Instructor’s ‘Instant Piano’ workshops set for Saturday

Formal piano teachers might not approve, but many individuals have learned the secret of how to play piano without reading music, according to professional pianist and music director Craig Coffman.

Workshops titled "Instant Piano for Hopelessly Busy People" and the "How to Play Piano by Ear" will be taught by Coffman in a morning and an afternoon session.

The classes will be held Saturday at Cimarron Rose Community Center, 5591 N. Cimarron Road.

The morning session, from 9 a.m. to noon, covers the basics of playing the piano using the chord method. The afternoon session, from 1 to 4 p.m., builds on the information taught in the first session and teaches students the secrets of how to play without the use of written music.

Contrary to popular belief, playing by ear is an easily learned skill based primarily on some simple knowledge about chords and melodies, according to Coffman.

The sessions are priced at $30 each, or $50 for both. There is an additional $26 materials fee payable to the instructor at the start of each session.

Advance registration is suggested.

To register, or for more information, call 229-1607.

Coffman has taught piano privately for many years and will share piano players' tricks of the trade.

For more than 22 years Coffman has taught this workshop and has reached more than 100,000 people nationwide.

The instructor states the materials used in the class allow a person with little or no experience to start on the road to, and eventually achieve, professional playing skills. He further explains that many students take the workshop with no prior piano experience.