New Age Piano Lessons? Anti-Tiger Mother Approach Welcomed by Students

When author Amy Chua’s book ‘Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother’ hit bookshelves, it became the talk of the Internet.

People were arguing whether there was any merit to an approach that required strict and sometimes punitive measures to achieve music goals. And while some in fact do embrace this method, it’s not what pianist/composer Edward Weiss would call ‘effective.’

Weiss, owner and operator of the website ‘Piano Lessons by Quiescence Music’ teaches beginning adults how to create their own music in a style of playing known as ‘new age.’ This style emphasizes free-flowing melodies and anything but a disciplined approach.

Says Weiss:

“Not everyone thrives in a ‘do this and get a gold star’ environment. My approach places value on the experience of music making itself, not the end product. This ‘process over product’ approach reaches many who like the idea of discovering things on their own.”

The course Weiss teaches has been online for over 10 years and includes an ever growing library of lessons designed to get students musical feet wet. Weiss has had over 1000 people take his online course.

When asked if his method will ever replace the ste
classical procedure, Weiss responds:

“Not at all. What I do appeals to many adults because it allows them to play what they feel without having to read sheet music. Using chords, students are able to jump in the musical waters right away and begin creating. Those interested in the Tiger Mother way probably won’t enjoy it, but for those who like the idea of freely expressing themselves, they will find what they need.”

A free piano lesson ‘Summer Morning’ and 342 page book ‘Free to be Creative at the Piano’ is currently available at Weiss’s website http://www.quiescencemusic.com