Play Piano By Ear

Musical Miracle

2010-02-02T08:36:00.001+08:00

I just want to share something I feel so incredible and amazing. This young player from Korea is only 5 years old, and she is blind. This girl never have any musical training and started producing music from the piano at age 3. I can't help but cry just listening to her play.

Maybe this is what play by ear is all about. Listen to your heart and soul, and transfer it to the keys.

(Not So) New Year Resolution

2010-01-24T21:14:00.002+08:00

I did it again! Its been a while since I post my last entry. I got distracted by my (not so) new facebook account! I didnt want to start an account, initially, but my e-mails keeps receiving invitations from friends, so, oh, what the heck! And next thing I knew, I got excited. Who can blame me? I managed to get reconnected even to one of my primary school friends!

However, I still continue with my piano practice, or rather, piano playing, because I didnt really practise to improve, but more of playing for my own pleasure.

Most of the songs I played are the same collection of about 20-30 favorite songs. Not that I don't want to play a new set, but I hardly watch TVs or listen to radios nowadays, so I am a bit behind in the latest songs. Morever the little songs that I did hear on the radio flyfm now is not suitable, I feel, for a piano solo, and of course I am not that pro yet to play all those fast beats.

As I have mentioned earlier, I yearned to be able to play differently from my current style. If I may describe my own piece now, it sounds a bit 'lonely'. While I listen to various pianist on youtube, I find this particular talented individual called incikkazak who really can play beautifully. In particular, since I also play this song, I like this piece, and maybe will try to play some of his styles, but my way. Now this is what I mean by a more expressive, dramatic and melodious music on piano. Have a listen! :)

My 'lonely' version of the same song is in the last 2 posting, or just click on the title of the song, Jeritan Batinku.

Oh, by the way, my family and I went for an outing this morning and after breakfast, we were offered to do caricatures of ourselves. The result, haha, only about 70% resemblance! Haha!

An Article?

2009-10-20T23:25:00.000+08:00

I received a commnet once not too long ago, that I shoud try to write articles about piano playing more. Sounds good. In fact, to an extent, I believe that I have shared some tips about playing piano by ear in my earlier entries. But if I were to write something official about this method, I'm afraid that I do not have enough experience nor expertise to teach on this subject matter. However, no one can deny the fact that I can share the little knowledge that I have, some tips that can make a play more interesting, even if yours truly have not even mastered it yet, some views and opinions and anything related. That's how I come about starting this blog thing.

I have related earlier how I became interested in piano playing as a child, and later in life when I finally had the opportunity to learn to play. Thus, I was looking for a short cut to learn fast. Playing by ear helped me to learn fast, but I can surely say it is not a short-cut. There are techniques to learn and tips to practise in order to be good. It still require disciplines and a great desire to learn. Simple yet perplexing, to an extent.

So, who will actually benefit rom this technique? Everyone! Or rather, anyone who loves to play piano. Be it a total beginner, or even an 8th grader pianist. This method can be an advantage to beginners since it provided a fast learning technique, and as an enrichment to those who already plays beautifully.

As someone whom I can safely say, plays piano fairly well, 'so-so', where one can guess what song she's playing, but not quite sure if its in the right tempo, accompaniments or even chords, and not without the wrong stroke of keys or a beat too fast, I seldom perform to a live audience. Maybe once or twice. Or rather, twice or thrice...haha!

But last weekend, a friend managed to persuade me to play a song before they leave. "A pianist should never turn down a request to perform" she said, or something along that line.

So on the bench I sat, my finger started to glide around the keys to my 'safest' song, 'Love Story'. And as usual, haha...my normal imperfect song.

What can I say? Although my friends applauded and encouraged, I know that somehow, some way, I have to start to learn how to improve. Nope, not another piano class for me, at the moment. Thatn is not my priority. The answer is practise, practise, practise. The challenge is, I am doing it mentally, in my mind, and my heart...lol. In between my blogging, my surfing, fish feeding, cooking, gardening, cats, etc etc etc

And the search for the right move goes on...

P Ramlee Serenade

2009-09-10T10:10:00.005+08:00

Its been a while since I last updated my blogs. I didn't realise it until a 'Friend' pointed it out that I have not been 'around' in my Great Minds Think Alike blog. Well, Friend, (whatever your name is), I'm back, at least for this entry.

And for some sentimental reason, I am enclosing here another one of my humble play from the late Tan Sri P.Ramlee, whom ironicaly got his Tan Sri title only after his demise, and not before. Here Jeritan Batin Ku and part of Jangan Tinggal Daku.

As I started on the first key, and throughout the play, my mind wanders through several things that happens in my life. (Edited: A phrase taken out due to personal reasons) I do feel some heavy feelings which I cannot explain why, even to myself.

Ooohh...enough of that! "I am a happy person, and I am grateful with my life!" Alhamdulillah...!

Back to my piano play, I strongly feel that I need to change and improve my style further. Somehow the transfer of feelings was lacking. Maybe I need to play in Emajor instead of A minor. And don't mention the techniques! And rhythms....and tempo...lol! And I dream to play like one of those hotel pianist...with all the strong strums and sweet fill-ins, with suave and precision!

Somehow, my biggest challenge is myself. Passion, oh I am passionate about playing, and motivation?...I am motivated! Haha...complicated person, I am. Well, just don't bother about me. I'll get on with my life....and you with yours! Lets wish other the best!! :)

Tribute to a Legend

2009-06-26T18:44:00.001+08:00

Even Now

2009-06-26T01:50:00.000+08:00

Fallen Love

2009-06-17T12:28:00.003+08:00

Piano Practice

2009-06-03T10:28:00.002+08:00

Just an excerpt of a sales e-mail I read today in my inbox. A good reminder for me so I am saving it here. :)

Here's a handy little checklist you can use foryour piano practice:
1. Find time to practice.
2. Practice the same scales.
3. Learn a new piano piece.
4. Get stuck on specific measures and could notmove on.
5. Practice on same piece and try to make itfluent.
6. Figure out correct fingering.
7. Make an effort to count rhythm correctly.
8. etc etc
9. Call it a day, go to bed, start againtomorrow.

If you're like 80% of piano players today, that's what your day is like. Stuck. Frozen. Unable to move forward with your piano playing.If you don't change your practice routine TODAY,you're going to kill your passionslowly (and drive yourself crazy), by doing thesame thing everyone else does.

=====What Was Wrong With This?=====

Music making is not just about practicing. It isabout understanding how music is put together. Doyou know why it is important to understandscales? What about chords, inversions... modulation... etc.

Most of your "practice" time is spent on the same old routine. By the time you're done, you have almost no energy or braincells left. Not to mention the whole practice routine is unintereting and boring.You need to understand how things are puttogether. Why is it important to understand different musical skills and how they are going to affect your piano playing.

Am I ordering? Not just yet! I am still passionate, I will never find it boring nor routine. I am enjoying my new found skill, still exploring my capabilities and find it a challenge to better myself and improve further.

Thanks anyway!!

One Day In Your Life

2009-05-21T10:11:00.004+08:00

What do I do without..........................YOU-tube ! LOL!

My Heart Will Go On.....

2009-05-09T14:36:00.005+08:00

2.6 million viewers and 15 thousands ratings! Wow!!!!

Titanic, the name of one of my favorite cats. I'll never forget him. His stories here and here.

One Step Closer....

2009-04-27T13:04:00.004+08:00

A step closer
To my dreams
I did it today

Another step closer
My song writing
My lifelong passion

Move me a step closer
A lyrics 2 years old
And a 20 minutes young

Why is it a step closer?
I finally print it out
And pass it off

Is it really a step closer?
God knows..!
But I am happier!

I did it! Finally I plucked my courage and print out 2 of my song lyrics, in BM to a composer. It hasn't reach him yet, as of now, on the way. But I asked his mom, is it good? She said, Very good, I almost cried! Wow...! Actually I wanted to cry when I proof-read it for the last time before the printing. Its a song that truly described me.

The other one, the 20 minutes old song, is about a never ending relationship. Just one of those moods that has nothing to do with me now, but I figured that's how one feels in anticipation.

One more step closer.....to one of my dreams!

He is Sooooo Sweet!

2009-04-22T09:32:00.001+08:00

Apart from his piano talent......

Strangers In The Night..!

2009-04-20T10:51:00.004+08:00

No Promises Undone

2009-04-08T22:39:00.003+08:00

Seems like only yesterday
Your brightest smile
Your friendly touch

It wasnt too long before
The loving glances
The meaningful exchanges

And it wasn't too far away
From long lasting friendship
From a wonderful journey...together

But there's no promises undone
No promises were sealed
No promises were made

But then, tell me why
This feeling lingers on
Like this sudden emptiness
Like a song without a key
Like a rhyme without its words....

Still, there's no promises undone....

Menghitung Hari Music Notes

2009-04-01T12:26:00.006+08:00

As I was rummaging through some old notes that I have, trying to recall the songs that I practised on, I found this piece of music notes. Then it occurred to me, when I played this song earlier, someone once had requested for this song note. Shaz, I think. I had to dissapoint him because I didn't know I have this notes. My music teacher must have given it to me when she taught me this song, but I chucked it away and play my own style, and totally forgot that I have it.

I also noticed that I have been googled numerously from this song, which indicates that this song is serached by many. So, in my giving away mood....haha.... I am publicising this notes for the benefits of all. Hope it touches some of you!

So what I did just now, I tried playing this song using the notes above. It sounded beautiful! But of course, as it was arranged by my music teacher, Stephanie. Now, why didn't I just play this way all these while? Maybe its easier for me to play my own styles as I don't have to read the notes.

Now, I wonder, if I should give Stephanie a call and continue to Level 3?

Ice Castles For Tom

2009-03-24T09:13:00.006+08:00

As I browsed through my youtube videos, I saw this comment from a viewer, Tom, I believe, is enquiring where he can get the music sheet for Themes From Ice Castles that I played many moons ago. And I happen to have it in my file, abstracted online somewhere, somewhat, sometime.

I play this song differently from this music sheet, though, as I do my own arrangements. Not because I'm so good, :p, but because I read the sheet too slowly. Its faster to apply my own styles. I used this sheet to refer to the chords. My version here or browse my archive under Favourite Piece.

So Tom, do have fun!

Edited March 29th, 2009

Hee hee...I just discovered the name is not Tom as in tombraiderluisdaniel. Tom here is 'tomb raider' and most probably called Luis Daniel or vice versa. Sorry Luis!

Bila Waktu Telah Berakhir

2009-02-26T13:23:00.003+08:00

In this wonderful of internet, you are connected to the world, far and wide. Near or far! I am quite amused when I recently received a message in my youtube inbox for a song request entitled 'Boleh Tolong Saya?'. Then she mentined a song I've never heard before, entitled above by Opick. Upon checking the song, not bad! Infact it is a very good reminder song of our hereafter.

For musteelme, please give me sometime to memorize the melody and find the chord, ok. Then I need time to find the right accompaniment and to practise. He he, rasa macam selebriti je, dapat song request....haha! Perasan..dan syok sendiri ;p Lol!

Bila Waktu Telah Berakhir lyrics
by Opick
Bagaimana kau merasa bangga
Akan dunia yg sementara
Bagaimanakah bila semua hilang
Dan pergi meninggalkan dirimu

Bagaimanakah bila saatnya
Waktu terhenti tak kau sadari
Masihkah ada jalan bagimu
Untuk kembali mengulangkan masa lalu

Dunia dipenuhi dengan hiasan
Semua dan segala yang ada akan kembali padaNya

Bila waktu tlah memanggil,
Teman sejati hanyalah amal
Bila waktu telah terhenti
Teman sejati tingallah sepi

Paint Me In Love...

2009-02-25T12:40:00.004+08:00

Song writing has been one of my life long interest. Somehow, until today I have not properly write any significant song. Well ok, I've written a song or two, quite a number with the melodies. In fact, in my last entry was a song I wrote impromptu after staring at the blogger page and couldn't come up with the topic I wanted to write. Instead, I produced a song lyric. haha... The tune is still in my head.

Previously, I could solely blame it on my music illiteracy, but now that I can play a decent tune on a piano, my excuse is I am too lazy to write the notes on a music sheet. So, its really is my fault. Maybe the desire is not stong enough.I will definitely write a proper song complete with lyrics and melodies plus music sheet one day. Except that I cannot tell how far is that one day gonna take...haha!

I envy my online friend Dave Zeman who's written very nice songs, and I'd like to share one of his workings here today.You can hear Dave sing, if you e-mail to me at ydiana9@gmail.com, until I learn how to upload the link he gave me to blogger. Its a very beautiful song, but if you say he got beautiful voice, he knows that you're lying...hahaha! But to me, not a bad voice except needs a little more practice. However the song and lyrics is certainly nice. He dedicated this song to his lovely wife, entitled, Paint Me in Love. Hmm....when is my hearthrob going to write me a song....? Lol!

Paint Me In Love

If I could draw
a face dear and warm
With eyes of passion
Smooth lines would form

Paint me in love,
As soft as a dove
Sketch out a dream,
Someone barely seen

Lead me to draw,
The beauty that I saw
Paint me in love,
with light from above

If I could draw
The fine lines of age
There’d be folds of love,
And beauty on a page

Paint me in love,
As soft as a dove
Sketch out a dream
Someone barely seen

Lead me to draw
The beauty that I saw
Paint me in love,
with light from above

If I could draw
Sensual curves of shade
Pleading deep dark eyes
and dimples concave

by Dave Schipper © Rose Riversongs 2005

Sailing Away

2009-02-18T10:11:00.004+08:00

And he sails away......

I knew the day would come
Can feel the wind is coming
I knew that change will take its course

Somehow I won't admit it
So hard I tried to ignore it
Thinking it will just go away

I knew the day would come
The sadness in your eyes
Is telling words you didn't say
Still you were forced to do it
You were the one deciding
I know you wanted to stay

I knew the time is up
Wish it can stay forever
Didnt know it come too soon this way

So here I stand my grounds
Carry on with what I started
My heart will always be around

Whle he sails away......

How to Find the Keys

2009-02-13T07:48:00.004+08:00

When I was still struggling to play with just one hand, while the other hand impatiently wish it knew which key to hit, I wish I had stumbled across a Youtube like this. Germaine Griggs sent me this link in the e-mail this morning. I'll let him know that I am sharing this lesson with all my cyber friends!

Of course, there are several ways to find the keys. What I currently star with, is the first verse of the songs.

Another way is, when you play the melody, observe what keys are hit the most. That tells you what are the chord to play.

Enjoy..!

Inspirational Search

2009-01-27T13:48:00.009+08:00

Ydiana wants to write a song. A new song. Catchy and lively, and not that sad love songs. She composed a few before, but the music is stuck in her old PDA, in a crashed computer hard disc, and in a compact disc somewhere, supposedly to be with a famous singer/songwriter.

Yes, there were some efforts initialized. But alas, it still stuck in the head. Sometimes remembered, at another time, forgotten. Something must be done!

So, while the others opted for a swim, she decided to sit under the shade and get some inspirations going. (And also to avoid getting tanned from the hot afternoon sun..haha!)

Yes, it was nice and breezy. A little too sunny, but at least its not rainy. And she can feel it, she can see it coming. And she reached inside her bag to get a piece of paper. But...instead she found a magzine. Lanscaping. Another point of interest. A mild passion. Oh dear, there goes all the great ideas!

And she saw this frangipani tree. Frangipani? Why is it suddenly always lingering everywhere? In the magazine, in some landscaped garden, in front of her neighbour's house, in Chahya's blog... hehe.., in another lady's blog... Its everywhere!! And now, it's right in front of here eyes...!

Oh well, the inspiration for song writing suddenly turned to landscape planning, which she chucked a few days ago inside the landscape magazine which she found stuck in her bag when she was looking for a piece of paper to write a song. Oh well .... life goes on!

That was yesterday afternoon, on a public holiday. So early this morning she made her way to the nurseries, looking for this Frangipani tree. She has decided where to place the tree. 1, maybe 2 or 3 frangipani trees at different cornes. So far, not too satisfied with the available selection. Need to look more. Wait till the other nurseries open after the season's over.

And the desire to write a song continues... and to be continued!

Distractions...

2009-01-16T18:50:00.004+08:00

Need I say more? Should I be blamed? Isn't she so mesmerising?

Latest Project

2009-01-03T10:04:00.001+08:00

After taking a short break from my piano practices, being occupied during school holidays, travelling, socialising, entertaining, gardening, hospitalising....? its now time to gear up my still blunt piano skill...hahaha!

My latest project, Dibius Cinta by Yusry KRU and Melly Goeslaw. I don't care much about the movie but this song is really catchy and I caught myself humming this tune over and over again. Thus, I might as well transfer it to the keys. :)

Project is partially completed, at stage of finding the melody and the chords. Now is the fine tuning part, which can be quite tricky and challenging. But what is a reward without a challenge, right? The project is still ongoing...

DIBIUS CINTA

G
Kau membiusku dengan cinta
G E
Cinta yang malu kukatakan
Am
Kau membiusku dengan cinta
Am D
Sampai aku tak bisa berkata

Dm Am
Kau membiusku sampai aku jadi sering melamun
Cm D7
Memikirkan kita bisakah bersama

G
Aku dibius Cinta
B E
Cintamu yang tak ada tandingan
E Am
Namun mungkin tak bisa
D D7
Entah ku tak tahu

G B E
Kita yang malu hati untuk mengakui saling cinta
Am D D7
Usaha sekeras hati bersama selamanya
G
Aku dibius cinta

G
Kau membiusku dengan cinta
G E
Cinta yang malu kukatakan
Am
Kau membiusku dengan cinta
Am D
Sampai aku tak bisa berkata

Dm Am
Kau membiusku sampai aku jadi sering melamun
Cm D
Memikirkan kita bisakah bersama

G
Aku dibius Cinta
B E
Cintamu yang tak ada tandingan
E Am
Namun mungkin tak bisa
D D7
Entah ku tak tahu

G B E
Kita yang malu hati untuk mengakui saling cinta
E Am D D7
Usaha sekeras hati bersama selamanya X2

G
Aku dibius cinta
G
Aku dibius cinta
G
Aku dibus cinta

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Ydiana Dreams Again.....

2008-11-28T09:27:00.006+08:00

She went into the shop again. Everytime she goes to a mall that have that kind of shop, she cannot resist not to go in. Be it 10 times or 20 times. Regardless where the mall is. Regardless what model is available..... And she couldn't help but press some of the keys. What a pressing matter!

Sighhhh...!

And she plays like this....!

Dream on, Ydiana! Perhaps one day, maybe?

Lucky!

2008-11-14T17:52:00.005+08:00

I could've gone another direction
Lucky I chose this way

I might lead a different life
Lucky my path takes me here to this day

I once wanted a to cross to greener pasture
Lucky I'm thankful and grateful with what I have

I never imagine how blissful life is
Lucky I was shown the Right direction

So I wonder, is it Luck, or is it Destiny
But I do know that I am lucky, whatever I am

Long Awaited Promise...

2008-10-31T17:05:00.001+08:00

The music for this song is soothing and melodious. Most of Broery's songs are. That's why I like it. Its a beautiful love song about honesty and accepting your lover as they are.

I play this song as a request from my good online friend, DJ. Sorry it took so long. DJ, feel free to dedicate this song to your lovely Nur, and I also want to dedicate this song to my heart throb. Everybody else can also dedicate this song to anyone significant in your life. Free for all. I won't charge, especially when my humble play is still full of wrong keys and chords. :)

If you've never heard this song before, you can click here or just browse my earlier post to listen to the song. Then maybe you can have a better idea, of what I am rambling about, in this post, and on the piano keyboard. ;p

Hero again...sung by Bridgette

2008-10-23T14:54:00.006+08:00

This pretty young lady made a nice comment at my Youtube video on this Hero song. When I posted on youtube, I had no other intention than to post it back in my own blog. That's the only way I know how. I tried to upload direct from my camera and pc video but it seemed to take up forever. And with youtube, I almost forgetten that the whole world can access you.

Anyway, I like how Bridgette play and sing this song along. She's a very talented girl!

Now, dare I hope that one day, 'The Mariah Carey' will be listening to my play online? Who knows? Maybe....? :) And I need to practise, pratise, practise!

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

2008-10-14T21:11:00.004+08:00

This movie is really hillarious! I mentioned abouit it earlier. I can watch it again and again, I will still laugh so much. Unfortunately the copy that I had was in VCR format (so passe, so obsolete...!) and I don't have a video player anymore. And I doubt I can find the tape too.

Now, as I found this clip on youtube, I still laugh at the excerpts. My next mission is to locate where I can get this movie in VCD or better still in DVD.

Heart

2008-10-07T21:03:00.003+08:00

I don't watch too many movies and the ones that I watch are mostly comedies. And most of the time, I won't remember much except whether its a good movie, average or bad. Seldom that I would watch a movie over again and again except these few. Dirty Rotten Scoundrels had me laugh off my seats,Dumb and Dumber and such are also hillarious. Winter Sonata and Autumn in My Heart kept my tissue box busy.

And I love symbolic movies. This Indonesian movie My Heart featured about two years ago with only about 3-5 actors/actresses acting, is suprisingly impactful to me especially the ending which really took me by suprise. Never had I suspected throughout the movie that Rachel will die and amazingly donated her heart to Luna. Well, you'll only know what I mean if you have watched this movie.

In the meantime, these two songs are still my favourites till now.

So the story goes...

2008-09-19T19:52:00.005+08:00

I'm not a political blogger, nor am I a politician, or even a writer. I'd really like to share my views on politics, and there are so many things that is disturbing now, and yet I cannot express fluently how I feel or even update on factual incidents. My uncertainties, uneasiness, current nation's instability, the declining financial strength..the lowest KLCI index today etc. My blogger friends, Cikgu Kata Tak Nak can deliver a very cynically comical scenarios, while Shah Cakapaje subtly point his views across in the most creative way. Tehsin Begum can really shout it out, and I can only read and participate the only way I know, and the only way I know how.

So, this is my way... Out of topic..Hahaha!!

Into Broery Marantika

2008-09-03T22:08:00.003+08:00

Once you heard his song, you wanna hear more. And I remembered one of his best hit performance, Widuri. I just found out that the original singer is Bob Titipoli. Never heard of him before, though. Just saw him on youtube first time today.

Taking a Breather

2008-09-03T18:32:00.004+08:00

I need a break! From No Air! Been practising the song, physically, and mentally. Mostly mentally, actually. Hahaha... still not getting any nearer to Mrkeyzzz's. In fact, very very far.

Need a soothing song to kill off the song for a while.

Maybe a Broery Marantika number might help. Help!

No Air Tutorial

2008-08-26T12:39:00.005+08:00

Anyone interested to learn how to play 'No Air', here's a link for you. I see some of my visitors actually wanted to learn how to play this song since a couple of months ago. I haven't got any copyright to post it here, yet, and I will be asking permission from the 'teacher' soon. But after a few days, if this post is no longer here, that means the teacher mrkeyzzz does not approve me posting his work here, hahaha!

This tutorial is especially useful for play by ear pianists. Personally, when trying to learn from this video, I couldn't quite catch up the lesson easily. But its enlightening nevetheless, because you can get ideas on how to play it, and how to play it differently.

And this is how Mrkeyzzz plays the whole song. Amazing isn't it? I wish I could play like that...sigh!

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No Air Music Notes

2008-08-24T11:40:00.006+08:00

My friend once asked me, how do you 'play by ear'? Do you use your ear to hit the keys, and she giggled gleefully.

With my limited knowledge, I answered her that its a skill that you can transfer what music you hear to the piano keys and expressed it from there. I read somewhere that its a mysterious subconscious learning process we all have will have been integrating and working on how to make that tune sound right.

How do we play by ear? We need to pick up the tune. Better if you have the tune played in your head, in other words, familiarise yourself with it. Transfer the tune with your right hand for the melody keys. Then find the chords.

For most of us who played by ear, we only need to know the chords to play a song. Like the song, No Air, that I have included below, Play by Ear pianist can automatically play this song. So, for any fellow Play by Ear pianist, here's for you!

To listen to the song NO AIR.

*********************************************************************
No Air
In F#

Tell me how I'm supposed to breathe with no air

Intro (F# E G#m B)

F#
If I should die before I wake
E
It's 'cause you took my breath away
G#m B
Losing you is like living in a world with no air
Oh

F#
I'm here alone, didn't wanna leave
E
My heart won't move, it's incomplete
G#m B
If there was a way that I can make you understand

F# E
But how do you expect me
G#m
to live alone with just me
B
'Cause my world revolves around you
F#
It's so hard for me to breathe

F# E
Tell me how I'm supposed to breathe with no air
G#m
Can't live, can't breathe with no air
B
It's how I feel whenever you ain't there
F#
It's no air, no air

E
Got me out here in the water so deep
G#m
Tell me how you gonna be without me
B
If you ain't here, I just can't breathe
F#
It's no air, no air

(F# E G#m B)
No air, air
No air, air
No air, air
No air, air

F#
I walked, I ran, I jumped, I flew
E
Right off the ground to float to you
G#m B
There's no gravity to hold me down for real

F#
But somehow I'm still alive inside
C#m
You took my breath, but I survived
G#m B
I don't know how, but I don't even care

F E
So how do you expect me
G#m
to live alone with just me
B
'Cause my world revolves around you
F#
It's so hard for me to breathe

Kris Dayanti - Menghitung Hari

2008-08-18T15:51:00.008+08:00

She is trying to express herself through music.

She is performing for self actualization.

She tries to apply unconscious competence whild doing numerous conscious incompetence.

She is counting the days...

She is breaking all the rules in the book.......hehehe

And she doesn't care...!

Menghitung Hari by Kris Ydiana....

And to enjoy the real Kris Dayanti...

Hero

2008-08-12T17:28:00.004+08:00

As I was practising this song, I remembered this stages of learning from a book called NLP, Neuro Linguistic Programming by Dr Harry Adler.

uncounscious competence
conscious competence
conscious incompetence
unconscious imcompetence

My goal in piano playing is to reach the level of unconscious competence. Looking at the stages, I am probably in between conscious incompetence towards conscious competence. I dare say, however, my right hand playing is definitely at that top level, eversince I know how. If a song is familiar to me, I can pick up the melody with my right hand anytime, well, most of the song, most of the time.

There are times, when I did reach the first level when I play a very familiar song, provided I have a clear mind and less distractions. But reality is, it seldom happen, at the moment.

So when I played this song, at times, I did play with unconscious competence and you may notice when I became conscious incompetence, and most of the time, you'll find me at conscious competence level.

Whatever.....!

Here's the Hero, for all my friends.

Looking Through The Eyes Of Love

2008-08-06T09:44:00.011+08:00

Theme from Ice Castles. I always wonder about this movie, because I've never watched it. Somehow I love this song because it sounded magical. So this is the first few songs I chose to play once I learned up the basics.

The song is quite versatile in speed. But so are other most songs..lol. Some people play it fast and lively, there are the slow melodious ones. Within my capacity, I have to play it in middle pace, too slow, someone will fall asleep, faster one takes lots of skill and practice.

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Please, don't let this feeling end
Its everthing I am
Everything I wanna be
I can see what's mine now
Finding out what's true
Since I found you
Looking through the eyes of love

Now I can take the time
I can see my life
As it come up shining now
Reaching out to touch you
I can feel so much
Since I found you
Looking through the eyes of love

And now...I do believe
That even in my storm will find some light
Knowing you're beside me
I'm alright

Please, don't let this feeling end
It might not come again
And I want to remember
How it feels to touch you
How I feel so right
Since I found you
Looking through the eyes of love

Intro Only

2008-08-04T08:50:00.003+08:00

This special song is something else. It has all the beautiful lyrics, melodius melody, soothing music, encouraging words....but the chords on the 2nd chorus (to me) are almost impossible. At one point, I thought I got it. I wrote it down on the sheet. But when I play it again, it still doesn' t sound too right.

"Lord knows..dreams are hard to follow...indeed! C, Bflat minor, Dm, ......got it, lost it again. Ok, if anyone have any input or have played this song before, do let me know, k. Am still trying. So far, no luck looking at song books and online resources.

But...as not to dissapoint a few friends, here are the intro. The rest of the song will come when its ready, ok. :)

Hero for Sis Dalilah

2008-07-30T00:38:00.009+08:00

'Hero' by Mariah Carey. I've been trying to practise this song. I can't seem to get the chord right for the part after the chorus. There is a term for it, but I really don't know what it is called. The lyric starts with.....'Lord knows...dreams are hard to follow.. My guess is its played and sung in a different key than the rest of the song, and maybe a note higher. The rest of the songs sounds just right in E.

Guess what I decided to do after several 'yet to be successful' attempts?

Hide and seek?

I want that too...!

Ready to pounce!

This song is to be dedicated to my new friend, Sis Dalilah. She is undergoing chemo treatments for a recurring breast cancer. Since I'm still struggling at it, let's just hear from the original singer instead.

Sis, I know you are a strong lady with a brave heart the minute I set eyes on you. It feels magical to meet you, versus meeting in cyber world.You are an inspiration to many. You'll be alright, and our prayers are always with you for a great recovery, insyaAllah.
And dont forget to take that lemongrass drink, possibly 8 times a day!

And I Love You So

2008-07-21T12:01:00.007+08:00

I like this song, I've heard it before quite often, but only last week I learned about Perry Como from Shah Cakapaje. It is quite a popular and evergreen song, I believe. So, here's my attempt at this song.

However, if I were a piano critic, here would be the comments:

1. Reduce mistakes

2. Too simple

3. Right hand should use more chord playing

4. Need finer fill ins

5. Improve on beats

6. Innacurate keys

7. Need better accompaniments

8. Smoothen the whole flow

9. etc

10. etc (You are free to add more, but please be kind...and honest...hahaha...!)

Well, if you can accept what's listed above, then only you should click on play. Otherwise, please ....enter at your own risk. ;)

Ballade Pour Adeline Music Sheet

2008-07-17T18:41:00.005+08:00

While going through my traffic counter, I saw that my blog is being googled numerously to find how to play Ballade Pour Adeline. Of course I know they can only find a play by Richard Clayderman.

So, for those who still need the notes, here is it! Have fun!

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I Survived My Second Performance

2008-07-11T14:14:00.005+08:00

I slept, I eat, I breathe, I sweat...Magic. I even dreamt about it one night. A song I was not familiar with. And, finally its ready, but still, not without wrong stroke of keys or embarassing mistakes. (You can imagine me wincing, everytime it happens)And a very much simplified version. Oh well... Next song request will be from a list of my 'known' songs, if not give me 365 days to master...hahaha!

Have a listen... but if you want to hear the real thing, you can find Barry Manilow 'live' posted in my earlier entry, Could it Be Magic.

Bye Bye

2008-07-09T09:40:00.002+08:00

Tick tock, tick tock, tick tock...

Especially for people of my past....

Could It Be Magic - Need To Practise Now

2008-07-04T11:36:00.006+08:00

I have a request from a friend, Shah Cakapaje to play this very nice song by Barry Manilow, 'Could it be Magic'. Sounds magical indeed. Actually I am not too familiar with this number, but I believe I've heard it before.

So with the wonderful current technology, I googled youtube and will try to learn from some of those pro pianist, and even from Barry Manilow himself. In this video, Manilow must've been very young! First time I see his 'youngish' look! Hahaha...

He also mentioned that he used Chopin's Predule in C Minor for intro of this song. There's an Alex playing in the next video.

So, depending on how fast I learn up, will determine whether the Chopin's Prelude will be in my play or not, about a week from now. Tick tock, tick tock, tick tock .... gotta practise now! Cheers!

First Performance from an Amateur Pianist

2008-07-01T11:31:00.007+08:00

I have finally learned how to upload...but it took more than 6 hours to put it directly in my blog. So to cover-up a futile attempt, I have no choice but to 'youtube' it, a process which I never dreamed of doing. Some of my frineds suggested that before, but I always shrugged off the idea.

But today, due to my frustration, I closed one eye and 'youtube' it. It is by no means perfect, in fact, please excuse the mistakes and the wrong strokes of keys.

Oh my gosh..where am I gonna hide my face..but, wait a minute. I did not show my face! So, however bad is my play, nobody can laugh in my face!! Yaaay!

So, here goes..... (am covering my face with my hands now)

Love story, one of the first few songs that I apply and practise on 'play by ear'. Find the melody, then the chords. After listening to Clayderman's style, I applied to some parts, but not all...too advanced. I will master it one day.

Cats - Memory and Intelligence

2008-06-29T22:13:00.010+08:00

I love this song. Memory by Cats. I'm learning this from Richard Clayderman's song book. I'll probably will apply this pianist's techniques too.

Talking about cats, I have to say that my Minty is so intelligent. And cats surely have very good memory too.

Eversince Minty miraculously got home, he's been behaving differently, and we only noticed it after a few days. No, he's not acting wild, despite being 6 days away from home. In fact, he's even more affectionate. You call him from one end, and he'll come running from the other end to greet you. Wet Minty after a bath.

Lately he's been spraying around the house! Initially I thought it was Oreo. Poor Oreo. When Minty got home, he still tried to pick a fight, so back in the 4 storey apartmnet he go. Then, even after Oreo is confined, we smell it at various parts of the house, indoor and outdoor. Oh dear, it is Minty's doing. And the maid remarked that he did it here, he did it there. After thinking long and hard, I decided that Minty has to be a strictly outdoor cat. Breaks my heart, but it had to be done.

I did some googling why this change of behaviour, and possible causes and the most obvious one is territorial instinct. But he never did it before. My thought is, most probably on his 6 days 'adventure' he's met with other cats from other homes, and learn from there...hahaha. No, maybe other cats are doing that to deter him from coming near their grounds.

Another possible reason is Honey. A new addition that he feels threatened to. At first they seemed to get along fine, smelling each other, only once in a while Honey will hissed back at him. He insisted on eating Honey's special kitten meal. At one point, he even tried to climb over her, but luckily I saw and screamed at that.

So now we train Minty to stay outdoor. He did try to enter, but for the time being, until he learns, all door will be kept closed. Poor Minty...

However he is a very smart cat. Number one, he managed to get home from nowhere after 6 days! This neighbourhood is new to him, less than 2 months. Being an indoor/outdoor cat must have helped his instinct.

Number two, while he knows doors are closed to him, he'll try his best to come in. He was sucessful a few times only to be led outside again. And the other day when I was gardening, he came and rub himself around me (probably to leave his scent all over me, I am his property..haha) when he heard my maid open the back door, and her ran quickly towards that door trying to get in. We were from the other side of the house, and he can hear that.

Number three, I think now he's finally got it. He understands now that he has to stay outdoor. Maybe not 100% percent yet, but unlike before, he no longer wait for the door to be opened for him to jump in. He will stay put and watch our face or expression whether we'll let him in.

Poor Minty. My heart goes out to him. Its not his fault that he feels the need to spray his territory everywhere, cats being cats. But I think he's adjusted to this new arrangement wonderfully. I love you, Minty. And Honey, and Oreo.

Ballade Pour Adeline

2008-06-23T18:24:00.005+08:00

Richard Clayderman, the famous pianist that has been a major influence on my interest in piano. He is a French pianist who has released numerous albums, including arrangements of popular music, and popular piano works of Beethoven, Chopin and Mozart.

His recordings focus mainly on popular music and orchestral arrangements of well-known romantic songs, such as Yesterday, The Sound of Silence and Memory.

Clayderman started studying to play piano at age six, and he was accepted at Conservatoire de Paris in Paris at age 12. He became famous with "Ballade pour Adeline" which is composed by French musical producer Paul de Senneville.

The single became an instant success, selling 22 million copies in 38 countries. Since then, he has recorded over 1000 songs and has become one of the most successful instrumental recording artists in the world, with reported record sales in excess of 70 million units worldwide.

Ballade Pour Adeline...simple yet challenging to master. Been practising this piece, but yet to perfect, especially on the crescendo.

Mandy! Not Mindy, not Minty...!

2008-06-19T23:19:00.003+08:00

My Heart

2008-06-17T10:52:00.003+08:00

I would say these songs were my strongest motivator to learn piano chords. I can pick up the melody on the right hands easily, but struggled to frustration on the leftie. So I closed one eye and swiped my credit card to take up the class and graduated Level 1 & 2 in 6 months.

From The Begining Until Now

The Song

The Hearthrob

Autumn in my Heart

The Song

I will post more soon...

My Honeybuns

2008-06-15T23:05:00.002+08:00

Honeybun Is Here!!

2008-06-13T16:00:00.002+08:00

I have double joy between today and yesterday. Maybe more, but these 2 are top of the list, so far.

The vet called yesterday. They finally got a replacement kitten for me. Actually I was the one who instructed them to get this kitten of my choice from a trusted breeder. Since Minty escaped, they offered a replacement for me. I know I cannot take another male, or risk having Oreo chewing it to pieces. He's really protecting his territory now. I should have the videocam ready the next time he chased stray cats out of our compound.

So I got this sweet little bi-color red(as the Cat book term it) furball, actually orange in colour and white, 2 1/2 months old. She's a flat face persian type .... doesn't sound so flattering, but this one is really sweet and cute. And she's named 'Honeybun'.

Honey adapted well to her new home. She's so adorable and playful. Should see how she chased after feet(s) and brakes and slides on the slippery floor. So comical! And in-between playtime, she napped a few times. Once we had to keep her in her 'house' in the kitchen. She meowed so loud in protest, but seconds later, she was dozing off. Just like a real baby, crying before going to sleep. So that's supposed to be a happy ending.

However, the real joy came in this morning. Minty's home!! By true miracle, Minty found his way back 2.5km away seperated by fields, a river and a few housing areas, not to mention busy streets, in 6 days! Cats instincts is so strong, you never know how strong it can be. Until now, I really can't believe that he's really home like nothing had happened. He's still the same Minty whos's so sweet and obedient, comes to you when called and rolls on his back ready to be massaged. And boy..was he hungry. Keeps going back to his dish several times after minutes.

Now... what do I tell the vet. They had just forked out Rm1000 for Honeybun. Any advise, please? Whatever it is, I am keeping Honey.

I take this opportunity to thank all the well-wishers for Minty's return, namely Shah Cakapaje, Shirzad Lifeboat, Mr U.Lee, Jaflam, Amy, and everyone else who prayed for his safe return, and I believe that your positive belief led him back home. Thank you so much...!

Chicago

2008-06-11T16:54:00.002+08:00

Songs I listened on my trip...but its not to Chicago.

A scenic spot

Oreo - Comot. 10 days overdue for a bath

Minty's Version. No Air...

2008-06-10T21:00:00.001+08:00

No Air! No Air!

2008-06-09T10:14:00.002+08:00

Surfing from Mr Lee's, to Amy's to Toughcookie's and she mentioned about this song. Nice!

Somewhere Out There...

2008-06-08T20:48:00.001+08:00

From Mommy to Minty...

From Minty to Mommy...

My Story...

2008-06-08T09:06:00.001+08:00

I am supposed to write about my trip to a beautiful scenic location, and probably upload some pictures and some of the songs that I listened to along the way. But my heart is somewhere else right now.

Last night I went to a wedding. It was drizzling on the highway. Suddenly right before my eyes, I saw a small lorry about to hit the divider from the opposite direction. I was too shocked to scream, and in seconds, some splattered glass hit my windscreen. The small lorry crashed into the divider right by me as I passed through in the opposite lane. I cannot imagine what will happen if the divider was not there... I am so grateful and thank God to still be here writing on my beloved laptop.

At the wedding, I smiled at everyone. I greet them, as I should. Little did they know that I was crying inside. No, not because of the accident, (nor was the groom my ex-boyfriend..hahaha..) I can still laugh?

My heart was still lingering on yesterday afternoon. After coming back from my trip, Minty was especially 'manja'. I guessed he did missed me. Its also time for his bath. Normally he gets an in-house bath treatment, but this time I decided to do a 'spring-clean' on him since he is now an indoor/outdoor cat. So off to the vet we went. Its a first time to this vet, coz we had just moved into this neighbourhood. After reminding Minty to 'be good' I went off for some other plans.

As I was still around with my chores, the vet called and said that my cat escaped. Am I hearing it right? I demanded that they find Minty. To my dismay, they can't find him anywhere. When I got there, I went round the back alleys of the whole blocks, but Minty was nowhere to be seen. What am I to say? How can they let this happen? This is unheard of!

They want to compensate me with a new cat. That's not the question. Minty has been with me for three years and has been such a darling part of the family. Minty is such a gentle and loving cat.

So at the wedding, I see happy faces, I see delightful smiles and I hear heartfelt laughter. Sometimes I joined in, at other times I looked away. I can't be telling the world that I lost a cat at a joyful event, can't I? Because if I did, I might just risk shedding tears and spoil my make-up (hahaha...again).

And it was raining last night, as if enjoining my sorrow. I don't know if Minty has a shelter or food. I hope someone would feed him or he can find food somewhere. I pray that he is safe, wherever he is, and with miracle, find his way home, 2.5km away...

Minty's Message

2008-06-05T22:26:00.001+08:00

From Minty to Shah...

Sorry that you said goodbye before we even met...

Getaran Jiwa

2008-06-01T15:52:00.001+08:00

Getaran Jiwa, one of my regular and favorite 'performance' on piano. And fancy this 'mat saleh', Mr Raymond Crooke amazingly sings this song with real feelings. Bravo, Mr Crooke!

And the original, Tan Sri P.Ramlee. Enjoy...

Haydn's Sonata in C Minor

2008-05-23T23:06:00.001+08:00

My friend Daphne mentioned that this piece is her favourite. Since I never heard it before, I am posting it here so that we can all enjoy it. And amazingly this little genius play it beautifully. I can't stop staring at her fingers on they keys, so fast and swift and accurate too.

Hey Daph, do you play like this?

I Have Another New Passion(s)

2008-05-20T18:44:00.002+08:00

Lately I am guilty of not practising enough. Why?

1. I think I am spending a little bit more time blogging. I made some new nice friends online, writing comments and feedback and update my blogs.

2. Since my garden is ready with the grass, now I am motivated to plant some trees. I always dreamed of having a 'herbal garden' where I will plant all my cooking needs like lemongrass, tumeric, curry leaves, lime, chillies etc. etc. Whenever I need to use them, I don't need to dig my refrigerator to find a skinny twig of almost dried lemograss from last week, or ran out of chillies and need to drive to supermarket just to buy that. The only thing I can't plant now is rice coz my backyard is not big enough for a padi field that can last me a week's supply.

3. My cats, Oreo and Minty, are starting to demand for more attention, now that I am converting them from a confined cats to totally free house cats. My story and pictures on them in my Great Minds blog.

But, all the same, I still love piano playing. It still give me much pleasure that I treasure, even though I'm not 'that good' yet. Need to practise on new sets of nostalgic songs like Eternal Flame, St Elmo Fires, Cavatina Deer Hunter and maybe..... Chopin's Nocturne in C Sharp minor.

Hannah plays Chopin Nocturne #20 in C Sharp Minor

2008-05-16T22:32:00.001+08:00

I was at my friend Shirzad Lifeboat's blog on Hitler and Chopin Nocturne #20 in C Sharp Minor and I look it up to hear the piece and found this cute little girl Hannah playing the song.

I Want To Play Like This..!

2008-05-12T15:47:00.001+08:00

Imagine....

I may be able to play this song, but this perfect...? Takes lots of time to learn and practice. Somehow, I will get there, soon....

In the meantime, enjoy this piece by 'Honouredman' from YouTube.

Hand Switching

2008-05-07T00:14:00.002+08:00

When listening to songs, I sometimes notice that they (the pianists) play the melody using the right hand and the chord the left hand.

I tried to play it that way. Not too successful. In fact, disastrous...hahaha.

So I tried again using the basic. One hand at a time. Left hand on the melody. Quite a high success rate, but very slow and of course some mistakes here and there. It doesn't come as naturally as my right hand.

I'll try again tomorrow and if it works, try the chords on the right hand. Should be easier.

The Feel...

2008-05-04T09:16:00.002+08:00

As I was practising my favorite songs this morning, I realised that there is one element that need to be present when playing the piano. This is crucial especially when you play by ear.

The feel of the song. Whenever you play, you must have the song in your mind, feel the music, the rhythm and the melody. And you transfer all that to the keys when you play the song. Sometimes I even sing in my heart when I play. (Can't sing it out loud. It'll distract my own playing..hahaha)

That actually helps me a lot in my rhythm of the song, beacuse I am yet to master the consistent tempo and beat of the songs. It is my weakness in playing piano at the moment. However playing the song in your mind and simultaneously playing the keys keeps my songs in the right tune.

But that doesn't mean I should ignore practising the beat. I must, I must, I must...

Fun Easy Sound

2008-04-18T14:16:00.001+08:00

I have a fun tip for you! Try playing the F# G# A# then C D E from the 2nd octave on the left and continuosly a few octaves up until maybe the 2nd last on the right. Got it? The feel and the effect... cool right. Then play it down using the same keys. Try doing it faster. Sound like some dramatic effect? Teach this to the kis. They'll love it! Have fun!

Love the Internet!!

2008-01-13T09:52:00.001+08:00

I just love today's technology when you can actually learn lotsa new things from the internet. I just learn a few more tricks on piano playing.. am dying to try it now! I will update again soon.

Challenging Chords?! Not!

2007-09-22T09:00:00.001+08:00

The chords is the most interesting discovery for me. As beginners, we need to know the basic chords of C, F and G to be able to play simple happy songs. So in this lesson, I will specifically concentrate on this 3 major chords, and later, I'll try to find a way to insert a simple sheet music that you can try.

Ready?! Here goes, and remember this;
C - C E G
F - F A C
G - G B D
Got it? For chord C major, press key C, E and G simultaniously to create a C block chord. Same goes for F and G as above.

From the block chords, you can always play it differently according to your moods or the mood of the song you're playing.

Try this, instead of pressing all 3 keys at the same time, play C E G E one at a time. Try it! Its fun! Do the same with F and G.
C - C E G E
F - F A C A
G - G B D B

Practice this! And, did I mention that this chords are mainly played on your left hand? You can play on right hand too, but normally right hand is playing the melody. I'll come back with a simple sheet music so that you can play on both hands with melody and chords at the same time K.

Till next lesson, have a cheery day(s)!

The Grand Staff

2007-07-06T21:27:00.001+08:00

Playing by ear to me is so beautiful. Once you know the basic and the whys and the logic of the music, you can play almost any songs. You can play a new song almost instantly (with few exceptions) the minute you hear it without having to look for the music score. Playing without needing a musical sheet is so practical and impromptu.

Nevertheless, I find that it is always helpful to know how to read a note. As for me, I am still strugling with trying to read a musical note, and writing one. But it does help in some instances where you need ideas and new styles to learn from. Like trying to figure out how Richard Clayderman do the chorus on "Ballade pourAdeline". Ha ha . . .

If you're like me before, when a music score looks like Russian alphabets (no offense to the Russians, k), and sprouting bean sprouts, I'll include here a basic score writing chart that you can refer to as a beginner.

In a normal music score, there's a two set of lines called the Grand staff. The top is called the Treble clef, and the bottom is called the Base clef, as shown in the diagram below.

One of my favourite tips to read the notes are, for the Treble clef, try to memorize each lines as Every Good Boy Does Fine. Ie. E G B D F. In between lines, spell F A C E.

Base clef, for every lines, remember Great Big Dreams For America, ie. G B D F A and in between lines are All Cows Eat Grass => A C E G.

So what you need to do now is to take a piece of clean music sheet and fill out the lines as the above diagram. Then find one simple musical score, maybe from your kid's, and try to read and play the notes. (And maybe write on it...with a pencil, of course)

Hey, if you managed to try this, let's share, or anything else that I should include, just let me know ok. As I mentioned earlier, I am by no means an expert, but I'll share with you whatever I know here. Have a great lesson.

C Major and A Minor

2007-06-21T09:52:00.001+08:00

The first time when I was tested on my "natural talent" to gadge on my musical level for the Piano by Ear course, I was asked to hum the Happy Birthday song. I sang perfectly and not a key out of tune. (Of course since you've been singing the song at least more than 10 times a year). So, it was 'concluded' that I can enroll for the lessons since I do have some musical talent to follow their course.

So, if you can sing, or even hum in the right tune, you can actually learn to play any instruments, easier than those who don't. Nevertheless, I feel regardless of your 'level' of musical talent, everything can be learned, as long as you are interested and determined to master it. Ok, back to our lessons.

Lesson 2 - Scales
A scale is a set of notes for making music. It consists of the notes C, D, E, F, G, A, B, C or they can be sung as Do, Re, Mi, Fa, So, La, Ti, Do. This is called the C Major Scale. C Major scale is like a happy note. Most happy songs are played in this key. The C key is the first key shown on the image. On the piano keyboard, you will have 8 of this C keys. Each set of keys, eg. Cs to Cs is called an octave.

Then there's the sad note, called the Minor Scale. Minor scale starts with A, B, C, D, E, F, G, A. A key is located on the 6th key on the image. Most love songs are played on Minor scales as it sounds melodious and sad.

Now, you can try to play your songs in both C Major Scale or Natural A Minor Scale.

Good luck!

Can you hum a tune?

2007-06-20T11:04:00.001+08:00

Finally, I get to sit and plan my first lesson! What a great feeling!

Lesson 1 - Can you hum a tune? Any tune...
It doesn't matter whether its your favourite song, your children's nursery rhymes, or even any catchy advertisement jingles.

Once you can hum it, try to remember it in your mind. Then start walking towards your piano and sit on the bench in front of it. Try transferring the hum on the keys. Go on... just try it. Got it? Bravo!

Then try another song. Try as many songs as you like. I assume you're using your right hand at the moment? That's right. One hand at a time.

Next lesson, I'll teach you about the different keys you can play. Till then.. cheers!

I Want To Play Piano!

2007-06-09T22:26:00.001+08:00

Dreaming to play my favourite songs on a piano was my life-long passion. I did not have the privilege to learn piano when I was young, let alone own one. Everytime I visited a house with a piano, I would just stare at it longingly, wishing I could play, or own one. However, I was lucky enough that my father was a school headmaster, and we lived in a school compound. Thus, I did have access to an old piano at the school hall at weekends. But because I never had any lessons, all I could play was just "Twinkle, twinkle little star" and "Happy Birthday", with only my right hand. That's about it...

But my dream to play piano never cease to exists. Even after all those years...

Finally, I was esctatic have a piano in my home a few years back. My dream instrument right before my very eyes! At my disposal, any time I want to play. So I started playing..... with one hand only. Haha.. But I still enjoyed it. And hey presto! I can play quite a number of songs, with one hand, my precious rightie.

Then I start buying adult self learning piano books. Learn a few tips and songs here and there. I even bought Piano for Dummies. I had fun!

But the real fun begin when I took a Play Piano by Ear course. Its a 5-level course, but I opted to to complete 2 levels, enough for me to be able to play my favourite songs, which are mainly the popular sentimental songs from 'You're My Everything' by Santa Esmeralda to 'Hurt' by Christina Aguillera.

So, Dreams do come true.

I start this blog to share some tips on how to play piano by ear, using the simplest method. Feel free to write in and ask any questions regarding this technique. I am by no means an expert in this field, but I will share with you whatever I can and know about this subject. I know about this dream to play, and if you have one, let's share.