using chords that sound right, in my own style. And it's a good feeling to be able to open up a fake book, pick out a song, and know I can play (or figure out) all the chords. I don't know whether this is going to the right place, or how many of these you get to actually read, but I just wanted to say "Thank You!" You really opened a door for me.
R. Parker, McKinney, TX

I make a point to watch your program everyday on WHUT in Baltimore and find it fascinating. I am a retired technican and bassist and always learn a bit more from your show. I strongly believe in your method and when I played in bands, I would lay out my bass lines from the chords of the lead sheets. It's great that you display and explain the construction of those chords. Your guests are extremely accomplished. I find Brad Sowash most interesting in both playing skills and his ability to demonstrate and evplain his technique. Bobby Floyd shares years of experience with tricks of the trade in his wonderful style. In one segment, you revealed the fact that your father played trombone with either Benny Goodman or Glen Miller. That had to be quite an influence on your musical career. I love your show; stay with us and thank you. Rick
Rick Steckel, Maryland / USA

OK Scott, everything you said was true. Abandoning my memories of two years of torture taking classic piano lessons, almost 50 years later I have returned to the keyboard with your CD and book in hand. Amazingly I can, after one week with your method, play three times as many songs as I could after two years of traditional lessons (and that would be a total of three.) Now, of great importance to me personally is this: Please tell me the name of the Duke Ellington tune you reference and play in the second part of your CD. I have learned only that part which you demonstrate in the program, but unless I can learn the rest I will never play again! Finally, can you tell me if anyone markets a Duke Ellington fake book. I find his tunes as a part of collections, but I am most interested in Ellington alone.Many thanks Scott, I can now die a happy piano player. Regards, Your New Best Friend,
L. Darling, Saline, Michigan

Scott, you are selling golf clubs that hit the ball straight and far - each time. Forget 10 years of lessons to break par. It's like playing Pebble Beach and hitting like Tiger Woods within a few months. Simply amazing! You MUST be frustrating many piano teachers all over the country. Imagine a first-time student walking in and wanting to play "Misty" and the teacher insists on "Mary had a Little Lamb." I went to the music store looking for fake books, and they had a few buried in the back of the store. I told the guy I did not want to learn piano by playing dumb songs. He did not know how to respond except "take it slow." I thought "forget that, I'm going to learn songs I love right now." Anyway I found a fake book that had the "Cheers" theme on it, and presto… I'm playing it by memory within a month and well on that road to "Me-ville." I also bought the Laughlin book and tape on Christmas songs (through your web site). He is an excellent teacher and the chord variations are very cool! Thank you for letting this Genie out of the bottle. I think the piano and keyboard industry owes you a cut of the profits they will be reaping. Congratulations on your success! Your obedient student,
M. Murphy, Alamo, CA

I enjoyed the Piano in a Flash class. It was wonderful & inspiring. I've been playing a lot and believe I'm getting better all the time. Slowly, but surely. It's great fun! Thanks again, Scott!
Julie B., Elgin, IL

A note of thanks: I've only read half your book, and I can already play half my favorite song, "Memories." I'm so glad you decided to do what you do... because now I can do what I want to do. You're spreading good in the world. Yeah for you.
Anonymous

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

Thank you Scott for making learning so easy.  It speaks to me, and I can fulfill my dream to play. Everything you say is me, and I finally get the big secret.  I'm 53 years old and am learning to play the piano. You are a blessing!
M. Salinas ,

I watched your show for the first time today, and it was awsome/awsome/awsome (3 of them for lack of better words)... I love jazzy/ bluesy stuff, but I never was taught to play. I know the basics from elementary music class, but everything I play is by ear. People say I'm really good.....no.. YOU'RE really good, I just have potential. I don't even know if I'm trying to ask you something or what. ......I guess I'm trying to...... A little bit of advise probably wouldn't hurt (if/when you have time.) It's too bad I'm so broke, or I'd buy a "learn to play DVD from you or something.. i read the pamphlet thing you have (basic stuff.) I love music more than anything I can think of (right now,) and I would love more than anything to be able to create better, more technical music. I'm leaving for the Navy in like three months (May/June.) (It's a last option kinda thing), so if you have, like i said, a little advise or something, I'd be more than happy..... thanx man.
G Benford

Scott, I have played the piano (by ear w/barely any lessons) since I was 6 and am now almost 31 years old. I've played in bands and still play to this day, keyboards of course. I own 2 nice Roland keyboards and a Yamaha acoustic piano. I love playing the piano, and I love to listen to my favorite cd's or latest burns and learn the keyboard parts in them. More recently my focus has been on country and 70's music, although my initial comfort zone included mostly 80's and 90's rock, pop and a little bit of this and that. I have to say I always HATED to hear blues music and maybe it's because I felt inadequate in that category. But since I bought your DVD over a year ago, Play Piano in a Flash, after seeing your program on PBS, I turned over a new leaf. My boyfriend has a lot to do w/that too though because he's been playing bass for many years now, and he is very good at coaching me on what I might need to do differently. But after watching your DVD, I have been playing that little Blues riff w/the 6 or 7 notes up and down the keys, w/C F and G chords on bass notes forever now. I've played around with it, switched the tempo, did the upper keys different, etc. When people hear it they think that it's great and I can't thank you enuf for sharing your knowledge. Now I want to get the other 2 DVD's and see what other kind of hints I can pick up. It's nice to find someone willing to share their cheats/hints w/others!!! Thanks so much!!!
K. Schwartz, Utica, KY

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