| Ah ... to sit down and play. So many want to be | | | | Not New Age piano. In fact, this style is attractive |
| able to just go to the piano and play what they | | | | specifically because most people can just sit down |
| feel. | | | | at the piano right away and start improvising and |
| Traditionally, Jazz has been the champion of | | | | creating music. |
| improvisational music. Students who want to | | | | This is possible because New Age piano does not |
| express themselves creatively know that jazz is | | | | require lengthy study of technique and harmony. |
| an art form that encourages improvisation. | | | | On the contrary, a complete beginner can use |
| But then there's New Age music. A genre that | | | | just 2 chords and begin playing music right away. |
| has not been around as long as Jazz, but one that | | | | For example, in the author's lesson "Winter |
| embraces the improvisational approach as well. | | | | Scene," we have 2 chords and a scale to learn. |
| The great thing about New Age piano playing is | | | | That's it! And once these things are understood, |
| that it's much easier to get into than jazz! | | | | the student can begin expressing through music |
| The typical jazz pianist spends many hours | | | | right away. |
| studying chords and scales with the hopes of | | | | The myth that you need to know a lot before |
| one-day being able to freely express at the piano. | | | | diving into music is just that - a myth. All that is |
| Much technique and understanding is required | | | | required is an attitude of exploration and a |
| before students are usually encouraged to go | | | | willingness to try. |
| ahead and "let loose." | | | | |