About the Author
I've always loved playing the piano. The feel of the keys. The sounds they make. Everything from Beethoven to the blues. I have always wanted to know more, to play more, and to discover more.
I began my first piano lessons with a former concert pianist in Germany. Her expectations were no less than perfection. When we moved back to the US, I took lessons from a piano professor at the University of Nevada-Reno and two years later with the former president of the California Music Teachers Association. My last instructor was at the University of Oregon. These fine and well-accomplished teachers set me on a course of musical pursuit that has lasted a lifetime.
For the past twenty years I have taught students of all ages and skill levels. I've given particular attention to how a person learns the subtle art of playing the piano. I have taken notes of the many questions students asked me. As I recorded these questions, I pondered comments, suggestions, and directions my teachers had given to me. I considered my own playing experiences and reflected on countless hours of music I have listened to by the world's best. I have arranged my thoughts in the form of questions and answers that will save you time learning, making discoveries, and playing better now rather than months and years from now.
Besides teaching classical piano, I also teach jazz theory, play professionally, and have written a few compositions and songs. Future projects include a book on learning to play jazz and recording several CDs of jazz standards.
I welcome any questions you may have.
Sincerely,
William Austin