"Dear Craig,

I attended your "PIANO FOR HOPELESSLY BUSY PEOPLE" workshop at Scottsdale Community College on Sept. 12, 2005.

I'm brand new to the experience of learning to play the piano and I could not have gotten a better launch into the experience. Before I walked into your class I wondered if at my age (65) I would ever be able to learn what I believed to be all the complexities of the piano and reading the myriad in sheet music. When I left your workshop after the 3 hour session I felt confident, comfortable and enthusiastic about actually hearing music from my fingertips soon.

Not only was the material presented simplified and easy to understand, but as important, your method of presentation and communication of the basics, with no sense of "talking down" to us beginners was one of the best classroom workshops I've ever experienced. I was an attorney for over 38 years, and attended 15-20 hours of workshop/seminars each year. I believe I learned more about the subject of the workshop from yours than any other I have attended.

Thanks for your help and your guidance. If you have any other workshops in the future, I would certainly appreciate knowing so that I can continue to take advantage of your expertise."

Very truly yours,

Thom Novak

"Hi Craig!! I’m sorry it took me so long to send this, but I finally got back to studying my piano.

I just completed the Chord Style Piano study book from the workshop that I attended a while back. I followed the instructional CD and did the exercises that Robert Laughlin suggests. I made an effort to practice everyday – making sure to do the exercises for the Major Chromatic Scale (left hand, right hand, both hands, eyes closed). After completing the book, I took out a piece of sheet music, “Your Song” by Elton John, that I had been trying to learn for a long time. I always tried to play it by reading the music, and it never sounded good. My husband even commented that he couldn’t tell what song it was when I played it!! Haha! Well, I began playing the chords listed above the lines of music, instead of reading the notes they had written, and it sounded SO GREAT!!!! I was so excited!!! Of course, it was not without error, but after practicing it a few times, I could play it pretty well and sing along!! I can’t wait to play it for my husband!

I believe the key thing that has helped me has been learning and practicing the Major Chromatic Scale. Converting from Major to other type chords (minor, 7 chords, etc) is so simple. I just needed to learn the major chords. I can’t wait to buy a chord book, so I can learn more songs that I’ve been longing to play!!!

In a week or so, I am going to start the “Playing Piano By Ear” book and tapes, and I am so excited to study more of the material by Robert Laughlin.

Thanks to Robert Laughlin for creating this system!!! It definitely WORKS!!! And thanks, Craig, for teaching a great workshop!!!"

Sincerely,
Diane Peters
Boerne, Texas

“I never realized the beautiful things a person is able to play with some very simple chords and a melody.”
Rebecca Hanson, Minnesota

“For the first time, learning chords seems possible because of a clear, simple explanation.”
Karen Bruning, Minnesota

“Piano is less tedious this way. I didn’t know piano playing could be so much easier and so much fun. It’s a whole new way of playing-so different from my years of piano lessons. You’ve opened up a whole new world of piano playing. I’m glad I took your course."
Chris Marlette, Minnesota