Some Common Questions People Ask Before Joining.

The DecPlay 5 Step Formula is a proven method that uses playing patterns and a step-by-step process to get straight to the fun of playing incredibly quickly.  

It also uses the patented PianoTabz style of song sheets, which translates the abstract language of notation into a language you can understand within MINUTES.  This means you avoid the frustration of years spent playing scales and exercises, and you avoid the need to ‘read music’.  It builds a foundation which enables you to develop professional skills and the ability to play by ear much faster than other methods.

The DecPlay method is the ONLY method that enables beginners to play accompaniment and melody from song sheets, within minutes. Other methods are restricted to using either notation (which is slow, and a barrier for many people); copycat methods (which don't build music skills); or playing by ear (which takes time to learn). 

DecPlay is NOT for people who want to play complex classical music; become a concert pianist; or spend years doing exercises and scales.  

For a taster of the DecPlay 5 Step Formula, sign up here to receive a starter pack that includes a free video lesson showing you how DecPlay works and how to play your first song: https://decplay.com

Yes - the playing patterns which are taught in all the DecPlay courses apply equally, whether you are using PianoTabz (numbers) or traditional notation in the form of standard lead sheets. 

The Piano Bundle shows you how to play using both formats, and applies not only to beginners but also to advanced level players. It includes PianoTabz song libraries, and shows you how to access standard lead sheets on the internet.  

We've found that most students who already read notation prefer to use the numbers method.  However, if you prefer to play  using standard lead sheets, the Piano Bundle shows you how to do this.

NO!  I know for CERTAIN that you will be able to play, because I've seen the results of the 5 Step Formula with people of all abilities, many of whom - in their 70s, 80s and even 90s - never thought they would be able to learn. 

Many of our students have eyesight and dexterity issues (and even profound hearing loss), which is why I have designed the course to overcome these issues (as far as possible). 

I think you will be surprised at what you can achieve and, with a 60-day money-back guarantee, you have nothing to lose by giving it a go!

Being left-handed isn’t a problem & won’t hinder your progress with DecPlay.  Both hands are playing patterns at the same time and,whilst being right-handed might slightly speed up the process of learning the right hand part, being left-handed will have a similar benefit for the left hand part.

In the beginner’s style, chords are played in the left hand.  In more advanced styles (covered in the Piano Bundle), chords are played in the right hand (with or without the melody), while the left hand plays a ‘bass part’.

In short - YES!  The ways in which you can make the process fun will vary for each individual and are only limited by your imagination. So knowing WHY you want to learn, and establishing a practice routine that suits you and is FUN are just some of the simple ways to help your motivation.

Answering these questions can help you find your motivation:-

• WHAT would you love to achieve on piano (e.g. play a particular piece, perform to specific people, play a certain style of music, reach a level of relaxation and confidence with your playing, improvise, compose your own music etc…)
• WHY do you want to do it? If you have a significant goal, there should be a strong feeling associated with achieving it. Imagine HOW it would feel to achieve your goal. If it doesn’t feel great, then perhaps re-examine your answer to question 1, and find something that you would really LOVE to achieve.
  

YES!  The DecPlay method reveals incredibly simple patterns, which make chords quick to learn.  It’s the way Paul McCartney & John Lennon played piano (and the way most professionals play).

Many students can already pick out a tune with their right hand when they enroll, but struggle with the left hand.  My course contains plenty of help for improving the left hand, and joining it together with the right hand.

As an example, Betty could pick out a tune quite well but didn't know what to do with her left hand. After joining the course, she was able to play songs like ‘Amazing Grace’ and ‘Silent Night’ with both hands within days.  Another student- Eric - could read notation, but found it hard adding in his left hand.  Here's a video of what Betty & Eric had to say about the Beginners MasterClass: https://vimeo.com/492438998  

In short, yes.  You don’t need to understand the theory behind the method, but for those who are interested, the DecPlay numbers method (PianoTabz) references 'relative' pitch for both melody (like tonic sol-fa) and chords (like jazz chord numbers / Nashville system and diatonic triad Roman numerals in classical music).

Using a lead sheet format (showing just the melody and chords), DecPlay enables absolute beginners to play popular songs on piano incredibly quickly. Changing the playing patterns by incremental steps and introducing improvisation techniques, enables professional styles to be played using the same lead sheet.

Beginners can start playing in C and, if required, can learn different scales later to enable transposition to other keys, still using the same lead sheet. 

By getting straight to the fun of playing, theory is learnt in a practical way through playing songs, and only by deeper analysis later, once the application of the further knowledge is required for a practical purpose. This way, the chord patterns used in popular music become clear, which makes it much easier to improvise, compose and play by ear. 

There are 3 features that are important in a keyboard :

1. That the keys are standard size (not small eg children's size)
2. That the keyboard has at least 61 keys (counting both black and white keys)
3. That it is touch sensitive (ie plays louder when keys are pressed harder) 

We have a few students who are using keyboards that have fewer than 61 keys, or which is not touch sensitive and, while you can definitely make progress on the course with this type of keyboard, I suggest you upgrade to the recommended type of keyboard whenever you get the chance.

Here is a video I shot which compares electric keyboards with pianos - pros and cons; portability; playing style etc... (this was recorded pre-lockdown!) https://youtu.be/yPo6aV-DzcE