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Hey, thanks Scott for everything...and I really mean that! I'll always remember my great piano workshop experience w/you.(May 14,2005; Memphis,Tn.-WKNO) You send the sincere message that you really care that we learn the lessons you have to offer, and you really make it as simple as you say. It proved to be one of the best presents I've ever given to myself! I truly have the confidence now to pursue my passion for the piano in a way I never thought I would. So, in my book, that makes you: "Scott the SUPER PIANO GUY!" Please keep doing what you're doing, as I know you will, and I'll keep watching and learning!   Many sincere thanks,
Tonya

Dear Scott, What a quick response, and that equals "Fantastic Service" in my book...which generally is in low supply these days. I had typed the web address into my web browser correctly (not in a search engine), but I have a very old book and your website for the examples has definitely changed since the printing of my book. I was able to figure it out on my own by looking at the www.scotthouston.com/audio/pattern.mov Example. At that juncture all I had to do was delete the "pattern.mov," and then I had the whole index of the examples. So I sure am looking forward to perhaps learning a few more new ideas. Thank you so much for trying to help me. Especially because I became disabled four years ago. I have disk pressing against my spinal cord in my neck. My prognosis is horrible. They told me that if I fall again, or get whiplash in a car, it will either kill me, or leave me as a quadrapalegic. Difficult to live under that kind of a cloud. So I have to be careful everyday how I walk, drive, and everything. So music, the piano has become a huge part of my life now...HUGE. With all of my free time I am actually having the best time I've ever had because I can safely play the piano and learn new things, and so my accident has almost been a blessing in disguise because I never really had the time to apply myself to the piano before the accident. I get people asking me all the time to play for them, and have even had a minister want to hire me to play for his church. Hey, I don't feel I'm that far along yet so I had to politely decline his offer. But it sure does feel good to be having this darn much fun at this time in my life. I'm 51 years old, 52 years old next month on May 30 just so long as I keep myself safe. Almost 52 years old, and because of this piano playing I suddenly feel YOUNG again!! Imagine that! My point is that, being able to play music can give people like myself hope, joy, pride, self-worth, dignity, drive depression away, and above all else make you want to keep living. You pass that along to your students if you want to....I'm living proof of the joy of playing music. Look at the disabilities Ray Charles had....it didn't stop him from expressing himself and giving others the joy of his creative music. See, your doing a good deed teaching music Scott. In many ways that you may never know on a daily basis. Your style is excellent and joyful, and of FUN. Respectfully,
R. Lovgren

Scott, I'm sure you get many of these notes, but I just wanted tosay thanks for rejuvinating my interest in playing piano. I'm one of those guys that played classical piano for years as a kid and stopped playing when I reached high school (I wish my teacher taught your method, I'd probably have never quit). Anyway, I received your Fake book last night, played 3 Christmas tunes right away and was amazed how easy it was. Can't wait to get home tonight and play some more. Thanks again!
Anonymous

Hello Scott, It has been a year now since I picked up your book "Play Piano in a Flash." Since that time I have read and reread your book and played an average of an hour a day. It is now my bible for learning to play the piano. In all the years I have tried and failed to really have fun and play the piano you have shown me the way in much less time than I could have ever imagined. Now I am passing the word along to anyone who wants to know how to play piano that your book is the only book to buy. Thank you for all your help and inspiration in showing me that playing piano is easier than it looks. I look forward to spending time on my piano now knowing that I can truly play it the way it should be played. Sincerely,
D. Langkamp, Dubuque, Iowa

You're a lifesaver! I downloaded My Funny Valentine and ran into some of these chords.You've explained what I searched for hours and couldn't find on the Internet.Again, the book is fantastic, and I'm having more fun on the piano than I have had in years.
B. Hickstein, St. Pete, FL

Since taking your class, I have purchased a keyboard and am on my way to becoming a great pianist. I remember your advising us to get a book with drills in it, but I can't remember what thebook was. I thought you said it was "hannon," but I couldn't find such a book at the music store. Can you tell me what the book is?
S. Wheeler

Scott, Please pardon the long missive. I just saw your PBS special. I have yet to check out your site more thoroughly, but I just wanted to drop you a line. I'm sure you get many emails from happy students, and from bewildered classical teachers, but I just wanted to give you a "thumbs up" from a fellow jazz piano teacher. If I may say so, most of your lecture sounded like me! Most of what you covered is more or less "Lesson 1" or maybe the first couple of lessons for many of my students. I'm a professional jazz pianist and the interests of my students range from jazz to blues to lounge to contemporary pop, contemporary Christian, Gospel,etc. If I may say so, I'm quite proud of the little concepts/"tricks" I have worked out myself for teaching students, and although I've not gotten to check out your books etc. I have a feeliing we both probably teach much of it the same way. Like I'm sure you are, I am often told things like "this one tidbit is better than my last 10 years of classical lessons" or "why didn't anyone tell me this is how to improvise?" etc. I just wanted to applaud you, from the teacher point of view, for having the insight to make that rare connection between the mindset of the typical new student of today and the application of more-or-less jazz pedagogy into popular playing, by way of small, easily digested bites. If I may be so bold, I think this is probably the secret to your success, as it has been for me. I have known so many great players who, as teachers, simply lacked the understanding of their own playing to the degree necessary to present it to a new student. They could talk heavy theory to an intermediate student, but a beginner would be lost, and the strictest of them wouldn't "lower" themselves to apply their knowledge to playing "pop" anyway. Such a waste! You were very articulate and had, in my opinion, a wonderfully effective pace, in your presentation. I further applaud the fact that you have had the insight to go much further than myself business-wise, applying the techniques to build what appears to be an empire of products and services. I often think about how I might do something similar, though I haven't decided if it should be books, videos, or what. In all humility I believe I have the vision and sense of organization to concieve of a viable program (I have lists of "tricks" up my sleeve), and the same connection wth the "common guy," that you have, that would allow me to make it all palatable. Oh, well, we'll see. In the mean time I have my performing career, and my own studio of loyal students, (albeit not one highlighted on TV specials!), and my schooling (I'm near the home stretch of my doctorate). Anyway, long story short, I just wanted to say congrats, and let you know that it was reaffirming to see you do your thing on TV. (I think my wife thought I was crazy, watching a show for beginners, but I found myself fascinated with your approach, and was nodding the whole time!). Even though it was just the beginning, I felt I could see where it was all going. Like I said, I'm sure you hear plenty of compliments from students and classical teachers constantly, but chalk one up from a fellow jazz/pop guy. I wonder, if I may ask, what your backgroud is? Your LH voicings obviously gave away your jazz background, but is there more? And finally, if I may take a little more of your time, do you have any thoughts/suggestions for someone like me? I can't stress enough, though I can't seem to word it in a way that doesn't sound like simply kissing up to you-- that I really think I _know_ where you're coming from, and that I basically teach the same way. I wonder how far do you go, and in what direction? I have taken the same basic approach into fairly heavy jazz territory, and even my pop students wind up with a notebook full of items that take them from triads to Yanni, Brickman, Billy Joel, and the like. I would love to compare notes with you someday, via email or otherwise. I'm sorry for the long email. Thanks for your time, and again, congrats!
J. Dering

I have had fun with your program, but the military keeps me a little busy so I have not gotten into it too much. I played the saxophone for many years and always wanted to learn the piano. I was always playing my music on the piano one handed and could never really get the feel for the true classical piano music. But now, learning the chords is great. This Christmas I was playing many of your songs from one of your books. It was great! Keep up the great work!
T. Linek

Scott, Continue to do what you do best, give those of us with ten thumbs hope! My playing is taking off, and it is due to you. You are becoming America's Piano Coach! Keep up the wonderful job and when you get dissenting opinions in the form of "disturbing" emails from people (which unfortunately is the price of fame) just think of the company you keep... St. Paul, St. Peter, and even our Lord! The cross always seems heavier during Lent. Continue to shine your gifts on people. Thanks from on who appreciates what you do. I eagerly await Tips and tricks - Volume 3!!
M. Buono, Jupiter, FL

I enjoyed the Piano in a Flash class. It was wonderful & inspiring. I've been playing a lot and believe I'm getting better all the time. Slowly, but surely. It's great fun! Thanks again, Scott!
Julie B., Elgin, IL

Dear Scott, I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoy your thirty minute show every Friday at 1:00 a. m. I especially enjoyed "the prayer of St Francis" played and sung by Matt Munhall. I have learned so much from your instructions on how to play the piano. It has revived my whole technique of playing. I was taught the classical method, but I enjoy your chord method of playing much more. I also bought a copy of your book, and enjoyed it too. Thank you so much!
H. Kivlahan,, Burlington, Iowa

I’m a former piano teacher, a classically trained pianist for a local church. I’m very excited to see a program that combines fun and a relaxed attitude for something that should be a joy rather than a chore. Music is something to be enjoyed, embraced and shared. –
L. Treadwell, Lampasas, Texas

aw one of your Public TV programs, bought the book, got a keyboard for Christmas and am astounded as how quickly I can get through the songs from Phantom of the Opera. I can hardly leave the keyboard. Wish I had this information when I was a teenager, when I was hating every minute of it!
E. Neilson

Hi, Scott, Your course is great! In one week you've got me reading music and playing two-handed better than my lessons ever did. Although there is much practicising yet to do, it's fun now! You Da Man!
Mike

Hi Scott, I am a new fan, having received your Play Piano in a Flash course as a result of a contribution to WFME-TV in Orlando. I completed your survey yesterday, but decided to write to share with you a few of the details I couldn't respond to in the survey format. I am 62 years old and have worked for Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control (formerly part of Martin Marietta Corp.) since August 1963. I have a degree in electrical engineering from Univ. of Florida and done post graduate work in Physics and Engineering Mgt. at Rollins College in Winter Park, FL and Florida Institute of Technology in Orlando. I started classical piano lessons at age five. We lived in a small town in south central New York state. My parents arranged my instruction by a Catholic Nun who resided in a convent in our town. I studied classical piano, off and on, through my senior year in high school. End to end I had about six years of formal instruction. I ceased formal instruction when I started college in 1959. From college graduation, starting my career in engineering at Martin Marietta, marriage, six kids, divorce, alimony and child support, being a single parent to the four older of my six kids while they went through Middle School and High School, remarriage and not a grandparent, I never had a piano. A couple of years ago while thinking about and looking toward retirement from the aerospace/defense industry, I started shopping for a piano and after looking at some used instruments, rejected the idea of an acoustic piano in favor of a keyboard. I bought a 77 key Yamaha keyboard for a little under $300.00, primarily because it is so light weight, portable, and because of all the voice options the instrument has. I had no music literature left anymore My formal piano instruction served me well throughout the years. I was in band (percussion) during my Jr. High and High School years and my freshman year in college. As my kids grew up, I was heavily involved with band at their Middle and High Schools. For six years ('82 - '88) I was the corps style drum line instructor for the Lake Mary HS band, Lake Mary , FL, where my four older kids all were in band and graduated. That piano training made it possible for me to read a score, and I have done a little symphonic band conducting. The training also helped me in my avocation, the percussive arts, because most drummers only read rhythmic patterns and are stymied with parts scored for orchestra bells, chimes, xylophone, even tympani. My piano training also stimulated keen personal interest and enjoyment of classical music particularly orchestra, ballet, small ensembles, even some opera. I have been very fortunate to see over 60 Broadway shows in NYC mostly on business travel to New Jersey. My favorite genres are jazz, blues, traditional sacred, and gospel - particularly black gospel. One of the questions you have in your survey is, "Can you play anything you enjoy on the piano?" My answer would be, "Sort of..." One of my frustrations as parent when my kids were growing up and involved in band and chorus was not being able to do accompaniment for Florida Bandmaster Assoc. sponsored solo and ensemble competition. At that time, I had no instrument and it had been too long since I had touched a piano. My problem right now is that my ability to read significantly exceeds my ability to target the right keys. So, I have invested in some of the classical materials I remembered using years ago, like a book each of Copin Etudes and the Hannon exercises I can't say that these are necessarily enjoyable, but I thought they would get me back into playing again. I also have a few pieces of sheet music and have worked on playing them and some bound volumes of popular "family favorites". None of it is the material I would really like to play. Earlier this year, WMFE did a fund raising campaign and I happened to catch a portion of your video presentation. I tuned in at about the point in your presentation where you play that Indian theme from the Thompson book with the red cover, "Teaching Little Fingers to Play". That was my first recital piece, assigned by Sr. Mary Whatever-her-name was. (God,....Did I ever HATE recitals!!) Anyway, I was intrigued, couldn't watch the whole presentation as we had other things to do that day, so I made a donation and selected your whole package - video tape, book, CD, etc. I waited anxiously. It took about six weeks for the materials to arrive. Since then I have watched the video a couple of times, especially the second half where you put your concepts all together and introduce the "cheap tricks". And am currently reading your book. What you teach is exactly what I want, and I am really looking forward to learning your method. I have no desire to play professionally, just for my own pleasure and my family's (hopefully) enjoyment. I must admit that as I progressed through the classical piano instruction method it occurred to me that there must be an easier way. As a kid, I was amazed at VanCliburn (Spelling??). But I had no desire to emulate what he does (did). Liberace's style was more what I wanted. Like you, I can't understand why no one ever taught this method. I still love drums and hope to buy and learn to play a drum set some day. Right now I am exploring your website, studying chords, and looking intofake books. Thanks so much for putting together your course.
K. Geitner, Orlando, FL

Dear Scott: In December I purchased your book and one of the fake books. My daughter was home for only three days and was so thrilled that she could play songs. She has asked for a keyboard for her birthday. Phaedra (fay-dra) is a lawyer, and a very intelligent person but did not read music well. With using your book she was playing songs in less than an hour. I bought it for myself but being mom I had to cook and clean over the holidays and could not use the piano to learn yet. I did have the JOY of music though...and could not pry Phaedra away from the piano the whole time she was here. Thank You, Thank You for making music a part of my life. It has been a dream of mine to play for years.
E. Glushek, Neepawa, Manitoba, Canada

I bought your book this past week and have read most of it. When I got to the blues section I was excited. I went and tried out "the blues formula," I like to call it. Within a hour I had it done on a keyboard. One of my family members thought I had the blues beat section playing on the keyboard. I said, "No that's me." My next goal is to get some music I really like and learn to play it. Thanks again for your book and the eye opening way to play piano.
K. Belle

Thanks so much for your program. I'm a piano lesson droppout (taking traditional piano lessons) and so are my children, who now have children. Music is important to us, and our conclusion is why couldn't our traditional teachers teach chords like you do. Your system has given us the WHY for memorizing the chords in the theory part of the traditional lessons.I've enjoyed making up tunes with my grandchildren, based on your instruction. I'm involved right now in teaching Watercolor and other art media, but as soon as I have summer break, I'll be reviewing and purchasing your books and programs. I'm excited about your new programs.
Lynn

I've caught your show on PBS a couple of times, and it rings true to me. I'm teaching myself piano and organ and have begun picking out some songs on my own. It's amazing how many songs you can play with simple triads. And, when I got inversions working, it became even more simple. Thanks for you and your show.
Shannon

have purchased your book, and it's the best thing I ever did. You have taken the fear out of learning piano. I have tried two instruments in the past, one was clarinet and the other was guitar. I was 14 years old. I just could not stick with it. Once I got into chords with the guitar, I quit. I am committed to learning this time - all because of your approach.
Tony D

Dear Scott, Thank you a million for the newsletter. I'm looking forward to receiving any and all of them. Let me tell you my 'Piano Story." I'm a retired 86 years old, (in excellent health) been married for 61 years. When we built our first home in 1955, the first piece of furniture we bought was a used Baby Grand. Neither of us could play. But we tried to have our children learn the hard way. That was a disaster, (although our oldest boy was able to play by ear, as they say.) Through all the years I have longed to be able to just play a tune and knew I'd be no more successful than my youngsters if learning required the 'boring' months and years of practice before I could play "Row, Row, Row Your Boat." Then the miracle happened! Recently, my wife saw one of your TV presentations on KBYU, Provo, UT and purchased your book. Actually, she mentioned it to me, but since she had purchased it for herself, I didn't give it any serious thought, except that it was a great idea for her. However, it seemed that she didn't quite get around to using the material. Three months ago I read the book and said to myself, "If it's really as simple as Scott says, I can do that." And so, 3 months ago I didn't know a 'Piano Chord" from a cord of wood. NOW, I am actually playing literally hundreds of songs from my fake books. For instance: "Granada," "Always," "Hindustan," "How Great Thou Art," and "On Top Of Spaghetti." Also, I'm able to handle the sharps and flats better all the time. I'm an old guy who has never had a piano lesson in his life. It is truly amazing and so satisfying. It is true that I'm not ready for prime time, but, the personal enjoyment is indescribable! So, I say to my dear wife, just think, if you hadn't stumbled on to this musical magician, I would undoubtedly go to my grave with all of this wonderful music locked inside of me! Anyway, what better way for a guy who has lost his golf game to spend some really profitable retirement time keeping his mind and fingers active? Keep up the great work, Scott.
M & F Anderson, Salt Lake City, UT

Hello Scott, I've been watching you shows on PBS here in Houston. It's refreshing to see a program like yours, I really like the split screen showing the hands, very helpful. I've been a "chord player" for years, having stumbled onto Duane Shinn's Keyboard workshop videos a few years back. I really like the show you had on Elton John's style. More of these well known Pop songs would be great, although I know copyright clearance can be expensive. I would love to see songs like Lady Madonna and Bridge Over Troubled Water for example (Yea, I'm dreaming I know !) Anyway, great show, I hope it's on for many years to come. Best Regards,
Julian

I absolutely cannot believe it! Your book is worth soooo much more than it cost me! I purchased the book over a year ago after receiving a digital piano as a gift. Both your book and my piano sat in a closet until two days ago. Your teaching style is BRILLIANT. Start with your all time favorite songs? You'd think that would be obvious, but that's the very reason my piano (and your book...sorry) ended up in the closet. I had all of about 5 lessons and quit. Hated it, wasn't fun. Within two days I can play (not great, but pretty good for this beginner) my all time favorite song "The Rose" and was entertaining my husband with the blues patterns. I think he was impressed because he started dancing, and I think.... jitter bugging!?! It was hilarious. Thank you so, so much!!!! Oh, and I love the fact that your examples include you "flubbing". It reminded me that the only thing serious here was me having fun...I got that, and am so very grateful. You're great!
Anonymous

Scott- First I want to thank you for giving me the motivation to sit down at that piano and start playing again. I took lessons when I was young for about 2-3 years, but got discouraged and stopped taking lessons. I just purchased your book and a fake book and have already seen dramatic results.
Jeff P., Trenton NJ

Thank you so much for your help! I am amazed at the difference. I learned to "read" music as a child (am in my 50's now), loved the piano but never really enjoyed it. I always felt that I was concentrating on notes and never able to play from my heart. Now I feel that I can start to express myself in music.
Donna

Hello Scott, First off... my family is blown away by how I am playing. I am really glad I came across your product. Great job with your DVD's! Thank you.
B. Gonzalez, Seal Beach, CA

Dear Scott: Back in 1997 my parent's bought me a beautiful Baldwin 248A upright piano for Christmas...(my mother also wanted a piano since she was a kid.) lol So, back then we both decided to visit the local "Mrs. Smith." But with me being a full time student and the teacher's classical approach to piano, learning to play was not in the books (no pun intended) lol. So, needless to say it's 2005, and I still can't play piano. I recently saw your program on WLINY channel 21, which immediately prompted me to purchase your book "Play Piano in a Flash." I must say it really opened my eyes, and it was a wake up slap to see how easy playing piano can be. I thought about going back to Mrs. Smith, but I barely have any free time since I am an Emergency Medical Technician and am pretty much always on call. I can't wait to receive my copy, and I can't wait to write a success story to you. The program I saw on tv was great and extremely informative, you have an exceptional teaching style and method. The whole field of music instruction needs more people like you. Thanks again, keep up the excellent work.
John W., Brooklyn, NYC

Hi Scott, I saw your PBS special here in Ft. Lauderdale this afternoon. I'm 56 and just thought I'd drop you a personal note. I've been playing piano "your" way my entire life. I had accordian lessons when I was seven years old and after about a year, the music teacher told my parents to take me home and just buy me an instrument; that they should allow me to play on my own because lessons would do me no good. I would be taught a song in the key of E and come back to him playing it in C thinking that he would not know the difference. I did learn back then that I had a good ear for music. I play guitar, mandolin and piano all the time. Watching you teach this morning had me in stitches. Every time a "real" piano player watches me play everything from Elton John hits to Misty (exactly the way you played it on your special, I would always hear "what the hell are you doing?". I would always say I'm playing it my way. Piano has meant a lot to me over the years and all along I thought I was the only person playing one note melody lines with left hand chords. Most of my chords are a little more advanced now. After forty years you'd expect me to drop in a seventh or a sixth chord when necessary, The major seventh here and there but other than remembering that EGBDF and FACE represent notes on paper....well that's about all I remember. Thanks for your show this morning. I really enjoyed it. Take care,
J. Kopelow

For decades I have been stuck at a very beginner level, only being able to learn a song note-for-note and play it by memory. Really, I only knew 3 songs, and not very well. Two years ago I bought myself a beautiful 'electric' piano, dating from the 80's. It's a Yamaha CP-70 ... and it is absolutely fabulous. I made a commitment to playing the piano every day. To be honest - I hadn't yet heard of your show ... but as it turns out, I discovered the same style of learning-to-play as you teach - but, I didn't know how to describe it! All I could say was, "IGNORE the bass clef ... play a single-note melody and play the 'guitar chords' (as I call them) with your left hand. In fact, I called the chording on the left hand my 'Richard Clayderman' style: Root, 5th, Octave-Root, Octave-3rd. Some have called this the 'romantic' chord. Anyhow ... when my father watched your show he told me about it, and I said - wow ... that sounds like what I do! I now watch your show, and am learning even more! So - my testimonial is ... your technique WORKS! I *never* thought I'd be able to advance beyond the 'plateau' I had reached (very, very basic) ... but now, I can play 200+ songs - no kidding! The difference is - though - that I no longer play by memory. I need the music in front of me - not because it's difficult to play using this technique, but, because I'm learning/playing SO many songs, I don't have time to learn them all by memory. In the end, I've honed my reading skills and can pretty much play any song placed before me, as long as it's a 'lead sheet'. Thanks SO much for introducing this technique to us all. Keep up the great work! Yours, Allan Shearer Canada
Allan Shearer, Brockville, Ontario Canada

Hi Scott, thank you very much! I started taking lessons at age 54 and quickly got discouraged. My friend saw you on a PBS special and told me to try your method. I bought the book, DVD and CD solely on her recommendation. This is so exciting. I wanted you to know that for Christmas I gave my daughter a clarinet. She wanted to play it again after giving it up in junior high. Now I'm 55, and she is 21. Because of your DVD and book she and I were able to play together. It was so much fun! Thank you again.
R. Alder

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