Mike's learned 7 pieces!
Mike's been working through The Complete Classical Piano Course since he purchased the course back on 12th September 2020.
As a member of John Geraghty's VIP Students: The Complete Classical Piano Course on Facebook, Mike has been uploading his own videos and getting feedback from John and extra help on his playing technique, use of dynamics, phrasing and overall musicality.
Take a look at Mike's playing progress, John's comments in the VIP Students: The Complete Classical Piano Course and Mike's beautiful piano too!
Here's Mike's review...
'Here’s why I decided to take up the course. As a guitarist, I always felt like piano was a more serious instrument. In rock bands, we very rarely had piano or organ players. I started studying a theory textbook, and to get through it I needed to learn how to read the left-hand parts of the examples. I decided I should learn to properly play the piano and read by sight. This course fit the bill exactly.
Here’s what I’ve gained from it. This course really structured my learning process. It includes a book of sheet music for progressively more difficult songs, with videos of the correct fingering and posture. Each time I feel like I’ve learned to play a song at the prescribed tempo, I take a video on my phone and post it. John replies promptly with suggestions for improvement and a decision on whether to continue working on it or proceed to the next tune. A typical example is “Very good, Mike! Your left hand was a little loud. Please go through the exercises in the Technique book on left-right balance.” Very helpful.
The course also encourages me to practice much more regularly. I’m always working on the next song, so I practice before and after work every morning and evening. I’m progressing more quickly.
I feel much more confident playing the piano, and learning to read F clef made me much smoother reading bass guitar lines. And I finally got through the theory textbook.
Here are some of the experiences I’ve had. John teaches the technique of two coins balanced on the wrist to control posture. I know this is controversial, but I like it. It takes some effort, but it makes for much cleaner playing. As an American, I had to get used to calling half, quarter, and eighth notes as minims, crotchets, and quavers, respectively. Once I submitted a tune at half tempo. John diplomatically pointed out that I played the quavers as crotchets. I appreciate that kind of supportive, personal feedback.'
Overall, I highly recommend the course.
Mike McBrearty
LEVEL 1: A NEW WORLD
LEVEL 1: ODE TO JOY
LEVEL 1: MINUET IN RONDO FORM
LEVEL 1: MINUET IN G
LEVEL 1: RUSSIAN FOLK SONG
LEVEL 1: BURLESKE
LEVEL 2: BAGATELLE
Comments from VIP Students: The Complete Classical Piano Course...
