Your former piano teacher might not approve, but thousands have learned the secret of how to play piano without reading music. Learn how when the San Juan College Community Learning Center offers a nationally renowned one-day piano workshop on Saturday, August 4.

In two separate sessions, Craig Coffman’s approach reveals how the pros play. Session one, titled Just Once Piano for Busy People, will be held from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. in room 9212, and will cover the basics of playing the piano using the chord method.

Session two, titled Just Once Piano by Ear, will be held from 12:15 to 2:45 p.m. in room 9212. The instruction builds on information taught in the first session and teaches students the secrets of how to play without the use of any written music.

“Contrary to popular belief, playing by ear is a very easily learned skill based primarily on some simple knowledge about chords and melodies,” Coffman says.

The materials used in the class allow a student with little or no experience to start on the road to, and eventually achieve, professional playing skills. While knowing how to read the treble clef is a good foundation, many students take the workshop with no prior piano experience. Students will learn how to use chords instead of traditional note-by-note music reading.

Coffman’s method differs from traditional teaching. “While the classical approach stresses discipline and precision in playing, this approach stresses enjoyment and getting great sounds early on,” he explains. “While precision is vital for classical music, this ‘pain free’ method is more suitable for pop music of all kinds, from Broadway to Rhythm and Blues.”

With extensive experience as a professional pianist and music director, Coffman has shared piano players’ tricks of the trade in his workshop for more than 22 years and has brought seldom taught and highly sought after information to more than 100,000 nationwide.

The class fee to attend the Just Once Piano for Busy People is $29, along with a $29 materials fee. The class fee to attend Just Once Piano by Ear is also $29, with a $29 materials fee. Attend both sessions for a class fee of $49 and a $58 materials fee.

For further information or to register, call the San Juan College Community Learning Center at 566-3214,
or visit the staff in the West Classroom Complex, located at the Farmington campus,
between 8 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Fridays.