Day 299

On p.20 of Pete's book, and working on "Something" using Pete's ideas. Ordered another book and its accompanying CD's: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0793598788/ref=s9_simp_gw_s4_p14_t1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=1ZE3G56E4VFKA4QEXZXE&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938631&pf_rd_i=507846

Day 298

On p. 19 of Pete's book, and worked on "Something" using Pete's ideas.
Dissappoined because I was going to post how "Something" sounds at this point but my USB input in the computer is broken...

Day 297

On p.18 of Pete's book; worked on "Something."

Day 296

Up to p.16 of Pete's book.

Surprise, surprise. Making yet another switch of Methods. I think that instead of focusing on just learning chords, I’d like to learn how to use chords in melodies as well as in conjunction with Left hand movement. After all, this is what fake book play means to me. So, I’ll be revisiting Peter Friesen’s Pop Piano Pro Books.

Day 295

Here we are at yet the end of another year, and at the beginning of a new piano year….What have I accomplished this year is mostly a familiarity with clusters used in Sudnow arrangements of songs.

So as we start a new year, where am I going with piano this year? Any goals? Glad I asked….

Foremost, I want to play full arrangements of songs that are presented in fakebooks and sheetmusic. On the fly. But I do not want to play just bare-boned arrangements. I want to sound good. I want to have good left handed and right handed movements with nice fills. I’d like to also play written music, like Scott Joplin, but hey, that just ain’t a priority at this stage in my life….

I know, I know, I’ve changed Methods and goals before…..But so what!

Here’s my new goal for this year……drum roll please……
I’m going to be working on Alan Swain’s Four-Way Keyboard System Book 1 (and 2 if I get to it). I’d like to learn how to play chords on demand, because I think that is what I’ll have to do to get this on the fly fakebook stuff “on the fly.” And I think the Swain stuff can help with that.

I thought about taking piano lessons, but hey, I don’t think my finances can handle that. Thanks to my piano buddy Swingin' Barb for helping me have confidence in self-learning.

These books are going to take discipline, but I think I can handle it. I’ll still have to learn how to play nice piano fills, and maybe I’ll add something in along the line there.

Some more piano dreams, while I’m at it…….
I’d like to play pop and jazz standards in a restaurant even if there is just a tip jar….. I'd like to just sit down and play songs for my own enjoyment and the enjoyment of friends and family...
Not a big enough dream? Well how about this….I’d like to write songs using some of the things I’ll be learning! I’ve written songs before, but I want to take it to a new level of sophistication…
So there you have it.

Short-term goals: Work through the Swain books. Consider getting some material on learning fills. Long term goals: Restaurant playing and songwriting!

Worked on p.4 of the first Swain book....

I'm going to try something different. I'll be using Swain's stuff. Its going to take memorization, so its a challenge.

Day 294

Yesterday, I satrted work on the Beatles' "Something."
Here's how it sounded today:
http://www.box.net/shared/atl024v088

Its the last of my Beatles trilogy for this weekend.

Day 293

Here's "Here, There, and Everywhere" this morning....
http://www.box.net/shared/1aasaoof11

Also, learned and recorded "Yesterday." Here it is:
http://www.box.net/shared/ni8mnb56jd

Started to learn: "Something."

Day 292

Working on "Here, There, and Everywhere," and really like it. Its flowing better than yesterday's recorded take. Adding a nice Beatles riff over the words "...never care."
Really enjoyed it today, taking it slowly. Thanks again, Dr. Sudnow, and Swingin' Barb.

Day 291

Working on "Here, There, and Everywhere."

Trying to find a "happy medium" between memorizing some parts and not. Reading the melody slows me down, but I guess I should get used to doing reading rather than memorizing.

Sounds nice.

Addendum: Decided to record it. Here's how it sounds at this point:
http://www.box.net/shared/8u2kcdxvs0

Day 290

Interesting how this stuff seems to be getting quicker. Just as David Sudnow said.
Started work today on "Here, There, and Everywhere."

Day 289

Worked on "Oh Little Town of Bethlehem."
Here it is: http://www.box.net/shared/0159kmify7

Day 288

Working on "Oh Little Town of Bethlehem," getting my money's worth from my Christmas Fakebook. Using Sudnow Method for dominants !

Day 287

Working hard on "Silent Night."
Here it is: http://www.box.net/shared/hfdmgze0uf

Day 286

Worked on "Silent Night."

Day 285

Happy Holly and Ivy:
http://www.box.net/shared/tbjbmy7upy

Day 284

This song was very challenging......but here it is......
http://www.box.net/shared/2c6zu2pq78

Day 283

Got a Christmas Fake book....

Here's how I sounded today....
http://www.box.net/shared/44k3af90as

Started working on "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen."

Day 282

Did some work on "All the Things You Are."
THis is how it sounds after day one: http://www.box.net/shared/umo3t2sj2s

Day 281

Here's how it sounds today:
http://www.box.net/shared/lorcycbufv

Day 280

Working on "What Child is This."

The piano can be frustrating and great.....

Here's how it sounds today:
http://www.box.net/shared/m548qt65ev

Day 279

Worked on "What Child is This."
Here's how it sounds so far....
http://www.box.net/shared/fsgph62f02

Day 278

An interesting piano day....

Usually I just got the urge to switch piano methods.....but this was more serious!

For the first time in a very long time, I just didn't feel like continuing with the piano.....
Just didn't feel like playing piano anymore.... Felt zapped of enthusiasm....
Felt tempted to just play guitar....

But then I sat at the piano and began playing the Beatles' "Blackbird" using a mixture of the Sudnow Method and my own adaptation of the Method.

And it was enjoyable.

So I guess I'll stick around for awhile.

Day 277

Mostly finished with "Have Yourself a Very Merry Christmas." Time to move on!
Not A+, but its OK!
Here it is: http://www.box.net/shared/idqrjqmed9

Here's another recorded today:
http://www.box.net/shared/xzkqg41drz

Day 276

Practiced "Have Yourself" and had more fun with it today than yesterday. Can just about play it though to the end.

Day 275

Struggling, bumbling, and working on "Have Yourself a Very Merry Christmas."
Here's how it sounded today (incomplete):
http://www.box.net/shared/kslzh5iqib

Day 274

Worked on "Have Yourself a Very Merry Christmas."

Why do the bridges of songs have to be such a pain?!

Day 273

Here's how I sounded today:
http://www.box.net/shared/fqg5b3o7c2

Day 272

Working on "Have Yourself" and its sounding nice.

Day 271

Started reworking on "Have Yourself a Very Merry Christmas."

That detour led to a familiar place.....

Since my goal is to play on the fly from fakebooks, I'm going to concentrate just on voicing songs the Sudnow way, with a little stride thrown in every once in awhile. I'm going back to the Sudnow approach because I think it minimizes memorization. And since I hate memorization, bu realize that some of it is necessary, I'll go back to a Method that minimizes such.

But here's how I'll differ from my last venture into Sudnowville:
1. No writing down stuff. Just learn as doing, since this is the skill I hope to be good at.
2. Slow is OK, but I won't move on to another song until the previous song is able to be played on time. I'll allow myself to look at the lead sheet as I play, since again, that's the skill I want to be good at.
3. Then ditch the song. Won't memorize it. Can always go back to it. If I have to figure out the voicings again, tough! That's what I'll be doing reading on the fly anyway!
4. Use some of my memory startegies if helpful.

In a nutshell, using Sudnow ideas:
1) Its most fun and rewarding for me at the piano when I learn and hear the clusters and how those clusters combine in songs.
2) What's not fun and rewarding to me is memorizing.
3) Soooooo, I'll voice one song at a time, realizing it may be a struggle as the song gets more and more measures, but I think by doing it this way I am minimizing memorization but maximizing learning (the Sudnow way of learning in the context of my goal [playing from a fakebook]). And I'm minimizing more the frustration I feel in memorizing by not forcing myself to have X number of songs memorized.

Day 270

(Should have posted this yesterday).
Just did some work withe the Swain book.

Day 269

On same pages of Swain and the Method Book.

Here's a little experimenting:
http://www.box.net/shared/y9ymdyjz6y

And another version:
http://www.box.net/shared/guvce606s2

Day 268

I've been playing, but not really a lot. Back more in the swing of things today with the same pages of the Swain book and the Method Book. Getting bored again with the Method Book....might replace that with something that might be more fun .... like "Improvising Blues Piano" perhaps?

Day 267

Still working on the same pages of the Swain book and the Method Book.

Day 266

OK.....a plan for now.....

Will use Alan Swain's material as well as the Method Book.

On p.5 of the Swain book and p. 10 of the Method Book.

d e t o u r

Here’s the scoop. I’ve decided to stop using the Sudnow Method, at least for now. I’ve learned a lot with the Method, but I’ve decided to try out some of Alan Swain’s material at this time. I believe with Alan’s Method, there may be more of a utilization of what may be limited memorized open voicings for chords, rather than the learning of a number of clusters which seems to be emphasized with the Sudnow method. Of course, I may be wrong in my description of these methods, so don’t take my impressions as being exact goals of either approach. However, I think it may be more beneficial for me in my learning to try the Swain ideas….

Realizing that there is no one method that is the “Single Best Way” is something of a theme that has run through this blog. But I think the Swain stuff is worthy of a good try at this point in my learning…

Tonight I played a little fakebook Beatles stuff, and played some Sundow stuff....

Who knows, this detour may take me right back to the Sudnow Method.

To be continued….

Day 265

(Should have posted this yesterday).
Short practice of scales, Over the Rainbow and Misty.

Memorization gets daunting.

Day 264

Played repertoire and working on "Have a Very Merry."

In the recent spirit of adding other stuff to this blog, here's a picture of my son, my main man.

Today is a big day for father and son: As I type this, he's listening to the Beatles "Because" on vinyl ! ! ! !

Like father...........like son!

Day 263

Practiced scales, repertoire, and making progress on "Have a Merry..."

Things today went smoother than yesterday.

I'm also in a rock and roll band, and we actually have a name as of today: Opaque. I am the guitar player. Some passing thoughts were, why not give up piano and focus on just the guitar in the band? Naa..... ! It would be naive to think that the piano and me will always have a wonderful relationship with each other. It is a complex instrument, and it just is not easy. It would be foolish to think that I'll just breeze through it. Although yesterday was rough, today was easier. I got a piano, a great Method, a great piano buddy, and the desire to continue. I just can't see stopping. I also can't see switching methods. I learned my lesson there....

Oh and by the way, here's a picture of my two beautiful daughters!

Day 262

It seems like repeated listenings to David Sudnow's Course offers newer gems....

In today's listening, I realize how I need to spend more time on his quality practice rules....

Again, no need to rush. Focus on quality and not hasty sloppy practice.

A challenging day for practice. Practiced scales. Practiced repertoire, but clusters getting confused.... Working on "Have a Very Merry," but progress on it is slowing down.

Day 261

AM
Practiced scales, repertoire, and "Have a Very Merry"

PM
Practiced "Have a Very Merry."

Enjoying the Sudnow Method; cool how the song takes shape with great sounds as clusters are added as I practice.

Day 260

AM
Practiced scales and Repertoire.

PM
Worked on "Have Yourself a Very Merry Christmas."

Note to Self: Stop trying to find shortcuts.

Day 259

AM
Practiced Scales and "My Romance."

Day 258

AM
Practiced scales and repertoire.

PM
Tried playing on the fly from a fakebook. I got a ways to go until I can do that!
Worked on "Have Yourself a Very Merry Christmas."

Day 257

Played repertoire and scales.

Also, began and finished voicing "Have Yourself a Very Merry Christmas."

Started working on memorizing "Have Yourself a Very Merry Christmas."

Day 256

Practiced scales, played "Misty," "Over the Rainbow," and.......drum roll please.......finished "My Romance." Added "My Romance" to my repertoire. Here's how "My Romance" sounds at this time: http://www.box.net/shared/2uto4h8mbm

Day 255

(Should have posted this yesterday).
Continued to work on scales, repertoire, and "My Romance."
Getting ready to begin voicing "Have Yourself a Very Merry Christmas."

Day 254

AM
Practiced Scales, Repertoire, "My Romance."

PM
Practiced "My Romance." I don't see spending too much more time on this tune until I move on to song #4. Not sure what song #4 will be yet...

Day 253

Practiced scales, repertoire, and working on "My Romance."

Day 252

AM PRACTICE
Scales, "Over the Rainbow," and "Misty."

PM PRACTICE
"My Romance" which is coming along nicely.

Day 251

Went through the repertoire, scales, and working on "My Romance."
A challenging day, trying to remember the different sections to "My Romance."

Picked up the book "Free Play" yesterday, which looks to be interesting....

Day 250

AM:
Scales and repertoir

LATER IN DAY:
Working on "My Romance."

Interesting how perhaps my hands are getting an idea of where to go?

Day 249

AM PRACTICE
Scales, Repertoire.

PM PRACTICE
Played around with "Norweigan Wood"
Worked on "My Romance."

Day 248

This morning, I practiced the major scales, played my repertoire, and worked on "My Romance." Here's how it was going this morning: http://www.box.net/shared/ea6mxhu2hp
Tonight, I worked more on "My Romance."

Day 247

AM PRACTICE
Scales and Repertoire

PM PRACTICE
Working on "My Romance"

Day 246

Working still on perfecting "Misty" and "Over the Rainbow."

Working on learning "My Romance."

Gotta love those Sudnow clusters....!

Daily practice is sure better than anything less......taking it slow is OK.

Making good, solid progress.

Day 245

Continue to work on perfecting "Misty" and "Over the Rainbow."

Completed voicing "My Romance" and started to learn it.

Day 244

Been working still on "Over the Rainbow" and "Misty" trying to keep them freshly available to play. Voicing "My Romance," with its 15,000 chords. Its a challenge, but I'm up for it!

A good, hard working, and productive piano day.

Day 243

Worked on "Misty" and "Over the Rainbow." Frustrated as parts get forgotten and/or played in the wrong song. Frustrated as I fgured out I was making mistakes in how I was playing.

Worked on voicing "My Romance." More difficult than I thought it'd be!

Ironically, encouraged listening to Sudnow's talks! This is something that ain't gonna happen overnight, and I'm taking the leap of faith in trusting his Method. Encouraged and motivated.

Day 242

Listening to Sudnow's Lecture is encouraging.
New Goal: By 9/16/10, I'll have 15 to 20 songs in hand.

Practiced "Misty" and "Over the Rainbow."

Day 241

Here's "Misty."
http://www.box.net/shared/xfas78c51o

Day 240

Played "Over the Rainbow," and practicing "Misty."

Practicing "Misty" for the Music Sharing Event to be unveiled in October at the Sudnow Forum.

Day 239

Just having a blast with the Sudnow Method.

Today, mostly practiced "Misty."

INTERMISSION

Wish there was more time to practice, but life just takes over......

Hoping to get a little something done tonight and maybe more tomorrow as schedule frees up some tomorrow.

Listened to some Sudnow stuff today about polychords/arpeggios that was cool.

Did I say that i wish that there was more time to practice?

The Sudnow Method is just tooooo cooooool.

Practiced some the last couple days, but didn't log it here.

Day 238

Played "Over the Rainbow," and hard at work on "Misty." Here's a sample:
http://www.box.net/shared/5i4guvj0qf

Day 237

Still at it!

Playing "Over the Rainbow," and learning "Misty."

The Sudnow forum is a great help in navigating through the Sudnow Method.

Day 236

Having an ABSOLUTE BLAST with the Sudnow Method.

Played "Over the Rainbow." and finished voicing "Misty."

Things sound so beautiful, and things flow much better, when using David Sudnow's rules instead of doing things my way. How this guy put together this Method is just genius. It so deceptively simple yet absolutely powerful.

Thanks to David for his Method, and thanks to my piano buddy for not giving up on me!

235

Having a blast with the Sudnow Method.....taking it slow......fixing mistakes......not freaking out if it gets difficult......

Practiced "Over the Rainbow" and wishing I can play it on a "Real" piano...

Continuing to voice "Misty."

Day 234

Practiced "Over the Rainbow" to try to memorize it.
Worked on voicing "Misty."

Taking it slow, making no time to assess my progress until I'm done 20 songs.

Just trusting the "Sudnow Method" and just doing it and not assessing it is the goal.

Day 233

(Should have posted this yesterday).
A day to experiment with the Sudnow Method. Played Over the Rainbow, experimented with voicing on the fly. Dabbled in closed voicings.

Day 232

Working on "Over the Rainbow."
Here it is: http://www.box.net/shared/j8p167f3xv

Day 231

Another Decision Day.

Here's some of a post I wrote on the Sudnow Forum:

I'm back (to the Sudnow Method) with a new perspective that includes just shutting off my evaluations of my play, stop trying to find shortcuts, and mainly just doing the Sudnow Method.

So I will be in the "learning and nonevaluative" mode with the Suds Method. Here is part of my game plan:

1. I'm not going to judge how I sound anymore. Sure, if it sounds good, I won't be able to not notice! But the emphasis is going to be on LEARNING, and not on judging each song I do as the "be all and end all." Each song, each chord cluster, is going to be seen as a part of learning, and not as evidence of how bad or good I play. Learning is to be emphasized, not judging. So I won't move on to a second song until the first is played cleanly and carefully even if quite slowly.

2. No more trying to figure out shortcuts. No more figuring out things using my brain. Trust the Method. Just do the Method, don't evaluate it. REALLY STOP LOOKING FOR THE HOLY GRAIL METHOD. Put all the energy that I'm wasting either evaluating this Method or looking for the perfect method into just DOING THIS Method. Did I say, "Trust the Method? Play at the piano!

3:
A) Voice songs, one at a time.
B) Practice playing them carefully. Look at each cluster. Play each song on time. Even if its slow, play On Time. Don't memorize the song; OK to look on lead sheet as I play.
C) After I can play it On-Time, even if slowly, move on to the next song. I think one of my errors in the past is moving too quickly with accepting mistakes in songs, and then moving on to a next song.

Worked on "Over the Rainbow."

Day 230

(Should have posted this yesterday).
Attempting ti individualize Sudnow stuff to my learning style.

Day 229

On p. 14 of Pete's book.
On p. 12 of the Richards book.

Day 228

Did a little song play today....

Thinking still of the next steps.....

Day 227

Today I jammed with my buddy on bass!

Here's "Fly Me to the Moon," and "Pennies From Heaven."

http://www.box.net/shared/7ua8suv3ql
http://www.box.net/shared/ugdpe5mmui

Day 226

Practiced the last copule days and today, but decided to stop piano lessons at this time due to finances. Here's a preliminary plan....will use the Alan Swain book...stay tuned for further developments....

Day 225

Did the chord drills.

Started working on "Yesterday (More Complicated Version)."
It is D I F F I C U L T.

Day 224

(Should have posted this yesterday).
Played a little song stuff.

Day 223

(Should have posted this yesterday).

Had piano lesson.

Day 222

Did the four fingered chords and practiced my songs in preparation for tomorrow's lesson.

Day 221

Did the four finger chord drills in the goal time of ten minutes.
Played some song stuff: http://www.box.net/shared/mzo32zji7m

Day 220

(Should have posted this yesterday).
Practiced some songs.

Day 215

http://www.box.net/shared/tkem4f70o0

Day 219

Practiced "Misty."
Here's how it sounds at this point, complete with mistakes and cat meows:
http://www.box.net/shared/ln8vynha78

Day 218

Just had enough energy to play repertoire tonight.

Day 217

Worked on songs: Yesterday, Misty, Try to Remember, Fly Me to the Moon, Embracable You.

And its clicking.

Did my four fingered chord exercises within the ten minute goal.

Patience, grasshopper......patience.

Day 216

(Should heve posted this yesterday).

Worked on songs: Yesterday, Misty, Emraceable You.

Day 215

Back from vacation!

Over vacation, memorized the finger positions for the dim 7th chords.
Today, did four finger chord exercises and some song work.

Day 214

Practiced 4 finger Chord Drills.
Practiced: "Yesterday," "Embraceable You," "Misty."
Learning (slowly) interchangable dim 7 chords.

Day 213

Practiced/Played:

Four note chord drills in circle of fifths
"Yesterday"
A little diminished chord stuff

Taking lessons will be beneficial to the extent I put the work in.

Day 212

(Should have posted this yesterday).
Had my first lesson with Mark on 7/27. Good stuff!

Day 211

Kind of in a "holding pattern" until lessons start this Monday. Played a little since last post. Today, played chord drills and the song "Yesterday."

Day 210

Chord drills, and played a bit with "Misty" using such chords.

Day 209

(Should have posted this yesterday).
Chord drills!

Day 208

Chord Drills!

Getting to know:major, augmented, minor, sus 4, diminished, 6th, minor 6th, min (maj7), maj 7, min7, dim 7, and 7 chords.

Day 207

Working on chords!

Getting to know:
major, augmented, minor, sus 4, diminished, 6th, minor 6th, min (maj7), maj 7, min7, dim 7, and 7 chords.

Interesting and cool, playing "Yesterday" and "Misty" with this stuff.

Day 206

Practiced triadic chords.

Day 205

(Should have posted this yesterday).
Practiced triadic chords.

Day 204

Practiced some chords.

Day 203

(Should have posted this yesterday).
Worked on "Guantanamera."

I will also be starting distance piano lessons probably starting July 27.
I will probably put other methods on hold when these lessons start. Lessons will focus on playing songs.

Day 202

Worked on "Guantanamera."

This came in the mail today and it looks too good to be true: http://www.alanswainmusic.com/four-way.html

Day 201

Worked on:

P. 30 of the "Take the Lead" book and "Guantanamera" from Method Book II.

Day 200

I did practice the past couple of days a little, but didn't post it. I'm going to try to get better at posting.

Today, mostly practiced "Guantanamera" from Method Book II.

Bored. Questioning. Discouraged.

Exploring this: http://www.pianoweb.com/index.htm

Also, ordered book one of this: http://www.alanswainmusic.com/four-way.html

Wondering if Sudnow's method might work better for my indiviual learning style if I was to not try to learn it in the context of songs, but with more memorizing of chords and note degrees.

Tried playing a little of Charlie Brown Christmas stuff. Frustrating.

Also working on p.30 of the "Take the Lead" book.

Day 199

On p. 10 of the Method Book II.
On p. 30 of the "Take the Lead" book.

Day 198

(Should have posted this yesterday).
Worked on p. 25 of the "Take the Lead" book.

Day 197

(Should have posted this yesterday).
Working on p.25 in the "Take the Lead" book.

Day 196

Some work done today on p.25 of the "Take the Lead" Book.

Day 195

Seeing its the 4th of July, I finally am celebrating Independence Day from "Here Comes the Bride!"

Looks like today is shaping up into a mega-piano day...stay tuned.....

Working on p. 25 of the "Take the Lead" book.

Decided to stop using Hanon.

I always liked how the Beatles' "Norwegian Wood" and Dylan's "Fourth Time Around" sound similar.....here's an attempt of merging them, using the Beatles lyrics and musical theme, some of Dylan's music, and .....ahem.....my singing debut on this blog.....
http://www.box.net/shared/k7g8qubspt

Day 194

P. 7 of Method Book II
p. 25 of the "Take the Lead" book
Hanon #2

Day 193

Working on:
P. 7 of Method Book II (it's getting there)
p. 25 of the "Take the Lead" book (tricky)
Hanon #2 (the backwards part is tricky)

Day 192

OK, I haven't been very accurate since my last post regarding reporting here what I've practiced daily. I believe that since my last post, I've missed one day of practicing completely, and practiced a small amount of Method Book II, p.7.

Today:
Played Hanon #1
Started Hanon #2
Method Book II, p.7
Page 25 of the "Take the Lead" Book

Day 191

Worked on p.7 of Method Book II.

Day 190

On p. 25 of the "Take the Lead" Book.
Did Hanon #1.
Method Book II, p.7.

Day 189

(Should have posted this yesterday)
Did "Take the Lead" Book p.24. Hanon #1. Method Book 2, p.7.
(I think!)

Day 188

Did "Take the Lead" Book p.24.
Hanon #1.
Method Book 2, p.7.

• Feeling better about my piano experiment. This isn't anything that's going to happen overnight, so just hanging in there. Its a hobby, not a critical issue!

Day 187

(Should have posted this yeaterday).
Did Hanon #1, "take the Lead" book p.24, and he Method Book #2, p.7.
Not a long practice session at all, but practice nonetheless.

Day 186

Did a little of p.24 of the "Take the Lead" book.
Frustrated piano times.....gonna have to sort out what to do regarding methods, goals, etc.....

Day 185

Here's an original song called "Late Summer." The main part was written about 23 years ago (!), and I put the new middle part in just recently:
http://www.box.net/shared/iga0vxdrdp

A bit of a frustrating piano day:
Worked on p. 7 of the Method Book #2 (Yawn....boring....)
Up to page 24 of the "Take the Lead" Book. (I need to have patience with myself on this stuff!) Did Hanon #1.

Day 184

Worked on p. 7 of the Method Book #2
Up to page 24 of the "Take the Lead" Book.
Did Hanon #1.

Day 183

(Should have posted this yesterday).
Played Hanon #1.
Up to page 7 of the Method Book #2.

Day 182

(This should have been posted two days ago).
Played Very Little...a tiny bit of Hanon #1.

Day 181

Up early with new puppy "Zoe."
Played Hanon #1.
Up to page 23 of the "Take the Lead" book.

Day 180

(Should have posted this yesterday)
Played Hanon #1 and some of the "Take the Lead" book.

Day 179

Did Hanon #1
Practiced L and R hand major scales.
Worked on p.20 of the "Take the Lead" book.

Day 178

Here's a version of "All My Loving" where I kept it "jazzier" and experimented with adding some stuff with the right hand:
http://www.box.net/shared/fcsr99rf22

Worked on p.20 of Pete's book.
Worked on Hanon #1.

Day 177

Here's a closed voicing of "All My Loving" recorded today:
http://www.box.net/shared/9kbryqufig

Worked on Hanon #1.
On p. 20 of Pete's Book.
On p. 6 of the Method Book #2.

Day 176

On p.4 of the Method Book #2.
On p.19 of the "Take the Lead" book.
Worked on Hanon #1.
Played with "All My Loving" with closed voicings.
Worked on Left Hand Major Scales.

Day 175

Up to p. 18 in Pete's Book.
Up to p. 14 Jazz Book.
Worked on Hanon #1.
Played around with playing the beginning of "All My Loving" by ear using some Sudnow closed voicings.

Received Alfred's All in One Method Book #2 in the mail today....Looks like I'll be using that one for a while!

Day 174

Up to p.17 in Pete's Book. (Ithought this would be easier, but its a challenge!)

Up to p. 14 in the Jazz Book.

Worked on Hanon #1.

Waiting for the mail to deliver Alfred's Book 2.

So much to learn! Those Sudnow/Bill Evans closed voicings would sure be valuable to learn... Just think.....integrating those closed voicings with fakebook reading......

Day 173

Playing Hanon #1.
On p.14 of the "Take the Lead" book.
On p.13 of the Jazz book.

Waiting for the mail to deliver Alfred's Book 2.

Day 172

On p. 12 of the Jazz Book.
On p. 12 of the "Take the Lead" Book.
Practiced Hanon #1.

Day 171

1. Worked on Hanon #1
2. Up to page 12 of the "Take the Lead Book"
3. Beginning the "Beginning Jazz Keyboard" book by Noah Baerman. Up to page 10. (Just something I thought would be cool to try!)

Day 170

A BANNER DAY ! ! ! A BANNER DAY !!! A BANNER DAY !!!
Up at 4:30 AM, so what do i do? Practice piano! Practiced for about 1.5 hours.....
Went back to sleep, woke up, and went to piano. And finished "Amazing Grace."
YEA ! YEA! YEA ! Yea!YEA ! YEA ! YEA ! YEA ! YEA ! YEA ! YEA !
Waiting for Book 2 to come in mail.....Finishing Book One was quite an achievement!

Here is "Amazing Grace"
http://www.box.net/shared/ysqmzrul60

Day 169

Worked on "Amazing Grace." Almost there.....

Also received the "Take the Lead" book in the mail today, and it seems to be just about perfect for my level.

Day 168

Worked on "Amazing Grace."

Day 167

Working on, you guessed it, "Amazing Grace."

Day 166

(should have posted this yesterday)
Working on "Amazing Grace."

Day 165

Working on "Amazing Grace," the last piece in Book One.....Look out, Book Two.......you're next.

Getting intrigued again by Matt's Piano By Ear Course; waiting for Pete's "Take the Lead" book to come in the mail.

Day 164

Here's a melody I composed about twenty years ago:
http://www.box.net/shared/nbyzaq6s4z

Here's another one about 23 years old called "Faraway Summer"
http://www.box.net/shared/cv2c2c4m91

Practiced "Amazing Grace" throughout the day.
Here's how it sounds at this juncture:
http://www.box.net/shared/evfq0lpszj

And here's me and my nine year old daughter on a duet!
http://www.box.net/shared/1e0z9gmpft

Day 163

Played at Mass tonight.
Worked on "Amazing Grace."

Day 162

Piano Rant Warning.....Piano Rant Warning..........Worked on "Amazing Grace," and its a bear....nothing comes easy with this stuff.....yea, I know, enjoy the journey, yada yada yada, but its getting to be a drag.....

Day 161

(Should have posted this yesterday)
Worked on "Amazing Grace."

Day 160

Working on "Amazing Grace."

Day 159

Making some headway with "Amazing Grace," and the first Hanon exercise. On p.11 of the "Take the Lead" book.

Day 158

Up to p. 11 in Pete's "Take the Lead" book.

Worked on "Amazing Grace," and played a little more around with Beatles songs from a songbook.

Frustrating how it seems so easy in my mind to play from a songbook, but in reality how difficult it is for me!

Day 157

Did Hanon, "Amazing Grace" stuff, and played with "I Will" by the Beatles.

Day 156

Up to p. 7 of the "Take the Lead" book.
Worked on "Amazing Grace."
Played a little of "Can You Feel the Love Tonight."
Started Hanon #1.

Day 155

Here we go..........yet another pivotal time of changes....... I've decided to keep doing the Method Book, but I'm not going to do the Sudnow Method at this time. I've decided instead to pursue the Pop Piano Pro Methods. Also, I'm listening to some old recorded piano learning material.

Worked on "Amazing Grace."

On p.4 of the "Take the Lead" book.

Day 154

Played some of "Amazing Grace."

Day 153

(Should have posted this yesterday).
Practiced with our Church group for an upcoming Mass whose musical theme will be Gospel type music. Played some organ to "Softly and Tenderly."
Played some "Amazing Grace."

Day 152

Working on "Somewhere."
Having a rough time playing past Repertoire.

Day 151

A great piano day.

Got some good tutoring on the Sudnow Method from Piano Mom.

Finished with "The Entertainer," and only have one more song ("Amazing Grace") to go in the Alfred's All in One Book One.

Working on "Somewhere" and must admit it sounds nice.

Day 150

Worked on my Sudnow songs, "The Entertainer," and "Somewhere."

Day 149

Last night saw Bruce Springsteen, and didn't get home until about 2:00 AM, so today was a relax day! Great, awesome rock and roll.....
Today for fun I played piano along to some Bruce songs played on the CD, Also worked on The Entertainer. Tomorrow will work on Sudnow stuff.

Day 148

Worked on "The Entertainer," and this is how it sounded when recorded today:

http://www.box.net/shared/xjyzmttygb

Still needs work, but I like it.

Also worked on "Somewhere" today.

Day 147

(Should have posted this yesterday).
Just a bit of practice today of "Somewhere."

Day 146

Started working on playing "Somewhere."

Day 145

Finished voicing "Somewhere."
Worked on "The Entertainer."
Played "Over the Rainbow" and some of "Tenderly."
Some frustration at forgetting past song parts, but voicing is a breeze.

Day 144

Started voicing "Somewhere."

Day 143

Worked on "The Entertainer."

Day 142

Worked on piano buddy's song, played Sudnow stuff, and worked on "The Entertainer."

Day 141

Worked on my piano buddy's song, but not for long. Feeling under the weather with allergies, a cold, or something.... Figured out some good ways of remembering Sudnow stuff.

Day 140

(Should have posted this yesterday).
Worked on piano buddy's original song.

Day 139

Worked mostly on my piano friend's original song!

Day 138

Worked on "The Entertainer."
Worked also on my Sudnow songs.

Day 137

Did a little work on "The Entertainer."
Exploring voicing procedures with the Sudnow Method (easiest ways to find scale degrees).

Day 136

Went through my Sudnow repertoire and played around a little with "The Entertainer."
Did some written voicing exercises that Sudnow drew up.

Next song to voice will be "Somewhere" from West Side Story. I voiced this one before, but its such a great song, I'll revoice it.

Day 135

Played through my Sudnow Repertoire; up to "The Entertainer" in the Method Book.

Day 134

Did a little fakebook sightreading.

Completed (for now) "What a Wonderful World," and here's how it sounds so far:
http://www.box.net/shared/1ebpmnss3i

Trying to memorize some voicing stuff to help with voicing on the fly.....

Day 133

Man, this sightreading fakebook stuff is difficult....

Played the first line to a Beatles song today using sightreading....

Also continued to practice "What a Wonderful World."

Day 132

NEW ADDITION TO PLAN

Will practice some sightreading fakebook stuff daily....even if for only five minutes.

Today I played Tenderly, Over the Rainbow, some of What a Wonderful World, and some sightreading stuff.

Day 131

Played through Tenderly and Over the Rainbow.
Practiced a bit of p. 138-139 in the Method Book.

Frustrated.
There's gotta be something I can do better to remember those chord shapes or note degrees of scales, or something, to do better with the voicing on the fly stuff. Will be closely reading some e-mails my piano buddy sent me yesterday for some ideas.
Also, my Sudnow songs sound pained...

Day 130

(Should have posted this yesterday).
Not a lot of practice time. Played through "Tenderly" once. Sounded horrible.

Day 129

Started and completed voicing "What a Wonderful World," adding the Bb and C7 closed voicings to my arsenal of closed voicings.

Day 128

Here's how "Tenderly" sounded during this try:
http://www.box.net/shared/62et31ga6a

Worked mostly on p. 138-139 of the Method Book.

Day 127

On p.138 of the Method Book. Continue to work on Tenderly and Over the Rainbow.

Day 126

On p.136 -7 of the Method Book, and working on "Tenderly" and "Over the Rainbow."

Day 125

Working on Tenderly and Over the Rainbow. Will voice "What a Wonderful World" next.

Taking the Sudnow stuff nice and slowly, and having a great time taking my time. I think in my past attempts with the Sudnow Method, I tried to go too fast. I'm at the point in the Method where it takes me relatively quickly to voice a song (voicing means writing out the tones I'll use in a song). However, I need more practice getting my hands to play the right stuff. So I'm taking my time actually playing the stuff, training my hands to get more used to playing the songs.

Worked also on pages 136 and 137 of the Method Book.

Just want to shout out a giant hello to my dear piano buddy, Swingin' Barb! Hi Barb! Barb has been my long distance Piano Buddy who is the proud recepient of the "2009 McFly Award" for putting up with all of my "McFly-type"piano questions! Thanks Barb, for all your encouragement and piano support!

Day 124

A good piano day.

Worked on "Over the Rainbow," and its coming along OK.

"Tenderly" was interesting today. The way I've been playing it just ached for an added closed voicing, so when I added the Ab7 closed voicing, it is actually swinging somewhat!

So far, the closed voicings I'm working on are: Gmin7, Fmin7, Eb, and Ab7.

Addendum: I stand corrected....it was a GREAT piano day...... I went to the piano, and a slow version of "Tenderly" came out, and it was one of those great piano moments.....!

Day 123

Working on page 136 and 137 of the Method Book, and "Tenderly," and "Over the Rainbow." A frustrating piano day... What seemed to come more easily or more smoothly yesterday (in "Tenderly," and "Over the Rainbow," for example), is difficult and/or forgotten today...

Day 122

Finished voicing "Tenderly," and worked on playing that and "Over the Rainbow." Worked on p.136 and 137 in the Method Book.

Day 121

Working mostly on voicing "Tenderly." Very interesting, utilizing closed "stride" voicings for Eb, Gmin7, and Fmin7 chords. I'll add a little new closed voicings to each tune I voice. Just playing those closed voicings (even outside the context of a song) for those three chords sounds nice.

Played piano at Mass tonight, with other Church Musicians.

Day 120

Very little practice time again today. Played guitar in a little band tonight.

Practiced "Over the Rainbow" a bit, and also did a little scale stuff. Listening to Sudnow's Piano Side Chats...

Day 119

Very little practice time today. Did a little of "Over the Rainbow." Will also voice "Tenderly," the right way. Still lstening to Sudnow Members Club stuff.

Day 118

Practicing "Over the Rainbow," and worked up to p.136 of the Method Book. Thinking of the next song to voice Sudnow style. By the way, here's my repertoire:

Over the Rainbow

My goal now is to voice a new song at least every two weeks, while working on the Method Book. So that means I have to have a new song voiced and played through OK by April 29th.

Day 117

Here's "Over the Rainbow" (A work in progress):
http://www.box.net/shared/q7apkhjabz

Day 116

Working on "Over the Rainbow."

Day 115

Played organ (and guitar) at two Easter Masses today.

At home, practiced scales as well as "Over the Rainbow."

Day 114

Working on voicing "Over the Rainbow," and that should be completed today. Made a decision: I'm going to start the Repertoire over again, with "Over the Rainbow" as the first song. Why am I getting rid of the other songs? I'm doing so because I want to do things correctly this time around. In my stuff with the other songs, I take a bunch of shortcuts with their voicings, and I don't want to practice the songs using the shortcuts. I don't want to reinforce incorrect voicings, and practicing those songs might do just that. Rather, I think I'l take it slowly and correctly, because I figure the more I practice correct voicings, the better the chance that they will be ingrained.

I'm learning a lot with "Over the Rainbow":
1) Correct Voicings
2) Some stride, or closed voicings to some chords
3) Even a little improv (!) using the 5th note of a chord as the scale from which to improvise

I'm going to have to adjust my practice schedule to include the fact that some days I have more time than others. Here we go:

1) I'm still going to use Sudnow and the Method Book. When its time to voice a new song, though, I'll put the Method Book on hold until a new song is voiced completely and correctly.

2) After a new song is voiced, I'll practice playing that until it sounds acceptable to me, and then move on to another. When voicing, I'll try to add some closed voicings.

3) Practice the major scales.

There's a lot of flexibility there, depending on what I fell like doing on a particular day.

Addendum:

After voicing "Over the Rainbow," I started practicing it. Its going slow, but those Sudnow sounds got me hooked. It seems difficult for me to practice only for short periods of time when I am doing the Sudnow method! Its wayyyyy too easy for me to spend a lot of time at the piano when I am playing acoording to his method.

What I'm doing that is also helpful is sometimes recording my playing as I learn the song. The recordings help me to hear exactly what I need to do more of, or what I need to do differently .

Examples: Recording today helped me to realize that the 4th in a Gm actually does sound good in the left hand, though while I was playing it I wasn't sure.

Also, recording today helped me to realize that in playing a certain closed voicing (or stride) chord, it sounded better when I used it as an appegio rather than playing the notes simultaneously.

A cool piano day.

Day 113

(Should have posted this yesterday).
Voicing "Over the Rainbow."

Day 112

Couldn't get a lot of practice time, but managed to practice scales and a tiny bit of Over the Rainbow.

Day 111

Ran through some songs on my list (they sure need work). Practiced scales. Also began voicing "Over the Rainbow."

Not a lot of practice time today; had to practice to play at the Easter Mass. I usually play guitar, but this Easter I'll be playing an organ type of sound to the Spiritual "Wade in the Water." Practiced tonight with our Church group.

Day 110

On p.135 of Method Book; Practiced Scales; Practiced Repertoire, and added a tune to it, so that the Repertoire is now:

Solitude
Tenderly
She's Leaving Home
Christmas Time is Here

I'll be listening to more of Sudnow Member's Club today, too.

Day 109

On p.135 of the Method Book. Did some scale stuff, and just about finished with "Tenderly" and "Solitude." Although these two songs need polish work, I'm ready to voice one. Or......should I try to get a previously learned one in my fingers again? We'll see.... I'm also practicing "She's Leaving Home." Listening to David Sudnow Members Club stuff too. So far, what i'd like to do with the piano and bass duo:
She's Leaving Home
Tenderly
Solitude

A cool day at the piano!

Day 108

A New Commitment:

One hour a day at the piano on Sudnow Stuff. Maybe, a little Method Book stuff too, but its no longer the emphasis. I want to see where I am with Sudnow stuff on April 5, 2010.

On page 134 of the Method Book (finally). Making headway also on "Tenderly" and "Solitude."

Day 107

(Should have posted this yesterday). Working on "Tenderly" and "Solitude."

Day 106

Joined Sudnow's "Member's Club!" Waiting for the material to come through the computer. Have been practicing those major scales in my brain.

Day 105

(Should have posted this yesterday).
Practiced Scales. Also, was the lead instrument playing piano in our parish's Station of the Cross program. I liked the gospel type of flavor that I gave the last song.

Day 104

Worked a bit on major scales.

Day 103

A difficult day at the piano. It just didn't flow easily.
On p. 133 of the Method Book and working on "Tenderly." It'd be cool to throw the piano out the window.

Day 102

Working on "Tenderly," "Solitude," some major scales, and p. 133 of the Method Book. Also recorded the Lennon song "Imagine": http://www.box.net/shared/nbktp0dld2

Day 101

Hooked on Sudnow.

Practiced "Solitude" and I'm also relearning "Tenderly." Practiced some scales stuff. My bass playing friend asked what song is next for us, and its "Tenderly." I might have to join Sudnow's Member's Club soon.

Day 100

Up to page 133 of the Method Book. Also completed "Solitude." Here's "Solitude:"
http://www.box.net/shared/lhvmajce9v

And.....introducing the jazz duo of Billy Shears and his friend on standup bass playing the same song:
http://www.box.net/shared/kk8h2xe4uu

Day 99

Working on "Solitude," still, and also on page 132 of the Method Book.

I was getting frustrated with the song (what else is new), but what happened was quite interesting. I practiced and practiced what I'm up to in the Method Book ("Greensleeves"), and finally completed that. Then I went back to Solitude, and it worked out better.

I think I'm going to work on both methods. I'd really like to read music (The Alfred Method Books), but also play songs in a good way (Sudnow Method).

I've come too far in the Method Book to give up now on that....

Day 98

Back to the Sudnow Method. Its going to take is a lot of tuning out of the internal critic, and focus only on doing the work. Persistently. Trusting the process. I'm working on playing a voicing I did some time ago to the song, "Solitude." A great piano buddy (Hi Barb!) is helping, and I am so grateful. Its great to have encouragement along the road.

Day 97

(Should have posted this yesterday).

On p.130 of the Method Book. Started to relisten to my Sudnow Method CD. Getting ready to do the Sudnow stuff again, full force!

Day 96

On p. 130 of the Method Book.

I'm also returning to the Sudnow Method. I think I'm ready this time to get into this course in a way that's good for me.

Day 95

On p.130 of the Method Book. Also decided to try a new book: "Harmonic Foundation for Jazz & Popular Music" by Jimmy Amadie. From now on, I'll refer to that book as the "Harmonic Book."

Day 94

On p.130 of the Method Book.

Day 93

On p.130 of the Method Book. Went on a long drive to Philly with my wife and kids for a surprise birthday party for my mom. During some of the drive, studied chord theory. On the way home, got a Bill Evans CD.

Day 92

Here's "Edelweiss" done with some Sudnow stuff:
http://www.box.net/shared/xzbjjzt5b3

Finally turned the page, and I'm up to p.130 of the Method Book.

Day 91

On p.129 of the Method Book (still). Actually looked at some Sudnow stuff, and played around with playing some of "Edelweiss" Sudnow style.

Day 90

Decided to record the Beatles "She's Leaving Home." Here it is, done mostly Sudnow style, and mistakes added at no extra charge: http://www.box.net/shared/x3dxbcf1p4

On p. 129 of the Method Book, and p. 18 of the Fakebook Method Book. I'm losing interest in the Fakebook Method Book.

Day 89

Surprise, surprise.

Played an old Sudnow voicing I worked out a while ago to the Beatles' "She's Leaving Home."

Day 88

Om p.129 of the Method Book and on p. 17 of the Fakebook Method Book. With the Fakebook Method Book, I'm not playing the pieces perfectly at all, and that's OK with me because from this book I'm going more for learning ideas rather than perfect execution. That Rowlins book (see yesterday's post) is calling me.... Thank goodness I'm keeping with the Method Book as a foundation as I flounder with the other methods secondarily!

Day 87

On p.16 of the Fakebook Method and p. 129 of the Method Book. Looking at yet another interesting book: How to Get Real With a Fakebook by Steve Rowlins.

Day 86

On p. 15 of the Fakebook Method Book and on p. 129 of the Method Book.

Day 85

On pianoworld.com, I stated a How to Play From a Fakebook Study Group. It was decided to work on "America the Beautiful." Here's my contribution:
http://www.box.net/shared/1oqm6fxubj

On p.129 of the Method Book. On p. 11 of the Fakebook Method.

Day 84

I continue to be on page 127 of the Method Book and p. 8 of the Fakebook Method Book. I'm taking my time with the Fakebook Method Book, trying to go for understanding.

Day 83

(Should have posted this yesterday).
On p. 127 of the Method Book; p. 8 of the Fakebook Method.

Day 82

I know, I know.....I'm all over the place about the piano methods I use! Changed my mind again!
I'll continue to use the Alfred Method Books as a foundation. But I'll be using the "How to Play From a Fakebook" book by Michael Esterowitz also. I started a thread over at pianoworld.com in the Adult Beginner Forum for others who want to be in a study group using the Fakebook Book.

On page 127 of the Method Book. On page 8 of the Fakebook Book.

Day 81

(Should have posted this yesterday).
On p.127 of the Method Book.

Day 80

Just did some page 127 of the Method Book.

Day 79

Graduated to p. 127 of the Method Book. Still on p. 6 of the Pop Piano Book.

Interesting: Start on the of the sixth note of the major scale and play the same # of shaps and flats to play the Minor Scale. For example, in the key of C (no sharps or flats), the minor scale starts on the "A" note.

Then, sharp the 7th note of that scale to play the harmonic minor scale of that key. Using the same example in C, the C harmonic scale starts on the "A" note, and includes G# instead of G.

Day 78, and Hello to Bill!

Still on page 124 of the Method Book and p.6 of the Pop Piano book.

Thanks for the comment, Bill! I'll post a tune when I think its a good idea!

Cool Book

"Effortless Mastery" by Kenny Werner.

The artist's job is to bypass everything that the world tries to complicate our lives with: TV, sugar, and especially the critical mind that works against the artist's work. That critical mind says stuff like: "I'm not good enough," "I have to be perfect," "Because I stink at this, my practice will reflect my mediocrity," "I'll never be as good as ______ (fill in the blank)."

There is kind of two processes that go on with the artist and those who view or hear his/her work:

Within the Artist
1) We bypass the critical mind by focusing on what's important. (What's important is practicing). By tuning out the nonimportant stuff, we tap into something so much more wonderful.

Within the Audience
2) The audience thus is moved to also tap into something much more wonderful than everyday existence.

We are thus playing for God.

Day 77

Still on p.124 of the Method Book and p.6 of the Pop Piano book.

Found a great piano CD: Eddie Heywood 1950-1951

Day 76

Still on page 124 of the Method Book, and p.6 of the Pop Piano book. I'm finding that I may be better than I thought I was with regards to playing inversions.

As an aside, when I did Sudnow songs, I felt something of a letdown after I learned each song. On the other hand, with the Method Book learning, I feel a frustration when I begin each piece, and I feel great when I can play the piece. Probably because by utilizing the Method Book, I feel a sense of accomplishment as I go on to the next page, whereas with the Sudnow method, I felt that my progress was more subtle (for me anyway). By moving on in page numbers in the Method Book, I feel a sense that my progress can be quantified.

Day 75

I know, I know, I missed a day of practice yesterday.....

On p. 124 of the Method Book and p. 6 of the Pop Piano book.

Day 74

On p. 124 of the Method Book.
On page 6 of the Pop Piano book.

Day 73

On page 123 of the Method Book.
Also started a little on the Pop Piano Pro Book.

A Tiny Shift

Here's yet a new plan:

1) I'll continue to work on the Alfred's Method Book series. It seems to be a good foundation.

2) Instead of the "How to Play From a Fakebook" stuff, I'll be using this: "Pop Piano Pro" by Peter Friesen. It gonna be a stretch in that my prerequisite abilities may not be quite up to par to using this book/CD. But I'll give it a try. Its here: http://www.poppianopro.com/

Day 72

Up tp page 123 in the Method Book. And surprise, surprise.....on Chapter 2 of the How to Play From a Fakebook book (decided to restart that book).

Day 71

Bored and frustrated with p. 120 of the Method Book.

Day 70

Still on page 120 of the Method Book. Frustrated. It looked like I was going to end the book relatively soon, but it looks like there are some difficult pieces before one is allowed to finish this book...

Day 69

Wasn't quite feeling "it" today. Still on p.120 of the Method Book.

Day 68

Working on p.120 of the method Book.

Day 67

On page 120 of the Method Book.

Day 66

Working on "Little Brown Jug," which is the same as saying p.119 of the Method Book.

I find it quite motivating to see how practice, practice, and practice equals more and more success. When I first started some of the last couple of Method Book pieces, it seemed like it would be almost impossible to ever picture playing them. But just practicing has helped.

LESSON LEARNED:
Just keep practicing !!!! As other authors have noted: Turn off the critical mind. Focus on just doing the work (of practicing) and the quality of the work will take care of itself.

Day 65

Something New!
Today, worked on "Love Me Tender" and "Edelweiss" from Alfred's Basic Adult Piano Course, Greatest Hits, Level 1. Its cool to work on something different that is both fun as well as a good learning experience. Oh yea, and working on p.119 ("Little Brown Jug") in the Method Book. Even played around with "Julia" by the Beatles in an easy piano Beatles book.

Day 64

(Should have posted this yesterday): On p.119 of the Method Book.

Day 63

(Should have posted this yesterday). On p. 119 of the Method Book.

Day 62

The beast has been tamed. Up to page 119 of the Method Book.

Day 61

(Should have posted this yesterday). On p. 117 of the Method Book.

Day 60

On page 117 of the Method Book. I am taming the beast on that page!

Day 59

Still on page 117 of the Method Book. Its not as intimidating as it was yesterday, though.

I am at a Challenge Point....

Yes, I am. On my current piece in the Method Book, its going to be a challenge. Its working with both hands, but in a new way. The right hand is moving around whille the left hand is playing stuff that is new for me. Going to take my time, and do it right.

Day 58

Up to page 117 of the Method Book. Patience.....this page might take awhile!

Day 57

Working on p.116 of the Method Book.

Day 56

Up to page 116 of the Method Book.

Day 55

Still on page 115 of the Method Book...

Day 54

On p. 115 of the Method Book.

Simply Put: A Goal

There are a lot of cool things to learn about the piano. How to play from a fakebook. Those great Sudnow sounds.

But here's my new goal that seems to be a good one..... The goal of going through all three Alfred's All in One Adult Piano Method Books. Simple. No 26 methods or simultaneous goals. No stopping a method to start another. No figuring that I should stop a method and go to a different one...I figure that the Alfreds material is a great intro to sooo much.

I'm enjoying the First Method Book, and I'll be quite pleased when I go to Book Two... For me, that will be nothing short of a great achievement....and I see a light at the end of the tunnel!

This method seems to be quite suited to my limited practice time. I can practice just a little each day, and still make forward progress.

Look out Book Two....I'll be buying you soon....

Day 53

Up to Page 115 of the Method Book.

Day 52

Working on page 113 of the Method Book.

Day 51

Up to page 113 of the Method Book.

Just Some Piano Thoughts

Why didn't I keep this up as a child?
I wonder where I'd be if I practiced the Sudnow method an hour a day since I got that course?
I wonder where I'd be if I kept up the lessons I started a couple of years ago?
I wonder where I'd be if I kept up the Piano Magic course I started some time ago?
Is there truly "The Best Piano Method?"

And lastly, and perhaps most interesting,
I wonder where I'll be if I keep up this daily blog of daily playing for the next five years?

Day 50

Still on page 108 of the Method Book. (Should have posted this yesterday).

Day 49

I messed up some days with regards to what exact page I was on the past 3 or 4 days or so, so I edited what page I was on then (even though I may be incorrect about the particular days I was on a particular page)....anyway....it does not really matter, beacuse today I am on page 108.

Having some difficulty with the fingering of sharps/flat, but I'll hopefully soon get an answer to my questions which I posted on http://www.pianoworld.com/ in the Adult Beginner Forum.

Day 48

Up to page 108 of the Method Book. Enjoying the ride!

Day 47

Still on p. 107 of the Method Book

Day 46

(should have posted this yesterday)
Working on p. 107 in the Method Book.

Day 45

Up to p.106 in the Method Book...

Day 44

Productive Piano Day...
Up to page 103 of the Method Book.

Day 43

Still on page 95 of the Method Book.

Day 42

(This should have been posted yesterday)
Still on p. 95 of the Method Book.

Day 41

Still on p.95 in the Method Book ("Lullaby"). Put new strings on my Stratocaster....

Day 40

Working on page 95 in the Method Book.

Day 39

Up to page 95 in the Method Book. Also getting the "Pop Piano Pro" stuff in the mail soon.

Nonpiano Music Stuff:
Looking into working with some folk to do blues music, in which I'll be playing electric guitar, do some vocals, and maybe play some bass. The emphasis will be on some classic blues (Muddy Waters, Jimmy Reed, Albert King, etc.), some early rock and roll, and perhaps some Stax Records soul stuff. I'm also looking into perhaps getting a new guitar in about a year (maybe a Gibson Les Paul Cutaway?).

Also, new Springsteen album out tomorrow...... Yea!

Day 38

Still on p.94 of the Method Book.

Day 37

Still on page 94 of the Method Book. Might be hanging at this page for awhile, as its a challenge. Up to page 15 of the Fake Book method. Also, played some good old rock & roll guitar too today with a friend who came over and played bass (Beatles, CCR, Secret Agent Man (!), Buddy Holly, etc.).

Day 36

Up to page 94 in the Method Book. Discouraged somewhat because I pulled out some music that I'm supposedly able to play, but it certainly was a struggle.

Day 35

Working on p.90 and 91 in the Method Book.

Day 34

Up to page 90 in the Method Book. I talked to a local piano teacher who sounded great... He was also going to meet with me the first time for free... However, I decided to keep going at it solo without a teacher due to finances....

Day 33

Still on p.89 of the Mehod Book. Talked to a local piano teacher....I may check him out...

Day 32

Working on p. 89 of the Method Book. I thought this tune was going to be easy when I started after a few tries, but then I realized I was using the wrong fingers! Went a little teacher shopping today, but no real bites.

Day 31

Up to page 89 in the Method Book, and practiced major chords. The song on page 89 seems to have a reputation as being difficult...

Day 30

Up to page 88 in the Method Book, and 11 in the Fake Book Method.

Day 29

Up to page 85 of the Method Book.

I've decided to take the following approach:

1) I'm going to use the following book: "How to Play From a Fake Book" by Michael Esterowitz.
I'm using this book because I want to learn how to play songs. All kinds of songs. Beatles, Elton, Billy Joel, Jazz, etc., etc. The Sudnow method, which can be used to play songs from a fake book, is cool, but I'd like to learn a more traditional approach at this time. Then in the future I can add those Sudnow voicings in songs and parts of songs where I think it'd be appropriate to how I'd like to express the song.

2) I'll continue to keep working on the Alfred Method Book series.
I'm doing this for a couple of reasons:
First, I'd like to learn how to play music that's already written out. I have heard some classical and other piano pieces that would be very nice to play. They are pieces that I wouldn't quite characterize as being songs, but rather as pieces that are melodic and beautiful. I don't have aspirations of playing extremely complex stuff, but I'd sure like to play some pieces that just might be within my reach after completing the Alfred series.
Secondly, I think that the method book stuff will help teach me how to get around the piano.

Up to page 9 of the Fake Book Method.

Day 28

Still on the same page of the Method Book. A liitle tempted to quit the piano.

Day 27

Worked very briefly on p. 84 of the Method Book. Received supplemental books in mail, and going through them.

Day 26

Up to page 84 of the Method Book. Pages 78 and 79 were samples of Hanon stuff, and, well, lets just say I didn't master those pages...!!!! Especially the one on page 79 was a monster! I will go forward, though, skipping the mastery of those two pages. Maybe I'll get back to those pages in the future (yea, right!)

Day 25

Up to page 78 of the Method Book. Off Topic: Eagles 7, Giants 3 in first quarter. GO EAGLES!

Day 24

Working on page 74 in the Method Book. Anxiously waiting for the mail to deliver fake book instructional book stuff...

Day 23

Up to page 73 in the Method Book.

Day 22

Up to page 71 of the Method Book. Almost 1/2 through Book One! That's an achievement to me!

Day 21

Still on page 69 of the Method Book.

Being tempted to move on to page 70, but I don't want to move on without a feeling of Mastery. I'll define "Mastery" as the ability to play through a piece at least one time with the CD version with no more than one minor mistake.

Day 20

Up to page 69 of the Method Book.

Day 19

edited:

.........up to page 67 of the Method Book.........

...getting more interested in fake book stuff (the idea of making a personalized arrangement of a song in a fake book), but not necessarily utilizing the jazz sounds of Sudnow....

While waiting for my son's Karate lesson to be over, I went to the library across the street and got up to page 67 of the Method Book (page 66 had written exercises).....

Also read more of the Neely book.

Learning that consistent practice is key, not just weekend updates. It helps with that bass cleff.

Day 18

New Plan.....

Decided to continue working on reading and also fakebook stuff. Here's where I'm at:

1. Method Book: Up to page 65.
2. Using the book "How to Play From a Fakebook" by Neely. Up to page 6.

Maybe if I had 15 hours to practice, I'd continue the other books, but since I don't, I'll keep it simple.

Some minor concerns: Playing from the Neely book, fingering is an issue, and therefore, I didn't play the first two songs as easily as I thought I was going to.

Detour

Played a little last night from the Beatles fake book. Liked it. Maybe I'm using too many books (see last post). I'd like to play from a fake book, but not necessarily the jazz stuff as learned in the Sudnow method. Looks like I may go for learning just from the Method book and from Fake book stuff.......

Day 17

I guess no one said learning this thing was going to be easy. Interesting, how I sit down and expect to play from the written music and have it sound great without working on the pieces!

Today, I worked on a couple of things:

1) "Love Me Tender" in the songbook. Great to find out I didn't know the bass cleff like I thought I did. I thought I'd play it quickly, but its going to take time, with all the correct fingerings and all.

2) Hanon #1.

3) Bartok Book: I'm up to #2.

4) Method Book: Up to page 63.

Its difficult for me to comprehend how folks can actually play the treble and bass cleffs at the same time when the notes are different. The material I'm using now has been merciful in utilizing the same notes on both staffs.