I can hear you asking "what in the world does knowledge based music lessons" mean? I'm gonna answer that. Read on.

Here's the truth of the matter, there are two ways to learn to play music, with or without a teacher:

#1 METHOD BOOKS. This is the note reading approach that's been widely used for years by music store studios and private teachers. It starts with the absolute basics and progresses in level of difficulty. A method series might have five to seven study books. By the time you finish the series, you should be a a proficient sight reader. The unlimited amount of music literature is at your fingertips, literally. You should also have good coordination and dexterity of both hands. Possible downsides: it might take a few years to complete the entire series; your ability to "just play" is limited due to dependence on written notes; and usually only very basic concepts of harmony are taught, if at all.

#2 KNOWLEDGE BASED METHOD. Systematically learning the language of music equips you to play by ear. You'll learn the same language that the professionals know. Don't buy into the hype that there are some "secrets" or "tricks". It just isn't true. With this approach, note reading isn't necessary (however, having some basic reading chops is recommended). Then as you transition into reading music, you'll have a better understanding of harmony versus simply reading a bunch of notes. You'll have the best of both worlds! 


"Hello Allen. It's been a long time. Hope you and your family are well. I thought about looking you up some time back to let you know that our son Andrew (who you taught for a few years) recently took a class at Emory University. He told me one day that had he not had you for a piano teacher, he would have been completely lost in the class, which he summarized as being one of the two hardest classes he has taken in 3 years at Emory! He has continued to play the keyboard and still uses all you taught him to pick out some very pretty pieces. I just thought people aren't told they are appreciated nearly enough, so I thought I'd tell you that you did a great job with him and we appreciate it! - Deborah


The KNOWLEDGE BASED METHOD will help you learn and understand music a whole lot faster than the Method Books approach. And pick out tunes like the young man in testimonial above. It worked for me too. Here's my story: I actually started on piano with the Method Book approach as a young adult while attending a university. I didn't finish all the books because I quickly figured out the Knowledge approach. And it wasn't long before I was playing in local bands, coffeehouses, improvising, etc. That's what I wanted to do. Note reading, though helpful, didn't take me in that direction.

The rest is history...I continued to develop my music skills, and have performed locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.

Understand, dear reader, that music is a language. It's actually a very organized system. To speak a language, any language, knowledge of the vocabulary is necessary. Knowing this language allowed me to pick up other instruments with ease (guitar, bass, saxophone, chromatic harmonica). 

Think about this. The English language as we know it has 26 alphabets. Music has only 7! In fact, do this right now...sing the "Alphabet Song" you learned as a kid, but stop at letter 'G'. Go ahead. I'll wait... already know the basics of what you need to know to be successful. 

Now, think about this. As young children, we learn to speak by first hearing the sounds repeatedly spoken to us. It is later on that we learn to read the actual words. 

The KNOWLEDGE BASED METHOD of learning music, as taught by me, does not require reading music...just alphabets and numbers.

It doesn't get any more simple than that. And you can learn these fundamental concepts, once and for all, in just 12 weeks! Depending on your goals and how far you want to go, these next 12 weeks might be all you need. 

Here's a bit of what you'll learn:

*scale formulas, intervals, and ear training using alphabets and numbers

*the 36 primary chords and qualities you absolutely need to know (not hundreds of chords as you might have heard)

*the 4 additional multi-function chords that will open up a whole new world of possibilities for you

*the truth about the 'circle of fifths' and 'circle of fourths'

*plus, you have access to my 30+ years of performing experience

So, here are a few of things I'd need you to do right now:

1 - take an inventory of all the music books, sheet music, method books in your piano bench and on your bookshelves

2 - ask yourself, am I playing music that I enjoy?

3 - how often do I play music? And if I'm not playing as often, why not? 

4 - also ask yourself, what music would I like to be playing instead?

Take some time and really think about this. And if you want to discuss it, click on the link below...

Click here to Contact me for a free consultation about your music education goals.

P.S. Maybe you just a few lessons or need some coaching assistance to help with a few songs you're trying to learn. We can do that!

Look forward to hearing from you.