How do I Play the Piano System?

You can learn to play the piano by ear with The Piano System.

Nate Bosch's the Piano System is a video instruction package that teaches students how to play piano by ear. The system includes workbooks, training DVDs with bonus piano solos and two play-along packs that include a play-along DVD, a play-along CD without the piano tracks and a play-along workbook. The Piano System includes beginning, intermediate and advanced level lessons.

Instructions

1. Watch the Beginner Instructional DVD to learn basic hand position, to find Middle C, to learn keyboard layout chords and chord progressions including the key of G, to learn how to use piano pedals and to play your first couple of songs, as well as to learn basic practicing tips. Complete the Beginner exercises for each lesson in the Training Workbook. Watch the Beginner Play-Along DVD to learn piano playing technique from different angles. Use the Beginner Play-Along CD by playing a song to the CD accompaniment.

2. Watch the Intermediate Instructional DVD to learn basic piano theory and notation, intervals, keys and scales, chord charts, improvisation and playing piano by ear exercises. Complete the Training Workbook exercises for each lesson in the Intermediate section. Learn Intermediate piano technique by watching the Intermediate Play-Along DVD. Play the Intermediate song lessons with the Intermediate Play-Along CD accompaniment. Review the Beginner level lessons if you experience any difficulties in the Intermediate stage.

3. Watch the Advanced Instructional DVD to learn jazz modes, songs and improvisation, advanced rock and pop playing concepts. The Advanced Instructional DVD also will help you improve playing speed, note and meter accuracy and musical dynamics. Do the Advanced exercises in the Training Workbook. Concentrate on advanced piano technique by watching the Advanced Play-Along DVD and then playing the Advanced songs with the Advanced Play-Along CD accompaniment. Review the Beginner and Intermediate level lessons if you experience any difficulties in the Advanced stage.

4. Reinforce the playing piano by ear techniques you learned in the Beginning, Intermediate and Advanced Piano System levels by watching the Multi-Genre Pack DVD that illustrates blues, gospel, contemporary, country, funk, jazz and swing techniques. Complete the Play-Along Workbook exercises for the Multi-Genre pack. Play each piece with the Multi-Genre Play-Along CD accompaniment.

5. Use the second play-along pack, called the Blue Rain Play-Along Pack, to learn more songs. Watch the Blue Rain Play-Along DVD for performances of eight new songs. Complete the Play-Along Workbook exercises for the Blue Rain pack. Play each piece with the Blue Rain Play-Along CD accompaniment. Note problem areas and review the lessons for these areas.

Tips & Warnings

• Use the bonus piano solos on each level training DVD to get ideas for musical improvisation and to review piano techniques.

References

• My Top Piano Lessons: The Piano System
• My Top Piano Lessons: Video Piano Instruction Rankings