Hey friend,

It’s been a minute.

I haven’t been as consistent with these Monday Musician emails lately. I’ve been working on refining the PlayBack course, but I’ve also been chatting with my wife, Fe. During one of those talks, she asked me something that stuck:

This newsletter started as a way to send out tips each week, but lately, I’ve realized I want to share what I’m learning while I’m playing. The real stuff. Small moments behind the keys at church, during a rehearsal, or at gigs. The moments that end up mattering more than I expected.

Here’s one that I was reminded of by my son, Jesse, recently:

🎯 Quick Lesson: Know Your Soundperson’s Name

Whether it’s a Sunday morning service or a local gig, this one thing makes everything smoother.

• They’re the ones making sure your sound reaches the room

• They’re often unnoticed unless something goes wrong

• They’re juggling more than most people realize

Here’s what I try to do every time:

• Introduce myself early

• Ask their name (and pay attention to remember it) 😉

• Use it when I ask for help or an adjustment

• Say thank you by name at the end

Not because it’s a strategy, but because they’re a person. They’re showing up to serve the music, the audience, and the space just like you are.

That one small act of connection has made my monitor mix better, built trust, and raised the chances I’ll be asked back.

I recorded a short video about this a few years back but never published it. If I can find it, I’ll drop it into next week’s email.

💬 Let Me Know

Ever had a Soundperson quietly save the day and make everything feel easier?

Hit reply and tell me about it. I’d love to hear your story.

Thanks for being here. More of these coming soon as I refine the kind of content that feels helpful and good to share with you.

:Dan

P.S. I’m continuing to refine the PlayBack course for musicians who want to play more by ear.

If you’re curious, you can check it out here:
👉 https://playback.beehiiv.com

No pressure. I’m sincerely just glad you’re here.

Hey there, Music Maker —

I’m excited to share something I’ve been working on just for you—a completely free 12-week course that teaches you how to play(back) what you hear.

This is for you if you’ve ever wanted to:

• Sit at the piano and figure out a song by ear
• Play chords and melodies without reading sheet music
• Understand what your ears are telling your hands to do

Here’s how it works:

• Click now, brag later → Get me on these keys!
• Get one focused lesson each week
• Practice at your own pace, no pressure

By the end, you’ll hear music differently—and play with more confidence than ever.

Want more help?
If you’re itching to get faster results, I’ve got two powerful tools that’ll give your progress a serious boost:

🧩 Chord Progression Cheat Sheet – Helps you find patterns faster and play thousands of songs with confidence

📓 Piano Practice Journal – Helps you take action and build habits that stick

👉 How I’d fast-track this (if I were you)

Let’s make music happen,
- Dan -

P.S. If you were watching your inbox last week (or even Monday, the regular day this is sent out) - I appreciate your patience. I was putting the finishing touches on everything to make sure this course is worth your time. Lesson 1 officially kicks off today!

P.P.S. Know someone who’d love this free course too?
Once you sign up, share your PlayBack referral link (found in the footer of the PlayBack welcome email) AND you’ll be entered in our monthly giveaway for a $25 Amazon gift card. Every friend you refer = one entry to win!

When I was a kid, I fell in love with the Axel Foley theme from Beverly Hills Cop. There was something about that synth sound that captivated me - too me, it was the coolest thing I'd ever heard.

I desperately wanted to play it on piano but had no clue where to start. Then one weekend, my Aunt Jeanne sat down with me and we began figuring it out together, note by note.

That moment changed everything for me. Suddenly my brain clicked: "Wait... I can play ANY song I hear if I just spend time sounding it out?!" Suddenly, music wasn't about deciphering cryptic symbols, but about hearing and recreating the sounds themselves.

Even now, decades later, I can still play that melody perfectly - it's permanently locked in. And it all started with someone showing me how to match what I heard to the keys on the piano.

That childhood experience is exactly why I'm so excited to announce that PlayBack - my free 12-week course on playing piano by ear - launches this Thursday!

In Lesson 1, you'll discover:

• The fundamental skill of pitch matching (what my Aunt Jeanne taught me)

• Simple exercises to train your ear (including a fun "Higher/Lower" game)

• How to develop your "inner ear" by humming before playing

• A simple 3-note melody you'll be able to play immediately

Learning to play by ear works just like learning a language. Children don't start by memorizing grammar rules - they listen, imitate, and gradually develop fluency through practice.

Even if you've never played a note by ear before, you'll be matching pitches and playing your first recognizable melody by the end of this lesson!

The full course launches Thursday, and I can't wait to share it with you. Keep an eye on your inbox - I'll send you the link as soon as it's live!

In the meantime, try this: Find a simple tune you love (maybe from a movie like I did) and just try humming it. That's actually the first step in training your ear - and we'll build on that in the course.

Looking forward to helping you develop this game-changing skill,

- Dan -

P.S. If you know other musicians who might be interested in this, don't worry - I'll include a shareable link in Thursday's email when everything goes live!

Thanks to Pressmaster.ai for sponsoring today’s Newsletter

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It happened again last summer.

Our band had been invited to a college weekend getaway out in Fremont, NE. I was playing keys when our worship leader turned to me between songs and whispered, "Let's add 'Christ Be Magnified' right after this one."

No rehearsal. No chord chart. No warning. Just a spontaneous addition moments before we needed to play it.

For many keyboard players (or any band member, really), this could trigger instant anxiety. But instead, I just nodded, mentally worked out the key, and when the time came, played it as if we'd practiced it all week.

This isn't some special talent I was born with. It's something I learned, practiced, and refined over time – the ability to play piano by ear.

It's been a while since my last email – about two months, actually. Between work demands, attending all the events for our daughter's senior year, and a minor health hiccup (all good now!), life’s been wonderfully full. Sometimes you need to step away and it was good to be fully present for the moments that matter most.

Thanks for sticking with me during this quiet period - I'm excited to be back with regular newsletters again.

During this break, I've been secretly working on something I think you'll find valuable – especially if you've ever wanted to develop your ability to play piano by ear. It's just about ready, and I can't wait to share it with you next week.

In the meantime, I'd love to hear from you. What have you been working on musically? Any particular skills or techniques you've been trying to develop on piano?

Reach out and let me know – I read every response and would genuinely like to hear about your musical journey.

Looking forward to reconnecting,

- Dan -

P.S. Next week I'll be sharing a completely free resource I've developed to help you begin growing your 'playing by ear' skills, so stay tuned!

Photo by Petr Sevcovic on Unsplash

You know what everyone's doing this month? Cramming their schedules full, making wild promises about "new year, new me," and beating themselves up when life gets in the way.

Me? I've been spending nights playing cards with my wife and girls (they destroy me every time), reading & staying warm by the fireplace, grabbing coffees with friends, binging movies, laughing a lot, and even sneaking in a work trip to Austin last week.

Normal schedule? What normal schedule?

As we approached the new year, my wife shared a quote with me from Austin Kleon, NYTimes bestselling author of STEAL LIKE AN ARTIST, that resonated and inspired me:

"Save your resolutions! January is a hangover month and LONG. February is 28 days - four perfect weeks - and much easier to get through. Go easy in 2025."

So here's what we're doing together instead of living in that January pressure cooker:

We're building something real this year. I'm talking exercises to help you learn to play by ear, diving into the Nashville Number System, learning practice techniques that actually work (whether you're just starting or ready to level up), and breaking down popular songs to show you exactly what's going on in my head when I approach a new song.

And trust me, we're just getting started.

Want to know what else is coming?

· Blues scales that'll make your solos sing

· Chord inversions for lazy piano players (yeah, I said lazy - efficiency is king)

· Smooth transitions that'll make your setlist flow like butter

· Real talk about playing live shows (hint: it's all about preparation, the right attitude, & a few other secrets I’ve learned the hard way)

But here's the deal - we're not rushing. We're starting small, building habits that stick, and ramping up when February hits. No pressure, just progress.

Oh, and something else brewing: I'm putting together some micro group piano lessons. Think focused, interactive sessions where we can really dig into this stuff together. If that sounds like your jam, hit reply and let me know. I'll send you the details before anyone else sees them.

Let's make 2025 count - starting in February.

Dan

P.S. Seriously, drop me a line about those group lessons. Spots will be limited, and I want my email fam to get first dibs.

P.P.S. Not sure if this is right for you? Just reply with your biggest piano-playing challenge, and I'll help you figure out if it's a good fit.

[Packing up for the last holiday gig of the year 🎹]

Heyyyyy holiday keys players! ✨
pauses from sorting cables & gear Come here, I've got something to tell you...

First, wow – what a journey since restarting this newsletter after a 10-year break! We began with about a hundred subscribers from way back, refocused this summer with just 55 truly engaged readers, and now look at us - 181 strong and growing! To our newcomers: welcome! And to everyone who's been here, whether it's been months or a decade: thank you for sticking around.

Between work and surviving the Black Friday email avalanche (your inbox made it out alive too, right? 📧), it felt right to keep things quiet the past few weeks. And now... dramatic pause ...I'm sneaking away again, though only for a couple weeks!🎄

BUT before I go, I wrapped up some presents! 🎁 

Here are YOUR favorite lessons from this year:

(and wow - you all helped to take Hidden 2-5-1s to 62k views on YouTube! I'm still blown away)

• Hidden 2-5-1s: The Chord Progression Hack… (our 62k-view champion! 🏆)
• 5 Minutes to Mind-Blowing Chord Progressions
• The Art of "Lazy Piano" (because who doesn't love working smarter?)
• PIANO POWER-UPS: 3 Moves to Level-Up Your Game 🎮
• 3 Intros That'll Make Your Playing Soar

Thanks for watching, sharing, and helping these reach so many other musicians this year! 🙏 And if you missed any you can catch up right here: dnlwht.beehiiv.com 🎵

I'm taking the remainder of 2024 to finish up some work, play a few Christmas gigs & services (hey, maybe I'll see some of you there!), spend some quality time with my fam, reflect on this amazing year, and cook up some exciting new stuff for 2025. Trust me, you're gonna want to stick around for what's coming! ✨

glances at the clock

Oh! Almost forgot – thank you! Like, really thank you. For reading, for watching, for playing, for being part of this whole piano adventure. 🙏

[Climbs up into the Jeep, slams the door shut, & the Christmas music can be heard a little more faintly]

See you all in 2025! It's gonna be epic. 🚀

Dan ❤️

P.S. - If you get bored or want something more to work on during the break - those Hidden 2-5-1s are your secret weapon for the holiday season (and beyond)... drop them into your favorite carols & watch your friends' jaws drop! 🎄✨

Dear friends,

As we head into the holiday season, I wanted to take a different approach with this week's video. Instead of the usual tutorial, I've created something special - a gentle piano meditation called "Breathe."

Why This, Why Now
We all know what's coming: the shopping lists, the family gatherings, the end-of-year deadlines. Before that whirlwind begins, I wanted to offer you a moment of pure peace.

A simple practice to:

• Slow down racing thoughts
• Practice musical mindfulness
• Return to your inner calm
• Remember that you are enough, just as you are

No complex patterns to learn. No techniques to master. Just you, some peaceful piano notes, and the gentle rhythm of your own breath.

How to Use This Gift:

1. Find a quiet moment (even 5 minutes will do)

2. Start the video: https://youtu.be/z2vqbEX1mKA

3. Begin with deep breaths

4. Play along with the video (choose left, right, or both hands)

5. Let the affirmation sink in: "I am enough just as I am"

6. Return to your day, renewed

Think of it as an early holiday gift from me to you - one that you can unwrap whenever you need a moment of calm in the coming weeks. A gentle reminder that peace isn't something we need to chase or earn - it's already within us, waiting to be remembered.

Ready to take a peaceful pause?
➡️ Watch "Breathe" (below)

Don't worry - we'll return to our regular content soon. But for now, let's take this moment together to just breathe.

Peacefully yours,
Dan

Want More Peaceful Moments?
Visit mymellowtone.com to be the first to know when new meditations, affirmations and mindful piano experiences are released.

P.S. If you know someone who might need a moment of calm before the holiday chaos begins, please share this with them. Sometimes the best gifts are the ones that bring us back to ourselves.

Happy Monday!

When I was younger, I loved watching musicians. I wondered how they made big sounds with little movement. I thought they were lazy, but I later realized they were smart.

Remember the chord shapes from last week? Today, I want to share something cool about "Lazy Piano."

Think of a basketball team on a fast break. It's often quicker and smarter to pass the ball than to try to dribble on your own. Similarly, inversions make it easier to switch between chords smoothly.

In today's video, I'll show you:

• How to move between chords like the pros

• The quickest path to take

• Real musical exercises

This is where last week's basic chord inversions really shine. Ready to discover the shortcuts?

WATCH NOW

P.S. Has my lazy piano method or any of my videos helped you? I'd love to hear your story! Please share it here : https://testimonial.to/dan-white. Your feedback will help me keep building this channel out.

Hey there,

Ever notice those pro players who barely seem to move, yet create massive sounds? That's not laziness - that's efficiency.

This week, I'm sharing the foundation of what I call "Lazy Piano" (spoiler: it took a lot of work to get this lazy 😅). We're diving into:

• Root position basics
• The power of inversions
• Spotting these shapes on your keyboard

Think of chords like that brain trick where you can read jumbled words. The letters might move around, but your brain still gets it. Same with these chord positions - different arrangements, same beautiful harmony.

Ready to learn the art of minimal movement, maximum impact?

WATCH NOW

P.S. Next week we're leveling up with practical exercises, but master these basics first. Trust me, your fingers will thank you later!

Hey there,

Want to know your current piano level?

This week, I'm sharing 3 moves that'll test your skills and power up your playing. Think of it like a video game - start at Level 1 and work your way up to the boss level.

DIFFICULTY SETTINGS:
🟢 Level 1: Rookie Mode (Nailing the basics)
🟡 Level 2: Advanced Mode (Time to level up)
🔴 Level 3: Pro Mode (Boss fight material)
⭐ Secret Bonus Level: Unlocked at the end!

The best part? Just like gaming, every attempt makes you stronger. No game overs here!

Ready to start your quest? Hit play below.

WATCH NOW

P.S. Stick around until the end for a secret power-up move that'll seriously boost your game! 🌟 

Hey there,

Ever notice those silky-smooth intros and outros that just feel right?

This week, I'm sharing 3 exercises straight from the church musician's playbook. But here's the kicker - they work wonders in pop, jazz, and pretty much any genre you throw at them.

In just a few minutes, you'll:
• Boost your hand dexterity
• Create soothing sounds that'll hook listeners, plus you’ll love them too!
• Build a rock-solid foundation for more advanced techniques

Whether you're a beginner or a pro, these moves are pure gold. They're the secret sauce for crafting inner melodies and ‘chord tones’ that'll take your playing to the next level.

Ready to elevate your intros, outros, and everything in between? Hit the link below and let's dive in.

WATCH NOW 

P.S. These exercises are addictive - don't say I didn't warn you!

This week, we're turning theory into jaw-dropping practice.

I've distilled pro-level chord techniques into a 5-minute daily routine that'll revolutionize your playing. My new video breaks it all down:

• Silky-smooth diatonic V-I's
• ii-V-I's that'll make listeners' heads spin
• Tritone subs to instantly elevate any progression

You'll get a free chart of all the exercises (in the description of the video) plus newsletter subscribers scored an exclusive drum groove to practice along with. If you haven’t subscribed yet, visit THIS LINK to signup. Then reply to the welcome email with 'Drum Groove' and I’ll send you a link to the file!

Ready to transform your chord game from "meh" to "mind-blowing"? Click below and let's make some serious progress this week.

WATCH NOW

Whenever you’re ready, here’s how I can help you:

1. Interested in FREE piano lessons or know someone who would be? Signup here to get started! Additionally, I'll share weekly actionable advice to enhance your music skills + elevate your musical journey! 🙌

2. Work with me 1:1 to build out your personalized plan for achieving your musical goals!

Ever wonder why some musicians sound like they're playing 4D chess while you're stuck with checkers? Here's one of their secret weapons: tritone substitution.

This isn't some mystical technique passed down by jazz gods. It's a practical, learnable skill that separates the pros from the amateurs.

Think of it as your musical lockpick. It opens doors to progressions you never knew existed.

But what exactly is this pro-level trick?

Tritone substitution is like swapping Clark Kent for Superman. Same guy, different impact. Your chord progression goes from mild-mannered reporter to cape-wearing superhero in a single substitution.

It's the musical equivalent of stepping into a phone booth and emerging with newfound powers. Same harmonic function, but suddenly you're flying over the cityscape of your progression, turning heads and dropping jaws.

In simple terms, it's all about chromatic movement - sneaking around the keyboard in half steps, creating tension and release in unexpected ways.

Why should you care? Because this is what takes your playing from "nice" to "holy cow, how'd I just do that?!"

It's the difference between being a good player and being a player everyone stops to listen to. And the best part of all? Once you get it, you’ll have the ability to use this tool whenever you see fit. It becomes part of your musical DNA.

But let's be real: like any pro technique, it takes practice. You wouldn't expect to fly on your first leap from a tall building, would you? Start small. Experiment. Try it in different contexts. See where it fits and where it doesn't.

And don't sweat the mistakes. I’ve had my fair share of mistakes while learning this stuff. It's part of the journey.

Ready to sound more like the pros? Want to create progressions that make you and your listeners do a double-take?

I've put together a video lesson that breaks down tritone substitution. Not just the theory, but real-world applications. The stuff that'll actually level up your playing.

Click below to watch. It's time to add this secret weapon to your arsenal.

Now go create some killer progressions. Time to unleash your inner musical superhero.

Dan

Whenever you’re ready, here’s how I can help you:

1. Interested in FREE piano lessons or know someone who would be? Signup here to get started! Additionally, I'll share weekly actionable advice to enhance your music skills + elevate your musical journey! 🙌

2. Work with me 1:1 to build out your personalized plan for achieving your musical goals!

I was a drummer, lost in a sea of complex chord changes. The keyboardist's fingers danced effortlessly, weaving harmonic magic for our gospel choir and I couldn't comprehend what he was doing. I mean, I played a bit of keyboard, but not in the way he made it come alive. How was he coming up with all these chords that weren't listed on the chord chart?

Then I discovered one of his secrets: the 7-3-6-2-5-1-4 formula. What I didn't realize at the time (but am going to reveal to you now so you don't waste any more time) is this... it contains hidden 2-5-1 progressions!

Here's the game-changer:

1. Start with 7-3-6-2-5-1-4 as your foundation.

2. Recognize that any three consecutive numbers form a 2-5-1.

3. Use this to create powerful passing chord movements to your target chord.

Example in C major:

• Want to land on 6 (Am)? Use 7-3-6 (Bø7 - E - Am7)

• Aiming for a 2 chord (Dm)? Use 3-6-2 (Em - Am - Dm)

But here's where it gets spicy. Let's enhance that 3-6-2 with what we learned last week about borrowing from other keys:
Standard: Em - Am - Dm
Enhanced: E/G# - A7 - Dm

This isn't just theory. It's a real-world tool that's helped me on countless gigs.

Why this works:

1. Flexibility: Move backward 1 or 2 steps for instant passing chords.

2. Creativity: Substitute chords within the framework for endless variety.

3. Spontaneity: React in real-time, keeping your playing fresh.

The power lies in recognition. See the hidden 2-5-1s everywhere in the 7-3-6-2-5-1-4 sequence.

Don't just memorize. Internalize. Experiment. Make it yours.

This approach isn't about rules. It's about freedom. Musical storytelling. Finding your voice and sound.

Challenge: Find these hidden 2-5-1s in your favorite progressions this week. Push boundaries. Discover new sounds.

Remember: Great musicians aren't born. They're made through relentless curiosity and practice.

Now go make some noise.

Dan

Whenever you’re ready, here’s how I can help you:

1. Interested in FREE piano lessons or know someone who would be? Signup here to start! Additionally, I'll share weekly actionable advice to enhance your music skills + elevate your musical journey! 🙌

2. Work with me 1:1 to build out your personalized plan for achieving your musical goals!

I was 14, drumming in a dilapidated German disco on a church mission trip. My fellow musicians, twice my age, effortlessly wove blue scales and riffs into our songs. It was musical wizardry.

That night changed everything for me. I'd been trapped, playing only the chords on the page. Now I knew there was more.

Photo by Paulius Dragunas on Unsplash

Years of slow progress followed. I'd sit at the piano, searching for those elusive sounds, and every so often I’d find a chord or two I could throw in.

But one day, I figured out the secret key: it was the 2 - 5 - 1 progression! Knowing how to use this will unlock your playing and provide you with unlimited passing chords!

The  2 - 5 - 1 progression, typically used as an ending in ~95% of jazz, pop, and worship songs, is the key to YOUR musical freedom. Master it, and you'll be able to add depth and new sounds to any song.

Here's the kicker: it's surprisingly simple. In my video, I break it down step-by-step for you!

Imagine sitting at your instrument, feeling unlimited. No more aimless searching. No more feeling trapped.

This isn't just theory. It's a practical skill that will transform your playing today.

Don't spend years struggling like I did. Learn this technique and start playing with confidence!

Click below to watch and in minutes, you'll have a tool for life.

The next adventure in your musical journey starts now! Ready?

Dan "From Frustrated to Fluent" White

Whenever you’re ready, here’s how I can help you:

1. Interested in FREE piano lessons or know someone who would be? Signup here to get started! Additionally, I'll share weekly actionable advice to enhance your music skills + elevate your musical journey! 🙌

2. Work with me 1:1 to build out your personalized plan for achieving your musical goals!

Want to unlock smooth chord transitions and unlimited freedom in your piano playing but don’t know where to start?

I’ve been there, and over the past 15 years, I’ve transformed my playing with the help of this powerful tool: the 7-3-6-2-5-1-4 sequence.

If I were starting over today, here’s exactly what I would do to see improvement in just a few weeks to months, helping you play more confidently, and discover new musical ideas.

Step #1: Start in the Key of C Major

The key of C Major is the perfect place to begin since it has no sharps or flats, making it visually simple on the keyboard.

• Play the C Major scale with your right hand, starting on C, and call out each note (C, D, E, F, G, A, B, C) as you play it slowly to familiarize yourself.

• Play the scale again, but this time, call out the number associated with each note (C = 1, D = 2, E = 3, etc.). This will help you connect the notes to numbers.

• Practice this until you can play the scale smoothly and confidently while associating each note with its number.

Step #2: Memorize the 7-3-6-2-5-1-4 Sequence

This sequence is the foundation for creating smooth passing chords that will elevate your transitions.

• A fun way to remember it? Sing these numbers to the tune of 867-5309/Jenny—yes, really! It’s catchy, and you’ll never forget it.

• Use repetition to lock the sequence into your muscle memory. Practice saying or playing it multiple times a day.

• Challenge yourself by thinking of a number in the sequence and immediately playing the chord associated with that number. For example, if you think "7," play the B diminished chord (in the key of C Major). Do this until switching between chords becomes second nature.

Step #3: Practice the Sequence & Label a Simple Pop Song

Now that you’ve memorized the 7-3-6-2-5-1-4 sequence, it’s time to put it into practice by labeling a simple pop song in the key of C with the proper numbers.

• Choose a song like “Let It Be” by The Beatles or any other pop song in the key of C. The chord progression for the verse of "Let It Be" is C → G → Am → F.

• Using the number system, label each chord: C = 1, G = 5, Am = 6, F = 4. So, the progression becomes 1 → 5 → 6 → 4.

• To add a passing chord from our 7-3-6-2-5-1-4 sequence, look at the next chord in the song (for example, the 5 chord). Then, use the chord that comes just before it in the sequence (in this case, the 2 chord) as your passing chord. Play the 2 chord right before the 5 chord to create a smoother transition. Repeat this process for other places you'd like to place a passing chord in this or any other song.

That’s it for this week!

Focus on these steps to get comfortable with the 7-3-6-2-5-1-4 sequence and notice how it begins to improve your transitions. But this is just the beginning and we’ve really only scratched the surface.

Next week, we’ll dive into an even more advanced way to unlock your creative potential using this progression.

Stay tuned—there’s so much more to explore together!

Whenever you’re ready, here’s how I can help you:

1. Interested in FREE piano lessons or know someone who would be? Signup here to get started! Additionally, I'll share weekly actionable advice to enhance your music skills + elevate your musical journey! 🙌

2. Work with me 1:1 to build out your personalized plan for achieving your musical goals!

Ever wish your piano playing could sound richer and more dynamic without extra effort? This week’s video is all about making that happen with root position power chords. I’ll guide you through a simple adjustment that can transform your sound, especially in fast songs. It’s a quick and easy way to add depth and versatility to your playing.

Check out the video here to see how root position power chords can elevate your music, and give it a try in your next practice session!

As always, if you have any questions or thoughts, just hit reply—I’m here to help and would love to hear from you.

Whenever you’re ready, here’s how I can help you:

1. Interested in FREE piano lessons or know someone who would be? Signup here to get started! Additionally, I'll share weekly actionable advice to enhance your music skills + elevate your musical journey! 🙌

2. Work with me 1:1 to build out your personalized plan for achieving your musical goals!

Imagine sitting down at your piano, hands ready, and without even moving your hand much, you’re suddenly producing rich, powerful sounds that make you feel like a pro.

In today’s video, I’ll show you three simple yet effective techniques to accomplish this:

1. Start with a power chord based on 2nd Inversion: This gives your chord a strong foundation.

2. Outline the Chord Using the power chord as Your Base: Build around it to add depth.

3. Play Multiple Notes with Your Thumb: A slight adjustment can create fascinating voicings.

Watch the video to see these techniques in action, and start adding these power chords to your playing today!

And hey, if you’ve got any questions or just want to chat about what you’ve learned, hit reply—I’d love to hear from you.

Whenever you’re ready, here’s how I can help you:

1. Interested in FREE piano lessons or know someone who would be? Signup here to get started! Additionally, I'll share weekly actionable advice to enhance your music skills + elevate your musical journey! 🙌

2. Work with me 1:1 to build out your personalized plan for achieving your musical goals!

Last week, I mentioned I’d be sharing how to play powerchords, so here it is! I put together a quick video to show you how powerchords work, and in this example, you'll see how they can be played over any bass note in the key of A.

Check out THIS VIDEO and start adding these powerful chords to your playing TODAY!

If you have any questions or just want to chat about what you’ve learned, hit reply—I’d love to hear from you!

Whenever you’re ready, here’s how I can help you:

1. Interested in FREE piano lessons or know someone who would be? Signup here to get started! Additionally, I'll share weekly actionable advice to enhance your music skills + elevate your musical journey! 🙌

2. Work with me 1:1 to build out your personalized plan for achieving your musical goals!

In this post, I’m going to show you how to easily play fast piano songs with one simple tweak to your playing.

Playing fast songs is a skill that will immediately open up your song options while also boosting the energy in any room you're playing. Imagine the confident feeling of playing upbeat songs while having total control, plus adding new rhythms to your playing.

Unfortunately, many musicians struggle with fast songs due to never taking the time to work out one of the many creative options available to them.

You're working too hard to play fast songs

When you play a fast song you might find yourself tensing up or not having a plan for how to perform the song. Meanwhile, your brain & hands are doing their best to keep up with the chords coming at them.

Instead of just trying to gut it out and play faster or barely getting by and feeling less confident in your playing, let's try a new technique that can open up numerous options for you, such as:

• fun & interesting rhythms

• new chord voicings

• fuller sounds + space for others to play

• increased strength

• time to think ahead in every song

Step 1: Learn power chords

Power chords are game-changers and the beginning of improving how you play fast songs.

You might be asking - what is a power chord? For this, we're going to borrow from our guitar friends as this chord type is one they're very accustomed to playing (and why should they have all the secret musical knowledge?).

A power chord typically consists of just two notes: the root note and the fifth note of the key in which you're playing. You can also add an octave of the root note to this chord, making it three total notes being played.

Ex: If you have a s song in the key of C, your main power chord will be C - G - C. Try playing this in your right hand. If that's too big of a stretch for your hand, simplify by playing C - G, as this will also work.

Step 2: Why use power chords?

The structure of a power chord makes it sound strong and full. It's technically a very simple chord and one which doesn't include the third note. So, its beauty is that it can be used as a major OR minor chord.

But why is this so important? It can immediately reduce your hand movement, which not only conserves your energy but also increases your precision and speed. This gives you the opportunity to add in different rhythms and to play the piano percussively.

It also allows you to take up less "sonic space" in a song because your chords are more open, leaving room for the rest of the band to play without muddying up the sound.

Step 3: Begin using power chords

You've already seen one example of a power chord (C - G - C). Now pull up a fast song that you'd like to play. Find the key of your song, identify the 1 chord of that key, convert it into a power chord.

So, if your fast song is in the key of A, your 1 chord would be an A. Normally you'd play the 1 chord of A as A-C#-E, but you want to convert it to a power chord. Remember a power chord is the 1st note, the fifth note, and the octave above the 1st note. So, in the key of A this would give you a power chord of A - E - A.

It sounds almost too simple to be useful or even good, but try playing through your song using that chord. Can you hear the strength of it? Even better, try playing through your entire fast song by holding that power chord in your right hand and only moving your left hand/bass note for the chord changes.

The song might not sound exactly correct, but give it a try. This will stretch your ear & creative muscles, prepare you for how we'll expand this idea next week, plus you might be surprised to hear it works better than you imagined.

Next week, I'll provide you with a few short video examples of how to turn the power chord into one of your new favorite go-tos during uptempo songs. Play around with it this week, and I can't wait to show you some more tips & tricks to keep growing your skills!

Whenever you’re ready, here’s how I can help you:

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2. Work with me 1:1 to build out your personalized plan for achieving your musical goals!