wnyc.org / 93.9fm / am 820

Comments

• [1] Terrill from Edison, NJ September 04, 2008 - 09:10AM

  Although I believe strongly in the internet as a great educational tool, using it as a primary source requires a tremendous amount of self-motivation and self-knowledge, in addition to quite a bit of research to find exactly what it is you need to learn, assuming that you even know what you need to learn.

  Music instruction materials have been available for decades, as anyone with a deep mistrust of Mel Bay can tell you. YouTube is just another format, and free or not, nothing can beat the results someone will get with quality one-on-one time with a good teacher.

  Materials off only information - a good teacher adds experience, understanding, inspiration and true interaction.

  
  
• [2] Gerald from NY September 04, 2008 - 02:28PM

  I am a former student of Elizabeth Wolff, and I think she is being very modest about the sophistication and precision she offers as a teacher. A master teacher such as her offers very, very rigorous and calibrated instruction. This is just not possible any other way. Ultimately, a face to fact teacher saves you time, as the teacher can correct mistakes and help you avoid bad habits very early in the process.

  
  
• [3] Joel from Brooklyn September 04, 2008 - 02:30PM

  I am a drummer, 11 years professionally, and I am self taught. While this instilled a certain confidence and intuition in my playing, my lack of technical instruction resulted in physical detriment. Piano, like drums, is particularly demanding physically, as posture and movement are key.

  I've also taught online lessons, and they were taken off the air after a music organization. It was deemed as an encroahement on professional in-person teachers. I am surprised these videos remain on the air.

  
  
• [4] kim from manhattan September 04, 2008 - 02:31PM

  I agree with the above comment. I am currently taking guitar lessons with someone who inspires and motivates. While I have collected books and podcasts on the same subject, they are ignored for the most part.

  
  
• [5] Diana Termini from New Jersey September 04, 2008 - 02:32PM

  Andrew:

  Your lessons 21 - 30:

  5th line down, "explanations" is spelled wrong

  
  
• [6] Erin from Manhattan September 04, 2008 - 02:34PM

  It depends on what you want to achieve from your lessons. I'm a professional musician/teacher, and would endorse one-on-one private lessons above all else, but then again, I learned yoga from a DVD.

  
  
• [7] Linda natanagara from ocean, NJ September 04, 2008 - 02:36PM

  Thank you!

  I started piano before my second child was born and have not gotten back to it. Now our resources are spent sending our kids to music lessons!

  This is perfect for someone like me - it's on my own time, no performance anxiety with a teacher (i'm a former dancer, that's a big one) and the price is certainly right.

  Thank you so much Soundtrack and Andrew F. for sharing this with us. I will definitely be spending some time at our lovely, quiet piano.

  Best regards,

  Linda Natanagara

  
  
• [8] Bret Williams from Birmingham, AL September 04, 2008 - 03:00PM

  I have a strong feeling that these types of lessons can be used in conjunction with a personal teacher. You also have to have a motivating reason to learn an instrument - a milestone or target. In my case, I am a late learning guitarist, (starting at 31 y/o and now I'm 37). I've gone through 2 teachers which equaled 2 years, numerous books, playing with peers, internet videos for specific songs, computer CDs, but these, although helpful, all had problems. A good teacher should be able to create a cocktail of techniques which includes internet-ish videos - the same way books have been used. Now please answer that motivation question for a 9 y/o drummer who'd rather be playing basketball.

  
  
• [9] Steve from Pacific, MO September 04, 2008 - 03:49PM

  Ok, so, my disclaimer: I work for Mel Bay Publications. That being said, here is my $.02:

  I agree that learning on your own and using the internet can be one way to drive home your own style as a musician or to get some tidbits of songs/riffs. However, to really grasp the concepts behind the instrument you are trying to learn and to be able to truly grow as a musician, it is really difficult to beat having a live teacher and a great book in front of you (Mel Bay's Modern Method, of course.) Many people fall victim to wanting to get right down to playing their favorite Guns 'n Roses song, so they skip "the hard stuff" like learning where the notes are. This is where a teacher can help keep the student on the right track.

  BTW, John...Mel Bay offers a guitar method book for lefties now:

  http://www.melbayxpress.com/MelBayXPress/ProductDetail/Products.aspx?Catalog=MelBayXPress&ProductID=93200ELBCD

  
  
• [10] thomas September 04, 2008 - 04:53PM

  Hi :) I am actually that guy mentioned in the beginning of the show. That was a great honor!!

  I think the Reason Andrew is such a hit, is because of his genuin interest in teching, and his Great background of theory. Those two combined is dynamite!!! :)

  Awesome teacher!! :)

  
  
• [11] Xianning from Regina Saskatchewan September 04, 2008 - 04:59PM

  Online instruction is amazing for those who have little to no resources for the real lessons and I believe my buddy Andrew is one of the best online music teachers ever!

  The con would be...lack of personal contact can also be important because certain people have weaknesses and if weaknesses goes un-noticed without live lessons and reteachings, that could lead to future potential problems for the pianist themself :D

  online video is definitely a good start for anyone who wants to learn piano though!!! I learned piano from 9 teachers, and what I learned was that every teacher can teach differently and most nowadays just scam your money but never teach anything. My buddy Andrew is one of a kind!! Keep it up buddy, your the best (to Andrew)!!

  
  
• [12] Maggie from Salt Lake City September 05, 2008 - 03:47AM

  Few months back I was really new to the piano when I found Andrew on Youtube and I joined his community on his forum. He might not be standing or sitting right beside me when I learn and practice piano but his lessons gave so much insight to how to play piano and encouragment for absolute beginners.

  Even my 8 years old boy joined me watching the lessons and felt the desire to learn the piano.

  In case I would need help or advice I can turn to the forum or upload a performance video so Andrew can comment on my development. It is not hologram yet :) but pretty close to a real-time teacher.

  He teaches not only about the basics but more and more advanced music theory details. I also loved that he explains us how the piano as an instrument works and show a person tuning his piano.These extra features make his videos one of a kind.

  His lessons (presently 36 lessons) can be found not only on Youtube but on Itunes too. Download it for free and learn how to play piano anywhere you go.

  I am greatful for all his help and hope many listeners will join his "class" too. Lets prove there are no boundaries for the love of pianomusic.

  
  
• [13] brint from nj September 05, 2008 - 11:18AM

  Oh, how I wish the Internet was around when I was a kid. I was in the same situation - no money for lessons, very self-motivated. I mostly taught myself from copies of Guitar magazine and playing along (badly) with Rush records. I got good enough to fake it and played in bands for years only knowing half of what I was doing. When I was 30 I took individual lessons for the first time and after correcting my physical technique (though I lapsed when the he wasn't looking), the theory given to me opened up a whole new world of playing. Was also a nice cautionary tale to watch my "teacher" take a break mid-lesson, go into his bedroom and come out smelling of weed. He was a jazz guy...

  I've since followed a lot of Internet lessons, and have learned some good stuff. Wish all the info that's on the Internet was around when I was a kid - could have spent my time better than learning Fly By Night by ear. Well, at least I would have had 10 different tabs to guide me.

  
  
• [14] Guitar teacher September 08, 2008 - 12:30AM

  This is wonderful resource.Learning to play guitar has never been easier. Online guitar lessons are now available across the internet which will help us in learning.

  
  
• [15] kkbbccgg from Roca Nebraska September 11, 2008 - 09:57PM

  I listened to the show, and while I agreed with both sides of the discussion there was something that I'd like to add. Andrew has a way of inspiring people. I've been taking lessons for 7 years now with a wonderful teacher, and now that I've discovered Andrew's site I go there almost every day. I find a lot of the theory he presents is the same thing my teacher has told me at a lesson, however, I see her once a week, and I may forget some of the things she mentions. I can see Andrew every day and I find myself looking forward to his next video in a way I haven't really experienced when getting ready to go to a live lesson. He is very personable, and his passion for piano and teaching really comes across in the videos. He's like a friend that you can talk to piano about. I don't think there are a lot of people out there that would go to all the work and trouble that he goes to for his students. I encourage everyone to to to his site, check it out..then you'll see what I mean.

  
  
• [16] leonard from Quintanaroo, Mexico September 19, 2008 - 01:59AM

  of course online teaching may never beat a live tacher next to you but oh my god andrew is fabulous i have a giant interest in playing piano but just like every one of his "students" for this or for that i wasnt able to learn the piano but after founding andrew everything started moving and i started playing andrew teaches in a way few live teachers do this is a great learning experience plus his forum with a great community very warm everyone helps you in the way they can but of course when i get into advance things i plan on getting a teacher so i can grow even more