'Simply Grand' Piano Club Workshops
Live Piano Lessons
For.....All level of students....
 

What's in the Intermediate Live Lessons?
 

• Do I have to play the music exactly as it is written? 
  (The myth that only applies to classical music)

• Do I have to play theseboring 4 note chords forever?

• Can "I" learn how to play the whole piano, and zip up and down
  creating my own style of music?

• Can I learn how to write my ownmusic?

• I'm on a plateau and am ready tocatapult to a new level;

Ok, here is a portion of what is in the live classes.

a) We are learning & playing the 7 chords and I guarantee you will be playing all
    chords easily with my simple method of learning;
b) Next, you will start moving the tones into the right hand, no more 1 note melody;
c) No more boring chords in the left hand.  Let's move the tones, and start arranging;
d) This is really fun and creative, adding choices for inner harmonies.  This changes
    your knowledge and style when you can fill in the blank beats with interesting rhythm
    and  tones;
e) Adding scales and fill-ins to sound like a pro;
f)  How to add your own chord choices;
e) How to accompany singers and play with other musicians;
f)  Playing blues, beginning improv, and adding blues ideas to music;
g) Let's add in fingering, pedaling and practice ideas;
h) You will learn the knowledge and technical skills to ensure success;
I)  I am with you all the way while you're at the piano playing and learning;
     

I am giving you all of the formulas and skills to arranging.  Yes, you can and should
be arranging your own music.  I am giving you all the tips & tricks to learning
that I use so you too can enjoy the piano and play your own music, whether it's
arranging or composing your own music. This is not a "Listen to Alana play the
piano and copy her";  you are going to learn how to do it yourself.

Come join us.
Reserve your spot now.
 

What's in the Advanced/Jazz Live Lessons?

I know you've heard pianist play those big, huge, expansive sounds, and you have even
read about extensions, substitution chords, quartals, jazz scales etc.*** but how do
you learn to play like this*****?

It's more than learning  theory. IT'S KNOWLEDGE & APPLICATION: 

Let's lact formulas to chords, scales and jazz formulas and actually apply
them to your music......Yes, you can learn to do it yourself.

a) Kicking off with adding color tones to both hands;  (9th's, 11th's & 13ths)
     Once you have the formulas, this is a very creative process and each student
     will apply their own sounds to the music.
b) How to add substitution chords to music.  Original lead sheets are boring, let's kick
     it up several notches and add those big chords.  It's not difficult, just a matter of
     knowing the formulas and applying them.
c)  Yes, we are working with scales, adding jazz scales and minor scales for improv,
      runs and fill-ins.  This requires some tips and tricks in order to zip them up and
      down the piano.  OH MY, does this mean your hand & finger technique will improve?
YOU CAN BET ON THAT!  I guarantee you will hit new levels of playing.
d) Hand positions, fingering and pedaling will make all the difference in your learning.

This is just a smidgeon of what's in the live classes and when we are live
collaborating together.......it's just amazing as to what will happen.

Here are some testimonials from my live classes:

Michael Barry:   "Another great session.  Thanks so much.  I have learned more and
gained insight into how to enjoy my piano than in these past few weeks than I have in
20 years teachers who only taught from the book."

David Dubnicki: "Yesterday's class was the best one yet! The hands on-instruction on the
piano made it seem like you were right there with us. The runs will take some work, as will
some of the  "stretch" chords on page 2, but I am determined to play them."

Jerry Simmons: ...."Anyway, your lessons have been great. I have learned a lot especially
last evening when you got into the minor 7the chord. I never knew that before.
Everything else that you taught us is going into my bag of tricks for future use.....
So thanks for all your help. You have been friendly, patient and helpful to the students
and I feel they are all grateful.  Thank you for a great class!"

Cheryl Holt: ..  " Alana suggests maintaining a consistent form throughout a song rather
than mix conflicting patterns, creating flow.  I have the freedom to pick and choose
from a plethora of tones, rhythms, runs and embellishments.  Once understanding the
concepts, it's easy to alter.  Alana's arrangements are rich in articulation and
expression -- both powerful and delicate.  Eliminating unnecessary notes brings the
enhancement of structure and tenderclarity.  Similar courses are limited to a "boxier"
style.  It's a joy to acquire these skills to use for the rest of my life.  Alana is very
accessible to her students and ardently loves music.  Her creative knowledge and vast
range are evident in her work.  With application and practice, her students can be
professional musicians." 
 

Come join us.
Reserve your spot now.