About

In my many years as a piano player and instructor, I have encountered people who made comments to me such as, “I always wanted to play the piano, but it’s probably too late now”, or “my mom wanted me to play the piano as a kid but I never practiced”. People also tell me often of the frustrating or boring experiences they had as students. Sometimes, they were able to pick up a different instrument later on and enjoy playing music in a school band or orchestra. More often, they stepped back from trying to participate in making music and accepted the role of “music fan”. No doubt, this can be a fulfilling experience and audiences can develop very refined tastes without ever touching an instrument themselves. But through my own experience and study in the areas of music, education, creativity and psychology, it has become clear to me that not only do people have a strong desire to be part of the music-making experience, they have much to gain by being an active participant.

This blog seeks to share my understanding of how people can access the world of creating music. As a teacher, it has always been my wish to help people overcome barriers to success, not place more in front of them. I will share practical tips, including suggestions for getting started, and also my rationale for why it’ reasonable for pretty much everyone, no matter what age, to either be playing or singing or even dancing to music.

If you are one of those people standing on the sidelines who would rather be “in the game” (even a pick-up game, right?) then this blog will encourage you and help you get started. If you are a parent that wants to set up your child for success in being a lifetime learner and music lover, this blog is for you as well. And if you are a player (or singer) who never became fluent in the language of music, or one that is proficient but never learned to improvise, there’s something here for you, too. How is that possible? Because my approach to learning music is about personal creative expression.

I am looking forward to sharing my thoughts with you! I hope you will join me on this journey.

Also, for more information on the lessons, workshops and other services I offer related to musical creativity, visit www.imagineandplaymusic.com

Best wishes,

Pamela Szalay