The main appoach used here is something I can appreciate. I learned how to play guitar and piano because there were some artists that I was crazy about and I really wanted to be able to play their songs. That was my motivation and it worked.

Ruth Searle is the teacher of this course and believes that the best way to learn piano is by playing songs... songs you love. From the website:

"I wrote Rocket Piano because I was fed up with the quality of learn piano products on the market. Studies show that 97% of all pianists discover that learning how to play piano isn't as easy as they thought it would be. If you use the same old boring exercises and drills that other people use, you're even worse off!

In Rocket Piano you get three books of step-by-step lessons, video demonstrations and high quality sound files. These lessons take you on a journey from beginner to an advanced skill level by fast-tracking your development, while covering every aspect involved in learning to play piano.

My lessons are all laid out in an easy to follow, step-by-step method. They are very easy to understand no matter what age you are and I've gone to great lengths to ensure that they are fun!"

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Legacy Systems produced this impressive course. They also offer great courses in Guitar and Drums. I have to say that this is the luxury liner of programs. Very professional and complete with excellent video training. Here's what you need to know from their web site:

"Learn & Master Piano is by far the world’s most complete video instruction course for learning recreational piano. Designed to walk you through from start to finish, Learn & Master Piano is the only instructional tool you’ll need as you strive to finally learn this wonderful instrument – even if you’re sitting down to it for the very first time.

Learn & Master Piano is designed primarily for adults. Unlike the lessons many of us had as children, you will begin playing popular songs right away and then develop your skills using a simple step-by-step progression.

The course consists of 14 DVDs, 5 play-along CDs and a 100+ page lesson book, all crammed with step-by-step instruction, clear demonstrations, and popular songs you already know, such as "Let it Be", "Blueberry Hill", and "Moondance", just to name a few.

You also get full access to our online student support site where you can question our instructors, post your profile, track your progress, chat with other students, and join in the fun as we all learn piano together."

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For those who aren't interested in music theory and learning to sight-read piano, this program may be for you. It teaches you to learn piano by ear. There's pros and cons to both learning theory and learning by ear so it's just a matter of preference.

The author points out, "The traditional ways of learning piano are the OPPOSITE of a shortcut to "true" mastery. They simply make you work like a dog, for VERY little reward. Plus, most people I know who were "professionally trained" can only play if they have notes written out in front of them. They couldn't pick out a song by ear, or... *GASP* write a song themselves if their life depended on it!"

Probably the biggest selling point here is how quickly you can learn to play. The author says:

"The BEST thing about "Piano By Pattern" is the how QUICKLY you can learn to play the piano. Most people will tell you learning piano takes around 1 year. 365 days. 8,760 hours.

But... if you learn to play piano by using my secret "patterns"... then you'll be belting out amazing piano compositions within 48 hours. (Yup, that's hours ...not days!)

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Wow, I thought the program above focused on how quickly they could get you playing, but Ron Worthy says he's going to have you playing TONIGHT! Sounds pretty hypey, I know. And it's not in my top three, obviously, but I do like the fact that this guy is a real live professional musician who knows his chops and you can learn a lot from his videos. I also like that he provides accompaniment tracks for you to play along with. That's one of the best and most fun ways to practice.

So how does Ron Worthy's program stand out from the others? Here's what he says:

" Here it goes: The other sites just give you piano lessons. Here - you'll get personal EMAIL or TELEPHONE guidance directly from me.

I know what works and what doesn't. I "gig" every night! But more importantly, I am a recording artist. I'm going to teach you how to "interpret" lead sheets to be able to play piano proficiently, as quickly as humanly possible.

Heck, you'll be songwriter when I'm finished with you :-)."

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