The Dream of the Blue Heron
A Free Stillpoint Piano Improvisation Lesson
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What people are saying...
October 29, 2011
October 29, 2011
As a child, I did not appreciate the piano lessons that my parents provided for me. I am now a senior citizen and decided to take piano lessons again. I purchased a keyboard. After a month of lessons, I was experiencing the same frustration that I felt as a child and was ready to quit again. I could not read the music and still did not understand why the notes on the keyboard were different from the notes on the sheet music. Why were they different for both hands. A friend told me about The Stillpoint Piano Method. Since I had taken T’ai Chi Chih off and on for many years, the contemplative concept of the Stillpoint appealed to me. I purchased the program on August 29, 2011. The first week I studied “Music 101 and Introduction to the Stillpoint.” From weeks 2 through 7, I studied “The Music Workshop.” Presently, I am studying “Inner Sojourn.” Stillpoint has given me confidence that I can learn to play the piano. Because of the “landmark” notes taught in the lessons, I now understand the grand staff. I did find that I need to be rested before I practice a lesson. A couple of times, I got so relaxed that I fell asleep and, fortunately, caught myself in time before falling off my stool. Remember, I am a senior citizen. I want to thank Thomas Rheingans for all the work he has done to create The Stillpoint Piano Method. Because of Stillpoint, I now love my keyboard. Thank you Stillpoint and Thomas Rheingans!
Gail T.
October 3, 2011
Previously, I had played saxophone for 12 years as a grade school and high school student, and did fine with charted music. In 1970 I switched to afro-cuban percussion and began to learn via 'unwritten' third-world methods... speaking the rhythm. I caught on fast and began studying other culture's musical timekeeping. I studied with brazilian, cuban, egyptian, and syrian masters over the last 35 years.
When Thomas introduce to me his Stillpoint Piano Method, I was immediately relaxed and felt like I was actually "taking a break" from the worries of life by sitting down to discover the piano. As we progressed, I realized I was learning about written notes, transferring them to my fingers, and making beautiful music... without any stress! Pain free piano lessons? Unheard of! His approach is vacation-like, and yet I was comfortably absorbing the technique without having to grit my teeth or memorize every detail.
Making time to learn anything is nearly impossible these days! But, if you enjoy watching a movie or curling up with a good book, Thomas has created an enjoyable, and almost addictive, relationship for the new student and piano.
October 3, 2011
I had never taken piano lessons, so when I was able to learn an intermediate piano piece in a very short time, I felt shocked. Through the preparatory exercises Thomas gave me, I entered a relaxed, altered state that allowed music to flow out of my fingers. Not only was I more alert and at ease, I was more inspired and spontaneous. In only a few lessons I learned a beautiful piece of music that has remained with me for years.
I am a yoga teacher and have been practicing yoga for 14 years, but the Stillpoint Method was an entirely new experience and it contained an element that heightened the yogic aspect of making music. From a state of deep relaxation and equilibrium I could harmoniously express myself at the piano and I found the experience delightful! I was able to use parts of my brain that I never had before and I didn't feel any awkward frustration from having no prior piano training. I just felt a state of transcendence and flow. I felt the expressive aspects of making music that would normally seem only possible after years of study.
This is a method that will help so many people, not only those who want to learn piano, but those who want to deeply relax and heal. It has healing properties that extend beyond yoga or piano playing individually.
October 3, 2011
My personal experience with The Stillpoint Piano Method was freeing and exhilarating. It gave me permission to explore through sound, breath, feeling, and trust. I found myself 'playing' the piano with spontaneous enjoyment after only a few lessons. While my family thought I was playing something I had learned, I was simply improvising and
loving it!
With respect to all things traditional that have enriched so many people's lives, including my own, there is appropriateness to allowing oneself the freedom to step over lines that at times may prevent us from being who we really are. My own life and work tells me that brilliance is within us all just waiting to be unleashed.
The Stillpoint Piano Method is an empowering self discovery tool that will guide you over such lines and offer you the opportunity to increase creativity and joy by making learning to 'play' the piano fun and meaningful.
October 1, 2011
My 3 sons have been taking lessons with Thomas Rheingans for the past 7 years. His teaching style works well for my boys. He is very supportive and positive in his approach, working with each of the boys at their own pace, applauding their progress, and finding new music that matches their interests and growing skills.
My sons have thoroughly enjoyed their lessons through the years. Thomas is a very engaging and knowledgeable teacher. His in home teaching studio is warm and welcoming. It's always been a quiet, peaceful place for the boys to take lessons or read a book while waiting for their lesson.
In addition to being a wonderful teacher, Thomas is an amazing pianist himself. Hearing him play at concerts or recitals is always inspiring to the students and the parents. I highly recommend Thomas Rheingans to anyone interested in learning piano.
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