Local musician and music teacher David Higginson is trying to help folks put the "play" back into playing the piano.
Higginson has developed a new system that helps students learn to play keyboards the same way professional musicians do. Higginson developed the Professional Chord System after 20 years of research and testing.As a freshman in college, Higginson was asked to play backup piano for a concert by The Letter-men on campus. He agreed. Majoring in music and with 10 years of private lessons under his belt, he believed he had the skills needed to do the job.
When the music was placed in front of him, just hours before the concert, the pages weren't covered with notes, lines and dynamics. There were just chords. That night, through a lot of stress and bluffing, he found out how the professionals play. He wanted to learn, too.
The step-by-step, self-teaching system Higginson developed is unique in that it utilizes videos as well as books. "After just a few weeks of using this method, one can play just about any popular song using the same chords and rhythms that professionals use," he said.
More than 300 students and teachers locally have used the program to enhance their piano playing. Higginson believes that most people want to learn how to play the piano for their own entertainment.
"In talking to piano teachers, I've asked how many students stick with the piano to the point they can really enjoy playing - their answer, 1 out of 10," Higginson said.
Higginson said those who already play the piano will find the Professional Chord System will add a new dimension of enjoyment and creativity to their piano playing.
He said piano students usually get turned off because there are so many notes and symbols to memorize, and it becomes drudgery. Often the mind and hands have to do 10 things at a time. Some students can never handle more than two things at a time, so they're relegated to hours of practice.
"People quit taking lessons because it's not rewarding and not worth doing," Higginson said. With his method, students can be playing like professionals within two months or less.
Higginson said a student who knows the chords and rhythm patterns can take something simple and make it sound complex.
The Professional Chord system, which costs $139, includes 26 lessons on video, a lesson book, song book and audio tape. "You can train yourself to be your own teacher. An instructor's manual for music teachers is also available. Once the system is purchased, friends and family can also use it without the cost of regular piano lessons.
Higginson conducts free seminars on the system. He will hold seminars at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 19, Thursday, Jan. 20, and Thursday, Jan. 27, in the Salt Lake Hilton; Wednesday, Jan. 26, in the Bountiful Cottontree Inn; and Thursday, Feb. 3, in the Provo Park Hotel. Reservations are required.
For more information or to make reservations, call 1-800-272-5884 or 375-3533.