Creative Piano Instruction - Does it Exist?
by Edward Weiss
When most people think of piano lessons, they think drudgery. Beethoven, Czerny, scales, etc. What most people want, however, is to be able to express themselves creatively.
It's a fact that if you decide to learn how to play in the classical style, you can pretty much forget about creating music. Instead, you'll be recreating works that were inspired centuries ago and bringing them to life.
This is fine for most people and the curriculum usually stops here for them. For those who aren't satisfied with this routine, there is very little in the way of creative music instruction - except for jazz. In jazz, you learn theory, harmony, etc. But even here, it is suggested that you really not attempt anything creative until you get enough technique under your belt.
Then there is New Age music - my favorite genre. Why? Because it is heartfelt yet not sanguine. It is honest, yet not sappy. In short, here is a music that is contemporary and likable AND EASY TO LEARN!
I'm always amazed that teachers want to start their students with repertoire that dates back as far as the 16th century. While there is no question this music is "good," it's also dead. And while a beginning writer who wants to learn the art of fiction will read the best authors of the past, he or she also wants to create something modern! Something that has their own voice. Why should music be any different?
Piano lessons don't have to be the dull, lifeless exercise we know they can be. They can actually be FUN!
