I wanted to learn my next recital lesson, the "Minor Blues", but a preview of the next regular lesson shows, it is more fun to learn. So nice and new elements in here. And a wonderful new left hand pattern. Love it. Finally, it is structured again, coming in 6 choruses, no need to glue chunks and lines together.

And he reveals why we Germans have a genetic disadvantage in learning piano. This is why Sophia can speed up and run away.

    WieWaldi This is why Sophia can speed up and run away.

    Ahahahahahahaaaa! I think you're forgetting the Dutch are traditionally even worse... I mean considering this is the NATIONAL klompendans <hangs head in shame>

      Come on, your klompendans sounds way better than our Ententanz. To be fair, similar, but still better.

      Ok.... I will admit to that.... I think both only sound great after a huge number of snorts...

      Nope......... my Dutch lady won.... fair and square(dance). She definitely managed to remove the "wooden" from the "shoes" - talk about a happy dance!

      Slightly on topic: I haven't started my next blues lesson just yet... somehow I think I may take a break for a week or so to concentrate on Alfred. I'm so anxious to get rid of him at last!

      Ok, you dutchies win for the worst dance

      No worries, you'll come back to Christian. You'll come back to the dark blue side of the force.
      I am already at the point to enjoy the lesson as much, sometimes even more than the pieces. Better left hands and right hand using four fingers in a chord. Almost jazzy sounds! Four more lessons to go, and there is a boogie wookie chapter with a handful of lessons.
      sorry - pun intended

      I think this is the point I might graduate myself to the next beginner level. Easy Blues piano course is really long. What do you think?

        WieWaldi Easy Blues piano course is really long. What do you think?

        Absolutely!!!! And also, you alternated it with the eight blues pieces book (= another level in itself). So I think a graduation is well deserved

          5 days later

          Ooooooooooooooohhhhh I'm LOVING Lesson 3 so far! Those chords, the smooth playing... I love it! And I haven't even gotten to the part of the actual lesson yet - that's only the theory so far 😃

          I can't wait to unwrap this one...

            Sophia Ha! I knew you would come back to the blue side of the force!

            btw: did you realize, this music theory shows exactly the circle of fifth? Theory made audible!

                WieWaldi Theory made audible!

                Not only that, but now that I started the lesson, I realize he introduces - very sneakily and without saying it - FINGER PEDALING! The sheet music doesn't tell you so:

                But if you watch closely, you can see he definitely applies it. I would forever have wondered why his sounds so smooth and mine so choppy, if Alfred hadn't taught me finger pedaling already 😄

                    What is finger pedaling?
                    I mean, both hand are on the keyboard, not on the floor.

                    Hee heee heeeee, I would tell you... but I won't. It gives you a reason to follow the Alfred books yourself

                      So you want to leave me hanging with choppy playing?

                      Ooooh yes, for sure. You are much too advanced already. If there is anything I can do to slow you down I will take it

                      Too advanced?!? I am at same level than you, still a total beginnerTM. For at least 12 more lessons, or 4 more easy pieces. Whatever happens first. And the gap to you is shrinking every day.

                      Never forget:
                      Your speed:
                      My speed: ..............

                      Your energy:
                      My energy: ...

                      Awwwwwwwww! In that case, I will share the secret. Add some bubble gum to your left pinkie. Then play the C chord - your pinkie will stay glued to the key. Then play the other two notes... while the pinkie is still down. There you have it: sticky finger playing.
                      You have to admit: this is almost a better trick than sticking playing cards in between keys, right?

                        Ah! You mean doing like this? Link

                        Sophia You have to admit: this is almost a better trick than sticking playing cards in between keys, right?

                        no

                          Sophia FINGER PEDALING!

                          So this is a thing? Are you going to tell us Christian also pushes the pedal with his ear, for real? 🤣