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I am hooked on piano thanks to your workshop at Parkland College in Champaign, IL on Sept. 27. Thanks so much for simplifying piano technique, which has always been overwhelming to me.Thanks again
M. Misner, Champaign, IL

I am the guy that you wrote your book for. I took piano and violin lesson in the first and second grade. I played some sax in high school and college. I played some piano during those years but was just self - taught. The theory here was notes are notes. As my kids grew up I became a fair banjo player but always wanted to play piano. Last summer while I was in St. Johns Newfoundland on business, I was watching WJR Detroit on TV (Doesn’t make much sense to me either) when your half hour show came on. You didn’t teach me anything I didn’t already know. You just gave me the nerve to try it. Most importantly I took to your concept of just learning the chords that you needed to play my favorite music. When I got home I purchased you book on line and again it doesn’t teach me anything new except the attitude that it is OK to sit down and try it out. The results were immediate and favorable. I can play piano. Candidly I can play pretty well. The neat thing is that now I hear what I want to play and with my son’s fake book in front of me, I can make it happen. This is just a thank you note. You have given me the gift of playing piano. I think my family thanks you also, now I play less banjo. I do look forward to you new TV series and will contact my local public television stations. Thanks!
B. Hayes

Thank you very much. You have opened a whole new world to me.
Bob

I saw you on TV helping to raise money for public television last night. Just so happened the day before, I bought a keyboard and swore to myself I would learn a few chords to go with a few of the notes I could pick out. In just a few minutes watching you, I got up, went to the keyboard and ''BAM;" I could put it all together. I'm very excited now because this is a milestone for me and has sparked further interest in learning to play. Thank you for the simplicity you have managed to create for playing the piano. Thanks,
Joey

Dear Scott, I am having the time of my life playing the piano. No one ever told me that learning the piano is the same as learning the guitar - one song, one run of cords. And now finally the piano makes sense to me. The big mystery is gone and this wonderful instrument is something that even I (a person who lived in screaming terror of the piano) can enjoy. I'm having so much fun. Thank you. I'm hoping you will some day come back to Raleigh, NC because I will quickly enroll in your courses. A big fan,
M Medawar, Raleigh, NC

I bought your book at Barnes & Noble last week. I read it thoroughly and bought a "fake book" on Thursday. Today is Monday and I already can play 6 songs!!!! I took piano lessons years ago. My two girls play, but I could never get passed the level 2 books with any success. I play the guitar and the banjo so I'm not completely unfortunate in the musical arena, but... I just couldn't get past the note reading. Your book is wonderful!!! I just ordered the Audio CD so I can listen to it while I play the piano. Hopefully I will be able to master some of your techniques. I'm still sounding rather "elementary". I'm hoping the CD will help.I went back to Barnes & Noble to purchase an additional copy of your book for my father and the sales clerk tried to talk me out of buying it. She said she played the piano, and your book wasn't very helpful!!! Imagine that... sour grapes or what! Anyway, I'm sending my dad a copy of your book, and I'm sure he will just love it! Scott, I am 1/4 of a two job, two kid working family... If I can do it then ANYBODY can! Thanks for sharing the joy of music with the rest of us!
L. Branson

Hi Scott, I saw you demonstrating your method for piano playing on television today and was very impressed. I was glued to the TV and didn't want to miss a beat! LOL . I live in Clearwater, Florida and would love to attend your workshop in September to St. Augustine. I currently write and record childrens' songs as well as other styles of music and have learned to play the piano myself in somewhat the way you do. My husband plays the guitar and often gives me guidance. Every time I write a new song he always says to just start out with the chords first, and then add all the other stuff. Hey, it works. I think it's great that you are able to give people the gift of learning how to play because it can fill one's soul with such contentment and peace. You have such a funny sense of humor and you explain everything in an easy to understand way. I look forward to seeing you in St. Augustine.
Anonymous

Loved the newsletter and your method of learning to play piano. I have had your CD and books for about two months and am having the time of my life! I have never played any kind of musical instrument before and really have no musical background. I now have a digital piano and am playing 5 to 6 songs pretty well - a bit slow but well. Anyway I am loving it. It is really difficult for me to stay away from the piano.Could you post the fake book again that you recommend? I saw it some where on your site when I first received my book and materials but now I can't locate it. Thanks for the great joy you have given me!!!!
J. Nichols, Pismo Beach, Ca.

My husband and I took your workshop at Mary Castle Elementary through Lawrence Township Schools a couple of weeks ago. I gave him the lessons as an anniversary present. He has always wanted to learn and I have been playing with limited success for over 25 years. We both loved it! After talking with family and friends I realized what a wonderful Christmas present your workshop would make. I will be set for gift ideas for many gift -giving occasions to come.
L. Willson, Indianapolis, IN

Scott, Thanks again for the GREAT Show !!!!! Your guests are SOOOOOOO talented and you do a very GOOD job of disecting the pieces into parts so I can follow along with my DVR and my keyboard. I actually wish it was a little more detailed but I know you have time contraints and all. Also wish you would put up some sort of lead sheet on screen like you do when you play when they play their pieces. Even just a basic one would help. Will keep in touch.
S. McDonald

Hi Scott. I took your class in Findlay and enjoyed the hell out of it! I'm even enjoying it more now that I can play some things! I know you are a busy man! Thanks again for helping me to enjoy my Clavinova.
K Lloyd, Findlay, OH

Dear Scott, I really enjoyed your presentation at Jordan-Kitts Fairfax last Thursday. I am inspired to play my piano, and I'm so happy that I don't have to play the wigwam tune that I played as a child some 65 years ago!
M. Whitham, VA

Hi Scott,You don't need to respond to this e-mail. I just wanted to thank you for your great ideas. I am a piano teacher who was looking for a more interesting and fun way to teach adults. I saw your show on PBS, and it really inspired me. I was trained to play only classical music, so I didn't know about lead sheets and what sort of popular music people might like to learn. I now use a fake book with one of my adult students, and she was very excited that she could play with two hands after having had just a few lessons. The pieces that you played on TV also gave me the idea to try some jazzier tunes with my students. Thank you so much for improving my teaching.
Laura

I TV-Surfed onto your PBS show this morning and in 30 minutes learned more than in a year of piano lessons as a kid. I'm 47 years old now. Your method is so understandable. I'm a bass and guitar player in a band now and can fill in on keyboard and drums when necessary but only at a basic level. The love of music is the basis for a great group of friends getting together in Charlotte NC. We're all professionals in other fields that meet once or twice a week to play. If you have time, check out our website. I just wanted to say thanks for the inspiration. I can't wait to get back on the keyboard this week and look forward to your next show.
K. Campbell

After 4 years and very little discipline with practicing, I have used Scott's cord method of playing the piano. I could not play and did not OWN a piano before my 1 night class. It so excited me that I bought one and started right in using Scott's book and audio tapes. The piano has become my friend and definite stress reliever!! I'm still working on self discipline to prove to myself that one day I will be able to play just like Scott!!! Sincerely,
P Orr, Columbus, Oh

I just wanted to write and say THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! My mother was an excellent classical pianist, and I always loved to listen to her play. She went blind when she was in her 50's and died at 59. I have her piano and wanted so much to learn to play. I did try taking some lessons, but found it to be difficult and time consuming. I was very disappointed and thought the piano would just sit in my home and collect dust! Then, I heard part of your presentation on the local PBS station, so I went out and purchased your book. I read the book on Saturday morning and by Saturday afternoon I was playing the piano. I have since mastered about a dozen songs and just sent for some new fake books for Christmas. Again, Thank you from a very satisfied customer!
L. Phillips

Hi Scott , Yogi , Jazzzzzzzzzzzzz, what a Blast HHHHHHaaaaaaa You are the reason I'm into playing. 3 years ago I saw your program on PBS, channel 13 in NJ. I bought a keyboard, and like you said play only the songs you like, that's what I did. Mostly Sinatra for me, an admirer of his for over 50 years, I probably have almost every song he ever recorded in Hal Leonard, Easy Play formats. I have over 40 Easy Play, large notes books. I play what I see. I have switched over to the Lowrey Organ, which I now have. I take lessons 1 time per week. I 'm never going to play in a band. I just mark the chords above the melody in pencil. The Lowrey has an MCS system which means just hitting 2 or 3 chord notes on the bottom keyboard & the Lowrey automatically fills in the pedals and what ever other notes are required for the measure, also it continues to hold the chord until I hit another one. Not bad, I'm doing great. Left hand is a bit slow, but that's ok. Thanks so much for helping me to fulfill a lifetime dream.
Tony

I am 77 years old, I took piano lessons 60+ years ago then stopped. Ten years ago I bought a "play by chords" program but the teacher talked so fast, I could not understand what he was saying. Then I bought another program where the instructor wanted me to "learn all the chords before I played the songs I wanted to play". Then, I saw you on T.V. one night. Bought your "Play piano in Flash" book and I was hooked. Your comment about "play the songs you want to play with a few chords" made all the difference. I concentrated on a few simple songs and now I can play most of the songs in your fake book (not great but pleases me). Your battery operated chord finder was also helpful. I have since purchased the childs version of your "Play, piano in a flash" plus chord finder and fake book for my 7 year old grandson. Hopefully I can get him and the other of our 14 grandchildren to learn your methods. At least 6 of the older children took "traditional" lessons but soon stopped as it was "too boring". Thanks for bringing a great deal of pleasure to my life.
Bob, Georgia

Dear Mr. Houston, I purchased your book and video through NET in June. I've learned more music from your materials than from all my previous music educational sources combined. (Thank you)
J. Rouse, Omaha NE

Hi Scott: I used to play the accordian (8 years) and have now started to learn piano on a keyboard I got at a garage sale. I think you are a GREAT teacher!!!!! I have seen your show at least 10 times on PBS. Please keep teaching just the way you are!!!!!! I hope you have a new show sometime soon. I live here in Los Angeles and watch you on KCET. Thank you and take care.
Eric

I'm in Los Angeles and I use to watch your show on the PBS station here. I have noticed recently that I haven't seen it broadcast in a while. I assumed that it had just ran its course, and it was time for it to leave the air. I will send PBS an E mail asking them to start running it again. I hope that others will do the same. Like I said, I have 3 DVDs of yours: The piano Guy with Scott Houston, both volumes of the tricks and professional tips, 2 audio cds and your small paperback book. I have learned so much from reading the book and listening to the audio tape with left hand chord examples, and things to do with the melody etc. The 2 DVD's with the guest pianist on them are the best. Everytime I watch one of them I learn something. Your choice of guest pianist on the DVD's were very good ones. I enjoyed what every one of the pianist had to say. My favorite is I think his name is Dave Powers, well if I have his name wrong, it is the pianist that was playing the Beatles tune Yesterday. on tape two he plays "The Christmas Song (chestnuts on an open fire). Anyway thanks again for the left hand chord suggestion on the song that stays on the same chord for 10 measures. Oh yea! thanks for the quick reply. You responded real quick. I thought I wouldn't get a response for a day or so. So thanks!!!
T.S.

I love your book, "Play Piano in a Flash," chord finder and your fake book. I started learning to play piano before my kids were born and then had to give up the lessons to raise my family. My family is grown up now. I want to continue learning. Your technique of teaching is fantastic. You have brought a wonderful hobby back to me. I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
M. Tulett

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

Dear Piano Guy, I’ve been playing piano my entire life.  I read music and have studied classical music, and I still get a lot out of your programs.  I’ve never learned much about theory, so your information is very interesting to me and useful to my piano students.  I think you do a good job on your shows.
Veronika

I just happened to catch you on PBS. I own a 1930's Ivers & Pond and after just watching half of your show I was making music in minuets :). I do play guitar, so that helps in understanding tha basics on chords. That and I also found this site for chord charts! Thank You :)
C. Morlock

I have had this synthesizer that I had a hard time playing. One day as I was trying to fix something on my TV, channel 56 happened to be on, and I saw you showing how simple it can be to play piano. My synthesizer (Keyboard as they call them now) is a top-of-the-line-model that's just like a piano except it can sound like 150 different instruments and has features that would blow your mind. Any how, you gave me the courage to try. I bought your book at a book store in the mall. Before, I played melody and once in a while rhythms. Now I'm a full fledged player using chords and everything. I even write my own songs, a desire I have had when I was in the hospital trying to get stablized on my proper medicine. (I have a chemical imbalance in my body.) Now if I could learn to sing and sound halfway decent. Who knows, maybe if the good Lord is willi, maybe I could put out a CD. I read your book "Play Piano in a Flash," two times, and I'm planning a third. I'm having a ball with that synthesizer- THANK YOU. You are a "God send." And may God Bless You. I now do melody, chords, and rhythm. I also add in a few sound effects. I'm looking foreward to playing more. Thank you. You are really great, and I'm telling everybody I know about you and your book. Thank You. Sincerely.
D. S. Greer

I recently attended your class in Henderson Kentucky in late October and I am currently plunking my way through your Christmas Carol book. I am sounding better as I go (at least that's what my family tells me!) But I can tell a big difference too, considering I have never had a piano lesson in my life! A short story: Three, maybe four months ago I bought this great big hunk of a piano at a yard sale for $80.00 which no one in our house had a clue how to play. I paid a fellow $50.00 to tune it knowing no one could play it. I dusted it weekly and tinkered out a few chords and kiddie songs when I was bored. And I fussed at the little ones when they banged around on it with hot wheel cars and barbie dolls. I coerced my 13 year old to try out a few piano lessons with her aunt that totalled all of three lessons (this was with future hopes that she in turn would teach me) and then I saw your newspaper ad........ I just wanted to let you know that I am very pleased with my "progress." Though I don't think I'll get very rich playing the piano for hire........I am very delighted to be able to sit down and actually sound out a song or two.........and I have introduced some people I work with to your methods and I am hearing some great (and funny ) things. Keep up the enlightening and encouraging work!
D. Steward, Henderson, KY

My piano tuner, who has also taught piano in our community for years, just left,so now I'm all tuned up and ready to go! I told him about your workshop and thought you might be interested in his response. He chuckled and said, "If I ever decide to teach piano again, that's exactly the way I'd do it. Good for him!" How's that for a professional opinion? By the way, this man is highly respected in our town, and, although retired, he still plays the blues on Rush Street in Chicago four nights a week. I truly enjoyed your workshop. I learned much more than I thought I would and had a good time, too. Of course now nothing is getting done around the house because I'm always in my piano room "noodling".
P. Borchardt, Chicago IL

Thank you! Thank You! THANK YOU! I just wanted to thank you for opening the BARN DOOR and giving me HOPE! The day after I learned your technique I played for 4 hours! I'm slowly getting better - but still have a long way to go - but I CAN FINALLY PLAY and don't get freaked out at the sharps and flats!!!!!! At last - I CAN PLAY! Thank you so much! You're providing a wonderful service, even if it does take you away from home so many days of the year, please know that you're VERY appreciated. Your book has even more "goodies" in it than the class! Thank you again. I'm finally having FUN at the piano.
Julie B., Elgin, IL

I caught your show by the wonders of Tivo which allowed me to tape all of your upcoming episodes. Your show is truly refreshing and makes me smile everytime I watch it. This is how music should be taught. I cannot tell you how many musicians I have played with who do not understand ANY music theory and cannot improvise and play along with other instruments due to their lack of understanding of what underpins songs.This is the real secret of your show that I love. You blend the basics of theory with modern application to entice everyone including me to try out new things to expand our playing style. Best of wishes- A piano playing fan in California
P. Greco

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