Professional pianist and music director Craig Coffman will be offering his noncredit “Instant Piano” and “How to Play Piano by Ear” technique workshops at Northland Pioneer College’s Snowflake/Taylor – Silver Creek Campus on Saturday, May 21.
Coffman covers the basics in the “Instant Piano for Hopelessly Busy People” workshop (reference MUS 099x-80869), which meets from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m., in the Student Center, room 123. There is a $58 charge for the “Instant Piano for Hopelessly Busy Adults and Teens” workshop, which includes $28 paid directly to the instructor for a workbook and DVD.
“Your former piano teacher might not approve, but thousands have learned the secret of how to play piano without reading music,” commented Coffman. His approach reveals how the pros play. He has extensive experience as a professional pianist and music director. Having taught piano privately for many years, Coffman will share piano players’ tricks of the trade. For over 23 years this workshop has brought seldom taught and highly sought after information to more than 100,000 nationwide.
Learn one of music’s deepest mysteries: how to play songs without relying on music in Coffman’s “How to Play Piano by Ear” workshop (reference MUS 099x-80868), which meets from Noon until 2:30 p.m. This is the ideal follow-up to “Instant Piano” and is open to anyone who has a basic understanding of chords on any instrument.
The “By Ear” course provides a practical presentation of music theory that includes predicting chord progressions, learning from recordings, and transposing, all expressed in everyday language.
There is a $58 charge for the “How to Play Piano by Ear” workshop, which includes $29 paid directly to the instructor for a workbook and DVD.
You can save $10 on the registration fee by enrolling in both workshops for just $108, which includes $56 paid to the instructor for materials.
“While the classical approach stresses discipline and precision in playing, this approach stresses enjoyment and getting great sounds early on. While precision is vital for classical music, this ‘pain free’ method is more suitable for pop music of all kinds, from Broadway to Rhythm and Blues,” added Coffman.
“If you can find middle C and know the meaning of ‘Every Good Boy Does Fine,’ you already know enough to enroll in this workshop,” noted Coffman. He also teaches students the secrets of how to play without the use of any written music. “Contrary to popular belief, playing by ear is a very easily learned skill based primarily on some simple knowledge about chords and melodies,” Coffman said.
Enroll in the workshop at least a week before the class starts to ensure it is not cancelled due to insufficient enrollment. Sign up at any NPC location during regular business hours, 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday [closed on Fridays], or by phone, (800) 266-7845 ext. 7459.
For additional information about this or other personal interest classes, contact Loyelin Aceves, community education program coordinator, 536-6244, or (800) 266-7845, ext. 6244, or e-mail. You can also view a current list of personal interest classes by clicking on the "Learning Adventures Classes!" link to the right of the large photo.