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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 273
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 273 |
I took standard "classical" piano lessons as a child up to about age 12, and became somewhat proficient at reading music and playing from sheet music. At the time, I felt it was drudgery since I wasn't learning to play the type of music that I wanted. It was a learning system that I felt was too regimented, as I never really learned about chord progressions and playing "freely". It was just "play the music as written and don't deviate" - repeat, so I gave it up.
Now that I'm retired and have time, I want to learn to play the music I like (pop, ballads, blues) improvisationally. I still have a good understanding of the keyboard and basic chords but need guidance to move forward. I've discovered "Fake Books" and can basically play using them, but it still sounds stilted and stiff, since I'm only basically playing the root chords with my left hand.
An internet search yielded a number of online courses for purchase, and I'd like to make an intelligent choice. Among the choices I've found have been playPianoToday.com, pianomagic.com, and (of course) Scott Houston's DVD courses. I should quickly add that I feel that I learn better from watching/listening than from a book. I feel that the smartest way to progress is to learn chord progressions/modifications to play improvisationally thru one of these courses (or similar). I may need to "unlearn" a few things, and I definitely don't want to get locked into the same regiment of just "playing it as it's written" again. I then want to get back into BIAB (which I've purchased a year ago, but only dabbled with by playing melodies with the right hand), using it as an accompanying backup band.
I have a Yamaha keyboard, but recently inherited my mother's piano (which I just had tuned). Getting the old piano is really what's motivated me to start back in this direction. Now I need recommendations on a good, effective online course which would help me towards my goal.
I hope this all makes sense. Can anyone help me out with a recommendation for an online or video course on DVD?
Thanks!
Kawai VPC1 MIDI Controller; Asus A53E Laptop running Windows 7 - 64 bit; BIAB 2017 UltraPlusPak (upgraded from 2014 EverythingPak), running from Laptop's Hard Drive.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,979
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,979 |
Before paying for anything, check out PianoJohn on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/user/pianojohn113I think it will be just what you are looking for (as long as you don't mind mostly Beatles, Elton John and Billy Joel). With what you already know, you should get a quick understanding of how to "transition" to a "piano player as opposed to a music reader". His instruction is intelligent and easy to follow. And you can be playing the songs in his "lessons" in no time. And you learn as you go.... floyd
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2008
Posts: 310
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 310 |
I have David Sprunger's play piano today course. If you buy the package deal, it's an incredible value. Go to his website and look under the "View All Lessons" tab. You can view many parts of the videos. Another good package deal is at www.pianoforall.comBoth have lots of info for the price. I have no connections to either.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 273
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 273 |
Quote:
Before paying for anything, check out PianoJohn on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/user/pianojohn113
I think it will be just what you are looking for (as long as you don't mind mostly Beatles, Elton John and Billy Joel). With what you already know, you should get a quick understanding of how to "transition" to a "piano player as opposed to a music reader".
His instruction is intelligent and easy to follow. And you can be playing the songs in his "lessons" in no time. And you learn as you go....
floyd
Thanks for the link, Floyd. But, from the few videos I've viewed so far, I'm not sure whether this is what I'm looking for. It appears that each video covers a specific song and just shows the specific notes to play. It reminds me of "rote" practice only without the actual sheet music.
Is there more to his channel that I'm missing?
Thanks again!
Kawai VPC1 MIDI Controller; Asus A53E Laptop running Windows 7 - 64 bit; BIAB 2017 UltraPlusPak (upgraded from 2014 EverythingPak), running from Laptop's Hard Drive.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 273
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 273 |
Quote:
I have David Sprunger's play piano today course.
If you buy the package deal, it's an incredible value.
Go to his website and look under the "View All Lessons" tab.
You can view many parts of the videos.
Another good package deal is at
www.pianoforall.com
Both have lots of info for the price.
I have no connections to either.
Thanks for the info, Danna! The "Piano for All" site might be just what I'm looking for. It sounds like it's a mix of learning improvisational skills along with effective practice drills.
Does anyone have any other recommendations for me to check into?
Thanks again!
Kawai VPC1 MIDI Controller; Asus A53E Laptop running Windows 7 - 64 bit; BIAB 2017 UltraPlusPak (upgraded from 2014 EverythingPak), running from Laptop's Hard Drive.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 109
Apprentice
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Apprentice
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 109 |
I just bought the "Learn and Master Piano" series. It's well reviewed and has about a dozen video DVD's and also audio CD's, but I probably won't have time get into it until after the first of the year.
They're been running a sale $100 off the regular $249 price.
You can also find it on Amazon for about $90, but check the number of disks included
Boyd
Win10 - 16GB-RAM - BiaB 2019 - Mixbus 4 - Slate Bundle - Komplete 10 - Ozone 8 - Neutron 2 - Waves Gold
Ample Sound Guitars & Basses - Pianoteq 6 - SSD5 - SD3 - JamStix 4 - Omnisphere - UVI Falcon - EastWest Play
Sonarworks Reference 4 -
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,869
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,869 |
Don't leaved out Willie Myette. I have David Sprunger's complete course and frankly I don't touch it any more. Willie Myette he's the one for me. A huge range of videos, a complete pianist; blues, jazz, latin gospel, anything you care to name. He has a lot of samples on U tube too so check them out. I took up piano only a while back (but can read and play several instruments). from basic theory scales and chords through all the jazz chords thoroughly treated, chord subs, upper structure triads, I got rhythmn changes, many standards get their own two week course, blues in many styles closely analysed, chord and scale theory the list goes on and on. Latin montunos, classic Jobin songs, gospel in severval styles, minor blues theory and songs, minor harmony, the list is huge. Its all divided up into courses which are suites of 10 minute lessons, that each take about two-three days (ish) to get moving.
Al the time he focuses on creativity, not just copying his ideas parrot style. He helps you understand not just what to do, but why you are doing it and how it fits in the universe of sound
Willie took me from the 'knowing the theory but can't actually play' stage to fluent. Willie is a very good teacher not just a very good player.
Frankly, I could see how it could be done better. I am so glad I discovered him.
BIAB and Willie Myette is a fantastic way to learn
Win 11 64, Asus Rog Strix z390 mobo, 64 gig RAM, 8700k
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
Don't overlook the programs available right here from pgmusic. "The Modern Jazz Pianist" "Piano Performance Series" "Oscar Peterson multimedia CD" -- Oscar Peterson. The Jazz Piano legend brings an exciting new level of artistry to the multimedia experience... "The Latin Pianist" "Piano Master Class" "The Jazz Piano Master Class" "Blues Piano Master Class" -- Aspiring jazz improvisation students, do not sell this one short, the Blues is the *basis" of all other jazz forms and the basics are all here, presented very well. http://www.pgmusic.com/products.win.htm On top of that, these programs were, for the most part, designed to work and play well with BiaB. IMO, beginners should start with the "Blues Pianist" and get those so important basics down. The late great Vince Guaraldi used to say, when someone would give him accolades as to his jazz piano abilities, "I'm just a Boogie Pianist!" Indeed. --Mac
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 273
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 273 |
Quote:
I have David Sprunger's play piano today course.
If you buy the package deal, it's an incredible value.
Go to his website and look under the "View All Lessons" tab.
You can view many parts of the videos.
Another good package deal is at
www.pianoforall.com
Both have lots of info for the price.
I have no connections to either.
Danna,
I decided to buy David Sprunger's "Play Piano Today" Course. I've downloaded all of the files (which are quite numerous), and see that many (or most?) need to be installed on my computer. My question is - which file(s) do I start with? In what order should the lessons be taken? Should I just run each installation file (in any order), and the sequence is then automatic?
I've e-mailed David and am awaiting his answer, but I thought that I'd ask here as well, since I'm impatient to get started!
Thanks!
Kawai VPC1 MIDI Controller; Asus A53E Laptop running Windows 7 - 64 bit; BIAB 2017 UltraPlusPak (upgraded from 2014 EverythingPak), running from Laptop's Hard Drive.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2008
Posts: 310
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 310 |
I had purchased the DVD version over a year ago.
So I'm not sure about installing all from download, and the sequence will then be in order.
I doubt that they will.
But I'm pretty sure you should start with the book and videos called "Pattern Piano."
Just this section will take lots of time to get good at.
Hopefully David will reply after the weekend.
Take your time, it will take years to learn all the stuff he has in the course.
Last edited by Danna; 12/16/12 02:59 PM.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 273
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 273 |
Quote:
I had purchased the DVD version over a year ago.
So I'm not sure about installing all from download, and the sequence will then be in order.
I doubt that they will.
But I'm pretty sure you should start with the book and videos called "Pattern Piano."
Just this section will take lots of time to get good at.
Hopefully David will reply after the weekend.
Take your time, it will take years to learn all the stuff he has in the course.
"Pattern Piano" is exactly where I've started. You're right that there's plenty to absorb (and practice) there. No reply from David yet, but it'll be awhile before I'm thru the "Pattern Piano" lessons. 
Thanks.
Kawai VPC1 MIDI Controller; Asus A53E Laptop running Windows 7 - 64 bit; BIAB 2017 UltraPlusPak (upgraded from 2014 EverythingPak), running from Laptop's Hard Drive.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 273
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 273 |
Quote:
I had purchased the DVD version over a year ago.
So I'm not sure about installing all from download, and the sequence will then be in order.
I doubt that they will.
But I'm pretty sure you should start with the book and videos called "Pattern Piano."
Just this section will take lots of time to get good at.
Hopefully David will reply after the weekend.
Take your time, it will take years to learn all the stuff he has in the course.
FYI: Here's the response I got from "Play Piano Today" Customer Service:
We've put together a short video that will show you the download process for all of our lessons.
Here is the link:
http://www.PlayPianoTODAY.com/download-information.html
For a study plan that will lead you through the complete bundle of lessons, follow the order of lessons found at the following link:
http://www.playpianotoday.com/resource/carts/complete-bundle-shipped-preview6-new.html
One lesson that should be studied at the same time as all of the other piano lessons is "Ear Training 101". This interactive computer program will teach your ears to hear intervals (distances between notes) as well as chords. A good plan of action is to spend 5-10 minutes a day with "Ear Training 101" while you are studying all of the other lessons.
Kawai VPC1 MIDI Controller; Asus A53E Laptop running Windows 7 - 64 bit; BIAB 2017 UltraPlusPak (upgraded from 2014 EverythingPak), running from Laptop's Hard Drive.
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Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!
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202 New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2026!
With Band-in-a-Box® 2026, we've released 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 468-488) in a variety of genres—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Funk & World (Sets 468-475):
Our new jazz, funk & blues RealTracks include a groovin’ collection of RealTracks and RealDrums! These include more requested “soul jazz” RealTracks featuring artists Neil Swainson (bass), Charles Treadway (organ), Brent Mason (guitar), and Wes Little (drums). There are new “smooth jazz” styles (4), which include a RealTracks first: muted trumpet, as well as slick new smooth jazz brushes options for drums. Blues lovers will be thrilled—there are more “classic acoustic blues” styles, including guitar (5), bass (4), and drums (10) with blues master Colin Linden, featuring understated and tasty background acoustic soloing, plus brushes drums and acoustic bass. There are also new electric blues RealTracks, including electric blues with PG favorite Johnny Hiland (3) and soulful electric slide guitar from Colin Linden (4). If you love funk & gospel, there are great new options this year, including gospel organ (3) from Charles Treadway, as well as new funk, tango, and rock ’n’ roll drums (3) and bass (1). And for big, bold arrangements, we have uptempo soul horns (4) featuring a three-part hip horn section with options for a full mix or stems of each individual horn — plus an accompanying rhythm section (4) of drums, bass, guitar, and electric piano!
Rock & Pop (Sets 476–482):
Our new rock & pop RealTracks bring a powerful mix of requested favorites, fresh genres, and modern chart-inspired styles! We have more of our popular “Producer Layered Acoustic Guitars (15)” featuring Band-in-a-Box favorite Brent Mason. We’ve continued our much-requested disco styles (10), and added new Celtic guitar (5) with a more basic, accessible approach than our previous Drop-D or DADGAD offerings. There are also highly requested yacht rock styles (17), inspired by the smooth, polished soft-rock sound of the late ’70s and early ’80s — laid-back grooves, silky electric pianos, warm textures, elegant harmonic movement, and pristine production aesthetics. Fans of heavier styles will love our new glam metal (13), capturing the flashy, high-energy sound of ’80s arena-ready guitar rock. We also have a set of rootsy modern-folk rock (18), with a warm, organic sound combining contemporary folk textures and driving acoustic strumming. And we’ve added lots of new modern pop styles (16) — the kinds of sounds you’re hearing on the radio today, featuring exciting new drums, synths, and cutting-edge RealTracks arrangements.
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Our new country & Americana RealTracks deliver a rich collection of acoustic, electric, and roots-inspired styles! We have new country pop (9) with legendary guitarist Brent Mason. There is also a potpourri (14) of bouzouki, guitars, banjo, and more, perfect for adding texture and character to contemporary acoustic arrangements. We’ve added funky country guitar (5) with PG favorite Brent Mason, along with classic pedal steel styles (5) featuring steel great Doug Jernigan. There are more country songwriter styles (8) that provide intimate, rootsy foundations for storytelling and modern Americana writing. Finally, we have “background soloing” acoustic guitar (12) with Brent Mason — simpler, but still very tasty acoustic lines designed to sit beautifully behind vocals or act as a subtle standalone solo part.
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- MIDI Styles Set 92: Look Ma! More MIDI 15: Latin Jazz
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- Artist Performance Set 19: Songs with Vocals 9
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- RealDrums Stems Set 9: Cool Brushes
- SynthMaster Sounds Set 1 (with audio demos)
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- Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
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