I do not play the piano. I wish, in many ways, that I did. I bailed out on piano lessons when I was about 12, much to my mother and grandmother’s dismay. Had I know about neoclassical music then, and been so entranced by the beautiful sounds I am so lucky to hear and then write about, I might have stuck with it. I know if I had, I would have needed very good piano lessons. I know I would have needed Quiescence Music.
I was introduced to this site not long ago. I have been very excited to show it to all of you because it is unique. The Web site offers piano lessons, yes online piano lessons, to teach the unique style that is the signature of new age or neoclassical music.
Because of my interest in this site, I was able to meet its owner and the teacher of Quiescence Music, Edward Weiss. Weiss is a composer and musician and teaches his students the techniques that make this style of music so enchanting. He says,
Here is everything you need to know to learn
the art of New Age piano playing! Quiescence Music’s easy step-by-step audio-based piano lessons make learning a breeze! No previous experience is necessary or required!
Weiss assured me that no prior experience is necessary. Of course, you will need access to a computer and a piano, but the rest is something you can learn. If you have some basic piano playing skills, so much the better.
There is a free sample lesson provided. It is called, “Reflections in Water,” and it will teach you to “to use open position chords along with broken chord technique to create a calm, reflective atmosphere.” What Weiss is teaching is improvisation but that word doesn’t mean what you think it does. I like what he has to say about it:
Many students wonder why they have problems improvising. When I explain to them that the problem is not with technique but attitude, they look at me surprised. After all, aren’t they willing to learn? Of course! But they must first shun the “creative genius” persona and be willing to let go and let the music tell them where it wants to go.
I like that idea. I think it opens up music rather than creates a set of rules that “must” be followed or else some great music god in the sky will rain all over you. Music should come from the heart and the soul - Weiss works to teach you how to allow that process to occur.
The lessons provided at this site are strictly for the piano but when I asked Weiss if the method could translate over to other instruments (thinking of my violin and my new endeavor to play it), he said that the philosophy applies to any instrument, although his lessons are directed solely to piano.
Give it a try. The prices are more than reasonable and who knows? You could be the next Chuck Brown or Jeff Bjork.
Oh, and before I forget - signing up now gets you a free copy of the text, “New Age Piano Made Easy.” Classes are ongoing and a free workbook is provided but this text is just one more reason to sign up. I just may consider it… Now if I can just get my piano from Seattle to Nebraska - and that’s a whole other story!
Quiescence Music
